ISV Red Letter NT Psalms - Proverbs

International Standard Version®
Words of the Messiah in Red

Illustrated with the works of Paul Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
Version: 2.0 2009.0430.01
Paramount, CA USA
Words of the Messiah in Red

Version 2.0
Davidson Press, LLC

Paramount, CA USA
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version®
U.S. English Imprint
Paul Gustave Doré Illustrated edition, version 2.0, release 2009.0430.01
Copyright © 1996-2009 The ISV Foundation
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Copyright © 1996-2009 by the ISV Foundation of Paramount, California USA.
Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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ISBN-13 PCN Title ISV Binding MSRP
978-1-891833-20-5 2008937111 ISV NT with Psalms & Proverbs 2.0 Casebound $29.95
978-1-891833-21-2 2008908600 ISV Bible with DSS Apparatus 2.0 Casebound $39.95
978-1-891833-22-9 2008908600 ISV Bible with DSS Apparatus 2.0 Black Leather, Red Letter $79.95
978-1-891833-23-6 2008908600 ISV Bible with DSS Apparatus 2.0 Burgundy Leather, Red Letter $79.95
978-1-891833-24-3 2008937410 ISV NT with Psalms & Proverbs 2.0 Paperback $19.95
Cover Design: Larry Vilott (copyright © 2001-2009 Davidson

Press, LLC). Text Layout: Charles Welty. Cover Graphic: Sunset
over Earth © 1993 Corel Corporation. A free copy of the latest
edition of the e-Sword™ software featuring the ISV New
Testament may be downloaded from http://isv.org.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Abbreviations Used in the Holy Bible: International Standard Version .............. ii
Book Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... ii
Introduction .......................................................................................................................iii
The Manifestation of the Good News
Matthew: The Messiah for the Jewish People—What did the Messiah say? .................. 1
Mark: The Messiah for the Romans—What did the Messiah do? ..................................65
Luke: The Messiah for the Gentiles—Who followed the Messiah? ..............................109
John: The Messiah for the Believers—Who is the Messiah? ........................................179
The Proclamation of the Good News
Acts: Preaching the Messiah ..........................................................................................226
The Explanation of the Good News
Romans: The Gospel of the Messiah .............................................................................283
First Corinthians: Holy Living in the Messiah ...........................................................309
Second Corinthians: The Ministry in the Messiah ....................................................333
Galatians: Our Freedom in the Messiah .......................................................................348
Ephesians: The Blessings in the Messiah .....................................................................358
Philippians: The Humility of the Messiah ...................................................................368
Colossians: The Preeminence of the Messiah................................................................375
First Thessalonians: Suffering for the Messiah ...........................................................381
Second Thessalonians: The Return of the Messiah ....................................................387
First Timothy: A Teacher for the Messiah ....................................................................391
Second Timothy: True Teaching of the Messiah .........................................................399
Titus: Young Churches in the Messiah .........................................................................405
Philemon: Equality in the Messiah ..............................................................................409
Hebrews: The Superiority of the Messiah.....................................................................411
The Application of the Good News
James: The Works of the Messiah ..................................................................................430
First Peter: Courage for the Messiah.............................................................................436
Second Peter: The Revelation of the Messiah ..............................................................445
First John: Our Assurance in the Messiah ...................................................................450
Second John: The Doctrine of the Messiah ..................................................................457
Third John: The Hospitality of the Messiah .................................................................460
Jude: The Defense of the Messiah ..................................................................................463
The Consummation of the Good News
Revelation: The Victory of the Messiah ........................................................................466
The Psalms and Proverbs
Psalms.............................................................................................................................499
Proverbs .........................................................................................................................651
Appendix......................................................................................................................... 703
i
Abbreviations Used in
the Holy Bible: International Standard Version
Aram. Aramaic language Or An alternate rendering
BC Before Christ p., pp. page(s)
c. circa, about pl. plural
cf. confer, compare Q Qumran DSS mss.
ch., chs. chapter(s) Sam a DSS mss.
DSS Dead Sea Scrolls sing. singular
ABBREVIATIONS
e.g. exemplia gratia, for example SP Samaritan Pentateuch ms.

ff. following (verses, pages) Syr Syriac, Christian era Aram. mss.
Gk. Greek language of the NT written in a distinctive variation
Heb. Hebrew language of the MT of the Aram. alphabet
I.e. Id est., that is Targ Targumim, ancient Aram. mss.
Lit. Literally paraphrases of and
LXX Septuagint, Gk. version of the OT commentaries on the OT
ms., mss. manuscript(s) Tan Tanakh: the Heb. OT
MT Masoretic Text of the Heb. OT usu. usually
NT New Testament v., vs. verse(s)
OT Old Testament Vg Vulgate
Book Abbreviations
Genesis ..................... Gen Isaiah............................ Isa Romans ................... Rom
Exodus .................... Exod Jeremiah ...................... Jer 1 Corinthians.......... 1Cor
Leviticus .................... Lev Lamentations........... Lam 2 Corinthians.......... 2Cor
Numbers................. Num Ezekiel ..................... Ezek Galatians .................... Gal
Deuteronomy .........Deut Daniel ....................... Dan Ephesians ..................Eph
Joshua ....................... Josh Hosea .........................Hos Philippians................ Phil
Judges ...................... Judg Joel ............................. Joel Colossians .................. Col
Ruth .........................Ruth Amos ...................... Amos 1 Thessalonians.... 1Thes
1 Samuel ................. 1Sam Obadiah ................. Obad 2 Thessalonians.... 2Thes
2 Samuel ................. 2Sam Jonah...................... Jonah 1 Timothy ............... 1Tim
1 Kings ................... 1King Micah ......................... Mic 2 Timothy ............... 2Tim
2 Kings ................... 2King Nahum ..................... Nah Titus ......................... Titus
1 Chronicles ............ 1Chr Habakkuk ................ Hab Philemon................ Phlm
2 Chronicles ............ 2Chr Zephaniah.............. Zeph Hebrews ................... Heb
Ezra ...........................Ezra Haggai ...................... Hag James ..................... James
Nehemiah ................ Neh Zechariah ................ Zech 1 Peter ...................... 1Pet
Esther ........................ Esth Malachi ...................... Mal 2 Peter ...................... 2Pet
Job................................ Job Matthew .................. Matt 1 John .....................1John
Psalms .......................... Ps Mark........................ Mark 2 John .....................2John
Proverbs .................. Prov Luke .........................Luke 3 John .....................3John
Ecclesiastes ............... Eccl John.......................... John Jude........................... Jude
Song of Solomon... Song Acts............................ Acts Revelation ................. Rev
ii
Introduction
to the
International Standard Version
For the last three millennia, the Bible has exercised an unparalleled
influence on the lives of individuals and nations. People of faith
throughout the centuries have recorded the revelation of God
pertaining to the affairs of daily life. The experiences of prophets,
kings, and common people have been communicated through the
written text of Scripture. Jewish and Christian scholars have been concerned to
make sure that the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts would be communicated
to each new generation. Even though governments and rulers have attempted to
prevent the distribution of the translated Bible in many periods of history,
faithful scholars such as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale gave their very lives
to translate and distribute the books of the Bible. In every period of revival and
renewal in the church, the Bible was central.
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® embodies the best results
of modern scholarship as to the meaning of Scripture, and it expresses this
INTRODUCTION
meaning in clear and natural English. Produced by the ISV Foundation of
Fullerton, California, the ISV® offers an exciting opportunity to read and study
the Scriptures in a fresh, new way.
The ISV is “international” in that slang and regionalisms are avoided,
and “standard” in that it is designed for public worship, for church school
curricula, for religious publishing, and for both personal and group study. And
with the ISV text, study tools, and software readily available to the public via the
Internet, the ISV provides new opportunities for in-depth study of God’s Word
anywhere in the world, by anyone, and at any time.
The Uniqueness of the ISV
With so many English language Bible translations available today, the
reader is faced with an important question: “What distinguishes the ISV from
other Bible translations?” The ISV offers six features that distinguish it from
other recent English language translations:
1. The ISV is a New Translation, Not a Revision
The ISV is a totally new work translated directly from the original languages
of Scripture and derived from no other English translation. It was produced by
Bible scholars who believe that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2
Timothy 3:16 ISV). The ISV takes advantage not only of the most ancient
manuscripts available, but also of the most recent archaeological discoveries. The
translators of the ISV have selected the English equivalent that most closely
reflects the meaning of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.
iii
Introduction The Holy Bible
2. The ISV is a Computer-Friendly Translation

When the ISV project began in October 1994 (actual translation began in the
Spring of 1996), the ISV became the first English language Bible translation
conceived, designed, translated, and formatted primarily for a computer-literate
generation. It has been produced entirely by computer and is the first Bible
translation ever published with version numbers after the manner of fine
software. (The version number of this edition is Version 2.0, Build No. 0.) The
latest version and build of the ISV text may be downloaded free from
http://isv.org, the ISV Foundation’s web site. The ISV is also available free in
formats compatible with many contemporary Bible research software programs.
3. The ISV is Sensitive to Poetic Forms in the Original Text
The ISV treats subtle nuances of the original texts with special care. For
example, several passages of the Bible appear to have been rendered in poetic
form when first penned by their authors. The ISV has meticulously crafted these
original passages as true poems—thus communicating a sense of their original
literary form as well as translating the original intent of the author. As a result,
passages that would have been read as poetry by first century readers actually
INTRODUCTION
appear in poetic form in the ISV. For example, see Christ’s complaint to the
Pharisees recorded in Luke 7:32 (page 128), the Christ Hymn of Philippians 2:6-
11 (page 325), the Apostle Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 (page
325), the Common Confession of 1 Timothy 3:16 (page 393), Paul’s Hymn to
Christ in Titus 3:4-7 (page 407), Paul’s witty quote of the ancient Greek poet
Epimenides in Titus 1:12 (page 406), and the “trustworthy sayings” of Paul in 1
Timothy 1:15 (page 391), 1 Timothy 3:1 (page 393), 1 Timothy 4:8 (page 394), and
2 Timothy 2:11 (page 400).
4. The ISV is Sensitive to Literary Forms in the Original Text
The ISV treats synoptic parallels with special sensitivity. For example,
historical narratives in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were carefully
examined in the original Greek text in order to compare each occurrence in the
text where the narratives appeared to describe similar instances. Unlike all other
English language translations available today, the ISV translates each separate
synoptic instance with exact translational parity in each textual occurrence. In
those parallel passages where the Greek text occurs with word-for-word
synoptic identity, readers will discover that the ISV translates these passages into
word-for-word English equivalents. In those parallel passages where the Greek
text in the parallel passages approaches, but does not reach, a word-for-word
identity, the ISV has adjusted the English language translation to reflect the
similar, but not exact, nature of the parallel passages. Similar attention to detail
has been adhered to in the synoptic pre-exilic Old Testament history books of
Chronicles, Kings, and Samuel. To the best of our knowledge and belief, this
level of translational accuracy has never been attained in any English language
translation produced to date.
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International Standard Version 2.0 Introduction
The reader will notice—particularly in the Bible’s historical narratives, in the

four Gospels, and in the Book of Acts—that the ISV usually shifts its style of
English composition in order to utilize contractions when translating quoted
words of a speaker, even though the ISV generally avoids the use of contractions
when rendering historical narratives or written correspondence. The Committee
intended that a sense of the informal be communicated when people are
speaking and that a sense of the formal be communicated when people are
writing.
5. The ISV is Sensitive to Conservative, Modern Textual Scholarship
The ISV includes the latest scholarly analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls and is
the first modern English language translation to contain an exhaustive treatment
of catalogued Dead Sea Scrolls materials produced courtesy of Dr. Peter Flint and
Dr. Eugene Ulrich, two of the world’s foremost authorities on the Dead Sea
Scrolls. Every major variant from the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Scriptures
contained in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint was carefully examined
and catalogued for the ISV by a special team of scholars under the direction of
Dr. Peter Flint. All significant departures from traditional understandings of
INTRODUCTION
various Old Testament readings were carefully analyzed and are presented for
the reader’s consideration in footnotes. To the best of our knowledge and belief,
no other modern translation in any language contains such an exhaustive
treatment of Dead Sea Scrolls variants as may be found in the ISV. The present
release of the ISV contains these analyses only for the Psalms and Proverbs. A
future version release of the ISV will contain an analysis for the rest of the
Hebrew Scriptures.
6. The ISV is a Literal-Idiomatic Translation
The translation theory behind the ISV differs from theories employed in
previous Bible translations. Traditionally, two basic methods of Bible translation
have been used. The older method (and for many centuries practically the only
method used) has been labeled “literal” or “formal equivalent.” This type of
translation allows readers to identify as fully as possible with the source
languages of Scripture and to understand as much as they can of the Bible’s
customs, manners of thought, and means of expression.
The other method is termed “idiomatic” or “functional equivalent.” The goal
of an idiomatic translation is to achieve the closest natural equivalent in modern
language to match the ideas of the original text. Idiomatic translations have little
or no concern for maintaining the grammatical forms, sentence structure, and
consistency of word usage of the source languages.
All major translations of the Bible fall somewhere on a scale between
complete formal equivalence and complete functional equivalence. Some of
these translations are quite literal (e.g., the King James Version [KJV], the New
King James Version [NKJV®], the American Standard Version of 1901 [ASV], the
New American Standard Bible [NASB®], the Holman Christian Standard Bible
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[HCSB®], the Revised Standard Version [RSV®], and the New Revised Standard
Version [NRSV®]). Other translations lean toward the idiomatic end of the
spectrum (e.g., the New International Version [NIV®], the New English Bible
[NEB®], the Revised English Bible [REB®], the Good News Bible [GNB®], the
New Living Translation [NLT®], The Message, and the Contemporary English
Version [CEV®]).
It is clear that each of these methods of Bible translation has its limitations.
Competent Bible translators have always recognized that a strictly literal
translation of the words of Scripture can be misleading. For example, “the
wicked will not stand in the judgment” might be interpreted as proving that evil
people actually would not be judged. Hence literalness is not always equivalent
to accuracy.
On the other hand, the limitations of idiomatic translations are also obvious.
Such translations frequently tend to cast the words of Scripture into new molds
that convey the ideas in a significantly different spirit or emphasis. Idiomatic
translations have, in a sense, a commentary built into them; they represent a
choice made by the translators as to what the translators think a passage means.
For that reason, an idiomatic translation is easier to read but less reliable for
INTRODUCTION
careful study.
A good translation will steer a careful course between word-for-word
translation and interpretation under the guise of translating. In other words, a
good translation will be both reliable and readable. The best translation, then, is
one that is both accurate and idiomatic at the same time. It will make every
effort to reproduce the culture and exact meaning of the text without sacrificing
readability. The ISV Foundation calls this type of translation “literal-idiomatic.”
Of these three basic types of translation—literal, literal-idiomatic, and
idiomatic—the translators of the ISV have, without hesitation, opted for the
second. This is not because it happens to be the middle option, simply avoiding
extremes, but because the literal-idiomatic translation is the only choice that
avoids the dangers of over-literalness and of over-interpretation discussed
above. Teaching biblical truth demands extreme fidelity to the original text of
Scripture. However, a translation of the Bible need not sacrifice English clarity in
order to maintain a close correspondence to the source languages. The goal of
the ISV, therefore, has been both accuracy and excellence in communication.
How the ISV Was Produced
The ISV Foundation provided for the actual work of translating by
appointing:
¾ A Committee on Translation, which oversees the work of translation from

beginning to end, including the supervision of all consultants. These
individuals have been selected for their competence in biblical studies and
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on the basis of an inter-denominational representation of the worldwide

Christian community.
¾ A General Editor, who is responsible for organizing and directing the work
of the Committee on Translation. The General Editor continually evaluates
the project in terms of the quality of the translation and the efficiency with
which the work is being pursued.
¾ Associate Editors for the Old and New Testaments, who are especially
capable in the biblical languages and exegesis. Associate Editors coordinate
all Committee procedures related to their areas of expertise.
After base renderings were produced by individual scholars, the Committee on

Translation refined the base rendering to produce a review draft for further
examination by a select group of Contributing Scholars who offered suggestions
for their improvement. At the same time, an English Review Committee checked
the translation for adherence to modern literary and communication standards
and suggested stylistic improvements for consideration by the Committee on
Translation.
INTRODUCTION
Principles of Translation Used in the ISV
The following principles of translation were followed in producing the ISV.
1. For the Tanakh, or Old Testament, the Masoretic text as published in the
latest editions of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and Quinta is used as the base
text, in consultation with other ancient Hebrew texts such as the Dead Sea
Scrolls, the Samaritan Pentateuch, and a select number of ancient versions
(the Septuagint, the Vulgate, the Syriac Peshitta, and the Targums). All
significant departures from the base text, as well as all significant textual
variants, are indicated in footnotes.
2. For the New Testament, the main text of the 27th edition of the Nestle-Aland
Novum Testamentum Graece and the main text of the 4th Revised Edition of
the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament is used for the base text. The
ISV New Testament does not rely solely on one family of manuscripts, such
as the Textus Receptus redaction (commonly known as the Received Text),
or the Westcott-Hort redaction. Instead, a wide choice of manuscript
traditions was consulted. All significant departures from the base text, as
well as all significant textual variants, are indicated in footnotes.
3. The ISV uses literary English, avoiding idioms that come and go, and is as
traditional as necessary. Terms such as “justification,” “redemption,”
“atonement,” and the Johannine “abide in” formulae have been retained.
Where the Committee on Translation determines that a word-for-word
translation is unacceptable, a change can be made in the direction of a more
current language idiom. In these instances, the more literal rendering is
indicated in a footnote. In the ISV New Testament, the Greek word christos is
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translated as “Messiah”—for example, the name and title Jesus Christ is

rendered as Jesus the Messiah—in order to emphasize the radical and unique
testimony of the New Testament writers that all things about which they
wrote pertained to Jesus as the claimed fulfillment of the hope of Israel’s
Messiah.
4. When the text can be understood in different ways, an attempt is made
either to provide a rendering in which the same ambiguity appears in
English, or to decide the more likely sense and translate accordingly. In the
latter case, a footnote indicates the alternative understanding of the text. In
general, the ISV attempts to preserve the relative ambiguity of the text rather
than to make positive statements that depend on the translators’ judgment
or that might reflect theological bias.
5. Whenever possible, a short sentence is translated by a short sentence.
However, a very long sentence may be translated in two or more sentences,
provided the original intent of the text is accurately reflected.
6. Regarding the Greek tenses, the ISV is guided by observing the grammatical
nuances of the Greek in conjunction with the language rules of
INTRODUCTION
contemporary English. The policy of distinguishing the Greek imperfect

