The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
Bible Lesson Study Aid | This week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ps.htm: This particular webpage was first posted Sunday, 3/21/99, at 9:20 pm (USA Eastern time). | Next week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ps.htm: This study aid is usually available by Saturday morning, 8 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated. It becomes "This week's Bible Lesson study aid" late Sunday evening or early Monday morning (USA Eastern time), 1 full week before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated.
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How can this Webpage and the Concord text file be helpful to you? This Bible study aid is intended to provide optional resources for the study of the weekly Bible Lesson in light of the original texts of the Bible. To find out more about this webpage and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-info.htm.
Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? Though this website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization, the website administrator is a very active and supportive church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations. This website is dedicated to fellow-Christians everywhere and to all people who would like to have a thoroughly honest understanding of the Bible, of earliest Christianity, and of the unconditional love (agape) that is at the heart of Christian practice.
Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes regularly used on this Webpage:
KJV w/Strong# (From the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, published by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.) Verse numbers are enclosed in { }. Strong's numbers are enclosed in < > and identify the Hebrew or Greek words from which the KJV words were translated. For a list of study aids that are keyed to Strong's number system, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm.
Note: Strong's numbers in the KJV text do not necessarily represent the Hebrew and Greek words that were in the original texts, only those texts from which the KJV was translated. Some of the KJV -- and NKJV -- texts significantly differ from reliable modern versions, which are translated from today's more correct approximation of "the original texts." {See S&H 24:4.} For more details, browse: "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions" at http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version, Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) For a review of the NRSV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
TEV (Today's English Version, Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society, also known as the Good News Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) The full paragraph is included on this webpage to help you read the Bible Lesson texts in the original author's intended context. For a review of the TEV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
Footnotes: cross-references and textual and exegetical commentary. Cross-references are mostly the result of original research done by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], but a few came either from American Bible Society resources or from The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, by R.A. Torrey. All commentary was done by RNC, unless otherwise noted. Some additional resources used in the preparation of this Webpage are described in the bibliography at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm.
Which English Bible version is the best?
Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts. Both the NRSV and the TEV are based upon the same highly reliable, definitive Hebrew and Greek biblical texts that are edited and published by the United Bible Societies.
Wherever there are substantial differences between the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the original texts, because the NRSV is translated from much more accurate Hebrew and Greek texts, and the NRSV translation team was very careful to ensure that the NRSV would be theologically objective. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) You can explore verse-by-verse explanations of most of those Hebrew and Greek text-based errors by browsing the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm. You can easily browse the BibleTexts' textual commentaries on each book of the Bible by clicking on the bulleted footnotes immediately below the TEV translation.
You can also find verse-by-verse explanations of many of the text-based errors in the following two books: Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible, by Emanuel Tov (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 1992) and A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition, by Bruce M. Metzger (New York: United Bible Societies, 1994). Many other English Bible translations are listed and recommended in the BibleTexts' bibliography at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr/01bib-e.htm, which also notes the English language Bibles owned and used by Mary Baker Eddy. For a review of the several Bibles in English and Spanish, http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
KJV w/Strong# - {20} Shall a man <0120> make <06213> gods <0430> unto himself, and they [are] no <03808> gods <0430>?
NRSV - 20 Can mortals make for themselves gods? Such are no gods!
TEV - "Jeremiah's Prayer of Confidence in the LORD" - 19 LORD, you are the one who protects me and gives me strength; you help me in times of trouble. Nations will come to you from the ends of the earth and say, "Our ancestors had nothing but false gods, nothing but useless idols. 20 Can a man make his own gods? No, if he did, they would not really be gods." 21 "So then," says the LORD, "once and for all I will make the nations know my power and my might; they will know that I am the LORD."
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Hear <08085> ye the word <01697> which <0834> the LORD <03068> speaketh <01696> unto you, O house <01004> of Israel <03478>: {2} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, Learn <03925> not the way <01870> of the heathen <01471>, and be not dismayed <02865> at the signs <0226> of heaven <08064>; for the heathen <01471> are dismayed <02865> at them. {3} For the customs <02708> of the people <05971> [are] vain <01892>: for [one] cutteth <03772> a tree <06086> out of the forest <03293>, the work <04639> of the hands <03027> of the workman <02796>, with the axe <04621>. {4} They deck <03302> it with silver <03701> and with gold <02091>; they fasten <02388> it with nails <04548> and with hammers <04717>, that it move <06328> not. {5} They [are] upright <04749> as the palm <08560> tree, but speak <01696> not: they must needs be borne <05375>, because <03588> they cannot <03808> go <06805>. Be not afraid <03372> of them; for they cannot <03808> do evil <07489>, neither also <01571> [is it] in them to do good <03190>. {6} Forasmuch as [there is] none <0369> like <03644> unto thee, O LORD <03068>; thou [art] great <01419>, and thy name <08034> [is] great <01419> in might <01369>.
