The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 

Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, March 28, 1999

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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.


<GT> Philippians 4

KJV w/Strong# - {8} ...brethren <80>, whatsoever <3745> things are true <227>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] honest <4586>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] just <1342>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] pure <53>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] lovely <4375>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] of good <2163> report <2163>; if <1487> [there be] any <1536> virtue <703>, and if <1487> [there be] any <1536> praise <1868>, think <3049> on these <5023> things.

NRSV - 8 ...beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

TEV - "Instructions" - 5 Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. 8 In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. 9 Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.


<RR1> Psalm 77

KJV w/Strong# - {11} I will remember <02142> the works <04611> of the LORD <03050>: surely I will remember <02142> thy wonders <06382> of old <06924>. {12} I will meditate <01897> also of all <03605> thy work <06467>, and talk <07878> of thy doings <05949>. {13} Thy way <01870>, O God <0430>, [is] in the sanctuary <06944>: who <04310> [is so] great <01419> a God <0410> as [our] God <0430>? {14} Thou [art] the God <0410> that doest <06213> wonders <06382>: thou hast declared <03045> thy strength <05797> among the people <05971>.

NRSV - 11 I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD; I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples.

TEV - "Comfort in Time of Distress" - 11 I will remember your great deeds, LORD; I will recall the wonders you did in the past. 12 I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts. 13 Everything you do, O God, is holy. No god is as great as you. 14 You are the God who works miracles; you showed your might among the nations. 15 By your power you saved your people, the descendants of Jacob and of Joseph.


<RR2> Psalm 145

KJV w/Strong# - {1} I will extol <07311> thee, my God <0430>, O king <04428>; and I will bless <01288> thy name <08034> for ever <05769> and ever <05703>.

{10} All <03605> thy works <04639> shall praise <03034> thee, O LORD <03068>; and thy saints <02623> shall bless <01288> thee. {11} They shall speak <0559> of the glory <03519> of thy kingdom <04438>, and talk <01696> of thy power <01369>; {12} To make known <03045> to the sons <01121> of men <0120> his mighty <01369> acts, and the glorious <03519> majesty <01926> of his kingdom <04438>. {13} Thy kingdom <04438> [is] an everlasting <05769> kingdom <04438>, and thy dominion <04475> [endureth] throughout all generations <01755>.

{17} The LORD <03068> [is] righteous <06662> in all <03605> his ways <01870>, and holy <02623> in all <03605> his works <04639>.

NRSV - 1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, 12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

17 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 1 I will proclaim your greatness, my God and king; I will thank you forever and ever. 2 Every day I will thank you; I will praise you forever and ever. 3 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised; his greatness is beyond understanding.

10 All your creatures, LORD, will praise you, and all your people will give you thanks. 11 They will speak of the glory of your royal power and tell of your might, 12 so that everyone will know your mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of your kingdom. 13 Your rule is eternal, and you are king forever. The LORD is faithful to his promises; he is merciful in all his acts. 14 He helps those who are in trouble; he lifts those who have fallen. 15 All living things look hopefully to you, and you give them food when they need it. 16 You give them enough and satisfy the needs of all. 17 The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. 18 He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. 19 He supplies the needs of those who honor him; he hears their cries and saves them. 20 He protects everyone who loves him, but he will destroy the wicked. 21 I will always praise the LORD; let all his creatures praise his holy name forever.


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<B1> Psalm 111

KJV w/Strong# - {2} The works <04639> of the LORD <03068> [are] great <01419>, sought <01875> out of all <03605> them that have pleasure <02656> therein. {3} His work <06467> [is] honourable <01935> and glorious <01926>: and his righteousness <06666> endureth <05975> for ever <05703>. {4} He hath made <06213> his wonderful <06381> works to be remembered <02142>: the LORD <03068> [is] gracious <02587> and full of compassion <07349>.

NRSV - 2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

TEV - "In Praise of the LORD" - 1 Praise the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD in the assembly of his people. 2 How wonderful are the things the LORD does! All who are delighted with them want to understand them. 3 All he does is full of honor and majesty; his righteousness is eternal. 4 The LORD does not let us forget his wonderful actions; he is kind and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who honor him; he never forgets his covenant. 6 He has shown his power to his people by giving them the lands of foreigners.