tense from the aorist indicative is followed when the distinction is
grammatically significant and stylistically acceptable. For example, in
addition to the progressive imperfect (e.g., “he was proclaiming”), other
possible renderings of the imperfect tense include the inceptive imperfect
(“he began to proclaim”), the iterative imperfect (“he used to proclaim”), and
the customary imperfect (“he would proclaim”). Where the context indicates
that no distinction is being made between the imperfect and the aorist, the
aoristic imperfect (“he proclaimed”) is used.
7. Special attention is given to the translation of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
conjunctions. They are rendered in ways that best fit the immediate context
or omitted in translation without a footnote when deemed pleonastic.
8. In the Old Testament, the traditional “LORD” is used for Yahweh. Where the
Hebrew Adonai Yahweh occurs, the rendering “Lord GOD” is used. Yahweh
Elohim is rendered as LORD God. Most titles of God are translated in the text,
with the original title placed in a footnote.
9. A noun may be substituted for a pronoun when it is needed for clarity. In
these cases, the literal rendering is placed in a footnote.
10. Characteristic features of the original languages, such as order of words and
the structure of phrases and clauses, are to be reproduced in translation
wherever possible without sacrificing English style.
11. The use of inclusive language is limited to where the meaning of the original
text is inclusive of both sexes, and then only without compromising
scholarly integrity or good English style. Specifically:
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a. The generic use of “he,” “him,” “his,” “himself,” etc. may be used to
translate generic third person masculine singular pronouns in Hebrew,
Aramaic, and Greek. Person and number are retained: Generally,
singulars are not changed to plurals, and third person statements are not
changed to second person or first person statements.
b. Substantival participles such as ho pisteuon may be rendered inclusively:
“the one who believes,” “the person who believes,” etc.
c. “Man,” “mankind,” “humankind,” “humanity,” “people,” “human
beings,” etc. may be used to designate the human race or human beings
in general.
d. Hebrew zaqar and Greek aner are usually translated “man” or “men.”
The Hebrew ‘am, usually translated “people”, is occasionally rendered
“army” when utilized in a military context. Hebrew tribal names usually
are referred to with the introductory phrase “the tribe of,” even if the
base text does not utilize this phrase, with the additional words noted in
an explanatory footnote.
INTRODUCTION
e. The Greek plural noun anthropoi may be translated “people” or
“persons” instead of “men.” The singular anthropos may be translated
“person” or “man” when it refers to a male human being.
f. The Greek indefinite pronoun tis may be rendered “anyone,”
“someone,” “a person,” “a man,” etc.
g. Pronouns such as the Greek oudeis may be rendered “no one,” “no
person,” etc.
h. When used substantivally, the Hebrew kol and the Greek pas may be
rendered “everyone,” “every man,” or (in the plural) “all people.”
i. “Son of Man” as a traditional reference to Christ is retained.
j. Masculine references to God are retained.
k. The Greek plural noun adelphoi is normally rendered “brothers” but may
be changed to such expressions as “fellow believers” or “dear friends” in
appropriate contexts.
l. Hebrew ben and Greek huios may be rendered “child” or “children” and
“son” or “sons.” When used as a descriptive term preceding an ethnic
group meaning “descendants of,” the Hebrew term ben may be rendered
“descendants of” or the term may be conflated into a generic descriptor
(e.g., bene Israel is rendered “Israelites), depending upon context
m. Hebrew ab and Greek pater may be rendered “parent” or “parents,”
“ancestor” or “ancestors,” or “forefathers.”
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12. Because the original languages of Scripture provide no special indication

other than grammatical context to identify pronouns or predicate
nominatives that refer to deity, predicate nominatives and pronouns whose
antecedent is God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit are not capitalized.
13. Words that describe portions of Scripture, such as “law” are capitalized only
when they refer to a specific section of Scripture (e.g., the “Law and the
Prophets”) or are used as a part of a title (e.g., “this Book of the Law”). In
certain contexts, particularly in the Psalms, the Hebrew word “law” may
mean either divine instruction in general, or the Torah (Genesis –
Deuteronomy), or both. In these instances, the word “law” is rendered as
“instruction”.
14. The serial comma is used before the last item in a series of persons, places, or
things.
15. The relative pronoun “which” is used (1) after a comma, (2) in the expression
“that which,” and (3) in a question. Otherwise, the pronoun “that” is used.
16. For the future tense, the auxiliary verb “will” is used in place of “shall.” The
INTRODUCTION
Hebrew verb form traditionally rendered as an imperatival future (e.g., “You

shall not murder”) is translated in the ISV as a descriptive imperatival (e.g.,
“You are not to murder.”). With the simple future, “will” is used.
17. Hebrew and Greek exclamatory indicators (e.g., the Hebrew hine and the
Greek idou) traditionally translated “Behold!” or “Lo!” are rendered in ways
that best fit the immediate context and that best represent contemporary
English usage (e.g., “Look,” “See,” “Suddenly,” “Here,” “Indeed,” etc.). In
certain cases, exclamatory indicators have been omitted entirely, with an
exclamation point added at the termination of the sentence to indicate the
placement of exclamatory indicators in the base text.
18. Because the Hebrew and Greek equivalents to the English “It came to
pass…” are often only transitional words marking the beginning of a new
episode, they are sometimes not reproduced. In other instances, the
translator may use a more natural English equivalent (e.g., “It was so,” “And
then,” “Later,” etc.).
19. In parallel texts such as the Synoptic Gospels, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and
1 & 2 Chronicles, consistency of rendering is carefully observed.
20. The Hebrew and Greek counterpart for “saying,” when pleonastic, may be
omitted in translation without a footnote.
21. Marginal notes may include literal renderings (Lit.), alternate renderings
(Or), explanatory words or phrases (I.e.), notes on significant textual
variants, and other explanatory comments. With textual variants, language
such as “the earliest and best manuscripts omit...” or “most manuscripts
x
add...” is avoided. Instead, the following language is used: “other

manuscripts lack...,” “other manuscripts read...,” etc.
22. When the New Testament quotes from the Tanakh or Old Testament,
quotation marks surround the quote and a reference to the source of the
quotation is footnoted. The sources of New Testament quotations from
literature other than the Old Testament are also referenced in footnotes,
when known.
23. If additional words are necessary to clarify the sense of the translation, the
literal rendering is set forth in a footnote. Alternatively, an explanatory
footnote may be added indicating that the original text lacks the additional
wording.
24. The Greek term Hades appears to be employed as the equivalent of the
Hebrew Sheol, the general realm of the dead. Both terms rarely appear in
transliteration; instead, the ISV New Testament usually renders these terms
as “realm of the dead,” “afterlife,” or “where the dead are,” depending upon
context. Departures from this policy are clearly footnoted, and usually occur
INTRODUCTION
in Old Testament poetry. The Greek Gehenna is rendered “hell.” Tartarus is
rendered “lowest hell,” with an explanatory footnote.
25. Subheads are used to identify flow of thought and themes. Parallel passages,
where they exist, are cited in subheads.
26. Parentheses may be used in the text whenever called for by the sense of the
passage. The ISV does not use brackets to indicate disputed verses. Instead,
footnotes indicate the absence of such verses in some manuscripts.
27. Poetic passages in both the Old and New Testaments are printed in poetic
form. Certain New Testament hymns and sayings are rendered in poetry
(e.g., 2 Timothy 2:11-13).
28. Quoted statements of speakers may be rendered into English using
contractions (e.g., “can’t,” “won’t,” “don’t,” etc.) in order to communicate a
sense of natural spoken informality. The use of English language
contractions will usually be avoided when translating historical narratives or
apostolic correspondence in order to communicate a sense of formal literary
composition.
29. Numbers less than 20 are rendered as words unless they comprise part of an
inventory list or census enumeration. Numbers from 20 and above are
rendered with Arabic numerals unless they begin a sentence. Measurements
are rendered in English units with metric equivalents placed within an
explanatory footnote.
xi
About The ISV Foundation Triglyph

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INTRODUCTION
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ISV Research and Translation Team
The following is a list of individuals who have contributed to the
development of the ISV, current as of press time:
Committee on Translation
George Giacumakis, Jr., Ph.D. — General Editor
Museum of Biblical and Sacred Writings, Irvine, CA
Edward M. Curtis, Ph.D. — Associate Editor, Old Testament
Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
David Alan Black, D.Theol. — Associate Editor, New Testament
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ronald D. Rietveld, Ph.D. Member, Committee on Translation
California State University, Fullerton (emeritus)
William P. Welty, Ph.D. — Associate Editor, Old Testament
The ISV Foundation, Paramount, CA
Contributing Scholars
Gleason Archer, Ph.D. Gary M. Burge, Ph.D.
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James A. Brooks, D.Phil. Harold W. Hoehner, Ph.D.
xii
Arthur H. Lewis, Ph.D. Douglas J. Moo, Ph.D.

Malcolm F. Lowe, Ph.D. Robert Morey, Ph.D.
Scott E. McClelland, Ph.D. J. Robert Vannoy, Ph.D.
Charles W. Missler, Ph.D.
English Review Committee

Selected English language readers serve as reviewers of the ISV. Because
some reviewers prefer that their work be rendered and acknowledged
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publish their names:
John J. Brugaletta Ted Curtis Smythe, Ph.D.

Robert D. Carpenter, M.D. Dr. Ingo Sorke
Paul Hawkins Randy Talbot
Wayne Leman Charles R. Welty
Charles W. Missler, Ph.D. Efrem Zimbalist, Jr
Steven Schroeder
INTRODUCTION
Supplemental Scholarship
Materials for production of footnotes regarding Dead Sea Scrolls variants
from the Masoretic Text were produced courtesy of Dr. Peter Flint and Dr.
Eugene Ulrich. Citations of the Tanakh (the Old Testament) in the ISV New
Testament conform to Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament: A Complete
Survey, Archer, Gleason L. and Chirichigno, Gregory C., eds., (Chicago: Moody
Press, 1983).
Notice of Errata in Electronic Editions

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Foundation’s web site at http://isv.org/downloads.
xiii
xiv
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
MATTHEW
MATTHEW
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Jesus the Messiah and his brothers at the time of the
1
1
This isa a record of the lifeb of deportation to Babylon.
12
Jesus the Messiah, the son of After the deportation to
David, the son of Abraham. Babylon, Jechoniah fathered Salathiel,
Salathiel fathered Zerubbabel,
The Ancestry of Jesus 13
Zerubbabel fathered Abiud, Abiud
(Luke 3:23-28)
2 fathered Eliakim, Eliakim fathered
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac
Azor, 14Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok
fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered
fathered Achim, Achim fathered
Judah and his brothers. 3Judah
Eliud, 15Eliud fathered Eleazar,
fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Eleazar fathered Matthan, and
Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron
Matthan fathered Jacob. 16Jacob
fathered Aram, 4Aram fathered
fathered Joseph, the husband of
Amminadab, Amminadab fathered
Mary, who was the mother of Jesus,h
Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered
who is called the Messiah.
Salmon. 5Salmon fathered Boaz by 17
So all the generations from
Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse, 6and Jesse Abraham to David totaled fourteeni
fathered King David. generations, and from David to the
David fathered Solomon by the deportation to Babylon totaled
wife of Uriah, 7Solomon fathered fourteen generations, and from the
Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered deportation to Babylon to the
Messiah there were fourteen
Abijah, Abijah fathered Asaph,c
8 generations.
Asaphd fathered Jehoshaphat,
1
Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, Joram The Birth of Jesus

fathered Uzziah, 9Uzziah fathered (Luke 2:1-7)
18
Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, Ahaz Now the birth of Jesus the
10
fathered Hezekiah, Hezekiah Messiah happened in this way. When
fathered Manasseh, Manasseh his mother Mary was engagedj to
fathered Amos,e and Amosf fathered Joseph, before they lived together she
Josiah. 11Josiah fathered Jechoniahg was discovered to be pregnant by the
Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph,
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks This is
being a righteous man and unwilling
b 1:1 Or birth
c 1:7 Other mss. read Asa; cf. 1Chr 3:10 h 1:16 Lit. of whom Jesus was born
d 1:8 Other mss. read Asa; cf. 1Chr 3:10 i 1:17 I.e. the numerical value of the Heb.
e 1:10 Other mss. read Amon; cf. 1Chr 3:13 name David
f 1:10 Other mss. read Amon; cf. 1Chr 3:13 j 1:18 Engagement involved a legally binding
g 1:11 Cf. Jer 22:28-30 promise of marriage.
1
Matthew 1:20 The Holy Bible
to disgrace her, decided to divorce “Where is the one who was born king
MATTHEW
her secretly. 1 of the Jews? We saw his star in the
20
After he had thought about it, eastg and have come to worship
an angel of the Lord appeared to him him.”
in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of 3
When King Herod heard this,
David, don't be afraid to take Mary as he was disturbed, as was all of
your wife, because what has been Jerusalem. 4He called together all the
conceived in her is from the Holy high priests and scribes of the people
Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and asked them where the Messiah
and you are to name him Jesus,a was to be born. 5They told him, “In
because he is the one who will save Bethlehem of Judea, because that is
his people from their sins.” 1 what was written by the prophet:
22
Now all this happened to fulfill 6
‘O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
what was declared by the Lord
you are by no means least among
through the prophet when he said,
the rulers of Judah,
23
“See, a virgin will become pregnant because from you will come a ruler
and give birth to a son, who will shepherdh my people
and they will name him Israel.’”i
Immanuel,”b 7
Then Herod secretly called together
24
which means, “God with us.” When the wise men, found out from them
Joseph got up from his sleep, he did the time the star had appeared, 8and
as the angel of the Lord had sent them to Bethlehem. He told
commanded him and took Mary asc them,j “As you go, search carefully
his wife. 25He did not have marital for the child. When you find him, tell
relations withd her until she had me so that I, too, may go and worship
given birth to a son;e and he named him.”
9
him Jesus. After listening to the king, they
Chapter 2
set out, and the star they had seen in
The Visit of the Wise Men
the eastk went ahead of them until it
2
1
After Jesus had been born in
came and stopped over the place
Bethlehem of Judea in the days of
where the child was. 10When they
King Herod, wise menf from the east saw the star, they were ecstatic with
arrived in Jerusalem 2and asked, joy. 11After they went into the house
and saw the child with his mother
a 1:21 The name Jesus means The Lord saves
b 1:23 Isa 7:14 Mary, they fell down and worshiped
c 1:24 The Gk. lacks Mary as him. Then they opened their treasure
d 1:25 Lit. not know
e 1:25 Other mss. read to her firstborn son g 2:2 Or at its rising
f 2:1 Lit. magoi (Magi); i.e. Aramaic speaking h 2:6 Or govern
wise men from Mesopotamia; or magi- i 2:6 Mic 5:2; 2 Sam 5:2
astrologers; and so throughout the chapter; cf. j 2:8 The Gk. lacks them
Dan 1:4 k 2:9 Or at its rising
2
International Standard Version 2.0 Matthew 3:3
sacks and offered him gifts of gold, because they no longer
MATTHEW
frankincense, and myrrh. 12Having existed.”c
been warned in a dream not to go
The Return to Nazareth
back to Herod, they left for their own 19
But after Herod died, an angel
country by a different road.
of the Lord appeared in a dream to
The Escape to Egypt Joseph in Egypt 20and said, “Get up,
13
After they had gone, an angel take the child and his mother, and go
of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a to the land of Israel, because those
dream and said, “Get up, take the who were trying to killd the child are
child and his mother, and flee to dead.”
Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, 21
So Josephe got up, took the
because Herod intends to search for child and his mother, and went into
the child and kill him.” 14So Josepha the land of Israel. 22But when he
got up, took the child and his mother, heard that Archelaus was ruling over
and left at night for Egypt. 15He Judea in place of his father Herod, he
stayed there until Herod's death in was afraid to go there. After having
order to fulfill what was declared by been warned in a dream, he left for
the Lord through the prophet when the region of Galilee 23and came and
he said, “Out of Egypt I called my settled in a town called Nazareth in
Son.”b order to fulfill what was said by the
The Massacre of the Infants prophets: “He will be called a
16
Herod flew into a rage when Nazarene.”f
he learned that he had been tricked
Chapter 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way

by the wise men, so he ordered the (Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-9, 15-17; John
execution of all the male children in 1:19-28)
3
Bethlehem and all its neighboring 1
About this time,g John the
regions, who were two years old and Baptist appeared, preaching in
younger, according to the time that the Judean wilderness 2and saying,
he had determined from the wise “Repent, because the kingdom of
men. 17Then what was declared by heaven is near!” 3He was the one the
the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled prophet Isaiah was referring to when
when he said, 16 2
he said,
18
“A voice was heard in Ramah:
wailing and great mourning.
Rachel was crying for her children.
She refused to be comforted, c 2:18 Jer 31:15
d 2:20 Lit. were seeking the life of
e 2:21 Lit. he
f 2:23 The Gk. Nazoraios may be a word play
between Heb. netser, meaning branch (see Isa
a 2:14 Lit. he 11:1), and the name Nazareth.
b 2:15 Hos 11:1 g 3:1 Lit. In those days
3
“He is a voice calling out in the baptize you withh the Holy Spirit and
MATTHEW
wilderness: fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his
‘Prepare the way for the Lord! hand. He will clean up his threshing
Make his paths straight!’”a floor and gather his grain into the
4 barn, but he will burn the chaff with
John had clothing made of camel's
inextinguishable fire.”
hair and woreb a leather belt around
his waist. His diet consisted of locusts Jesus is Baptized
and wild honey. (Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
13
5
Then the people ofc Jerusalem, Then Jesus came from Galilee
all Judea, and the entire region along to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14
the Jordan began flocking to him, But John tried to stop him, saying, “I
6
being baptized by him in the Jordan need to be baptized by you, and are
River while they confessed their sins. 3
you coming to me?”
15
7
But when Johnd saw many But Jesus answered him, “Let it
Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be this way for now, because this is
where he was baptizing,e he said to the proper way for us to fulfill all
them, “You children of serpents! Who righteousness.”i
warned you to flee from the coming At this, he permitted him to be
wrath? 8Produce fruit that is baptized.j 16When Jesus had been
consistent with repentance! 9Don't baptized, he immediately came up
think you can say to yourselves, ‘We out of the water. Suddenly the
have father Abraham!’ because I tell heavens opened up for him, and he
you that God can raise up saw the Spirit of God descending like
descendants for Abraham from these a dove and coming to rest on him.
17
stones! 10The ax already lies against Then a voice from heaven said,
the roots of the trees. So every tree “This is my Son, whom I love. I am
that isn’t producing good fruit will be pleased with him!”
cut down and thrown into the fire. 11I Chapter 4
Jesus is Tempted by Satan

am baptizing you withf water as a (Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
4
token of repentance,g but the one 1
After this, Jesus was led by the
who is coming after me is stronger Spirit into the wilderness to be
than I am, and I am not worthy to tempted by the devil. 2After fasting
carry his sandals. It is he who will for 40 days and 40 nights, he finally
became hungry.
3
The tempter came and said to
a 3:3 Isa 40:3 him, “Sincek you are the Son of God,
b 3:4 The Gk. lacks wore
c 3:5 The Gk. lacks the people of
d 3:7 Lit. he h 3:11 Or in
e 3:7 Lit. to his baptism i 3:15 Dan 9:24
f 3:11 Or in j 3:15 The Gk. lacks to be baptized
g 3:11 Lit. for repentance k 4:3 Or “If, as is the case,
4
10
tell these stones to become loaves of Then Jesus said to him, “Go
MATTHEW
bread.” away,i Satan! Because it is written,
4
But he answered, “It is written,
‘You must worship the Lord your
‘One must not live on bread alone, God
but on every word coming and serve only him.’”j
out of the mouth of God.’”a 11
Then the devil left him, and
5
Then the devil took him to the angels came and began ministering to
Holy Cityb and had him stand on the him.
highest point of the temple. 6He said Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
to Jesus,c “Sinced you are the Son of (Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15)
God, throw yourself down, because it 12
Now when Jesusk heard that
is written, John had been arrested, he went back
‘Gode will put his angels in charge to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and
of you,’ went and settled in Capernaum by
the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and
and
Naphtali, 14in order to fulfill what was
‘With their hands they will hold declared by the prophet Isaiah when
you up, he said,
so that you will never hit your 15
“O Land of Zebulun and Land of
foot against a rock.’”f Naphtali,
7
Jesus said to him, “It is also on the road to the sea, across the
written, ‘You must not tempt the Jordan,
Lord your God.’”g Galilee of the Gentiles!
16
8
Once more the devil took him The people livingl in darkness have
to a very high mountain and showed seen a great light,
him all the kingdoms of the world, and for those livingm in the land
along with their splendor. 9He said to and shadow of death,
Jesus,h “I will give you all these a light has risen.”n
if you will bow down and worship 17
From then on, Jesus began to preach
me!”
and to say, “Repent, because the
kingdom of heaven is near!”
a 4:4 Deut 8:3

b 4:5 I.e. Jerusalem
c 4:6 Lit. him i 4:10 Other mss. read Get behind me
d 4:6 Or “If, as is the case, j 4:10 Deut 6:13
e 4:6 Lit. He k 4:12 Lit. he
f 4:6 Ps 91:11-12 l 4:16 Lit. sitting
g 4:7 Deut 6:16 m 4:16 Lit. sitting
h 4:9 Lit. him n 4:16 Isa 9:1-2
5
1
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen When Jesuse saw the crowds, he
MATTHEW
5
(Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11)
18
While Jesusa was walking
beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two
went up on the hill. After taking his
seat, his disciples came to him, 2and
he beganf to teach them, saying:
brothers—Simon (alsob called Peter)
The Blessed Attitudes
and his brother Andrew. They were
(Luke 6:20-23)
casting a net into the sea because 3
“How blessed are those who are
they were fishermen. 19He said to
destitute in spirit,
them, “Follow me, and I will make
because the kingdom of heaven
you fishers of people!” 20So at once
belongs to them!
they left their nets and followed him. 4
21 “How blessed are those who
Going on from there he saw two
mourn,
other brothers—James son of
because it is they who will be
Zebedee and his brother John. They
comforted!
were in a boat with their father 5
Zebedee repairing their nets. When
humble,g
he called them, 22they immediately
because it is they who will inherit
left the boat and their father and
the earth!
followed him. 6
19
Jesus Ministers to Many People hungry and thirsty for