{8} But they are altogether <0259> brutish <01197> and foolish <03688>: the stock <06086> [is] a doctrine <04148> of vanities <01892>.
{10} But the LORD <03068> [is] the true <0571> God <0430>, he [is] the living <02416> God <0430>, and an everlasting <05769> king <04428>:...
NRSV - 1 Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Do not learn the way of the nations, or be dismayed at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are false: a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an ax by the hands of an artisan; 4 people deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. 5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good. 6 There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might.
8 They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction given by idols is no better than wood!
10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King...
TEV - "Idolatry and True Worship" - 1 People of Israel, listen to the message that the LORD has for you. 2 He says, "Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified. 3 The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of the woodworker 4 and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over. 5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good." 6 LORD, there is no one like you; you are mighty, and your name is great and powerful. 7 Who would not honor you, the king of all nations? You deserve to be honored. There is no one like you among all the wise men of the nations or among any of their kings. 8 All of them are stupid and foolish. What can they learn from wooden idols? 9 Their idols are covered with silver from Spain and with gold from Uphaz, all the work of artists; they are dressed in violet and purple cloth woven by skilled weavers. 10 But you, LORD, are the true God, you are the living God and the eternal king. When you are angry, the world trembles; the nations cannot endure your anger.
<B1> 1 John 5
KJV w/Strong# - {21} Little <5040> children <5040>, keep <5442> yourselves <1438> from idols <1497>. Amen <281>.
NRSV - 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
TEV - "Eternal Life" - 18 We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God -- in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Nebuchadnezzar <05020> the king <04430> made <05648> an image <06755> of gold <01722>, whose <01768> height <07314> [was] threescore <08361> cubits <0521>, [and] the breadth <06613> thereof six <08353> cubits <0521>: he set <06966> it up in the plain <01236> of Dura <01757>, in the province <04083> of Babylon <0895>.
{8} Wherefore at that time <02166> certain <01400> Chaldeans <03779> came <07127> near <07127>, and accused <07170> the Jews <03064>. {9} They spake <06032> and said <0560> to the king <04430> Nebuchadnezzar <05020>, O king <04430>, live <02418> for ever <05957>.
{12} There are certain <01400> Jews <03064> whom <03487> thou hast set <04483> over <05921> the affairs <05673> of the province <04083> of Babylon <0895>, Shadrach <07715>, Meshach <04336>, and Abednego <05665>; these <0479> men <01400>, O king <04430>, have not regarded thee: they serve <06399> not thy gods <0426>, nor <03809> worship <05457> the golden <01722> image <06755> which <01768> thou hast set <06966> up.
{14} Nebuchadnezzar <05020> spake <06032> and said <0560> unto them, [Is it] true <06656>, O Shadrach <07715>, Meshach <04336>, and Abednego <05665>, do not ye serve <06399> my gods <0426>, nor <03809> worship <05457> the golden <01722> image <06755> which <01768> I have set <06966> up? {15} Now <03705> if <02006> ye be ready <06263> that at what <01768> time <05732> ye hear <08086> the sound <07032> of the cornet <07162>, flute <04953>, harp <07030>, sackbut <05443>, psaltery <06460>, and dulcimer <05481>, and all <03606> kinds <02177> of musick <02170>, ye fall <05308> down and worship <05457> the image <06755> which <01768> I have made <05648>; [well]: but if <02006> ye worship <05457> not, ye shall be cast <07412> the same hour <08160> into the midst <01459> of a burning <03345> fiery <05135> furnace <0861>; and who <04479> [is] that God <0426> that shall deliver <07804> you out of my hands <03028>? {16} Shadrach <07715>, Meshach <04336>, and Abednego <05665>, answered <06032> and said <0560> to the king <04430>, O Nebuchadnezzar <05020>, we [are] not careful <02818> to answer <08421> thee in this <01836> matter <06600>. {17} If <02006> it be [so], our God <0426> whom <01768> we serve <06399> is able <03202> to deliver <07804> us from the burning <03345> fiery <05135> furnace <0861>, and he will deliver <07804> [us] out of thine hand <03028>, O king <04430>. {18} But if not, be it known <03046> unto thee, O king <04430>, that we will not serve <06399> thy gods <0426>, nor <03809> worship <05457> the golden <01722> image <06755> which <01768> thou hast set <06966> up.