<B2> Psalm 33

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Rejoice <07442> in the LORD <03068>, O ye righteous <06662>: [for] praise <08416> is comely <05000> for the upright <03477>.

{4} For the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> [is] right <03477>; and all <03605> his works <04640> [are done] in truth <0530>. {5} He loveth <0157> righteousness <06666> and judgment <04941>: the earth <0776> is full <04390> of the goodness <02617> of the LORD <03068>.

{10} The LORD <03068> bringeth <06331> the counsel <06098> of the heathen <01471> to nought <06331>: he maketh the devices <04284> of the people <05971> of none <05106> effect <05106>. {11} The counsel <06098> of the LORD <03068> standeth <05975> for ever <05769>, the thoughts <04284> of his heart <03820> to all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. 3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy! 4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable. 5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. 6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word. 7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms. 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!


<B3> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - {12} Blessed <01288> [art] thou, O LORD <03068>: teach <03925> me thy statutes <02706>.

{27} Make me to understand <0995> the way <01870> of thy precepts <06490>: so shall I talk <07878> of thy wondrous <06381> works.

{68} Thou [art] good <02896>, and doest good <02895>;...

{73} Thy hands <03027> have made <06213> me and fashioned <03559> me: give me understanding <0995>, that I may learn <03925> thy commandments <04687>.

NRSV - 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

68 You are good and do good;...

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

TEV - "Obedience to the Law of the LORD" - 9 How can a young man keep his life pure? By obeying your commands. 10 With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments. 11 I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your ways. 13 I will repeat aloud all the laws you have given. 14 I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth. 15 I study your instructions; I examine your teachings. 16 I take pleasure in your laws; your commands I will not forget.

"Determination to Obey the Law of the LORD" - 27 Help me to understand your laws, and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings. 28 I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised. 29 Keep me from going the wrong way, and in your goodness teach me your law. 30 I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgments. 31 I have followed your instructions, LORD; don't let me be put to shame. 32 I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.

"The Value of the Law of the LORD" - 65 You have kept your promise, LORD, and you are good to me, your servant. 66 Give me wisdom and knowledge, because I trust in your commands. 67 Before you punished me, I used to go wrong, but now I obey your word. 68 How good you are -- how kind! Teach me your commands. 69 Proud men have told lies about me, but with all my heart I obey your instructions. 70 These men have no understanding, but I find pleasure in your law. 71 My punishment was good for me, because it made me learn your commands.

"The Justice of the Law of the LORD" - 73 You created me, and you keep me safe; give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws. 74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your promise. 75 I know that your judgments are righteous, LORD, and that you punished me because you are faithful. 76 Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised me, your servant. 77 Have mercy on me, and I will live because I take pleasure in your law. 78 May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me; as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.


<B4> 1 Corinthians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {9} But as it is written <1125>, Eye <3788> hath not seen <1492>, nor <3756> ear <3775> heard <191>, neither <3756> have entered <305> into <1909> the heart <2588> of man <444>, the things which <3739> God <2316> hath prepared <2090> for them that love <25> him. {10} But God <2316> hath revealed <601> [them] unto us by his Spirit <4151>: for the Spirit <4151> searcheth <2045> all <3956> things, yea <2532>, the deep <899> things of God <2316>.

NRSV - 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

TEV - "God's Wisdom" - 9 However, as the scripture says, "What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. 11 It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. 12 We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.


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<B5> Isaiah 45

KJV w/Strong# - {22} Look <06437> unto me, and be ye saved <03467>, all the ends <0657> of the earth <0776>: for I [am] God <0410>, and [there is] none <0369> else <05750>.

NRSV - 22 Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

TEV - "The LORD of the World and the Idols of Babylon" - 22 "Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is. 23 My promise is true, and it will not be changed. I solemnly promise by all that I am: Everyone will come and kneel before me and vow to be loyal to me. 24 "They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace. 25 I, the LORD, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob, and they will give me praise.


<B6> Deuteronomy 29

KJV w/Strong# - {1} These <0428> [are] the words <01697> of the covenant <01285>, which <0834> the LORD <03068> commanded <06680> Moses <04872> to make <03772> with the children <01121> of Israel <03478> in the land <0776> of Moab <04124>, beside <0905> the covenant <01285> which <0834> he made <03772> with them in Horeb <02722>.