(Luke 6:17-19) righteousness,h
23
Then he went throughout because it is they who will be
Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, satisfied!
proclaiming the gospel of the 7
kingdom, and healing every disease merciful,
and every illness among the people. because it is they who will receive
24
His fame spread throughout Syria, mercy!
and peoplec brought to him everyone 8
who was sick—those afflicted with pure in heart,
various diseases and pains, the because it is they who will see
demon-possessed, the epileptics, and God!
the paralyzed—and he healed them. 9
“How blessed are those who make
25
Large crowds from Galilee, the peace,
Decapolis,d Jerusalem, Judea, and because it is they who will be
from across the Jordan followed him. 4 called God's children!
Chapter 5
Jesus Teaches about the Kingdom
a 4:18 Lit. he
b 4:18 The Gk. lacks also e 5:1 Lit. he
c 4:24 Lit. they f 5:2 Lit. he opened his mouth and began
d 4:25 Lit. the Ten Cities, a loose federation of g 5:5 Or gentle
ten cities strongly influenced by Greek culture h 5:6 Or justice
6
10
“How blessed are those who are disappear, not one letterd or one
MATTHEW
persecuted for righteousness’ stroke of a letter will disappear from
sake, the Law until everything has been
because the kingdom of heaven accomplished. 19So whoever sets
belongs to them! asidee one of the least of these
11
“How blessed are you whenever commandments and teaches others to
peoplea insult you, persecute you, do the same will be called least in the
and say all sorts of evil things against kingdom of heaven. But whoever
does them and teaches them will be
you falselyb because of me! 12Rejoice
called great in the kingdom of heaven
and be extremely glad, because your 20
because I tell you, unless your
reward in heaven is great! That's how
righteousness greatly exceeds that of
they persecuted the prophets who
the scribes and Pharisees, you will
came before you.”
never enter the kingdom of heaven!”
Salt and Light in the World
Teaching about Anger
(Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35) 21
13 “You have heard that it was
“You are the salt of the world.
said to those who lived long ago,
But if the salt should lose its taste,
how can it be made salty again? It's ‘You must not murder,’f and
good for nothing but to be thrown ‘Whoever murders will be subject to
out and trampled on by people. punishment.’g 22But I say to you,
14
“You are the light of the world. anyone who is angry with his brother
A city located on a hill can't be without a causeh will be subject to
hidden. 15Peoplec don't light a lamp punishment. And whoever says to his
and put it under a basket but on a brother ‘Raka!’i will be subject to the
lamp stand, and it gives light to Council.j And whoever says ‘You
everyone in the house. 16In the same fool!’ will be subject to hellk fire.
23
way, let your light shine before “So if you are presenting your
people in such a way that they will gift at the altar and remember there
see your good actions and glorify that your brother has something
your Father in heaven.” against you, 24leave your gift there
before the altar and first go and be
Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
17 reconciled to your brother. Then
“Do not think that I came to
come and offer your gift. 25Come to
destroy the Law or the Prophets. I
didn't come to destroy them, but to d 5:18 Lit. one iota
fulfill them, 18because I tell you with e 5:19 Or breaks
certainty that until heaven and earth f 5:21 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17
g 5:21 Exod 21:12; Lev 24:17
h 5:22 Other mss. lack without a cause
i 5:22 Raka is Aram. for You worthless one
a 5:11 Lit. they j 5:22 Or Sanhedrin
b 5:11 Other mss. lack falsely k 5:22 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
c 5:15 Lit. They the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
7
terms quickly with your opponent causes her to commit adultery, and
MATTHEW
while you are on the way to court,a whoever marries a divorced woman
or your opponent may hand you over commits adultery.”
to the judge, and the judge to the Teaching about Oaths
guard, and you will be thrown into 33
“Again, you have heard that it
prison. 26I tell you with certainty, you was said to those who lived long ago,
will not get out of there until you pay ‘You must not swear an oath falsely,’
back the last dollar!”b but ‘You must fulfill your oaths to the
Teaching about Adultery Lord.’g 34But I tell you not to swear at
27
“You have heard that it was all, neither by heaven, because it is
said, ‘You must not commit God's throne, 35nor by the earth,
adultery.’c 28But I say to you, anyone because it is his footstool, nor by
who stares at a woman with lust for Jerusalem, because it is the city of the
her has already committed adultery Great King. 36Nor should you swear
with her in his heart. 29So if your right by your head, because you cannot
eye causes you to sin, tear it out and make one hair white or black.
37
throw it away. It is better for you to Instead, let your message be ‘Yes’
lose one of your body parts than to for ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ for ‘No.’ Anything
have your whole body thrown into more than that comes from the evil
hell.d 30And if your right hand causes one.”
you to sin, cut it off and throw it Teaching about Retaliation
away from you. It is better for you to (Luke 6:29-30)
lose one of your body parts than to 38
“You have heard that it was
have your whole body go into hell.”e 27
said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth
Teaching about Divorce for a tooth.’h 39But I tell you not to
(Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; resist an evildoer. On the contrary,
Luke 16:18) whoever slaps you on the right
31
“It was also said, ‘Whoever cheek, turn the other to him as well.
40
divorces his wife must give her a If anyone wants to sue you and take
written notice of divorce.’f 32But I say your shirt, let him have your coat as
to you, any man who divorces his well. 41And if anyone forces you to go
wife, except for sexual immorality, one mile, go two with him. 42Give to
the person who asks you for
something, and do not turn away
a 5:25 Lit. while you are with him on the way from the person who wants to
b 5:25 Lit. quadran; i.e. about 1/64th of a daily
borrow something from you.”
wage for a common worker
c 5:27 Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18
d 5:29 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
e 5:30 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom g 5:33 Lev 19:12; Num 30:2; Deut 23:21-23
f 5:31 Deut 24:1, 3 h 5:38 Exod 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21
8
Teaching about Love for Enemies your Father who sees in secret will
MATTHEW
(Luke 6:27-28, 32-36) reward you.”e2
43
“You have heard that it was
Teaching about Prayer
said, ‘You must love your neighbor’a
(Luke 11:2-4)
and hate your enemy. 44But I say to 5
“And whenever you pray, don't
you, love your enemies, and pray for
be like the hypocrites who love to
those who persecute you, 45so that
stand in the synagogues and on the
you will become children of your
street corners so that they will be
Father in heaven, because he makes
seen by people. I tell you with
his sun rise on both evil and good
certainty, they have their full reward!
people, and he lets rain fall on the 6
But whenever you pray, go into your
righteous and the unrighteous. 46If
room, close the door, and pray to
you love those who love you, what
your Father who is hidden. And your
reward will you have? Even the tax
Father who sees from the hidden
collectors do the same, don't they?
47 place will reward you.f
And if you greet only your relatives, 7
“When you are praying, don't
that’s no great thing you’re doing, is
say meaningless thingsg like the
it? Even the gentilesb do the same,
gentiles do, because they think they
don't they? 48So be perfect,c as your
will be heard by being so wordy.
heavenly Father is perfect.”d 47 5 8
Don't be like them, because your
Father knows what you need before
Chapter 6
Teaching about Giving to the Poor
6
1
“Be careful not to practice your you ask him. 9“Therefore, this is how
righteousness in front of people you should pray:
in order to be noticed by them. If you ‘Our Father in heaven,
do, you will have no reward from may your name be kept holy.
your Father in heaven. 2So whenever 10
May your kingdom come.
you give to the poor, don't blow a May your will be done,
trumpet before you like the on earth as it is in heaven.
hypocrites do in the synagogues and 11
Give us today our daily bread,
in the streets so that they will be 12
and forgive us our sins,h
praised by people. I tell you with as we have forgiven those who
certainty, they have their full reward!
3 have sinned against us.i
But when you give to the poor, don't 13
And never bring us into
let your left hand know what your
temptation,
right hand is doing, 4so that your
but deliver us from the evil one.’a
giving may be done in secret. And
e 6:4 Other mss. read reward you openly

a 5:43 Lev 19:18 f 6:6 Other mss. read reward you openly
b 5:47 Other mss. read tax collectors g 6:7 Or words
c 5:48 Or mature h 6:12 Or debts
d 5:48 Or mature i 6:12 Or forgiven our debtors
9
14
Because if you forgive people their whole body will be full of light. 23But
MATTHEW
offenses, your heavenly Father will if your eye is evil, your whole body
also forgive you. 15But if you do not will be full of darkness. Therefore, if
forgive people their offenses,b your the light within you has turned into
Father will not forgive your offenses.” darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Teaching about Fasting God and Riches
16
“Whenever you fast, don't be (Luke 16:13)
24
gloomy like the hypocrites, because “No one can serve two masters,
they put on sad faces to show others because either he will hate one and
they are fasting. I tell you with love the other, or be loyal to one and
certainty, they have their full reward! despise the other. You cannot serve
17
But when you fast, put oil onc your God and riches!”e
head and wash your face, 18so that Stop Worrying
your fasting will not be noticed by (Luke 12:22-34)
others but by your Father who is in 25
“That's why I'm telling you to
the hidden place. And your Father stop worrying about your life—what
who watches from the hidden place
you will eat or what you will drinkf—
will reward you.”d or about your body—what you will
Teaching about Treasures wear. Life is more than food, isn't it,
(Luke 12:33-34) and the body more than clothing?
26
19
“Stop storing up treasures for Look at the birds in the sky. They
yourselves on earth, where moths don't plant or harvest or gather food
and rust destroy and where thieves into barns, and yet your heavenly
break in and steal. 20But keep on Father feeds them. You are more
storing up treasures for yourselves in valuable than they are, aren't you?
27
heaven, where moths and rust do not Can any of you add a single hour to
destroy and where thieves do not the length of your lifeg by worrying?
28
break in and steal, 21because where And why do you worry about
your treasure is, there your heart will clothes? Consider the lilies in the field
be also.” and how they grow. They don't work
or spin yarn, 29but I tell you that not
The Lamp of the Body
even Solomon in all his splendor was
(Luke 11:34-36)
22 clothed like one of them. 30Now if
“The eye is the lamp of the
that is the way God clothes the grass
body. So if your eye is healthy, your
in the field, which is alive today and
thrown into an oven tomorrow,
a 6:13 Other mss. read evil one. For yours is
the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever. Amen.
b 6:15 Other mss. lack their offenses e 6:24 Lit. mammon; i.e. wealth
c 6:17 Or anoint f 6:25 Other mss. lack or what you will drink
d 6:18 Other mss. read reward you openly g 6:27 Or add one cubit to your height
10
won't he clothe you much better— pigs. Otherwise, they will trample
MATTHEW
you who have little faith?26 6 them with their feet and then turn
31
“So don't ever worry by saying, around and attack you.”
‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What
Ask, Search, Knock
are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are
(Luke 11:9-13)
we going to wear?’ 32because it is the 7
“Keep asking, and it will be
gentiles who are eager for all those
given to you. Keep searching, and
things. Surely your heavenly Father
you will find. Keep knocking, and the
knows that you need all of them!
33 doorc will be opened for you.
But first be concerned about God's 8
Because everyone who keeps asking
kingdom and his righteousness,a and
will receive, and the person who
all of these things will be provided for
keeps searching will find, and the
you as well. 34So never worry about
person who keeps knocking will have
tomorrow, because tomorrow will
the doord opened.
worry about itself. Each day has 9
“There isn't a person among
enough trouble of its own.”
you who would give his son a stone if
he asked for bread, is there? 10Or if he
Chapter 7
Judging Others
(Luke 6:37-38, 41-42) asks for a fish, he wouldn't give him a
7 snake, would he? 11So if you who are

1
“Stop judging, so that you won't
be judged, 2because the way that evil know how to give good gifts to
you judgeb others will be the way your children, how much more will
you will be judged, and you will be your Father in heaven give good
evaluated by the standard with which things to those who keep on asking
you evaluate others. him! 12Therefore, whatever you want
3
“Why do you see the speck in people to do for you, do the same for
your brother's eye but fail to notice them, because this summarizes the
the beam in your own eye? 4Or how Law and the Prophets.”
can you say to your brother, ‘Let me The Narrow Gate
take the speck out of your eye,’ when (Luke 13:24)
the beam is in your own eye? 5You 13
“Go in through the narrow
hypocrite! First remove the beam gate, because the gate is wide and the
from your own eye, and then you road is spacious that leads to
will see clearly enough to remove the destruction, and many people are
speck from your brother's eye.” entering by it. 14How narrow is the
Despising the Holy gate and how constricted is the road
6
“Never give what is holy to that leads to life, and there aren’t
dogs or throw your pearls before many people who find it!”
a 6:33 Other mss. read his kingdom and

righteousness c 7:7 Lit. and it
b 7:2 Lit. measure d 7:8 Lit. have it
11
A Tree is Known by Its Fruit because its foundation was on the
MATTHEW
(Luke 6:43-44) rock. 7
15 26
“Beware of false prophets who “Everyone who keeps on
come to you in sheep’s clothing but hearing these messagesc of mine and
inwardly are savage wolves. 16You never puts them into practice is like a
will know them by their fruit. Grapes foolish man who built his house on
aren't gathered from thorns, or figs sand. 27The rain fell, the floods came,
from thistles, are they? 17In the same and the winds blew and battered that
way, every good tree produces good house, and it collapsed, and its
fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad collapse was total.”
28
fruit. 18A good tree cannot produce When Jesus had finished
bad fruit, and a rotten tree cannot saying all these things,d the crowds
produce good fruit. 19Every tree that were utterly amazed at his teaching,
29
doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut because he was teaching them like a
down and thrown into a fire. 20So by person who had authority, and not
their fruit you will know them.”18
like their scribes.
Chapter 8
I Never Knew You Jesus Cleanses a Leper

(Luke 6:46; 13:25-27) (Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16)
8
21
“Not everyone who keeps 1
When Jesuse came down from
saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will get the hillside, large crowds
into the kingdom of heaven, but only followed him. 2Suddenly a leperf
the person who keeps doing the will came up to him, fell down before
of my Father in heaven. 22Many will him, and said, “Sir,g if you want to,
say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,
you can make me clean.”h
we prophesied in your name, drove 3
So Jesusi reached out his hand,
out demons in your name, and
touched him, and said, “I do want to.
performed many miracles in your
Be clean!” And instantly his leprosy
name, didn't we?’ 23Then I will tell
them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Get was made clean. 4Then Jesus said to
away from me, you evildoers!’”a21 him, “See to it that you don't speak to
anyone. Instead, go and show
The Two Foundations yourself to the priest, and then offer
(Luke 6:47-49)
24
“Therefore, everyone who
listens to these messagesb of mine
and puts them into practice is like a
wise man who built his house on a c 7:26 Or words
rock. 25The rain fell, the floods came, d 7:28 Lit. finished all these sayings
and the winds blew and beat against e 8:1 Lit. he
that house, but it did not collapse f 8:2 I.e. a man with a serious skin disease
g 8:2 Or Lord
h 8:2 I.e. restored to health and qualified to
a 7:23 Ps 6:8 participate in worship
b 7:24 Or words i 8:3 Lit. He
12
the sacrifice that Moses commandeda will be wailing and gnashing of
MATTHEW
as proof to the authorities.”b teeth.”k
13
Then Jesus said to the
Jesus Heals an Official's Son
centurion, “Go, and it will be done for
(Luke 7:1-10; John 4:43-54)
5
you just as you have believed.” And
When Jesusc returned to his servant was healed that very
Capernaum, a centuriond came up to hour.
him and begged him repeatedly,
6
“Sir,e my servant is lying at home Jesus Heals Many People
paralyzed and in terrible pain.” (Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41)
14
7 When Jesus went into Peter's
Jesusf said to him, “I will come
and heal him.” house, he saw Peter'sl mother-in-law
8 lying in bed, sick with a fever. 15He
The centurion replied, “Sir,g I
touched her hand, and the fever left
am not worthy to have you come
her. Then she got up and began
under my roof. But just say the word,
serving him.
and my servant will be healed, 16
9
because I, too, am a man under When evening came, peoplem
authority and I have soldiers under brought to him many who were
possessed by demons. He drove out
me. I say to one of themh ‘Go’ and he
goes, to another ‘Come’ and he the spirits by speaking a commandn
comes, and to my servant ‘Do this’ and healed everyone who was sick.
17
and he does it.” This was to fulfill what was declared
10
When Jesus heard this, he was by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
amazed and said to those who were “It was he who took our illnesses
following him, “I tell you with away
certainty, not eveni in Israel have I and removed our diseases.”o
found this kind of faith! 11I tell you,
many will come from east and west The Would-be Followers of Jesus
and will feast with Abraham, Isaac, (Luke 9:57-62)
18
and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus saw the large
12 crowds around him, he gave orders
But the unfaithful heirsj of that
to cross to the other side of the Sea of
kingdom will be thrown into the
outer darkness. In that place there Galilee.p 19Now a scribe came up and
said to him, “Teacher, I will follow
a 8:4 Lev 14:3-32 you wherever you go.”
20
b 8:4 Lit. to them Jesus told him,
c 8:5 Lit. he
d 8:5 I.e. a commander of about 100 soldiers
e 8:6 Or Lord k 8:12 I.e. extreme pain
f 8:7 Lit. He l 8:14 Lit. his
g 8:8 Or Lord m 8:16 Lit. they
h 8:9 The Gk. lacks of them n 8:16 Lit. spirits with a word
i 8:10 Other mss. read in no one o 8:17 Isa 53:4
j 8:12 Lit. the sons p 8:18 The Gk. lacks of the Sea of Galilee
13
“Foxes have holes and birdsa have Gerasenes,h two demon-possessed
MATTHEW
nests, men met him as they were coming
but the Son of Man has no place out of the tombs. They were so
to rest.”b violent that no one could travel on
21 that road. 29Suddenly they screamed,
Then another of his disciples
“What do you want with us, Son of
said to him, “Lord,c first let me go God? Did you come here to torture us
and bury my father.” before the proper time?”
22
But Jesus told him, “Follow me, 30
Now a large herd of pigs was
and let the dead bury their own grazing some distance away from
dead.” them. 31So the demons began to plead
Jesus Calms the Sea with Jesus,i saying, “If you drive us
(Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25) out, send us into that herd of pigs.”
32
23
When Jesusd got into the boat, He said to them, “Go,” and
his disciples went with him. they came out and went into the pigs.
24
Suddenly a violent storm came up Suddenly, the whole herd rushed
on the sea, so that the boat began to down the cliff into the sea and
be swamped by the waves. Yet Jesuse drowned in the water.
33
kept sleeping. 25Theyf went to him Now when those who had
and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save been taking care of the pigs ran away,
us! We're going to die!”24 they came into the city and reported
everything, especially what had
8
26
He asked them, “Why are you
afraid, you who have little faith?” happened to the demon-possessed
Then he got up and rebuked the men. 34Then the whole city went out
winds and the sea, and there was a to meet Jesus, and as soon as they
great calm. saw him, they begged him to leave
27
The men were amazed and their region.
said, “What kind of man is this? Even
Chapter 9
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