{21} Then <0116> these <0479> men <01400> were bound <03729> in their coats <05622>, their hosen <06361>, and their hats <03737>, and their [other] garments <03831>, and were cast <07412> into the midst <01459> of the burning <03345> fiery <05135> furnace <0861>.
{24} Then <0116> Nebuchadnezzar <05020> the king <04430> was astonied <08429>, and rose <06965> up in haste <0927>, [and] spake <06032>, and said <0560> unto his counsellors <01907>, Did not we cast <07412> three <08532> men <01400> bound <03729> into the midst <01459> of the fire <05135>? They answered <06032> and said <0560> unto the king <04430>, True <03330>, O king <04430>. {25} He answered <06032> and said <0560>, Lo <01888>, I see <02370> four <0703> men <01400> loose <08271>, walking <01981> in the midst <01459> of the fire <05135>, and they have <0383> no <03809> hurt <02257>; and the form <07299> of the fourth <07244> is like <01821> the Son <01247> of God <0426>. {26} Then <0116> Nebuchadnezzar <05020> came <07127> near <07127> to the mouth <08651> of the burning <03345> fiery <05135> furnace <0861>, [and] spake <06032>, and said <0560>, Shadrach <07715>, Meshach <04336>, and Abednego <05665>, ye servants <05649> of the most <05943> high <05943> God <0426>, come <05312> forth <05312>, and come <0858> [hither]. Then <0116> Shadrach <07715>, Meshach <04336>, and Abednego <05665>, came <05312> forth <05312> of the midst <01459> of the fire <05135>. {27} And the princes <0324>, governors <05461>, and captains <06347>, and the king's <04430> counsellors <01907>, being gathered <03673> together, saw <02370> these <0479> men <01400>, upon whose <01768> bodies <01655> the fire <05135> had no <03809> power <07981>, nor <03809> was an hair <08177> of their head <07217> singed <02761>, neither <03809> were their coats <05622> changed <08133>, nor <03809> the smell <07382> of fire <05135> had passed <05709> on them.
NRSV - 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.
8 Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever!
12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These pay no heed to you, O King. They do not serve your gods and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up."
14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up."
21 So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, "Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?" They answered the king, "True, O king." 25 He replied, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god." 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and said, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics were not harmed, and not even the smell of fire came from them.
TEV - "Nebuchadnezzar Commands Everyone to Worship a Gold Statue" - 1 King Nebuchadnezzar had a gold statue made, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and he had it set up in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then the king gave orders for all his officials to come together -- the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, commissioners, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces. They were to attend the dedication of the statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 When all these officials gathered for the dedication and stood in front of the statue, 4 a herald announced in a loud voice, "People of all nations, races, and languages!
"Daniel's Three Friends Are Accused of Disobedience" - 8 It was then that some Babylonians took the opportunity to denounce the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "May Your Majesty live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued an order that as soon as the music starts, everyone is to bow down and worship the gold statue, 11 and that anyone who does not bow down and worship it is to be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -- who are disobeying Your Majesty's orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up." 13 At that, the king flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him. 14 He said to them, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up? 15 Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the other instruments, bow down and worship the statue. If you do not, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there is any god who can save you?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, "Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. 17 If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. 18 But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up."
"Daniel's Three Friends Are Sentenced to Death" - 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar lost his temper, and his face turned red with anger at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So he ordered his men to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual. 20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to tie the three men up and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up, fully dressed -- shirts, robes, caps, and all -- and threw them into the blazing furnace. 22 Now because the king had given strict orders for the furnace to be made extremely hot, the flames burned up the guards who took the men to the furnace. 23 Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, still tied up, fell into the heart of the blazing fire. 24 Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace?" They answered, "Yes, we did, Your Majesty." 25 "Then why do I see four men walking around in the fire?" he asked. "They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt -- and the fourth one looks like an angel."