NRSV - 1 These are the words of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.

TEV - "The LORD's Covenant with Israel in the Land of Moab" - 1 These are the terms of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab; all this was in addition to the covenant which the LORD had made with them at Mount Sinai.


<B7> Deuteronomy 30

KJV w/Strong# - {15} See <07200>, I have set <05414> before <06440> thee this day <03117> life <02416> and good <02896>, and death <04194> and evil <07451>; {16} In that I command <06680> thee this day <03117> to love <0157> the LORD <03068> thy God <0430>, to walk <03212> in his ways <01870>, and to keep <08104> his commandments <04687> and his statutes <02708> and his judgments <04941>, that thou mayest live <02421> and multiply <07235>: and the LORD <03068> thy God <0430> shall bless <01288> thee in the land <0776> whither thou goest <0935> to possess <03423> it.

{19} I call <05749> heaven <08064> and earth <0776> to record <05749> this day <03117> against you, [that] I have set <05414> before <06440> you life <02416> and death <04194>, blessing <01293> and cursing <07045>: therefore choose <0977> life <02416>, that both thou and thy seed <02233> may live <02421>: {20} That thou mayest love <0157> the LORD <03068> thy God <0430>, [and] that thou mayest obey <08085> his voice <06963>, and that thou mayest cleave <01692> unto him: for he [is] thy life <02416>, and the length <0753> of thy days <03117>:...

NRSV - 15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.

19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20 loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days,...

TEV - "Conditions for Restoration and Blessing" - 15 "Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death. 16 If you obey the commands of the LORD your God, which I give you today, if you love him, obey him, and keep all his laws, then you will prosper and become a nation of many people. The LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are about to occupy. 17 But if you disobey and refuse to listen, and are led away to worship other gods, 18 you will be destroyed -- I warn you here and now. You will not live long in that land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy. 19 I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life. 20 Love the LORD your God, obey him and be faithful to him, and then you and your descendants will live long in the land that he promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."


<B8> Psalm 16

KJV w/Strong# - {8} I have set <07737> the LORD <03068> always <08548> before <05048> me: because <03588> [he is] at my right <03225> hand <03225>, I shall not be moved <04131>. {9} Therefore <03651> my heart <03820> is glad <08056>, and my glory <03519> rejoiceth <01523>: my flesh <01320> also <0637> shall rest <07931> in hope <0983>.

{11} Thou wilt shew <03045> me the path <0734> of life <02416>: in thy presence <06440> [is] fulness <07648> of joy <08057>; at thy right <03225> hand <03225> [there are] pleasures <05273> for evermore <05331>.

NRSV - 8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.

11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

TEV - "A Prayer of Confidence" - 7 I praise the LORD, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. 8 I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. 9 And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, 10 because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead. 11 You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.


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<B9> Mark 6

KJV w/Strong# - {34} And Jesus <2424>, when he came <1831> out, saw <1492> much <4183> people <3793>, and was moved <4697> with compassion <4697> toward <1909> them, because <3754> they were as sheep <4263> not having <2192> a shepherd <4166>: and he began <756> to teach <1321> them many <4183> things.

NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."


<B10> Matthew 13

KJV w/Strong# - {24} Another <243> parable <3850> put <3908> he forth <3908> unto them, saying <3004>, The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is likened <3666> unto a man <444> which sowed <4687> good <2570> seed <4690> in his field <68>: {25} But while <3588> men <444> slept <2518>, his enemy <2190> came <2064> and sowed <4687> tares <2215> among <3319> the wheat <4621>, and went <565> his way. {26} But when <3753> the blade <5528> was sprung <985> up, and brought <4160> forth <4160> fruit <2590>, then <5119> appeared <5316> the tares <2215> also <2532>. {27} So <1161> the servants <1401> of the householder <3617> came <4334> and said <2036> unto him, Sir <2962>, didst not thou sow <4687> good <2570> seed <4690> in thy field <68>? from whence <4159> then <3767> hath <2192> it tares <2215>? {28} He said <5346> unto them, An enemy <2190> hath done <4160> this <5124>. The servants <1401> said <2036> unto him, Wilt <2309> thou then <3767> that we go <565> and gather <4816> them up? {29} But he said <5346>, Nay <3756>; lest <3379> while ye gather <4816> up the tares <2215>, ye root <1610> up also <260> the wheat <4621> with them. {30} Let <863> both <297> grow <4885> together <4885> until <3360> the harvest <2326>: and in the time <2540> of harvest <2326> I will say <2046> to the reapers <2327>, Gather <4816> ye together <4816> first <4412> the tares <2215>, and bind <1210> them in bundles <1197> to burn <2618> them: but gather <4863> the wheat <4621> into <1519> my barn <596>.