the winds and the sea obey him!” (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
9
1
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed After getting into a boat, Jesusj
Men crossed to the other side and
(Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39) came to his own city. 2All at once
28
When Jesusg arrived on the some peoplek brought him a
other side in the region of the paralyzed man lying on a stretcher.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to
a 8:20 Lit. birds in the sky
b 8:20 Lit. no place to lay his head
c 8:21 Or Sir h 8:28 Other mss. read Gergesenes; still other
d 8:23 Lit. he mss. read Gadarenes
e 8:24 Lit. he i 8:31 Lit. him
f 8:25 Other mss. read The disciples j 9:1 Lit. he
g 8:28 Lit. he k 9:2 Lit. they
14
the paralyzed man, “Be courageous, physician, but sick people do. 13Go
MATTHEW
son! Your sins are forgiven.” and learn what this means: ‘I want
3
Then some of the scribes said to mercy and not sacrifice,’f because I
themselves, “This fellow is did not come to call righteous people,
blaspheming!” but sinners.”
4
But Jesus, knowinga what they
A Question about Fasting
were thinking, replied, “Why do you
(Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39)
have such evil thoughts in your 14
Then John's disciples came to
hearts? 5Which is easier: to say ‘Your g
Jesus and asked, “Why do we and
sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up
and walk’? 6But so you will know that the Pharisees fast often,h but your
the Son of Man has authority on disciples don't fast?”
15
earth to forgive sins…” he said to the Jesus said to them, “The
paralyzed man, “Get up, pick up your wedding guestsi can't mourn as long
stretcher, and go home!” as the groom is with them, can they?
7
So the manb got up and went But the time will come when the
home. 8When the crowds saw this, groom will be taken away from them,
and then they will fast.”
they became frightenedc and glorified
God for giving such authority to The Unshrunk Cloth
humans. (Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36)
16
“No one patches an old
Jesus Calls Matthew
garment with a piece of unshrunk
(Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32)
9 cloth, because the patch pulls away
As Jesus went on from there, he
from the garment, and a worse tear
saw a man named Matthew sitting at
the tax collector's desk and said to results. 17Nor do peoplej pour new
him, “Follow me.” So he got up and wine into old wineskins. If they do,
followed him. the skins will burst, the wine will spill
10
While he was having dinner at out, and the skins will be ruined.
Instead, they pour new wine into
Matthew'sd home, many tax
fresh wineskins, and both are
and sinners arrived and began eating
preserved.”
with Jesus and his disciples. 11The
Pharisees saw this and asked his
disciples, “Why does your teacher eat
with tax collectors and sinners?”
12
When Jesuse heard that, he
said, “Healthy people don't need a
f 9:13 Hos 6:6
a 9:4 Lit. saw g 9:14 Lit. him
b 9:7 Lit. he h 9:14 Other mss. lack often
c 9:8 Other mss. read they were amazed i 9:15 Lit. The children of the wedding hall; or
d 9:10 Lit. the The children of the groom
e 9:12 Lit. he j 9:17 Lit. they
15
Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects Jesus asked them, “Do you
MATTHEW
a Girl believe I can do this?”
(Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56) They said to him, “Yes, Lord!”b
18
While Jesusa was telling them 29
Then he touched their eyes and
these things, an official came up, fell said, “According to your faith, let it be
down before him, and said, “My done for you!” 30And their eyes were
daughter has just died. But come and opened. Then Jesus sternly told them,
lay your hand on her, and she will “See to it that nobody knows about
live.” 19So Jesus got up and followed this.” 31But they went out and spread
him, along with his disciples. the news about him throughout that
20
Just then a woman who had region.30
been suffering from chronic bleeding
Jesus Heals a Man Who Couldn't Talk
for twelve years came up behind him 32
As the menc were going out, a
and touched the tassel of his garment,
21 man who couldn't talk because he
because she had been saying to
was demon-possessed was brought to
herself, “If I just touch his robe, I will
him. 33As soon as the demon had
get well.”
22
When Jesus turned and saw been driven out, the mand began to
her, he said, “Be courageous, speak. The crowds were amazed and
daughter! Your faith has made you said, “Nothing like this has ever been
well.” And from that very hour the seen in Israel!”
34
woman was well. But the Pharisees kept saying,
23
When Jesus came to the “He drives out demons by the ruler
official's house and saw the flute of demons.”e 9
players and the crowd making a The Compassion of Jesus

commotion, 24he said, “Go away! The 35
Then Jesus began traveling
young lady hasn't died but is throughout all the cities and villages,
sleeping.” But they ridiculed him teaching in their synagogues,
with laughter. 25When the crowd had proclaiming the gospel of the
been driven outside, he went in, took kingdom, and healing every disease
her by the hand, and the young lady and every illness. 36When he saw the
got up. 26The news of this spread crowds, he was deeply moved with
throughout that land. compassion for them, because they
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men were troubled and helpless, like
27
As Jesus was traveling on from sheep without a shepherd.
37
there, two blind men followed him, Then he said to his disciples,
shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of “The harvest is vast, but the workers
David!” 28When he had gone into the
house, the blind men came to him. b 9:28 Or Sir
c 9:32 Lit. As they
d 9:33 Lit. the man who couldn't talk
a 9:18 Lit. he e 9:34 Other mss. lack this verse
16
are few. 38So ask the Lord of the 8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse
MATTHEW
harvest to send out workers into his lepers, drive out demons.
harvest.”
Chapter 10
You have received without
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles payment,
(Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16) so give without payment.
10
1
Then Jesusa called his twelve 9
Don't take any gold, silver, or copper
disciples to him and gave in your moneybags, 10or a traveling
them authority over unclean spirits, bag for the trip, or an extra shirt,i or
so that they could drive them out and sandals, or a walking stick, because a
heal every disease and every illness. worker deserves his food.
2
These are the names of the twelve 11
“Whatever town or village you
apostles: first, Simon (who is called
enter, find out who is receptivej in it
Peter) and his brother Andrew;
and stay there until you leave. 12As
James, the son of Zebedee, and his
3 you enter the house, greet its
brother John; Philip and
occupants.k 13If the household is
Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew
the tax collector; James, the son of receptive,l let your blessing of peace
Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;b 4Simon come on it. But if it isn't receptive,m
let your blessing of peace return to
the Cananaeanc and Judas Iscariot,
you. 14If no one welcomes you or
who laterd betrayed Jesus.e
listens to your words, as you leave
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples that house or town, shake its dust off
(Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6) your feet. 15I tell you with certainty, it
5
These were the twelve disciplesf will be more bearable for the region
whom Jesus sent out after he had of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day
given them theseg instructions: of judgment than for that town!”
“Don't turn on to the road that leads Future Persecutions
to the gentiles, and don't enter (Matthew 24:9-14; Mark 13:9-13;
Samaritan towns. 6Instead, go to the Luke 21:12-19)
lost sheep of the nationh of Israel. 7As 16
“See, I am sending you out like
you go, make this announcement: sheep among wolves. So be as
‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’ cunning as serpents and as innocent
as doves. 17Watch out for people who
will hand you over to the local
a 10:1 Lit. he councils and whip you in their
b 10:3 Other mss. read Lebbaeus called synagogues. 18You will be brought
Thaddaeus
c 10:4 Cananaean is Aram. for Zealot.
d 10:4 Lit. also i 10:10 Lit. two shirts
e 10:4 Lit. him j 10:11 Lit. worthy
f 10:5 The Gk. lacks disciples k 10:12 The Gk. lacks its occupants
g 10:5 The Gk. lacks these l 10:13 Lit. worthy
h 10:6 Lit. house m 10:13 Lit. worthy
17
before governors and kings because must speak in the daylight, and what
MATTHEW
of me, to testify to them and to the is whisperede in your ear you must
gentiles. 19When they hand you over, shout from the housetops. 28Stop
don't worry about how you are to beingf afraid of those who kill the
speaka or what you are to say, body but can't kill the soul. Instead,
because in that hour what you are to be afraid of the one who can destroy
say will be given to you. 20It won't be both body and soul in hell.g
you speaking, but the Spirit of your 29
“Two sparrows are sold for a
Father speaking throughb you. penny, aren't they? Yet not one of
21
“Brother will hand brother over them will fall to the ground without
for execution, and a father his child. your Father's permission.h 30Indeed,
Children will rebel against parents even the hairs on your head have all
and have them put to death. 22You been counted! 31So stop beingi afraid.
will be hated by everyone because of You are worth more than a bunch of
my name. But the person who sparrows.”
endures to the end will be saved. 23So
when they persecute you in one Acknowledging the Messiah
town, flee to the next, because I tell (Luke 12:8-9)
32
you with certainty that you will not “Therefore, everyone who
have gone through the towns of acknowledges me before people I,
Israel before the Son of Man comes. too, will acknowledge before my
24
“A disciple is not above his Father in heaven. 33But whoever
teacher, and a slave is not above his denies me before people I, too, will
master. 25It is enough for a disciple to deny before my Father in heaven.”
be like his teacher and a slave to be Not Peace, but Division
like his master. If they have called the (Luke 12:49-53)
head of the house Beelzebul,c how 34
“Do not think that I came to
much more will they do the same tod bring peace on earth. I did not come
those of his household!” to bring peace but a sword!j 35I came
Fear God to turn
(Luke 12:2-7) ‘a man against his father,
26
“So never be afraid of them, a daughter against her mother,
because there is nothing hidden that and a daughter-in-law against her
will not be revealed, and nothing mother-in-law.
secret that will not be made known.
27
What I tell you in darkness you
e 10:27 Lit. what you hear
f 10:28 Or Don't be
a 10:19 The Gk. lacks you are to speak g 10:28 Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of the
b 10:20 Or in Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
c 10:25 The name means Lord of the Flies; i.e. h 10:29 Lit. apart from your Father
Satan i 10:31 Or don't be
d 10:25 The Gk. lacks will they do the same to j 10:34 I.e. conflict
18
36
A person's enemies will include John the Baptist Sends Messengers to
MATTHEW
members of his own family.’a Jesus
(Luke 7:18-35)
The Cost of Discipleship 2
Now when John in prison
(Luke 14:25-27)
37 heard about the activities of the
“The one who loves his father
Messiah, he sent a messagee by his
or mother more than me isn't worthy
disciples 3and asked him, “Are you
of me, and the one who loves a son
the Coming One, or should we wait
or daughter more than me isn't
for someone else?”
worthy of me. 38The one who doesn't 4
Jesus answered them, “Go and
take up his cross and follow me isn't
tell John what you hear and observe:
worthy of me. 39The one who finds 5
the blind see, the lame walk, lepers
his life will lose it, and the one who
are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead
loses his life because of me will find
are raised, and the destitute hear the
it.”
good news. 6How blessed is anyone
Rewards who is not offended by me!”
7
(Mark 9:41) As they were leaving, Jesus
40
“The one who receives you began to speak to the crowds about
receives me, and the one who John. “What did you go out into the
receives me receives the one who wilderness to see? A reed shaken by
sent me. 41The one who receives a the wind? 8Really, what did you go
prophet asb a prophet will receive a out to see? A man dressed in fancy
prophet's reward, and the one who clothes? See, those who wear fancy
receives a righteous person asc a clothes live in kings’ houses. 9Really,
righteous person will receive a what did you go out to see? A
righteous person's reward. 42I tell you prophet? Yes, I tell you, and even
with certainty, whoever gives even a more than a prophet! 10This is the
cup of cold water to one of these little man about whom it is written,9
ones because he isd a disciple will ‘See, I am sending my messenger
never lose his reward.” ahead of you,
11
Chapter 11
1
When Jesus had finished who will prepare your way
instructing his twelve before you.’f
disciples, he left there to teach and 11
preach in their home towns. I tell you with certainty, among
those born of women no one has
appeared who is greater than John
the Baptist. Yet even the least
important person in the kingdom of
heaven is greater than he.
a 10:36 Mic 7:6
b 10:41 Lit. in the name of
c 10:41 Lit. in the name of e 11:2 The Gk. lacks a message
d 10:42 Lit. in the name of f 11:10 Mal 3:1
19
12
“From the days of John the will be for you, Chorazin! How
MATTHEW
Baptist until the present, the kingdom terrible it will be for you, Bethsaida!
of heaven has been forcefully Because if the miracles that happened
advancing, and violent people have in you had taken place in Tyre and
been attacking it, 13because the Law Sidon, they would have repented
and all the Prophets prophesied up to long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
the time of John. 14If you are willing 22
Indeed I tell you, it will be more
to accept it, he is Elijah who is to bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the
come.a 15Let the person who has earsb day of judgment than for you!
23
listen! “And you, Capernaum! You
16
“To what can I compare the won't be lifted up to heaven, will
people living today? They’rec like you? You'll go down to Hell!g
little children who sit in the Because if the miracles that happened
marketplaces and shout to each other, in you had taken place in Sodom, it
17 would have remained to this day.
‘A wedding song we played for 24
Indeed I tell you, it will be more
you,
bearable for the land of Sodom on the
the dance you simply scorned.
day of judgment than for you!”
A woeful dirge we chanted, too,
but then you would not mourn.’ Jesus Praises the Father and Invites
18 the Disciples to Come to Him
Because John didn't come eating or
(Luke 10:21-22)
drinking, yet peopled say, ‘He has a 25
At that time Jesus said, “I praise
demon!’ 19The Son of Man came you, Father, Lord of heaven and
eating and drinking, and they say, earth, because you have hidden these
‘Look, a glutton and a drunk, a friend things from wise and intelligent
of tax collectors and sinners!’ 11
people and have revealed them to

Absolved from every act of sin, infants. 26Yes, Father, because this is
is wisdom by her kith and kin.”e what was pleasing to you. 27All things
have been entrusted to me by my
Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Cities Father. No one fully knows the Son
(Luke 10:13-15) except the Father, and no one fully
20
Then Jesusf began to denounce knows the Father except the Son and
the cities in which most of his the person to whom the Son chooses
miracles had taken place, because to reveal him.
they didn't repent. 21“How terrible it 28
“Come to me, all of you who
are weary and loaded down with
a 11:14 Or is about to come burdens, and I will give you rest.
29
b 11:15 Other mss. read ears to hear Place my yoke on you and learn
c 11:16 Lit. compare this generation? It’s
d 11:18 Lit. they
from me, because I am gentle and
e 11:19 Lit. by all her children; other mss. read
by her actions
f 11:20 Lit. he g 11:23 Lit. Hades; i.e. the realm of the dead
20
humble,a and you will find rest for Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed
MATTHEW
your souls,b 30because my yoke is Hand
pleasant,c and my burden is light.” (Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11)
9
Chapter 12 Moving on from there, Jesusj
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath went into their synagogue.
(Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5) 10
Suddenly a man with a paralyzed
12
1
At that time Jesus walked hand appeared. The peoplek asked
through the grain fields on a
Jesusl if it was lawful to heal on
Sabbath.d His disciples became
Sabbath days,m intending to accuse
hungry and began picking heads of
him of doing something wrong.
grain to eat. 2When the Pharisees saw 11
But he said to them, “Is there a
this, they said to him, “Look! Your
man among you who, if he had one
disciples are doing what is not lawful
sheep and it fell into a ditch on the
to do on the Sabbath!”
3 Sabbath, wouldn't take hold of it and
But he said to them, “Haven't
pull it out? 12How much more is a
you read what David did when he
human being worth than a sheep! So
and his companions were hungry?
4 it is lawful to do good on Sabbath
How is it that he went into the house
days.”n
of God and ate the Bread of the 13
Then he said to the man, “Hold
Presence, which was not lawful for
out your hand.” He held it out and it
him and his companions to eat but
became normal, as healthy as his
was reservede for the priests? 5Or
other hand. 14The Pharisees, however,
haven't you read in the law that on
went out and plotted against Jesuso
every Sabbathf the priests in the
kill him.
temple violate the Sabbathg and yet
are innocent?h 6But I tell you, Jesus, God's Chosen Servant
15
something greater than the temple is When Jesus became aware of
here! 7If you had known what ‘I want this, he left that place. Many crowdsp
mercy and not sacrifice’i means, you followed him, and he healed all of
would not have condemned the them, 16ordering them not to make
innocent, 8for the Son of Man is Lord him known. 17This was to fulfill what
of the Sabbath.”5 was declared by the prophet Isaiah
when he said,
a 11:29 Lit. humble in heart

b 11:29 cf. Jer 6:16
c 11:30 Or kind j 12:9 Lit. he
d 12:1 Lit. on the Sabbaths k 12:10 Lit. They
e 12:4 Lit. but only l 12:10 Lit. him
f 12:5 Lit. on the Sabbaths m 12:10 Lit. on the Sabbaths
g 12:5 I.e. by carrying out priestly duties n 12:12 Lit. on the Sabbaths
h 12:5 Exod 25:30; 29:32-33; Lev 8:31 o 12:14 Lit. him
i 12:7 Hos 6:6 p 12:15 Other mss. lack crowds
21
18
“Here is my Servant whom I have destroyed, and every city or
MATTHEW
chosen, household divided against itself will
whom I love, and with whom I not stand. 26So if Satan drives out
am pleased! Satan, he is divided against himself.
I will put my Spirit on him, How, then, can his kingdom stand?
27
and he will proclaim justicea to If I drive out demons by Beelzebul,
the gentiles.b by whom do your own followersi
19
He will not quarrel or shout, drive them out? That is why they will
and no one will hear him be your judges! 28But if I drive out
shoutingc in the streets. demons by the Spirit of God, then the
20
He will not snap off a broken reed kingdom of God has come to you.
29
or snuff out a smoldering wick How can someone go into a strong
until he has brought justiced man's house and carry off his
through to victory. possessions without first tying up the
21
And in his name the gentilese will strong man? Then he can ransack his
house.
hope.”f 30
“The person who isn't with me
Jesus is Accused of Working with is against me, and the person who
Beelzebul isn't gathering with me is scattering.
(Mark 3:20-30; Luke 11:14-23; 12:10) 31
So I tell you, every sin and
22
Then a demon-possessed man blasphemy will be forgiven,j but
who was blind and unable to talk was blasphemy against the Spirit will not
brought to him. Jesusg healed him so be forgiven. 32Whoever speaks a word
that the manh could speak and see. against the Son of Man will be
23
All the crowds were amazed and forgiven, but whoever speaks against
kept saying, “This man isn't the Son the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,
of David, is he?” either in this age or in the one to
24
But when the Pharisees heard come.”
this, they said, “This man drives out
A Tree is Known by Its Fruit
demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler
(Luke 6:43-45)
of the demons.” 33
25 “Either make the tree good and
He knew what they were
its fruit good, or make the tree rotten
thinking and said to them, “Every
and its fruit rotten, because a tree is
kingdom divided against itself is
known by its fruit. 34You children of
serpents! How can you say anything
a 12:18 Or judgment good when you are evil? The mouth
b 12:18 Or nations speaks about what overflows from
c 12:19 Lit. hear his voice
the heart. 35A good person brings
d 12:20 Or judgment
e 12:21 Or nations good things out of a good treasure
f 12:21 Isa 42:1-4
g 12:22 Lit. He i 12:27 Lit. sons
h 12:22 Lit. the man who was unable to talk j 12:31 Lit. will be forgiven to people
22
house, and an evil person brings evil The Return of the Unclean Spirit
MATTHEW
things out of an evil treasure house. (Luke 11:24-26)
36 43
I tell you, on the day of judgment “Whenever an unclean spirit
people will give an account for every goes out of a person, it wanders
thoughtlessa word they have uttered, through waterless places looking for a
37
because by your words you will be place to rest but finds none. 44Then it
acquitted, and by your words you says, ‘I will go back to my home that I
will be condemned.”36 left.’ When it arrives, it finds it empty,
swept clean, and put in order. 45Then
The Sign of Jonah
it goes and brings with it seven other
(Mark 8:11-12; Luke 11:29-32)
38 spirits more evil than itself, and they
Then some of the scribes and
go in and settle there. And so the
Pharisees said to Jesus,b “Teacher, we final condition of that person
want to see a sign from you.” becomes worse than the first. That's
39
But he replied to them, “An just what will happen to this evil
evil and adulterous generation craves generation!”
a sign. Yet no sign will be given to it
except the sign of the prophet Jonah, The True Family of Jesus
40
because just as Jonah was in the (Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21)
46
stomach of the sea creature for three While Jesusg was still speaking
days and three nights,c so the Son of to the crowds, his mother and
Man will be in the heart of the earth brothers stood outside, wanting to
for three days and three nights. 41The speak to him. 47Someone told him,
men of Nineveh will stand up at the “Look! Your mother and your
judgment and condemn the people brothers are standing outside asking
living today,d because they repented to speak to you.”h
48
at the preaching of Jonah. But look— He asked the man who told
something greater than Jonah is here! him, “Who is my mother, and who
42
The queen of the south will stand are my brothers?” 49Then pointing
up and condemn the people living with his hand at his disciples, he said,
today,e because she came from so far “Here are my mother and my
awayf to hear the wisdom of brothers, 50because whoever does the
Solomon. But look! Something greater will of my Father in heaven is my
than Solomon is here!” brother and sister and mother.”
Chapter 13
The Parable about a Farmer

(Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-18)
13
a 12:36 Or worthless 1
b 12:38 Lit. him That day Jesus left the house
c 12:40 Jonah 1:17 and sat down beside the sea.
2
d 12:41 Lit. judgment with this generation and Such large crowds gathered around
condemn it
e 12:42 Lit. judgment with this generation and
condemn it g 12:46 Lit. he
f 12:42 Lit. from the ends of the earth h 12:47 Other mss. lack this verse
23
him that he got into a boat and sat ‘they look but don't see,
MATTHEW
down, while the entire crowd stood and they listen but don't hear or
on the shore. 3Then he began to tell understand.’
them many things in parables. He 14
“With them the prophecy of Isaiah
said, “Listen! A farmer went out to
is being fulfilled, which says:
sow. 4As he was sowing, some seeds
fell along the path, and birds came ‘You will listen and listen but never
and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on understand.
stony ground, where they did not You will look and look but never
have a lot of soil. They sprouted at comprehend,
15
once because the soil wasn't deep. for this people's heart has become
6
But when the sun came up, they dull,
were scorched. Since they did not and their ears are hard of
have any roots, they dried up. 7Other hearing.e
seeds fell among thorn bushes, and They have shut their eyes
the thorn bushes grew higher and so that they might not see with
choked them out. 8But other seeds fell their eyes,
on good soil and produced a crop, and hear with their ears,
some 100, some 60, and some 30 times and understand with their heart
what was sown.a 9Let the person who and turn,
has earsb listen!”8 and I would heal them.’f
16
The Purpose of the Parables “How blessed are your eyes
(Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:9-10) because they see, and your ears
10
Then the disciples came and because they hear! 17I tell you with
asked Jesus,c “Why do you speak to certainty, many prophets and
peopled in parables?” righteous people longed to see the
11
He answered them, “You have things you see but did not see them,
been given knowledge about the and to hear the things you hear but
secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but did not hear them.”
it hasn't been given to them, Jesus Explains the Parable about the
12
because to anyone who has Farmer
something, more will be given, and (Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15)
he will have more than enough. But 18
“Listen, then, to the parable
from the one who doesn't have about the farmer. 19When anyone
anything, even what he has will be hears the word about the kingdom
taken away from him. 13That's why I yet doesn't understand it, the evil one
speak to them in parables, because comes and snatches away what was
sown in his heart. This is what was
a 13:8 The Gk. lacks what was sown
b 13:9 Other mss. read ears to hear
c 13:10 Lit. him e 13:15 Lit. they hear with ears of heaviness
d 13:10 Lit. to them f 13:15 Isa 6:9-10
24
sown along the path. 20As for what until the harvest, and at harvest time
MATTHEW
was sown on the stony ground, this is I will tell the reapers, “Gather the
the person who hears the word and weeds first and tie them in bundles
accepts it joyfully at once, 21but since for burning, but bring the wheat into
he doesn't have any root in himself, my barn.”’”
he lasts for only a short time. When
The Parables about a Mustard Seed
trouble or persecution comes along
and Yeast
because of the word, he immediately
(Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-21)
falls away. 22As for what was sown 31
He presented another parable
among the thorn bushes, this is the
to them, saying, “The kingdom of
person who hears the word, but the
heaven is like a mustard seed that a
worries of life and the deceitful
man took and planted in his field.
pleasures of wealth choke the word 32
Although it is the smallest ofb all
so that it can't produce a crop. 23But
seeds, when it is fully grown it is
as for what was sown on good soil,
larger than the garden plants and
this is the person who hears the
becomes a tree, and the birds in the
word, understands it, and produces a
sky come and nest in its branches.”
crop that yields 100, 60, or 30 times 33
He told them another parable:
what was sown.”a
“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast
The Parable about the Weeds among that a woman took and mixed withc
the Wheat three measures of flour until all of it
24
He presented another parable was leavened.”
to them, saying, “The kingdom of
Why Jesus Used Parables
heaven may be compared to a man
(Mark 4:33-34)
who sowed good seed in his field. 34
25 Jesus told the crowds all these
While people were sleeping, his
things in parables. He did not tell
enemy came and sowed weeds
among the wheat and went away. them anything without usingd a
26
When the crop came up and bore parable. 35This was to fulfill what was
grain, the weeds appeared, too. 27The declared by the prophete when he
owner's servants came and asked said,
him, ‘Master, you sowed good seed in “I will open my mouth to speakf in
your field, didn't you? Then where parables.
did these weeds come from?’ 28He I will declare what has been
told them, ‘An enemy did this!’ The hidden
servants asked him, ‘Then do you
want us to go and pull them out?’
29
He said, ‘No! If you pull out the
b 13:32 Or it is smaller than
weeds, you might pull out the wheat c 13:33 Lit. hid in
with them. 30Let both grow together d 13:34 The Gk. lacks using
e 13:35 Other mss. read Isaiah the prophet
a 13:23 The Gk. lacks what was sown f 13:35 The Gk. lacks to speak
25
since the creation of the found and hid. In his excitement he
MATTHEW
world.”a went and sold everything he had and
bought that field.”
Jesus Explains the Parable about the
Weeds The Parable about a Valuable Pearl
45
36
Then Jesusb left the crowds and “Again, the kingdom of heaven
went into the house. His disciples is like a merchant searching for fine
came to him and said, “Explain to us pearls. 46When he found a very
the parable about the weeds in the valuable pearl, he went and sold
field.” everything he had and bought it.”
37
He answered, “The person who The Parable about a Net
sowed good seed is the Son of Man, 47
“Again, the kingdom of heaven
38
while the field is the world. The is like a large net thrown into the sea
good seed are those who belong toc that gathered all kinds of fish. 48When
the kingdom, while the weeds are it was full, the fishermenh hauled it
those who belong tod the evil one. ashore. Then they sat down, sorted
39
The enemy who sowed them is the the good fish into containers, and
devil, the harvest is the end of the threw the bad ones away. 49That is
age, and the reapers are the angels. how it will be at the end of the age.
40
Just as weeds are gathered and The angels will go out, cull out the
burned with fire, so it will be at end evil people from among the righteous
of thee age. 41The Son of Man will ones, 50and will throw them into a
send his angels, and they will gather blazing furnace. In that place there
from his kingdom everything that will be wailing and gnashing of
causes others to sin and those who teeth.”i
practice lawlessness 42and they will
throw them into a blazing furnace. In New and Old Treasures
51
that place there will be wailing and “Do you understand all these
gnashing of teeth.f 43Then the things?”
righteous will shine like the sun in They said to him, “Yes.”
52
their Father's kingdom. Let the Then he told them, “That is
why every scribe who has been
person who has earsg listen!”38
trained for the kingdom of heaven is
The Parable about a Hidden Treasure like the master of a household who
44
“The kingdom of heaven is like brings both new and old things out of
treasure hidden in a field that a man his treasure chest.”
a 13:35 Ps 78:2
b 13:36 Lit. he
c 13:38 Lit. the sons of
d 13:38 Lit. the sons of
e 13:40 Other mss. read this
f 13:42 I.e. extreme pain h 13:48 Lit. they
g 13:43 Other mss. read ears to hear i 13:50 I.e. extreme pain
26
4
Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth John had been telling him, “It is
MATTHEW
(Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30) not lawful for you to have her.”
53
When Jesus had finished these 5
Although Herode wanted to kill him,
parables, he left that place. 54He went he was afraid of the crowd, since they
to his hometown and began teaching regarded Johnf as a prophet.
the peoplea in their synagogue in 6
But when Herod's birthday
such a way that they were amazed celebration was held, the daughter of
and said, “Where did this man get Herodias danced before the guests.g
this wisdom and these miracles? She pleased Herod 7so much that he
55
This is the builder'sb son, isn't it? promised with an oath to give her
His mother is named Mary, isn't she? whatever she asked for. 8Prompted
His brothers are James, Joseph, by her mother, she said, “Give me,
Simon, and Judas, aren't they? 56And right here on a platter, the head of
his sisters are all with us, aren't they? John the Baptist.” 9Under pressure
So where did this man get all these because of his promises and his
things?” 57And they were offended by assembled guests, the king ordered
him. that it be done. 10So he sent wordh
But Jesus told them, “A prophet and had John beheaded in prison.
is without honor only in his 11
His head was brought on a platter
hometown and in his own home.” and given to the girl, and she took it
58
He did not perform many miracles to her mother. 12When John'si
there because of their unbelief. 13
disciples came, they carried off the

body and buried it. Then they went
Chapter 14
The Death of John the Baptist

(Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9) and told Jesus.8
14
1
At that time Herod the Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand
tetrarch,c hearing about the People
fame of Jesus, 2said to his servants, (Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John
“This is John the Baptist! He has been 6:1-14)
13
raised from the dead, and that's why When Jesus heard this, he left
these miracles are being done by that place and wentj by boat to a
him.” 3Herod had arrested John, deserted place by himself. The
bound him with chains, and put him crowds heard of it and followed him
in prison on account of Herodias, his on foot from the neighboringk towns.
brother Philip'sd wife.
e 14:5 Lit. he
a 13:54 Lit. them f 14:5 Lit. him
b 13:55 Or carpenter's g 14:6 Lit. in the middle
c 14:1 I.e. Herod Antipas, a son of King Herod h 14:10 The Gk. lacks word
and ruler over one of four districts in and i 14:12 Lit. his
around the territory of Israel. j 14:13 The Gk. lacks and went
d 14:3 Other mss. read his brother's k 14:13 The Gk. lacks neighboring
27
14
When he got out of the boat,a he evening came, he was there alone.
MATTHEW
24
saw a large crowd. He had By this time the boat was in the
compassion for them and healed their middle of the seae and was being
sick. 15When evening had come, the battered by the waves, because the
disciples went to him and said, “This wind was against them. 25Shortly
is a deserted place, and it's already before dawnf Jesusg came to them,
late. Send the crowds away so that walking on the sea. 26When the
they can go into the villages and buy disciples saw him walking on the sea,
food for themselves.” they were terrified and said, “It's a
16
But Jesus said to them, “They ghost!” And they screamed in terror.
27
don't need to go away. You give Immediately Jesus said to them,
them something to eat.” “Have courage! It’s me. Stop being
17
They told him, “We don't have afraid!”
28
anything here except five loaves of Peter answered him, “Lord, if
bread and two fish.” it's you, order me to come to you on
18
He said, “Bring them to me.” the water.”
29
19
Then he ordered the crowds to sit Jesush said, “Come on!” So
down on the grass. Taking the five Peter got down out of the boat,
loaves and the two fish, he looked up started walking on the water, and
to heaven and blessed them. Then he camei to Jesus.
30
broke the loaves in pieces and gave But when he noticed the
them to his disciples, and the strongj wind, he was frightened. As
disciples gave themb to the crowds. he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord,
20
All of them ate and were filled. save me!”
Then the disciplesc picked up what 31
At once Jesus reached out his
was left of the broken pieces, twelve hand, caught him, and asked him,
baskets full. 21Now those who had “You who have so little faith, why
eaten were about 5,000 men, besides did you doubt?” 32As they got into the
women and children.19 boat, the wind stopped blowing.
33
Jesus Walks on the Sea Then the men in the boat
(Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21) began to worship Jesus,k saying, “You
22
Jesusd immediately had the certainly are the Son of God!”
disciples get into a boat and cross to
the other side ahead of him, while he
sent the crowds away. 23After
dismissing the crowds, he went up on e 14:24 Other mss. read many furlongs from
a hillside by himself to pray. When the land
f 14:25 Lit. In the fourth watch of the night
g 14:25 Lit. he
a 14:14 The Gk. lacks of the boat h 14:29 Lit. He
b 14:19 The Gk. lacks gave them i 14:29 Other mss. read to go
c 14:20 Lit. they j 14:30 Other mss. lack strong
d 14:22 Lit. He k 14:33 Lit. him
28
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret have disregardedi the authority of
MATTHEW
(Mark 6:53-56) God's word.j 7You hypocrites! How
34
They crossed over and came well did Isaiah prophesy of you when
ashore at Gennesaret. 35When the he said,
men of that place recognized Jesus,a 8
‘These people honor me with their
they sent wordb throughout that
lips,
region and brought him everyone
but their hearts are far from me.
who was sick. 36They kept begging 9
Their worship of me is empty,
him to let them touch just the tassel
because they teach human rules
of his garment, and everyone who
as doctrines.’”k
touched it was completely healed. 35 14
10
Chapter 15
Then calling out to the crowd,

Jesus Challenges the Tradition of the
he addressed them, “Listen and
Elders
understand! 11It is not what goes into
(Mark 7:1-23)
the mouth that makes a person
15
1
Then some Pharisees and
unclean. It is what comes out of the
scribes came from Jerusalem to
mouth that makes a person unclean.”
Jesus and said, 2“Why do your 12
Then the disciples came and
disciples disregard the tradition of the
asked him, “Do you realize that the
elders? They don't wash their hands
Pharisees were offended when they
when they eat.”c
3 heard this statement?”
But he answered them, “Why 13
He replied, “Every plant that
do you also disregard the
my heavenly Father did not plant will
commandment of God because of be pulled up by the roots. 14Leave
your tradition? 4Because God said,d them alone. They are blind guides of
‘Honor your father and your
the blind.l If one blind person leads
mother,’e and ‘Whoever curses father another blind person, both will fall
or mother must certainly be put to into a ditch.”
death.’f 5But you say ‘Whoever tells 15
Then Peter said to him,
his father or his mother, “Whatever “Explain to us thism parable.”
support you might have received 16
Jesusn said, “Are you still so
from me has been given to God,”g ignorant? 17Don't you know that
6
does not have to honor his father.’h everything that goes into the mouth
Because of your tradition, then, you passes into the stomach and then is
expelled as waste? 18But the things
a 14:35 Lit. him
b 14:35 The Gk. lacks word i 15:6 Or invalidated
c 15:2 Lit. eat bread j 15:6 Other mss. read law; still other mss.
d 15:4 Other mss. read commanded, saying read commandment
e 15:4 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16 k 15:9 Isa 29:13
f 15:4 Exod 21:17; Lev 20:9 l 15:14 Other mss. lack of the blind
g 15:5 Lit. is a gift m 15:15 Other mss. read the
h 15:6 Other mss. read his father or his mother n 15:16 Lit. He
29
28
that come out of the mouth come Then Jesus answered her,
MATTHEW
from the heart, and it is those things “Lady,f your faith is great! What you
that make a person unclean. 19It is out want is granted.” That very hour her
of the heart that evil thoughts come, daughter was healed.
as well as murder, adultery, sexual
Jesus Heals Many People
immorality, stealing, false testimony, 29
Jesus left there and went along
and slander.a 20These are the things
the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up
that make a person unclean. But
on a hillside and sat down. 30Large
eating with unwashed hands doesn't
crowds came to him, bringing with
make a person unclean.”
them the lame, the blind, the
A Canaanite Woman's Faith crippled, those unable to talk, and
(Mark 7:24-30) many others. They placed them at his
21
Then Jesus left that place and feet, and he healed them. 31As a
went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. result, the crowd was amazed to see
22
Suddenly a Canaanite woman from those who were unable to talk
that territory came near and began to speaking, the crippled healed, the
shout, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son lame walking, and the blind seeing.
of David! My daughter is severely So they praised the God of Israel.
demon-possessed!” 23But he didn't
Jesus Feeds More Than Four
answer her at all.b22 Thousand People
Then his disciples came up and (Mark 8:1-10)
kept urging him, “Send her away, 32
Then Jesus called his disciples
because she keeps on screaming as and said, “I have compassion for the
she followsc us.” crowd because they have already
24
But he replied, “I was sent only been with me for three days and have
to the lost sheep of the nationd of nothing to eat. I don't want to send
Israel.” them away without food, or they may
25
Then she came and fell down faint on the road.” 15
before him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 33

The disciples asked him,
26
He replied, “It’s not righte to “Where in the wilderness are we to
take the children's bread and throw it get enough bread to feed such a
to the puppies.” crowd?”
27
She said, “Yes, Lord. But even 34
Jesus asked them, “How many
the puppies eat the crumbs that fall loaves of bread do you have?”
from their masters’ tables.” They said, “Seven, and a few
small fish.”
35
Ordering the crowd to sit
a 15:19 Or blasphemy down on the ground, 36he took the
b 15:23 Lit. a word seven loaves and the fish and gave
c 15:23 Lit. screaming behind
d 15:24 Lit. house
e 15:26 Other mss. read lawful f 15:28 Lit. Woman
30
thanks. Then he broke them in pieces The Yeast of the Pharisees and
MATTHEW
and kept giving them to his disciples, Sadducees
and the disciples gave thema to the (Mark 8:14-21)
5
crowds. 37All of them ate until they When his disciples reached the
were filled, then the disciplesb picked other side, they had forgotten to take
up what was left of the broken any bread along. 6Jesus said to them,
pieces—seven baskets full. 38Now “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of
those who had eaten were four the Pharisees and Sadducees!”
7
They began to discuss this
thousand men, besides women and
among themselves and said, “We
children. 39After he sent the crowds
didn't take any bread.”
away, he got into a boat and went to 8
Knowing this, Jesus said, “You
the region of Magadan.c who have little faith, why are you
discussing among yourselves the fact
Chapter 16
Interpreting the Time

(Mark 8:11-13; Luke 12:54-56) that you don't have any bread?
16
9
1
When the Pharisees and Don't you understand yet? Don't
Sadducees arrived, in order to you remember the five loaves for the
5,000 and how many baskets you
test Jesusd they asked him to show
collected, 10or the seven loaves for the
them a sign from heaven. 2He replied
4,000 and how many baskets you
to them, “You say,
collected? 11How can you fail to
‘Red sky at night, understand that I wasn't talking to
what a delight! you about bread? Beware of the yeast
3
Red sky in the morning, of the Pharisees and Sadducees!”
12
cloudy and storming.’ Then they understood that he
did not say to beware of the yeast
You know how to interpret the used in bread,f but of the teaching of
appearance of the sky, yet you can't the Pharisees and Sadducees.
interpret the signs of the times?e 4An
evil and adulterous generation craves Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus
a sign, but no sign will be given to it (Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21)
13
except the sign of Jonah.” Then he When Jesus had come to the
left them and went away. region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked
his disciples, “Who do people say the
Son of Man is?”
14
They said, “Some sayg John the
Baptist, others Elijah, and still others
Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15
He asked them, “But who do
a 15:36 The Gk. lacks gave them you say I am?”
b 15:37 Lit. they
c 15:39 Other mss. read Magdala
d 16:1 Lit. him
e 16:3 Other mss. lack You say. . . the signs of f 16:12 Other mss. read the loaf of bread
the times? g 16:14 The Gk. lacks say
31
23
16
Simon Peter answered, “You But Jesush turned and said to
MATTHEW
are the Messiah, the Son of the living Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are
God!” an offensei to me, because you are
17
Then Jesus said to him, “How not thinking God's thoughts but
blessed you are, Simon son of Jonah,a human thoughts!”
24
since flesh and blood has not Then Jesus said to his disciples,
revealed this to you, though my “If anyone wants to follow me, he
Father in heaven has. 18I tell you that must deny himself, pick up his cross,
you are Peter,b and it is on this rockc and follow me continually. 25Whoever
that I will build my congregation,d wants to save his life will lose it, but
and the powers of helle will not whoever loses his life for my sake will
conquer it. 19I will give you the keys find it, 26because what profit will a
person have if he gains the whole
to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever
world and forfeits his life? Or what
you prohibit on earth will have been
can a person give in exchange for his
prohibitedf in heaven, and whatever
life? 27The Son of Man is going to
you permit on earth will have been
come with his angels in his Father's
permittedg in heaven.”
glory, and then he will repay
16
20
Then he strictly ordered the
everyone according to what he has
disciples not to tell anyone that he done. 28I tell you with certainty, some
was the Messiah.
people standing here will not
16
Jesus Predicts His Death and experiencej death before they see the
Resurrection Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
(Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:21-27) Chapter 17
21 Jesus’ Appearance is Changed