"The Three Men Are Released and Promoted" - 26 So Nebuchadnezzar went up to the door of the blazing furnace and called out, "Shadrach! Meshach! Abednego! Servants of the Supreme God! Come out!" And they came out at once. 27 All the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, and other officials of the king gathered to look at the three men, who had not been harmed by the fire. Their hair was not singed, their clothes were not burned, and there was no smell of smoke on them. 28 The king said, "Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own.
<B3> Jeremiah 29
KJV w/Strong# - {8} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068> of hosts <06635>, the God <0430> of Israel <03478>; Let not your prophets <05030> and your diviners <07080>, that [be] in the midst <07130> of you, deceive <05377> you, neither <0408> hearken <08085> to your dreams <02472> which <0834> ye cause to be dreamed <02492>. {9} For they prophesy <05012> falsely <08267> unto you in my name <08034>: I have not sent <07971> them, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.
{11} For I know <03045> the thoughts <04284> that I think <02803> toward <05921> you, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, thoughts <04284> of peace <07965>, and not of evil <07451>, to give <05414> you an expected <08615> end <0319>.
NRSV - 8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 9 for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the LORD.
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
TEV - "Jeremiah's Letter to the Jews in Babylonia" - 8 I, the LORD, the God of Israel, warn you not to let yourselves be deceived by the prophets who live among you or by any others who claim they can predict the future. Do not pay any attention to their dreams. 9 They are telling you lies in my name. I did not send them. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken.' 10 "The LORD says, "When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home. 11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land. I will gather you from every country and from every place to which I have scattered you, and I will bring you back to the land from which I had sent you away into exile. I, the LORD, have spoken.'
KJV w/Strong# - {25} I have heard <08085> what the prophets <05030> said <0559>, that prophesy <05012> lies <08267> in my name <08034>, saying <0559>, I have dreamed <02492>, I have dreamed <02492>. {26} How <05704> long <05704> shall [this] be in the heart <03820> of the prophets <05030> that prophesy <05012> lies <08267>? yea, [they are] prophets <05030> of the deceit <08649> of their own heart <03820>; {27} Which think <02803> to cause my people <05971> to forget <07911> my name <08034> by their dreams <02472> which <0834> they tell <05608> every man <0376> to his neighbour <07453>, as their fathers <01> have forgotten <07911> my name <08034> for Baal <01168>. {28} The prophet <05030> that hath a dream <02472>, let him tell <05608> a dream <02472>; and he that hath my word <01697>, let him speak <01696> my word <01697> faithfully <0571>. What <04100> [is] the chaff <08401> to the wheat <01250>? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.
{37} Thus <03541> shalt thou say <0559> to the prophet <05030>, What <04100> hath the LORD <03068> answered <06030> thee? and, What <04100> hath the LORD <03068> spoken <01696>?
NRSV - 25 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed!" 26 How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back -- those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? 27 They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the LORD.
37 Thus you shall ask the prophet, "What has the LORD answered you?" or "What has the LORD spoken?"
TEV - "Jeremiah's Message about the Prophets" - 23 "I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their fathers forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.
"The LORD's Burden" - 37 Jeremiah, ask the prophets, "What answer did the LORD give you? What did the LORD say?' 38 And if they disobey my command and use the words "the LORD's burden,' then tell them that 39 I will certainly pick them up and throw them far away from me, both them and the city that I gave to them and their ancestors. 40 I will bring on them everlasting shame and disgrace that will never be forgotten."
KJV w/Strong# - {8} For my thoughts <04284> [are] not your thoughts <04284>, neither <03808> [are] your ways <01870> my ways <01870>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>. {9} For [as] the heavens <08064> are higher <01361> than the earth <0776>, so <03651> are my ways <01870> higher <01361> than your ways <01870>, and my thoughts <04284> than your thoughts <04284>.
NRSV - 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
TEV - "God's Offer of Mercy" - 6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. 8 "My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.
<B6> Isaiah 2
KJV w/Strong# - {22} Cease <02308> ye from man <0120>, whose <0834> breath <05397> [is] in his nostrils <0639>: for wherein <04100> is he to be accounted <02803> of?
NRSV - 22 Turn away from mortals, who have only breath in their nostrils, for of what account are they?