NRSV - 24 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, "Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?' 28 He answered, "An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, "Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he replied, "No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."

TEV - "The Parable of the Weeds" - 24 Jesus told them another parable: "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man sowed good seed in his field. 25 One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the plants grew and the heads of grain began to form, then the weeds showed up. 27 The man's servants came to him and said, "Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?' 28 "It was some enemy who did this,' he answered. "Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?' they asked him. 29 "No,' he answered, "because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. 30 Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until harvest. Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn."


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<B11> John 4

KJV w/Strong# - {46} So <3767> Jesus <2424> came <2064> again <3825> into <1519> Cana <2580> of Galilee <1056>, where <3699> he made <4160> the water <5204> wine <3631>. And there was a certain <5100> nobleman <937>, whose <3739> son <5207> was sick <770> at <1722> Capernaum <2584>. {47} When he heard <191> that Jesus <2424> was come <2240> out of Judaea <2449> into <1519> Galilee <1056>, he went <565> unto him, and besought <2065> him that he would come <2597> down <2597>, and heal <2390> his son <5207>: for he was at <3195> the point <3195> of death <599>. {48} Then <3767> said <2036> Jesus <2424> unto him, Except <3362> ye see <1492> signs <4592> and wonders <5059>, ye will not believe <4100>. {49} The nobleman <937> saith <3004> unto him, Sir <2962>, come <2597> down <2597> ere <4250> my child <3813> die <599>. {50} Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto him, Go <4198> thy way; thy son <5207> liveth <2198>. And the man <444> believed <4100> the word <3056> that Jesus <2424> had spoken <2036> unto him, and he went <4198> his way. {51} And as he was now <2235> going <2597> down <2597>, his servants <1401> met <528> him, and told him, saying <3004>, Thy son <3816> liveth <2198>. {52} Then <3767> enquired <4441> he of them the hour <5610> when <3739> he began <2192> to amend <2866>. And they said <2036> unto him, Yesterday <5504> at the seventh <1442> hour <5610> the fever <4446> left <863> him. {53} So <3767> the father <3962> knew <1097> that [it was] at <1722> the same <1565> hour <5610>, in the which <3739> Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto him, Thy son <5207> liveth <2198>: and himself <846> believed <4100>, and his whole <3650> house <3614>.

NRSV - 46 Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." 49 The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my little boy dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. 51 As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, "Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him." 53 The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he himself believed, along with his whole household.

TEV - "Jesus Heals an Official's Son" - 43 After spending two days there, Jesus left and went to Galilee. 44 For he himself had said, "A prophet is not respected in his own country." 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the people there welcomed him, because they had gone to the Passover Festival in Jerusalem and had seen everything that he had done during the festival. 46 Then Jesus went back to Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. A government official was there whose son was sick in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to go to Capernaum and heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus said to him, "None of you will ever believe unless you see miracles and wonders." 49 "Sir," replied the official, "come with me before my child dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live!" The man believed Jesus' words and went. 51 On his way home his servants met him with the news, "Your boy is going to live!" 52 He asked them what time it was when his son got better, and they answered, "It was one o'clock yesterday afternoon when the fever left him." 53 Then the father remembered that it was at that very hour when Jesus had told him, "Your son will live." So he and all his family believed. 54 This was the second miracle that Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.


<B12> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {37} Mark <08104> the perfect <08535> [man], and behold <07200> the upright <03477>: for the end <0319> of [that] man <0376> [is] peace <07965>.

NRSV - 37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the peaceable.

TEV - "The Destiny of the Wicked and of the Good" - 35 I once knew a wicked man who was a tyrant; he towered over everyone like a cedar of Lebanon; 36 but later I passed by, and he wasn't there; I looked for him, but couldn't find him. 37 Notice the good man, observe the righteous man; a peaceful man has descendants, 38 but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out.