From that time on, Jesus began
to show his disciples that he would (Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)
17
1
have to go to Jerusalem and suffer a Six days later, Jesus took
great deal because of the elders, the Peter, James, and his brother
high priests, and the scribes. Then he John and led them up a high
would be killed, but on the third day mountain by themselves. 2His
he would be raised. 22Peter took him appearance was changed in front of
aside and began to rebuke him, them, his face shone like the sun, and
saying, “God be merciful to you, his clothes became as white as light.
3
Lord! This must never happen to Suddenly, Moses and Elijah
you!” appeared to them, talking with
Jesus.k
4
a 16:17 Or Simon son of John; Lit. Simon bar Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord,
Jonah; cf. John 1:42 it's good that we're here! If you want,
b 16:18 Lit. Petros
c 16:18 Lit. petra
d 16:18 Or church
e 16:18 Lit. the gates of Hades, a reference to h 16:23 Lit. he
the realm of the dead i 16:23 Or a hindrance
f 16:19 Or will be prohibited j 16:28 Lit. taste
g 16:19 Or will be permitted k 17:3 Lit. him
32
I will set up three sheltersa—one for Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon
MATTHEW
you, one for Moses, and one for (Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42)
14
Elijah.” 5He was still speaking when a As they approached the crowd,
bright cloud suddenly overshadowed a man came up to Jesus,c knelt down
them. in front of him, 15and said, “Sir,d have
A voice from the cloud said, mercy on my son, because he is an
“This is my Son, whom I love. I am epileptic and suffers terribly. Often
pleased with him. Keep on listening he falls into fire and often into water.
16
to him!” I brought him to your disciples, but
6
When the disciples heard this, they couldn't heal him.”
17
they fell on their faces and were Jesus replied, “You
terrified. unbelieving and perverted
7
But Jesus came up to them and generation! How long must I be with
touched them, saying, “Get up, and you? How long must I put up with
stop being afraid.” 8When they raised you? Bring him here to me!” 18Then
their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus Jesus rebuked the demon and it came
all by himself. out of him, and the boy was healed
9
On their way down the that very hour.
19
mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don't Then the disciples came to
tell anyone about this vision until the Jesus privately and said, “Why
Son of Man has been raised from the couldn't we drive it out?”
20
dead.” He told them, “Because of your
10
So the disciples asked him, lack of faith.e I tell you with certainty,
“Why, then, do the scribes say that if you have faith like a grain of
Elijah must come first?” mustard seed, you can say to this
11
He answered them, “Elijah is mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’
indeed coming and will restore all and it will move, and nothing will be
things. 12But I tell you that Elijah has impossible for you. 21But this kind
already come, yet peopleb did not does not come out except by prayer
recognize him and treated him just as and fasting.”f 17
they pleased. In the same way, the

Son of Man is going to suffer at their Jesus Again Predicts His Death and
hands.” 13
Then the disciples Resurrection
understood that he had been (Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45)
22
speaking to them about John the While they were gathering
Baptist. togetherg in Galilee, Jesus told them,
“The Son of Man is going to be
c 17:14 Lit. him

d 17:15 Or Lord
e 17:20 Other mss. read your little faith
a 17:4 Or tents f 17:21 Other mss. lack this verse
b 17:12 Lit. they g 17:22 Other mss. read were staying
33
betrayed into human hands. 23They 2

Calling a little child forward, he
MATTHEW
will kill him, but he will be raised on had him stand among them. 3Then he
the third day.” Then they were filled said, “I tell you with certainty, unless
with grief. you changeh and become like little
Questions about the Temple Tax children, you will never get into the
24
When they came to kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore,
Capernaum, the collectors of the whoever humbles himself as this little
child is the greatest in the kingdom of
temple taxa came up to Peter and
heaven, 5and whoever receives a little
said, “Your teacher pays the temple
child like this in my name receives
tax,b doesn't he?”
25 me.”
He answered, “Yes.”
When Peterc went home,d Jesus Causing Others to Sin
spoke to him first and asked him, (Mark 9:42-48; Luke 17:1-2)
6
“What do you think, Simon? From “If anyone causes one of these
whom do kings on the earth collect little ones who believe in me to sin, it
tolls or tributes? From their own would be better for him if a large
subjects,e or from foreigners?” millstone were hung around his neck
26
“From foreigners,” he replied. and he were drowned at the bottom
So Jesus said to him, “In that of the sea. 7How terrible it will be for
case, the subjectsf are exempt. the world due to its temptations to
27
However, so that we don't offend sin! Temptations to sin are bound to
them, go to the sea and throw in a happen, but how terrible it will be for
hook. Take the first fish that comes that person who causes someone to
up, open its mouth, and you will find sin!
8
“So if your hand or your foot
a coin.g Take it and give it to them for
causes you to sin, cut it off and throw
me and you.”
Chapter 18
it away. It is better for you to enter
True Greatness life injured or crippled than to have
(Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48) two hands or two feet and be thrown
18 into eternal fire. 9And if your eye

1
At that time the disciples
came to Jesus and said, “Who, causes you to sin, tear it out and
then, is the greatest in the kingdom throw it away. It is better for you to
of heaven?” enter life with one eye than to have
two eyes and be thrown into helli
fire.
10
a 17:24 Lit. didrachma “See to it that you do not
b 17:24 Lit. didrachma despise one of these little ones,
c 17:25 Lit. he
because I tell you, their angels in
d 17:25 Or went into the house
e 17:25 Lit. sons
f 17:26 Lit. sons h 18:3 Lit. turn
g 17:27 Lit. stater, a coin worth two i 18:9 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
didrachmas the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
34
18
heaven always have access to my “I tell you with certainty,
MATTHEW
Father in heaven. 11For the Son of whatever you prohibit on earth will
Man came to save the lost.”a have been prohibitedh in heaven, and
whatever you permit on earth will
The Parable about The Faithful
Shepherd have been permittedi in heaven.
19
(Luke 15:1-7) Furthermore, I tell you with
12
“What do you think? If a man certainty that if two of you agree on
has a hundred sheep and one of earth about anything you request, it
them strays, he leaves the ninety-nine will be done for you by my Father in
in the hills and goes to look for the heaven, 20because where two or three
one that has strayed, doesn't he? 13If have come together in my name, I am
he finds it, I tell you with certainty there among them.”
that he rejoices over it more than The Parable about an Unforgiving
over the ninety-nine that haven't Servant
strayed. 14In the same way, it is not 21
Then Peter came up and asked
the will of yourb Father in heaven him, “Lord, how many times may my
that one of these little ones should be brother sin against me and I have to
lost.”13 forgive him? Seven times?”
22
Jesus said to him, “I tell you,
Dealing with a Brother Who Sins
(Luke 17:3) not just seven times, but 77 times!j
23
15
“If your brother sins against “That is why the kingdom of
c heaven may be compared to a king
you, go and confront him while the
who wanted to settle accounts with
two of you are alone. If he listens to
his servants. 24When he had begun to
you, you have won back your
settle the accounts, a person who
brother. 16But if he doesn't listen, take
one or two others with you so that owed him 10,000 talentsk was
‘every word may be confirmed by the to him. 25Because he couldn't pay, his
master ordered him, his wife, his
testimonyd of two or three
children, and everything that he
witnesses.’e 17If, however, he ignores
owned to be sold so that payment
them, tell it to the congregation.f If he could be made. 26Then the servant fell
he also ignores the congregation,g down and bowed low before him,
regard him as a gentile and a tax saying, ‘Be patientl with me, and I
collector. will repay you everything!’ 27The
master of that servant had
a 18:11 Other mss. lack this verse.
b 18:14 Other mss. read our; still other mss.
read my h 18:18 Or will be prohibited
c 18:15 Other mss. lack against you i 18:18 Or will be permitted
d 18:16 Lit. mouth j 18:22 Or seventy times seven
e 18:16 Deut 19:15 k 18:24 A talent was worth a lifetime of wages
f 18:17 Or church for an average laborer.
g 18:17 Or church l 18:26 Other mss. read Master, be patient
35
compassion and released him, Jordan. 2Large crowds followed him,
MATTHEW
canceling his debt. and he healed them there.
28 3
“But when that servant went Some Pharisees came to him in
away, he found one of his fellow order to test him. They asked, “Is it
servants who owed him a hundred lawful for a mane to divorce his wife
denarii.a He grabbed him, seized him for any reason?”
4
by the throat, and said, ‘Pay what He answered them, “Haven't
you owe!’ 29Then his fellow servant you read that the one who madef
fell down and began begging him, ‘Be them at the beginning ‘made them
patient with me and I will repay you!’ male and female’g 5and said, ‘That is
30
But he refused and went and had why a man will leave his father and
him thrown into prison until he could mother and be united with his wife,
repay the debt. and the two will become one flesh’?h
31
“When his fellow servants saw 6
So they are no longer two, but one
what had happened, they were very flesh. Therefore, what God has joined
disturbed and went and reported to together, man must never separate.”
their master everything that had 7
They asked him, “Why, then,
occurred. 32Then his master sent for did Moses order us ‘to give a
him and said to him, ‘You evil certificate of divorce and divorce
servant! I canceled that entire debt for her’?”i
you because you begged me. 8
He said to them, “It was
33
Shouldn't you have had mercy on because of your hardness of heart
your fellow servant, just as I had that Moses allowed you to divorce
mercy on you?’ 34In anger his master your wives. But from the beginning it
handed him over to the torturersb was not this way. 9I tell you that
until he could repay the entire debt. whoever divorces his wife, except for
35
This is how my heavenly Father will sexual immorality, and marries
treat each one of you unless you another woman commits adultery.”j8
forgive your brother from your
19
10
His disciples said to him, “If
hearts.” 34
18
that is the relationship of a man with

his wife, it's not worth getting
Chapter 19
Teaching about Divorce

(Mark 10:1-12) married!”
19
11
1
When Jesus had finished “Not everyone can accept this
saying these things,c he left saying,” he replied, “except those to
Galilee and went to the territory of
Judea on the other sided of the e 19:3 Other mss. lack for a man
f 19:4 Other mss. read created
g 19:4 Gen 1:27; 5:2
a 18:28 The denarius was the usual day's wage h 19:5 Gen 2:24
for a laborer. i 19:7 Deut 24:1, 3
b 18:34 Or jailers j 19:9 Other mss. read adultery, and the man
c 19:1 Lit. finished these sayings who marries a divorced woman commits
d 19:1 I.e. the east side adultery
36
18
whom celibacya has been granted, The young manh asked him,
MATTHEW
12
because some men are celibate from “Which ones?”
birth,b while some are celibate Jesus said, “‘You must not
because they have been made that murder,i you must not commit
way by others. Still others are celibate adultery,j you must not steal,k you
because they have made themselves must not give false testimony,l
that way for the sake of the kingdom 19
honor your father and mother,’m
of heaven. Let anyone accept this and ‘you must love your neighbor as
who can.” yourself.’”n
20
Jesus Blesses the Little Children The young man said to him, “I
(Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) have kept all of these.o What do I still
13
Then some little children were still lack?”
21
brought to him so that he might lay Jesus said to him, “If you want
his hands on them and pray. But the to be perfect, go and sell what you
disciples rebuked those who broughtc own and give the moneyp to the
them. 14Jesus, however, said, “Let the destitute, and you will have treasure
little children come to me, and stop in heaven. Then come back and
keeping them away, because the follow me.” 22But when the young
kingdom of heaven belongs to people man heard this statement he went
like these.” 15When he had laid his away sad, because he had many
hands on them, he went on from possessions.
there.
Salvation and Reward
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus (Mark 10:23-31; Luke 18:24-30)
23
(Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23) Then Jesus said to his disciples,
16
Just then a man came up to “I tell you with certainty, it will be
Jesusd and said, “Teacher,e what good hard for a rich person to get into the
deed should I do to have eternal kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you,
life?” it is easier for a camel to squeeze
17
Jesusf said to him, “Why ask through the eye of a needle than for a
me about what is good? There is only rich person to get into the kingdom
one who is good.g If you want to get of God.” 19
into that life, you must keep the

commandments.”
h 19:18 Lit. He
i 19:18 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17
a 19:11 Lit. it j 19:18 Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18
b 19:12 Lit. from the mother's womb k 19:18 Exod 20:15; Deut 5:19
c 19:13 The Gk. lacks those who brought l 19:18 Exod 20:16; Deut 5:20
d 19:16 Lit. him m 19:19 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
e 19:16 Other mss. read Good Teacher n 19:19 Lev 19:18
f 19:17 Lit. He o 19:20 Other mss. read kept all of these since
g 19:17 Other mss. read Why do you call me I was a young man
good? No one is good except for one—God p 19:21 The Gk. lacks the money
37
25
When the disciples heard this, He went out again about noond and
MATTHEW
they were completely astonished and about three o'clocke and did the same
said, “Who, then, can be saved?” thing. 6About five o'clockf he went
26
Jesus looked at them intently out and found some others standing
and said, “For humans this is around. He asked them, ‘Why are
impossible, but for God all things are you standing here all day long
possible.” without work?’ 7They told him,
27
Then Peter said to him, “Look! ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He
We have left everything and followed said to them, ‘You go into the
you. So what will we get?” vineyard as well.’2
28
Jesus said to them, “I tell you 8
“When evening came, the
with certainty, when the Son of Man owner of the vineyard said to his
sits on his glorious throne in the manager, ‘Call the workers and give
renewed creation, you who have them their wages, beginning with the
followed me will also sit on twelve last and ending withg the first.’
thrones, governing the twelve tribes 9
Those who were hired at five
of Israel. 29In fact, everyone who has
o'clockh came, and each received a
left his homes, brothers, sisters,
denarius.
father, mother, children, or fields 10
“When the first came, they
because of my name will receive a
thought they would receive more, but
hundred times as mucha and will each received a denarius as well.
inherit eternal life. 30But many who 11
When they received it, they began
are first will be last, and the last will to complain to the landowner,
be first.” 12
‘These last fellows worked only one
hour, but you paid them the same as
Chapter 20
The Workers in the Vineyard
20
1
“The kingdom of heaven is us, and we’ve been working all day,i
like a landowner who went enduring the scorching heat!’
13
out early in the morning to hire “But he said to one of them,
workers for his vineyard. 2After ‘Friend, I'm not treating you unfairly.
agreeing to pay the workers one You did agree with me for a denarius,
denariusb a day, he sent them into his didn't you? 14Take what is yours and
vineyard. 3When he went out about go. I want to give this last man as
nine o'clock,c he saw others standing much as I gave you.a 15I am allowed
in the marketplace without work. 4He to do what I want with my own
said to them, ‘You go into the
vineyard, too, and I will pay you d 20:5 Lit. the sixth hour
whatever is right.’ 5So off they went. e 20:5 Lit. the ninth hour
f 20:6 Lit. the eleventh hour
g 20:8 Lit. and up to
a 19:29 Other mss. read many times as much h 20:9 Lit. the eleventh hour
b 20:2 The denarius was the usual day's wage i 20:12 Lit. we’ve endured the burden of the
for a laborer. day
c 20:3 Lit. the third hour a 20:14 Lit. to this last man as also to you
38
money,a am I not? Or are you drink from the cup that I'm going to
MATTHEW
enviousb because I’m generous?’ drink from?”g
16
“In the same way, the last will They told him, “We can.”
23
be first, and the first will be last, He said to them, “You will
because many are called, but few are indeed drink from my cup. But it's
chosen.”c not up to me to grant you a seat at
my right hand or at my left. These
Jesus Predicts His Death and positions have already been prepared
Resurrection a Third Time for others by my Father.”
(Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34) 24
When the ten heard this, they
17
When Jesus was going up to became furious with the two
Jerusalem, he took the twelve brothers. 25But Jesus called the
disciplesd aside and said to them as disciplesh and said, “You know that
they were walking along, 18“See, we the rulers of the gentiles lord it over
are going up to Jerusalem, and the them and their superiors act like
Son of Man will be handed over to tyrants over them. 26That's not the
the high priests and scribes, and they way it should be among you. Instead,
will condemn him to death. 19Then whoever wants to be great among
they will hand him over to the you must be your servant, 27and
gentiles to be mocked, whipped, and whoever wants to be first among you
crucified, but on the third day he will must be your slave. 28That's the way it
be raised.” is with the Son of Man. He did not
The Request of James and John come to be served, but to serve and to
(Mark 10:35-45) give his life as a ransom for many
20
Then Zebedee's wife came to people.”
e
Jesus with her sons. She bowed Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
down in front of him to ask him for a (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43)
favor. 21He asked her, “What do you 29
As they were leaving Jericho, a
want?” large crowd followed Jesus.a 30When
She said to him, “Promisef that two blind men who were sitting by
in your kingdom these two sons of the roadside heard that Jesus was
mine will sit on your right and on passing by, they shouted, “Have
your left.” mercy on us, Lord,b Son of David!”
22
Jesus replied, “You don't 31
When the crowd told them harshly
realize what you're asking. Can you to be silent, they shouted even
a 20:15 Lit. things