TEV - "Arrogance Will Be Destroyed" - 19 People will hide in caves in the rocky hills or dig holes in the ground to try to escape from the LORD's anger and to hide from his power and glory, when he comes to shake the earth. 20 When that day comes, they will throw away the gold and silver idols they have made, and abandon them to the moles and the bats. 21 When the LORD comes to shake the earth, people will hide in holes and caves in the rocky hills to try to escape from his anger and to hide from his power and glory. 22 Put no more confidence in mortal men. What are they worth?
KJV w/Strong# - {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> God <0410> the LORD <03068>, he that created <01254> the heavens <08064>, and stretched <05186> them out; he that spread <07554> forth the earth <0776>, and that which cometh <06631> out of it; he that giveth <05414> breath <05397> unto the people <05971> upon it, and spirit <07307> to them that walk <01980> therein:
{8} I [am] the LORD <03068>: that [is] my name <08034>: and my glory <03519> will I not give <05414> to another <0312>, neither my praise <08416> to graven <06456> images.
NRSV - 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:
8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.
TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."
KJV w/Strong# - {16} And what <5101> agreement <4783> hath the temple <3485> of God <2316> with idols <1497>? for ye are the temple <3485> of the living <2198> God <2316>; as God <2316> hath said <2036>, I will dwell <1774> in them, and walk <1704> in [them]; and I will be their God <2316>, and they shall be my people <2992>. {17} Wherefore <1352> come <1831> out from among <3319> them, and be ye separate <873>, saith <3004> the Lord <2962>, and touch <680> not the unclean <169> [thing]; and I will receive <1523> you, {18} And will be a Father <3962> unto you, and ye shall be my sons <5207> and daughters <2364>, saith <3004> the Lord <2962> Almighty <3841>.
NRSV - 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
TEV - "In Athens" - 22 Paul stood up in front of the city council and said, "I see that in every way you Athenians are very religious. 23 For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship, I found an altar on which is written, "To an Unknown God.' That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you. 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in man-made temples. 25 Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone. 26 From one man he created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. 27 He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; 28 as someone has said, "In him we live and move and exist.' It is as some of your poets have said, "We too are his children.' 29 Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by the art and skill of man. 30 God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways.
KJV w/Strong# - {24} God <2316> that made <4160> the world <2889> and all <3956> things therein <846>, seeing that he is Lord <2962> of heaven <3772> and earth <1093>, dwelleth <2730> not in temples <3485> made <5499> with hands <5499>; {25} Neither <3761> is worshipped <2323> with men's <444> hands <5495>, as though he needed <4326> any <5100> thing, seeing he giveth <1325> to all <3956> life <2222>, and breath <4157>, and all <3956> things;
{28} For in him we live <2198>, and move <2795>, and have our being <2070>; as certain <5100> also <2532> of your <5209> own <2596> poets <4163> have said <2046>, For we are also <2532> his <5120> offspring <1085>.
NRSV - 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.
28 For "In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "For we too are his offspring.'
TEV - "Warning against Pagan Influences" - 14 Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? 15 How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said, "I will make my home with my people and live among them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 17 And so the Lord says, "You must leave them and separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what is unclean, and I will accept you. 18 I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
<B10> Job 7
KJV w/Strong# - {4} When <04970> I lie <07901> down <07901>, I say <0559>, When <04970> shall I arise <06965>, and the night <06153> be gone <04059>? and I am full <07646> of tossings <05076> to and fro unto the dawning <05399> of the day <05399>.
NRSV - 4 When I lie down I say, "When shall I rise?' But the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn.
TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 1 Human life is like forced army service, like a life of hard manual labor, 2 like a slave longing for cool shade; like a worker waiting for his pay. 3 Month after month I have nothing to live for; night after night brings me grief. 4 When I lie down to sleep, the hours drag; I toss all night and long for dawn. 5 My body is full of worms; it is covered with scabs; pus runs out of my sores.
KJV w/Strong# - {4} In God <0430> I will praise <01984> his word <01697>, in God <0430> I have put my trust <0982>; I will not fear <03372> what <04100> flesh <01320> can do <06213> unto me.
NRSV - 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?
TEV - "A Prayer of Trust in God" - 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. 2 All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. 3 When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?
KJV w/Strong# - {8} ...the LORD <03068> will command <06680> his lovingkindness <02617> in the daytime, and in the night <03915> his song <07892> [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer <08605> unto the God <0410> of my life <02416>.