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<B13> Proverbs 16

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The preparations <04633> of the heart <03820> in man <0120>, and the answer <04617> of the tongue <03956>, [is] from the LORD <03068>.

NRSV - 1 The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 1 We may make our plans, but God has the last word. 2 You may think everything you do is right, but the LORD judges your motives. 3 Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out. 4 Everything the LORD has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction. 5 The LORD hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment. 6 Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the LORD and nothing evil will happen to you.


<B14> Proverbs 8

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Doth not wisdom <02451> cry <07121>? and understanding <08394> put <05414> forth her voice <06963>?

{12} I wisdom <02451> dwell <07931> with prudence <06195>, and find <04672> out knowledge <01847> of witty inventions <04209>.

{20} I lead <01980> in the way <0734> of righteousness <06666>, in the midst <08432> of the paths <05410> of judgment <04941>: {21} That I may cause those that love <0157> me to inherit <05157> substance <03426>; and I will fill <04390> their treasures <0214>.

NRSV - 1 Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?

12 I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I attain knowledge and discretion.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

TEV - "In Praise of Wisdom" - 1 Listen! Wisdom is calling out. Reason is making herself heard. 2 On the hilltops near the road and at the crossroads she stands. 3 At the entrance to the city, beside the gates, she calls: 4 "I appeal to you, mankind; I call to everyone on earth. 5 Are you immature? Learn to be mature. Are you foolish? Learn to have sense. 6 Listen to my excellent words; all I tell you is right.

11 "I am Wisdom, I am better than jewels; nothing you want can compare with me. 12 I am Wisdom, and I have insight; I have knowledge and sound judgment. 13 To honor the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words. 14 I make plans and carry them out. I have understanding, and I am strong. 15 I help kings to govern and rulers to make good laws. 16 Every ruler on earth governs with my help, statesmen and noblemen alike. 17 I love those who love me; whoever looks for me can find me. 18 I have riches and honor to give, prosperity and success. 19 What you get from me is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver. 20 I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice, 21 giving wealth to those who love me, filling their houses with treasures.


<B15> Isaiah 40

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Comfort <05162> ye, comfort <05162> ye my people <05971>, saith <0559> your God <0430>.

{3} The voice <06963> of him that crieth <07121> in the wilderness <04057>, Prepare <06437> ye the way <01870> of the LORD <03068>, make straight <03474> in the desert <06160> a highway <04546> for our God <0430>. {4} Every <03605> valley <01516> shall be exalted <05375>, and every <03605> mountain <02022> and hill <01389> shall be made low <08213>: and the crooked <06121> shall be made straight <04334>, and the rough <07406> places plain <01237>: {5} And the glory <03519> of the LORD <03068> shall be revealed <01540>, and all <03605> flesh <01320> shall see <07200> [it] together <03162>: for the mouth <06310> of the LORD <03068> hath spoken <01696> [it].

NRSV - 1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

3 A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

TEV - "Words of Hope" - 1 "Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them! 2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins." 3 A voice cries out, "Prepare in the wilderness a road for the LORD! Clear the way in the desert for our God! 4 Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. 5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind will see it. The LORD himself has promised this."


<B16> Habakkuk 2

KJV w/Strong# - {14} For the earth <0776> shall be filled <04390> with the knowledge <03045> of the glory <03519> of the LORD <03068>, as the waters <04325> cover <03680> the sea <03220>.

NRSV - 14 But the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

TEV - "Doom on the Unrighteous" - 9 You are doomed! You have made your family rich with what you took by violence, and have tried to make your own home safe from harm and danger! 10 But your schemes have brought shame on your family; by destroying many nations you have only brought ruin on yourself. 11 Even the stones of the walls cry out against you, and the rafters echo the cry. 12 You are doomed! You founded a city on crime and built it up by murder. 13 The nations you conquered wore themselves out in useless labor, and all they have built goes up in flames. The LORD Almighty has done this. 14 But the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the LORD's glory as the seas are full of water.