b 20:15 Lit. Or is your eye evil g 20:22 Other mss. read to drink from, or be
c 20:16 Other mss. lack For many are called, baptized with the baptism with which I'm
but few are chosen going to be baptized?
d 20:17 Other mss. lack disciples h 20:25 Lit. them
e 20:20 Lit. him a 20:29 Lit. him
f 20:21 Lit. Say b 20:30 Other mss. read Jesus
39
louder, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son brought the donkey and the colt and
MATTHEW
of David!” put their coats on them, and he sat
32
Jesus stopped and called them, upon them. 8Many people in the
saying, “What do you want me to do crowd spread their own coats on the
for you?” 20 road, while others began cutting
33
They told him, “Lord, we want down branches from the trees and
to be able to see!”a 34Then Jesus, spreading them on the road. 9Both
deeply moved with compassion, the crowds that went ahead of him
touched their eyes, and at once they and those that followed him kept
could see again. So they followed shouting,
him.
Chapter 21
“Hosannae to the Son of David!
The King Enters Jerusalem How blessed is the one who comes
(Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-38; John in the name of the Lord!
12:12-19) Hosanna in the highest heaven!”f
21
1
When they came near 10
When he came into Jerusalem,
Jerusalem and had reached
the whole city was trembling with
Bethphage on the Mount of Olives,
excitement. The peopleg were asking,
Jesus sent two disciples on ahead and
2 “Who is this?”
said to them, “Go into the village 11
The crowds kept saying, “This
ahead of you. At once you will find a
is the prophet Jesus, the man from
donkey tied up and a colt with it.
Nazareth in Galilee.”
Untie them, and bring them to me. 3If
anyone says anything to you, tell Confrontation in the Temple Over
him, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and that Money
person will send them at once.” (Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48; John
4
Now this happened to fulfill 2:13-22)
12
what had been spoken through the Then Jesus went into the
prophet when he said, temple,a threw out everyone who
5 was selling and buying in the temple,
“Tell the daughterb of Zion,
and overturned the moneychangers’
‘Look, your king is coming to
tables and the chairs of those who
you!c
sold doves. 13He told them, “It is
He is humble and mounted on a
written, ‘My house is to be called a
donkey,
even on a colt of a donkey.’”d
6
So the disciples went and did as
Jesus had directed them. 7They
e 21:9 Hosanna is Heb. for Please save or
a 20:33 Lit. Lord, that our eyes be opened Praise.
b 21:5 I.e. people f 21:9 Ps 118:25-26; Ps 148:1
c 21:5 Isa 62:11 g 21:10 Lit. They
d 21:5 Zech 9:9 a 21:12 Other mss. read temple of God
40
house of prayer,’a but you are turning the fig tree, but you will also say to
MATTHEW
it into a hideoutb for bandits!” this mountain, ‘Be removed and
14
Blind and lame people came to thrown into the sea,’ and it will
him in the temple, and he healed happen. 22You will receive whatever
them. 15But when the high priests you ask for in prayer, if you believe.”
and the scribes saw the amazing Jesus’ Authority is Challenged
things that he had done and the (Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)
children shouting in the temple, 23
Then Jesusf went into the
“Hosannac to the Son of David,” they temple. While he was teaching, the
became furious 16and asked him, “Do high priests and the elders of the
you hear what these people are people came to him and asked, “By
saying?” what authority are you doing these
Jesus said to them, “Yes! Haven't things, and who gave you this
you ever read, ‘From the mouths of authority?”
infants and nursing babies you have 24
Jesus answered them, “I, too,
created praise’?”d 17Then he left them will ask you one question.g If you
and went out of the city to Bethany answer it for me, I will also tell you
and spent the night there. by what authority I am doing these
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree things. 25Where did John's authority
(Mark 11:12-14, 20-24) to baptizea come from? From heaven
18
In the morning, as Jesuse was or from humans?”
returning to the city, he became They began discussing this
hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the among themselves, saying, “If we say,
roadside, he went up to it but found ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us,
nothing on it except leaves. He said ‘Then why didn't you believe him?’
26
to it, “May fruit never come from you But if we say, ‘From humans,’ we
again!” And immediately the fig tree are afraid of the crowd, because
dried up. everyone regards John as a prophet.”
27
20
When the disciples saw this, So they said to Jesus, “We don't
they were amazed and said, “How know.”
did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” He in turn told them, “Then I
21
Jesus answered them, “I tell won't tell you by what authority I am
you with certainty, if you have faith doing these things.”
and do not doubt, not only will you The Parable about Two Sons
be able to do what has been done to 28
“But what do you think? A
man had two sons. He went to the
a 21:13 Isa 56:7; Jer 7:11 first and said, ‘Son, go and work in
b 21:13 Lit. cave
c 21:15 Hosanna is Heb. for Please save or
Praise. f 21:23 Lit. he
d 21:16 Ps 8:2 g 21:24 Lit. one word
e 21:18 Lit. he a 21:25 Lit. John's baptism
41
the vineyard today.’ 29His sona farmersg treated them the same way.
MATTHEW
37
replied, ‘I don't want to,’ but later he Finally, he sent his son to them,
changed his mind and went. 30Then thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’
38
the fatherb went to the other sonc But when the tenant farmers saw
told him the same thing. He replied, his son, they said to one another,
‘I will,d sir,’ but he didn't go. 31Which ‘This is the heir. Come on, let's kill
of the two did the father's will?” him and get his inheritance!’ 39So they
They answered, “The first one.” grabbed him, threw him out of the
Jesus said to them, “I tell you vineyard, and killed him. 40Now
with certainty, tax collectors and when the owner of the vineyard
prostitutes will get into God's returns, what will he do to those
kingdom ahead of you! 32John came farmers?”33 21
41
to you living a righteous life,e and They said to him, “He will put
you didn't believe him, but the tax those horrible men to a horrible
collectors and prostitutes did. But death. Then he will lease the
even when you saw that, you didn't vineyard to other farmers who will
change your mindsf at last and give him his produce at harvest
believe him.” time.”
42
Jesus said to them, “Have you
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers never read in the Scriptures,
(Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)
33
“Listen to another parable. ‘The stone that the builders rejected
There was a landowner who planted has become the cornerstone.a
a vineyard, put a wall around it, dug This was the Lord's doing,
a wine press in it, and built a and it is amazing in our eyes.’?b
watchtower. Then he leased it to 43
That is why I tell you that the
tenant farmers and went abroad. kingdom of God will be taken away
34
When harvest time approached, he from you and given to a people who
sent his servants to the tenant will produce fruit for it. 44The person
farmers to collect his produce. 35But who falls over this stone will be
the farmers took his servants and beat broken to pieces, but it will crush
one, killed another, and attacked
anyone on whom it falls.”c
another with stones. 36Again, he sent 45
When the high priests and the
other servants to them, a greater
Pharisees heard his parables, they
number than the first, but the tenant knew that he was talking about them.
46
Although they wanted to arrest him,
a 21:29 Lit. He
b 21:30 Lit. he
c 21:30 The Gk. lacks son g 21:36 Lit. they
d 21:30 The Gk. lacks will a 21:42 Or capstone
e 21:32 Lit. you in the way of righteousness b 21:42 Ps 118:22-23
f 21:32 Or didn’t repent c 21:44 Other mss. lack this verse
42
they were afraid of the crowds, who clothes. 12He asked him, ‘Friend, how
MATTHEW
considered Jesusa to be a prophet. did you get in here without wedding
Chapter 22
clothes?’ But the mand was

The Parable about a Banquet
speechless. 13Then the king told his
(Luke 14:15-24)
servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and
22
1
Again Jesus spoke to them in
throw him into the outer darkness!’
parables. He said, 2“The
In that place there will be weeping
kingdom of heaven may be compared
and gnashing of teeth,a 14because
to a king who gave a wedding
many are invited, but few are
banquet for his son. 3He sent his
chosen.”
servants to call those who had been
invited to the wedding, but they A Question about Paying Taxes
refused to come. 4Sob he sent other (Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)
15
servants, saying, ‘Tell those who have Then the Pharisees went and
been invited, “Look, I've prepared my planned how to trap Jesusb in
dinner. My oxen and fattened calves conversation. 16They sent their
have been slaughtered. Everything is disciples to him along with the
ready. Come to the wedding!”’ 5But Herodians.c They said, “Teacher, we
they paid no attention to this and know that you are sincere and that
went away, one to his farm, another you teach the way of God truthfully.
to his business. 6The rest grabbed the You don't favor any individual,
because you pay no attention to
king'sc servants, treated them
external appearance. 17So tell us what
brutally, and then killed them. 7Then
you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to
the king became outraged. He sent
Caesar or not?”
his troops, and they destroyed those 18
But Jesus recognized their
murderers and burned their city. wickedness and said, “Why are you
8
“Then he said to his servants, testing me, you hypocrites? 19Show
‘The wedding is ready, but those who me the coin used for the tax.”
were invited were not worthy. 9So go They brought him a denarius.d
into the roads leading out of town 20
Then he asked them, “Whose face
and invite as many people as you can and name is this?”
find to the wedding.’ 10Those servants 21
They said to him, “Caesar's.”
went out into the streets and brought So he said to them, “Then give
in everyone they found, evil and back to Caesar the things that are
good alike, and the wedding hall was Caesar's, and to God the things that
packed with guests. are God's.”
11
“When the king came in to see
the guests, he noticed a man there
d 22:12 Lit. he
who was not wearing wedding a 22:13 I.e. extreme pain
b 22:15 Lit. him
a 21:46 Lit. him c 22:16 I.e. Royal party sympathizers
b 22:4 Lit. Again d 22:19 The denarius was the usual day's wage
c 22:6 Lit. his for a laborer.
43
22 33
When they heard this, they When the crowds heard this,
MATTHEW
were amazed. Then they left him and they were amazed at his teaching.
went away.
The Greatest Commandment
A Question about the Resurrection (Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-28)
34
(Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40) When the Pharisees heard that
23
That same day some Jesusb had silenced the Sadducees,
Sadducees, who claim there is no they met together in the same place.
resurrection, came to Jesusa and 35
One of them, an expert in the law,
asked him, 24“Teacher, Moses said, ‘If tested him by asking, 36“Teacher,
a man dies having no children, his which is the greatest commandment
brother must marry the widow and in the law?”
have children for his brother.’b 25Now
22
37
Jesusc said to him, “‘You must
there were seven brothers among us.
love the Lord your God with all your
The first one married and died, and
heart, with all your soul, and with all
since he had no children, he left his
widow to his brother. 26The same your mind.’d 38This is the greatest and
thing happened with the second most importante commandment.
39
brother, and then the third, and The second is exactly like it: ‘You
finally with the rest of the brothers.c must love your neighbor as yourself.’f
27 40
Finally, the woman died, too. 28Now All the Law and the Prophets
in the resurrection, whose wife of the depend on these two
seven will she be, since all of them commandments.”
had marriedd her?”
A Question about David's Son
26
29
Jesus answered them, “You are
mistaken because you don't know the (Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44)
41
Scriptures or God's power, 30because While the Pharisees were stillg
in the resurrection, peoplee neither gathered, Jesus asked them, 42“What
marry nor are given in marriage but do you think about the Messiah?
are like the angelsf in heaven. 31As for Whose son is he?”
the resurrection from the dead, They told him, “David's.”
43
haven't you read what was spoken to He asked them, “Then how can
you by God when he said, 32‘I am the David by the Spirit call him ‘Lord’
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, when he says,
and the God of Jacob’?g Hea is not the 44
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
God of the dead, but of the living.”30
“Sit at my right hand,
a 22:23 Lit. him

b 22:24 Deut 25:5-6
c 22:26 Lit. with the seven b 22:34 Lit. he
d 22:28 The Gk. lacks married c 22:37 Lit. He
e 22:30 Lit. they d 22:37 Deut 6:5
f 22:30 Other mss. read God's angels e 22:38 Or first
g 22:32 Exod 3:6 f 22:39 Lev 19:18
a 22:32 Other mss. read God g 22:41 The Gk. lacks still
44
9
until I put your enemies under And don't call anyone on earth
MATTHEW
your feet.”’?a ‘Father,’ because you have only one
45 Father, the one in heaven. 10Nor are
If David calls him 'Lord', how can
you to be called ‘Teachers,’ because
he be his son?”
46 you have only one teacher, the
No one could answer him at
Messiah! 11The person who is greatest
b
all, and from that day on no one among you must be your servant.
dared to ask him another question. 12
Whoever exalts himself will be
humbled, and whoever humbles
Chapter 23
Jesus Denounces the Scribes and the

Pharisees himself will be exalted.
13
(Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47) “How terrible it will be for you,
23
1
Then Jesus said to the crowds scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
and to his disciples, 2“The You shut the door to the kingdom of
scribes and the Pharisees administer heaven in people's faces. You don't
the authority of Moses,c 3So do go in yourselves, and you don't allow
whatever they tell you and follow it, those who are trying to enter to go in.
14
but stop doing what they do, because “How terrible it will be for you,
they don't do what they say. 4They tie scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
up burdens that are heavy and You devour widows’ houses and say
unbearable and lay them on people's long prayers to cover it up. Therefore,
shoulders, but they refuse to lift a you will receive greater
finger to remove them. condemnation!c
15
5
“They do everything to be seen “How terrible it will be for you,
by people. They increase the size of scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
their phylacteriesd and lengthen the You travel over land and sea to make
tassels of their garments. 6They love a single convert, and when this
to have the places of honor at feasts, happens you make him twice as fit
the best seats in the synagogues, 7to ford helle as you are.
16
be greeted in the marketplaces, and “How terrible it will be for you,
to be called ‘Rabbi’a by people. blind guides! You say, ‘Whoever
8
“But you are not to be called swears an oath by the sanctuary is
‘Rabbi,’b because you have only one excused,f but whoever swears an oath
teacher, and all of you are brothers. by the gold of the sanctuary must
keep his oath.’g 17You blind fools!
What is more important, the gold or
a 22:44 Ps 110:1
b 22:46 Lit. a word the sanctuary that made the gold
c 23:2 Lit. Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat
d 23:5 I.e. leather cases containing Scripture c 23:14 Other mss. omit vs. 14.
texts d 23:15 Lit. twice as much a son of
a 23:7 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or e 23:15 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
Teacher. the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
b 23:8 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or f 23:16 Lit. is nothing
Teacher g 23:16 Lit. owes a debt
45
holy? 18Again you say,a ‘Whoever You are like whitewashed tombs that
MATTHEW
swears an oath by the altar is look beautiful on the outside but
excused,b but whoever swears by the inside are full of dead people's bones
gift that is on it must keep his oath.’c and every kind of impurity. 28In the
19
You blind men!d Which is more same way, on the outside you look
important, the gift or the altar that righteous to people, but inside you
makes the gift holy? 20Therefore, the are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29
one who swears an oath by the altar “How terrible it will be for you,
swears by it and by everything on it. scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
21
The one who swears an oath by the You build tombs for the prophets and
sanctuary swears by it and by the one decorate the monuments of the
who lives there. 22And the one who righteous. 30Then you say, ‘If we had
swears an oath by heaven swears by been living in the days of our
God's throne and by the one who sits ancestors, we would have had no
on it. part with them in sheddingc the
blood of the prophets.’ 31Therefore,
18
23
“How terrible it will be for you,
scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! you testify against yourselves that
You give a tenth of your mint, dill, you are descendants of those who
and cummin, but have neglected the murdered the prophets. 32Then finish
more important matters of the law: what your ancestors started!d 33You
justice, mercy, and faithfulness.a snakes, you children of serpents!
These are the things you should have How can you escape being
practiced, without neglecting the condemned to hell?e
34
others. 24You blind guides! You filter “That is why I am sending you
out a gnat, yet swallow a camel! 23
prophets, wise men, and scribes.
25
“How terrible it will be for you, Some of them you will kill and
scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! crucify, and some of them you will
You clean the outside of the cup and whip in your synagogues and
the plate, but on the inside they are persecute from town to town. 35As a
full of greed and self-indulgence. result, you will be held accountable
26
You blind Pharisee! First clean the forf all the righteous blood shed on
inside of the cup,b so that its outside earth, from the blood of the righteous
may also be clean. 25
Abelg to the blood of Zechariah,h the
27
“How terrible it will be for you, son of Berechiah, whom you
scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
c 23:30 The Gk. lacks shedding
a 23:18 Lit. And d 23:32 Lit. Fill up the measure of your
b 23:18 Lit. is nothing ancestors
c 23:18 Lit. owes a debt e 23:33 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
d 23:19 Other mss. read blind and foolish men the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
a 23:23 Or faith f 23:35 Lit. on you will come
b 23:26 Other mss. read of the cup and the g 23:35 Gen 4:8
plate h 23:35 2Chr 24:20-21
46
murdered between the sanctuary and and what will be the sign of your
MATTHEW
the altar. 36I tell you with certainty, all coming and of the end of the age?”
4
these things will happen to those Jesus answered them, “See to it
living today.”a that no one deceives you, 5because
many will come in my name and say,
Jesus Rebukes Jerusalem
‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will
(Luke 13:34-35)
37 deceive many people. 6You are going
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who
to hear of wars and rumors of wars.
kills the prophets and stones to death
See to it that you are not alarmed.
those who have been sent to her!
These things must take place, but the
How often I wanted to gather your
end hasn't come yet, 7because nation
children together as a hen gathers her
will rise up in arms against nation,
chicks under her wings, but you were
and kingdom against kingdom. There
unwilling! 38Look! Your house is left
will be famines and earthquakes in
abandoned! 39I tell you, you will not
various places. 8But all these things
see me again until you say, ‘How
are only the beginning of the birth
blessed is the one who comes in the
pains.”
name of the Lord!’”a 23
Chapter 24
Future Persecution, Apostasy, and
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Evangelism
Temple (Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19)
(Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6) 9
“Then they will hand you over
24
1
As Jesus left the temple and to sufferc and will kill you, and you
was walking away, his
will be hated by all the nationsd
disciples came up to him to point out
because of my name. 10Then many
to him the temple buildings. 2But he
people will fall away, will betray one
said to them, “You see all these
another, and will hate one another.
things, don't you? I tell you with 11
Many false prophets will appear
certainty, there isn’t a single stone
and deceive many people, 12and
here that will be left standing on top
because lawlessness will increase, the
of another. They will all be torn
love of many people will grow cold.
down.” 13
But the person who endures to the
Cults, Revolutions, Famines, and end will be saved. 14And this gospel
Earthquakes of the kingdom will be proclaimed
(Mark 13:3-13; Luke 21:7-19) throughout the world as a testimony
3
While Jesusb was sitting on the to all nations,e and then the end will
Mount of Olives, the disciples came come.”
to him privately and said, “Tell us,
when will these things take place,
a 23:36 Lit. to this generation c 24:9 Or tribulation

a 23:39 Ps 118:26 d 24:9 Or gentiles
b 24:3 Lit. he e 24:14 Or gentiles
47
Signs of the End the storeroom,’ don't believe it,
MATTHEW
27
(Mark 13:14-23; Luke 21:20-24) because just as the lightning comes
15
“So when you see the from the east and flashes as far as the
destructive desecration, mentioned west, so will be the coming of the Son
by the prophet Daniel, standing in of Man. 28Wherever there's a corpse,
the Holy Place (let the reader take there the vulturesd will gather. 23
note),a 16then those who are in Judea

The Coming of the Son of Man
must flee to the mountains. 17Anyone
(Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28)
who’s on the housetop must not 29
“Immediately after the
come down to get what is in his
troublese of those days,
house, 18and anyone who’s in the
field must not turn back to get his ‘The sun will be darkened,
coat. the moon will not give its light,
19
“How terrible it will be for the stars will fall from the sky,
women who are pregnant or who are and the powers of heaven will be
nursing babies in those days! 20Pray shaken loose.’f
that it may not be in winter or on a 30
Sabbath when you flee, 21because at Then the sign of the Son of Man will
that time there will be great appear in the sky, and all ‘the tribes
suffering,a the kind that has not of the landg will mourn’h when they
happened from the beginning of the see ‘the Son of Man coming on the
world until now and certainly will clouds of heaven’i with power and
never happen again. 22If those days great glory. 31He will send out his
had not been limited, no oneb would angels with a loud trumpet blast, and
survive. But for the sake of the elect, they will gather his elect from the
those days will be limited. four winds, from one end of heaven
to another.”
21
23
“At that time, if anyone says to
you, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or The Lesson from the Fig Tree
‘There he is!’, don't believe it, (Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33)
24
because false messiahs and false 32
“Now learn a lessonj from the
prophets will appear and display fig tree. When its branches become
great signs and wonders to deceive, if tender and it produces leaves, you
possible, even the elect. 25Remember, know that summer is near. 33In the
I have told you this beforehand. 26So same way, when you see all these
if they say to you, ‘Look! He's in the things, you will know that the Son of
wilderness,’ don't go out looking for
him.c And if they say, ‘Look! He's in d 24:28 Or eagles
e 24:29 Or tribulation
f 24:29 Isa 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:10
a 24:15 Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 g 24:30 Or earth
a 24:21 Or tribulation h 24:30 Zech 12:12
b 24:22 Lit. flesh i 24:30 Dan 7:13
c 24:26 The Gk. lacks looking for him j 24:32 Or parable
48
Mana is near, right at the door. 34I tell stayed awake and not allowed his
MATTHEW
you with certainty, this generation house to be broken into. 44So you, too,
will not disappear until these things must be ready, because at an hour
happen. 35Heaven and earth will you are not expecting him the Son of
disappear, but my words will never Man will come.”
disappear.”33 The Faithful or the Wicked Servant
The Unknown Day and Hour of (Luke 12:42-48)
45
Messiah's Return “Who, then, is the faithful and
(Mark 13:32-37; Luke 17:20-36) wise servant whom his master has
36
“No one knows when that day put in charge of his household to give
or hour will comea—not the angels in the othersf their food at the right
heaven, nor the Son,b but only the time? 46How blessed is that servant
whom his master finds doing this
Father, 37because just as it was in the
when he comes! 47I tell you with
days of Noah, so it will be when the
certainty, he will put him in charge of
Son of Man comes. 38In those days
all his property.
before the flood, peoplec were eating 48
“But if that wicked servant says
and drinking, marrying and giving in
to himself,g ‘My master has been
marriage right up to the day when delayed,’ 49and begins to beat his
Noah went into the ark. 39They were fellow servants and eat and drink
unaware of what was happeningd with the drunks, 50the master of that
until the flood came and swept all of servant will come on a day when he
them away. That's how it will be doesn't expect him and at an hour
when the Son of Man comes. 40At that that he doesn't know. 51Then his
time two people will be in the field. masterh will punish him severelyi
One will be taken, and the other will and assign him a place with the
be left behind. 41Two women will be hypocrites. In that place there will be
grinding grain at the mill. One will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”j
taken, and the other will be left Chapter 25
behind.38 The Parable about the Ten