{11} Why <04100> art thou cast <07817> down <07817>, O my soul <05315>? and why <04100> art thou disquieted <01993> within <05921> me? hope <03176> thou in God <0430>: for I shall yet <05750> praise <03034> him, [who is] the health <03444> of my countenance <06440>, and my God <0430>.
NRSV - 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
TEV - "The Prayer of a Man in Exile" - 6...7 Here in exile my heart is breaking, and so I turn my thoughts to him. He has sent waves of sorrow over my soul; chaos roars at me like a flood, like waterfalls thundering down to the Jordan from Mount Hermon and Mount Mizar. 8 May the LORD show his constant love during the day, so that I may have a song at night, a prayer to the God of my life. 9 To God, my defender, I say, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go on suffering from the cruelty of my enemies?" 10 I am crushed by their insults, as they keep on asking me, "Where is your God?" 11 Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} He that dwelleth <03427> in the secret <05643> place of the most <05945> High <05945> shall abide <03885> under the shadow <06738> of the Almighty <07706>. {2} I will say <0559> of the LORD <03068>, [He is] my refuge <04268> and my fortress <04686>: my God <0430>; in him will I trust <0982>. {3} Surely <03588> he shall deliver <05337> thee from the snare <06341> of the fowler <03353>, [and] from the noisome <01942> pestilence <01698>.
{9} Because <03588> thou hast made <07760> the LORD <03068>, [which is] my refuge <04268>, [even] the most <05945> High <05945>, thy habitation <04583>; {10} There shall no <03808> evil <07451> befall <0579> thee, neither <03808> shall any plague <05061> come <07126> nigh <07126> thy dwelling <0168>. {11} For he shall give his angels <04397> charge <06680> over thee, to keep <08104> thee in all <03605> thy ways <01870>.
NRSV - 1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
TEV - "God Our Protector" - 1 Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, 2 can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." 3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. 4 He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. 5 You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day 6 or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.
9 You have made the LORD your defender, the Most High your protector, 10 and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. 11 God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. 13 You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.
<B14> Luke 8
KJV w/Strong# - {40} And it came <1096> to pass, that, when <3588> Jesus <2424> was returned <5290>, the people <3793> [gladly] received <588> him: for they were all <3956> waiting <4328> for him.
{43} And a woman <1135> having <1722> an issue <4511> of blood <129> twelve <1427> years <2094>, which <3748> had spent <4321> all <3956> her living <979> upon physicians <2395>, neither <3756> could <2480> be healed <2323> of any <3762>, {44} Came <4334> behind <3693> [him], and touched <680> the border <2899> of his garment <2440>: and immediately <3916> her issue <4511> of blood <129> stanched <2476>. {45} And Jesus <2424> said <2036>, Who <5101> touched <680> me? When all <3956> denied <720>, Peter <4074> and they that were with him said <2036>, Master <1988>, the multitude <3793> throng <4912> thee and press <598> [thee], and sayest <2036> thou, Who <5101> touched <680> me? {46} And Jesus <2424> said <2036>, Somebody <5100> hath touched <680> me: for I perceive <1097> that virtue <1411> is gone <1831> out of me. {47} And when the woman <1135> saw <1492> that she was not hid <2990>, she came <2064> trembling <5141>, and falling <4363> down before <4363> him, she declared <518> unto him before <1799> all <3956> the people <2992> for what <3739> cause <156> she had touched <680> him, and how <5613> she was healed <2390> immediately <3916>. {48} And he said <2036> unto her, Daughter <2364>, be of good comfort <2293>: thy faith <4102> hath made <4982> thee whole <4982>; go <4198> in peace <1515>.
NRSV - 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.
43 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. 45 Then Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you." 46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me." 47 When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."
TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people welcomed him, because they had all been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus arrived; he was an official in the local synagogue. He threw himself down at Jesus' feet and begged him to go to his home, 42 because his only daughter, who was twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went along, the people were crowding him from every side. 43 Among them was a woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years; she had spent all she had on doctors, but no one had been able to cure her. 44 She came up in the crowd behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak, and her bleeding stopped at once. 45 Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Everyone denied it, and Peter said, "Master, the people are all around you and crowding in on you." 46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me, for I knew it when power went out of me." 47 The woman saw that she had been found out, so she came trembling and threw herself at Jesus' feet. There in front of everybody, she told him why she had touched him and how she had been healed at once. 48 Jesus said to her, "My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace." 49 While Jesus was saying this, a messenger came from the official's house. "Your daughter has died," he told Jairus; "don't bother the Teacher any longer." 50 But Jesus heard it and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; only believe, and she will be well."