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<B17> Isaiah 52

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Awake <05782>, awake <05782>; put <03847> on thy strength <05797>, O Zion <06726>; put <03847> on thy beautiful <08597> garments <0899>, O Jerusalem <03389>, the holy <06944> city <05892>:...

NRSV - 1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city;...

TEV - "God Will Rescue Jerusalem" - 1 Jerusalem, be strong and great again! Holy city of God, clothe yourself with splendor! The heathen will never enter your gates again. 2 Shake yourself free, Jerusalem! Rise from the dust and sit on your throne! Undo the chains that bind you, captive people of Zion!


<B18> Isaiah 62

KJV w/Strong# - {1} For Zion's sake <04616> will I not hold <02814> my peace <02814>, and for Jerusalem's <03389> sake <04616> I will not rest <08252>, until <05704> the righteousness <06664> thereof go <03318> forth <03318> as brightness <05051>, and the salvation <03444> thereof as a lamp <03940> [that] burneth <01197>. {2} And the Gentiles <01471> shall see <07200> thy righteousness <06664>, and all <03605> kings <04428> thy glory <03519>: and thou shalt be called <07121> by a new <02319> name <08034>, which <0834> the mouth <06310> of the LORD <03068> shall name <08034>. {3} Thou shalt also be a crown <05850> of glory <08597> in the hand <03027> of the LORD <03068>, and a royal <04410> diadem <06797> in the hand <03709> of thy God <0430>.

{10} Go <05674> through <05674>, go <05674> through the gates <08179>; prepare <06437> ye the way <01870> of the people <05971>; cast <05549> up, cast <05549> up the highway <04546>; gather <05619> out the stones <068>; lift <07311> up a standard <05251> for the people <05971>. {11} Behold <02009>, the LORD <03068> hath proclaimed <08085> unto the end <07097> of the world <0776>, Say <0559> ye to the daughter <01323> of Zion <06726>, Behold <02009>, thy salvation <03468> cometh <0935>; behold <02009>, his reward <07939> [is] with him, and his work <06468> before <06440> him. {12} And they shall call <07121> them, The holy <06944> people <05971>, The redeemed <01350> of the LORD <03068>: and thou shalt be called <07121>, Sought <01875> out, A city <05892> not forsaken <05800>.

NRSV - 1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. 2 The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

10 Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. 11 The LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, "See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." 12 They shall be called, "The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD"; and you shall be called, "Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken."

TEV - "The Good News of Deliverance" - 1 I will speak out to encourage Jerusalem; I will not be silent until she is saved, And her victory shines like a torch in the night. 2 Jerusalem, the nations will see you victorious! All their kings will see your glory. You will be called by a new name, A name given by the LORD himself. 3 You will be like a beautiful crown for the LORD. 4 No longer will you be called "Forsaken," Or your land be called "The Deserted Wife." Your new name will be "God Is Pleased with Her." Your land will be called "Happily Married," Because the LORD is pleased with you And will be like a husband to your land.

10 People of Jerusalem, go out of the city And build a road for your returning people! Prepare a highway; clear it of stones! Put up a signal so that the nations can know 11 That the LORD is announcing to all the earth: "Tell the people of Jerusalem That the LORD is coming to save you, Bringing with him the people he has rescued." 12 You will be called "God's Holy People," "The People the LORD Has Saved." Jerusalem will be called "The City That God Loves," "The City That God Did Not Forsake."


<B19> Revelation 3

KJV w/Strong# - {6} He that hath <2192> an ear <3775>, let him hear <191> what <5101> the Spirit <4151> saith <3004> unto the churches <1577>.

{12} Him that overcometh <3528> will I make <4160> a pillar <4769> in the temple <3485> of my God <2316>, and he shall go <1831> no <3364> more <2089> out: and I will write <1125> upon him the name <3686> of my God <2316>, and the name <3686> of the city <4172> of my God <2316>, [which is] new <2537> Jerusalem <2419>, which <3588> cometh <2597> down <2597> out of heaven <3772> from my God <2316>: and [I will write upon him] my new <2537> name <3686>.

NRSV - 6 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

12 If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

TEV - "The Message to Sardis" - 6 "If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

"The Message to Philadelphia" - 11 I am coming soon. Keep safe what you have, so that no one will rob you of your victory prize. 12 I will make him who is victorious a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which will come down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on him my new name.


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