KJV w/Strong# - {13} Is any <5100> among <1722> you afflicted <2553>? let him pray <4336>. Is any <5100> merry <2114>? let him sing <5567> psalms <5567>. {14} Is any <5100> sick <770> among <1722> you? let him call <4341> for the elders <4245> of the church <1577>; and let them pray <4336> over <1909> him, anointing <218> him with oil <1637> in the name <3686> of the Lord <2962>: {15} And the prayer <2171> of faith <4102> shall save <4982> the sick <2577>, and the Lord <2962> shall raise <1453> him up;...
NRSV - 13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up;...
TEV - "Patience and Prayer" - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing praises. 14 Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven. 16 So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. 17 Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. 18 Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops.
<B16> Psalm 46
KJV w/Strong# - {1} God <0430> [is] our refuge <04268> and strength <05797>, a very <03966> present <04672> help <05833> in trouble <06869>. {2} Therefore will not we fear <03372>, though the earth <0776> be removed <04171>, and though the mountains <02022> be carried <04131> into the midst <03820> of the sea <03220>; {3} [Though] the waters <04325> thereof roar <01993> [and] be troubled <02560>, [though] the mountains <02022> shake <07493> with the swelling <01346> thereof.
{6} The heathen <01471> raged <01993>, the kingdoms <04467> were moved <04131>: he uttered <05414> his voice <06963>, the earth <0776> melted <04127>. {7} The LORD <03068> of hosts <06635> [is] with us; the God <0430> of Jacob <03290> [is] our refuge <04869>. {8} Come <03212>, behold <02372> the works <04659> of the LORD <03068>, what <0834> desolations <08047> he hath made <07760> in the earth <0776>. {9} He maketh wars <04421> to cease <07673> unto the end <07097> of the earth <0776>; he breaketh <07665> the bow <07198>, and cutteth <07112> the spear <02595> in sunder; he burneth <08313> the chariot <05699> in the fire <0784>. {10} Be still <07503>, and know <03045> that I [am] God <0430>: I will be exalted <07311> among the heathen <01471>, I will be exalted <07311> in the earth <0776>.
NRSV - 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth."
TEV - "God Is with Us" - 1 God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; 3 even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence. 4 There is a river that brings joy to the city of God, to the sacred house of the Most High. 5 God is in that city, and it will never be destroyed; at early dawn he will come to its aid. 6 Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken; God thunders, and the earth dissolves. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come and see what the LORD has done. See what amazing things he has done on earth. 9 He stops wars all over the world; he breaks bows, destroys spears, and sets shields on fire. 10 "Stop fighting," he says, "and know that I am God, supreme among the nations, supreme over the world." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} The LORD <03068> reigneth <04427>; let the earth <0776> rejoice <01523>; let the multitude <07227> of isles <0339> be glad <08056> [thereof].
{9} For thou, LORD <03068>, [art] high <05945> above <05921> all <03605> the earth <0776>: thou art exalted <05927> far <03966> above <05921> all <03605> gods <0430>.
NRSV - 1 The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
TEV - "God the Supreme Ruler" - 1 The LORD is king! Earth, be glad! Rejoice, you islands of the seas! 2 Clouds and darkness surround him; he rules with righteousness and justice. 3 Fire goes in front of him and burns up his enemies around him. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees it and trembles. 5 The hills melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the nations see his glory. 7 Everyone who worships idols is put to shame; all the gods bow down before the LORD. 8 The people of Zion are glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 LORD Almighty, you are ruler of all the earth; you are much greater than all the gods.
KJV w/Strong# - {5} For though <1512> there be that are called <3004> gods <2316>, whether <1535> in heaven <3772> or <1535> in earth <1093>, (as there be gods <2316> many <4183>, and lords <2962> many <4183>,) {6} But to us [there is but] one <1520> God <2316>, the Father <3962>, of whom <3739> [are] all <3956> things, and we in him;...
NRSV - 5 Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth -- as in fact there are many gods and many lords -- 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist,...
TEV - "The Question about Food Offered to Idols" - 4 So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. 5 Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," 6 yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.
EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE MANY WEBPAGES FOUND ON THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE
Copyright 1996-1998 Robert Nguyen Cramer