42
“So keep on watching, because Bridesmaids
25
1
you don't know on what day your “At that time, the kingdom of
Lord is coming. 43But be sure of this: heaven will be comparable to
if the owner of the house had known ten bridesmaidsa who took their oil
when duringe the night the thief lamps and went out to meet the
would be coming, he would have
a 24:33 Lit. that he f 24:45 Lit. them

a 24:36 Lit. about that day and hour g 24:48 Lit. in his heart
b 24:36 Other mss. lack nor the Son h 24:51 Lit. he
c 24:38 Lit. they i 24:51 Lit. will cut him in pieces
d 24:39 The Gk. lacks of what was happening j 24:51 I.e. extreme pain and anger
e 24:43 Lit. known at what watch of a 25:1 Lit. virgins
49
groom.a 2Now five of them were another two, and to another one,
MATTHEW
foolish, and five were wise, 3because based on their ability. Then he went
when the foolish ones took their on his trip.
16
lamps, they didn't take any oil with “The one who received five
them. 4But the wise ones took flasks talents went out at once and invested
of oil with their lamps. 5Since the them and earned five more. 17In the
groom was late, all of them became same way, the one who had two
sleepy and lay down. talents earned two more. 18But the
6
“But at midnight there came a one who received one talent went off,
shout: ‘The groom is here! Come out dug a hole in the ground, and buried
to meet him!’ 7Then all the his master's money.
19
bridesmaidsb woke up and got their “After a long time the master of
lamps ready. 8But the foolish ones those servants returned and settled
said to the wise, ‘Give us some of accounts with them. 20The one who
your oil, because our lamps are going had received five talents came up and
out!’ 9But the wise ones replied, ‘No! brought five more talents, saying,
There will never be enough for us ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See,
and for you. You’d better go to the I've earned five more talents.’ 21His
dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ master said to him, ‘Well done, good
10
“While they were away buying and trustworthy servant! Since you
it, the groom arrived. Those who have been trustworthy with a small
were ready went with him into the amount, I will put you in charge of a
wedding banquet, and the door was large amount. Come and share your
closed. 11Later the other bridesmaidsc master's joy!’
22
arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open up “The one with two talents also
for us!’ 12But he replied, ‘I tell you came forward and said, ‘Master, you
with certainty, I don't know you!’ 13So gave me two talents. See, I've earned
keep on watching, because you don't two more talents.’ 23His master said to
know the day or the hour.”d him, ‘Well done, good and
trustworthy servant! Since you have
The Parable about the Talents been trustworthy with a small
14
“Similarly, it is like a man going amount, I will put you in charge of a
on a trip who called his servants and large amount. Come and share your
turned his money over to them. 15To master's joy!’
one man he gave five talents,e to 24
“Then the one who had
received one talent came forward and
a 25:1 Other mss. read the groom and the
said, ‘Master, I knew that you were a
bride hard man, harvesting where you
b 25:7 Lit. virgins
c 25:11 Lit. virgins haven't planted and gathering where
d 25:13 Other mss. read the hour when the Son you haven't scattered any seed.
25
of Man will come Being afraid, I went off and hid
e 25:15 A talent was worth a lifetime of wages
your talent in the ground. Here, take
for an average laborer.
what is yours!’
50
26
“His master answered him, me. 36I was naked, and you clothed
MATTHEW
‘You evil and lazy servant! So you me. I was sick, and you took care of
knew that I harvested where I me. I was in prison, and you visited
haven't planted and gathered where I me.’
haven't scattered any seed? 27Then 37
“Then the righteous will say to
you should have invested my money him, ‘Lord, when did we see you
with the bankers. When I returned, I hungry and give you something to
would have received my money back eat, or thirsty and give you
with interest.’ 28Then the master something to drink? 38When did we
said,a ‘Take the talent from him and see you as a stranger and welcome
give it to the man who has the ten you, or see you naked and clothe
talents, 29because to everyone who you? 39When did we see you sick or
has something, more will be given, in prison and visit you?’
40
and he will have more than enough. The king will answer them, ‘I
But from the person who has tell you with certainty, since you did
nothing, even what he has will be it for one of the least important of
taken away from him. 30Throw this these brothers of mine, you did it for
useless servant into the outer me.’
41
darkness! In that place there will be “Then he will say to those on
weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”b his left, ‘Get away from me, you who
are accursed, into the eternal fire that
The Judgment of the Nations has been prepared for the devil and
31
“When the Son of Man comes his angels! 42Here’s why: I was
in his glory and all the angels are hungry, and you gave me nothing to
with him, he will sit on his glorious eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me
throne. 32All the nations will be nothing to drink. 43I was a stranger,
assembled in front of him, and he will and you didn't welcome me. I was
cull them out, one from another, like naked, and you didn't clothe me. I
a shepherd separates sheep from was sick and in prison, and you
goats. 33He will put the sheep on his didn't visit me.’
right but the goats on his left.
25
44
34
“Then they will reply, ‘Lord,
“Then the king will say to those when did we see you hungry or
on his right, ‘Come, you who have thirsty or as a stranger or naked or
been blessed by my Father! Inherit sick or in prison and didn't help
the kingdom prepared for you from you?’
the foundation of the world, 45
Then he will say to them, ‘I tell
35
because I was hungry, and you gave you with certainty, since you didn’t
me something to eat. I was thirsty, do it for one of the least important of
and you gave me something to drink. these, you didn’t do it for me.’
I was a stranger, and you welcomed 46
These people will go away into
a 25:28 The Gk. lacks ‘Then the master said’
b 25:30 I.e. extreme pain
51
eternal punishment, but the righteous the destitute with you, but you will
MATTHEW
will goa into eternal life.” not always have me. 12When she
Chapter 26
poured this perfume on my body, she
The Plot to Kill Jesus was preparing me for burial. 13I tell
(Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John you with certainty, wherever this
11:45-53) gospel is proclaimed throughout the
26
1
When Jesus had finished whole world, what she has done will
saying all these things,b he also be told as a memorial to her.”12
told his disciples, 2“You know that
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
the Passover will take place in two
(Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6)
days, and the Son of Man will be 14
Then one of the twelve
handed over to be crucified.” disciples,e who was called Judas
3
Then the high priests and the Iscariot, went to the high priests 15and
elders of the people assembled in the said, “What are you willing to give
courtyard of the high priest, who was me if I betray Jesusf to you?” They
named Caiaphas. 4They conspired to offered him 30 pieces of silver, 16and
arrest Jesus by treachery and to kill from then on he began to look for an
him. 5But they kept saying, “This opportunity to betray Jesus.a
must not happen during the festival.
Otherwise, there’ll be a riot among The Passover with the Disciples
the people.” (Mark 14:12-21; Luke 22:7-14, 21-23;
John 12:21-30)
4
17
A Woman Anoints Jesus On the first day of the Festivalb
(Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8) of Unleavened Bread, the disciples
6
While Jesus was in Bethany at approached Jesus and asked, “Where
the home of Simon the leper, 7a do you want us to make preparations
woman came to him with an for you to eat the Passover meal?”
18
alabaster jar of very expensive He said, “Go to a certain man
perfume and poured it on his head in the city and say to him, ‘The
while he sat at the table. 8But when Teacher says, “My time is near. I will
the disciples saw this they became celebrate the Passover with my
irritated and said, “Why this waste? disciples at your house.”’”c 19So the
9
Surely this perfume could have been disciples did as Jesus had directed
sold for a high price and the moneyc them, and they prepared the
given to the destitute.” Passover meal.
20
10 When evening came, Jesusd
But knowing this,d Jesus said to
was sitting at the table with the
them, “Why are you bothering the
woman? She has done a beautiful
thing for me. 11You will always have e 26:14 The Gk. lacks disciples
f 26:15 Lit. him
a 25:46 The Gk. lacks will go a 26:16 Lit. him
b 26:1 Lit. finished all these sayings b 26:17 The Gk. lacks day of the Festival
c 26:9 The Gk. lacks the money c 26:18 Lit. with you
d 26:10 The Gk. lacks this d 26:20 Lit. he
52
twelve disciples.a 21While they were when I drink it with you once again
MATTHEW
eating, he said, “I tell you with in my Father's kingdom.”
30
certainty, one of you is going to After singing a hymn, they
betray me.” went out to the Mount of Olives.
22
Feeling deeply distressed, each
one began to ask him, “Surely I am Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
not the one, Lord?” (Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John
23
He replied, “The man who has 13:36-38)
31
dipped his hand into the bowl with Then Jesus said to them, “All of
me will betray me. 24The Son of Man you will turn against me this very
is going away, just as it has been night, because it is written,
written about him. How terrible it ‘I will strike the shepherd,
will be for that man by whom the Son and the sheep of the flock will be
of Man is betrayed! It would have
scattered.’a
been better for him if he had never
32
been born.” However, after I have been raised, I
25
Then Judas, who was going to will go to Galilee ahead of you.”
betray him, said, “Rabbi,b I'm not the 33
But Peter said to him, “Even if
one, am I?” everyone else turns against you, I
Jesusc said to him, “You have certainly won't!”
said so.” 34
Jesus said to him, “I tell you
The Lord's Supper with certainty, before a rooster crows
(Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:15-20) this very night, you will deny me
26
While they were eating, Jesus three times.”
35
took a loaf of bread and blessed it. Peter told him, “Even if I have
Then he broke it in pieces and to die with you, I will never deny
handed it to the disciples, saying, you!” And all the disciples said the
“Take this and eat it. This is my same thing.
body.” Jesus Prays in the Garden of
27
Then he took a cup, gave Gethsemane
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, (Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)
“Drink from it, all of you, 28because 36
Then Jesus went with them to
this is my blood of the newd covenant a place called Gethsemane. He said to
that is being poured out for many the disciples, “Sit down here while I
people for the forgiveness of sins. 29I go over there and pray.” 37Taking
tell you, I will never again drink the Peter and the two sons of Zebedee
product of the vine until that day with him, he began to be grieved and
troubled. 38Then he said to them, “I’m
a 26:20 Other mss. lack disciples so deeply grieved that I feel I’m about
b 26:25 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
Teacher.
c 26:25 Lit. He
d 26:28 Other mss. lack new a 26:31 Zech 13:7
53
to die. Wait here and stay awake with armed with swords and clubs was
MATTHEW
me.” with him. They were from the high
39
Going on a little farther, he fell priests and elders of the people.
48
on his face and prayed, “O my Now the betrayer personally had
Father, if it is possible, let this cup given them a signal, saying, “The one
pass from me. Yet not what I want I kissa is the man. Arrest him.”
but what you want.” 49
So Judasb immediately went up
40
When he went back to the to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi!”c and
disciples, he found them asleep. He kissed him tenderly.
said to Peter, “So, you men couldn't 50
Jesus asked him, “Friend, why
stay awake with me for one hour, are you here?”d Then the other mene
could you? 41All of you must stay surged forward, took hold of Jesus,
awake and pray that you won't be and arrested him.
tempted. The spirit is indeed willing, 51
Suddenly, one of the men with
but the body is weak.” 40
Jesus reached out his hand, drew his

42
He went away a second time sword, and struck the high priest's
and prayed, “My Father, if this cup servant, cutting off his ear. 52Jesus
cannot go away unless I drink it, let said to him, “Put your sword back in
your will be done.” 43Then he came its place! Everyone who uses a sword
back and found them asleep, because will be killed by a sword. 53Don't you
they could not keep their eyes open. think that I could call on my Father,
44
After leaving them again, he went and he would send me more than
away and prayed again for the third twelve legions of angels now? 54How,
time, saying the same thing. then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled
45
Then he came back to the that say this must happen?”
disciples and said to them, “You 55
At this point,f Jesus said to the
might as well keep on sleeping and
crowds, “Have you come out with
resting.a Look! The time is near for swords and clubs to arrest me as if I
the Son of Man to be betrayed into
were a bandit?g Day after day I sat
the hands of sinners. 46Get up! Let's
teaching in the temple, yet you didn't
go! See, the one who is betraying me
arrest me. 56But all of this has
is near!”
happened so that the writings of the
Jesus is Arrested prophets might be fulfilled.”
(Mark 14:43-50; Luke 22:47-53; John
18:3-12) a 26:48 People customarily greeted their
47
Just then, while Jesusb was still friends with a kiss.
speaking, Judas, one of the twelve b 26:49 Lit. he
c 26:49 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
disciples,c arrived. A large crowd
Teacher.
d 26:50 Or do what you came for
a 26:45 Or Are you still sleeping and resting? e 26:50 Lit. they
b 26:47 Lit. he f 26:55 Lit. In that hour
c 26:47 The Gk. lacks disciples g 26:55 Or revolutionary
54
Then all the disciples deserted and ‘coming on the clouds of
MATTHEW
Jesusa and ran away. heaven.’”b
65
Then the high priest tore his
Jesus is Tried before the High Priest
robes and said, “He has blasphemed!
(Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-55, 63-
Why do we still need witnesses?
71; John 18:13-14, 19-24)
57 Listen! You yourselves have just
Those who had arrested Jesus
heard the blasphemy! 66What is your
took him to Caiaphas, the high priest,
verdict?”
where the scribes and the elders had
They replied, “He deserves to
assembled. 58Peter, however, followed
die!”
him at a distance as far as the high 67
Then they spit in his face and
priest's courtyard. He went inside
hit him. Some slapped him, 68saying,
and sat down with the servants to see
“Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who
how this would end.
59
Meanwhile, the high priests hitc you?”
and the whole Councilb were looking Peter Denies Jesus
for false testimony against Jesus in (Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:56-62; John
order to have him put to death. 60But 18:15-18, 25-27)
69
they couldn't find any, even though Now Peter was sitting outside
many false witnesses had come in the courtyard when a servant girl
forward. At last two men came came up to him and said, “You, too,
forward 61and stated, “This man said, were with Jesus the Galilean.” 26
70
‘I can destroy the sanctuary of God But he denied it in front of
and rebuild it in three days.’” them all, saying, “I don't know what
62
At this, the high priest stood up you're talking about.”
71
and asked Jesus,c “Don't you have As he went out to the gateway,
any answer to what these men are another woman saw him and said to
testifying against you?” 63But Jesus those who were there, “This man was
was silent. Then the high priest said with Jesus from Nazareth.”d
72
to him, “I command you by the living Again he denied it and swore
God to tell us if you are the Messiah, with an oath, “I don't know the
the Son of God!” man!”
64 73
Jesus said to him, “You have After a little while the people
said so. Nevertheless I tell you, from who were standing there came up
now on you will see ‘the Son of Man and said to Peter, “Obviously you're
seated at the right hand of Power’a
b 26:64 Dan 7:13

c 26:68 Lit. Who is the one who hit
a 26:56 Lit. him d 26:71 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.
b 26:59 Or Sanhedrin Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb.
c 26:62 Lit. him netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the
a 26:64 Ps 110:1 name Nazareth.
55
also one of them, because your accent treasury, because it is blood money.”
MATTHEW
7
gives you away.” So they decided to use the money to
74
Then he began to curse buy the Potter's Field as a burial
violently. “I don't know the man!” he ground for foreigners. 8That is why
swore solemnly. Just then a rooster that field has been called the Field of
crowed. 75Peter remembered the Blood to this day. 9Then what had
words of Jesus when he said, “Before been declared through the prophet
a rooster crows, you will deny me Jeremiah was fulfilled when he said,
three times.” Then he went outside
“Theyc took the 30 pieces of silver,
and cried bitterly.
Chapter 27
the value of the man on whom a
Jesus is Taken to Pilate price had been set by the
(Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1-2; John 18:28- Israelites,
10
32) and theyd gave them for the
27
1
When morning came, all the potter's field,
high priests and elders of the as the Lord commanded me.”e
people conspired against Jesus to put
him to death. 2They bound him with Pilate Questions Jesus
chains, led him away, and handed (Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:3-5; John
18:33-38)
him over to Pontiusa Pilate, the 11
Meanwhile, Jesus was made to
governor.
stand in front of the governor. The
The Death of Judas governor asked him, “Are you the
(Acts 1:18-19) king of the Jews?”
3
Then Judas, who had betrayed Jesus said, “You say so.”
him, regretted what had happened 12
While Jesusf was being accused
when he saw that Jesusa was by the high priests and elders, he
condemned. He brought the 30 pieces made no reply. 13Then Pilate asked
of silver back to the high priests and him, “Don't you hear how many
elders, 4saying, “I have sinned by charges they're bringing against
betraying innocentb blood.” you?” 14But Jesusg did not reply at all,
But they said, “What do we care? so that the governor was very
Attend to that yourself.” 5Then he surprised.
flung the pieces of silver into the
sanctuary and went outside. Then he
went away and hanged himself.
6
The high priests picked up the
pieces of silver and said, “It is not
lawful to put this into the temple
c 27:9 Or I
d 27:10 Other mss. read I
a 27:2 Other mss. lack Pontius e 27:10 Zech 11:12-13; Jer 32:6-9
a 27:3 Lit. he f 27:12 Lit. he
b 27:4 Other mss. read righteous g 27:14 Lit. he
56
Jesus is Sentenced to Death But they kept shouting louder
MATTHEW
(Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John and louder, “Let him be crucified!”
24
18:39-19:16) Pilate saw that he was getting
15
At every festivala the governor nowhere, but that a riot was about to
had a custom of releasing to the break out instead. So he took some
crowd any prisoner whom they water and washed his hands in front
wanted. 16At that time they were of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent
holding a notorious prisoner named of this man'sc blood. Attend to that
Barabbas.b 17So when the peoplec had yourselves.”
25
gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which All the people answered, “Let
man do you want me to release for his blood be on us and our children!”
26
you—Barabbas,d or Jesus who is Then he released Barabbas for them,
called the Messiah?” 18He did thisa but he had Jesus whipped and
because he knew that they had handed over to be crucified.
handed him over out of jealousy. The Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus
19
While he was sitting on the (Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-3)
judge's seat, his wife sent him a 27
Then the governor's soldiers
message.b It said, “Have nothing to took Jesus into the imperial
do with that righteous man, because headquartersd and gathered the
today I have suffered terribly due to a whole company of soldiers around
dream I had about him.” him. 28They strippede him and put a
20
But the high priests and elders scarlet robe on him. 29Twisting some
persuaded the crowds to ask for thorns into a victor's crown, they
Barabbas and to demand that Jesus be placed it on his head and putf a stick
put to death. 21So the governor asked in his right hand. They knelt down in
them, “Which of the two men do you front of him and began making fun of
want me to release for you?” him, saying, “Long live the king of
They said, “Barabbas!” the Jews!” 30Then they spit on him
22
Pilate asked them, “Then what and took the stick and hit him
should I do with Jesus, who is called repeatedly on his head.
the Messiah?” 31
When they had finished
They all said, “Let him be making fun of him, they stripped him
crucified!” of the robe, put his own clothes back
23
He asked, “What has he done on him, and led him away to crucify
wrong?” him.
a 27:15 I.e. Passover Festival

b 27:16 Other mss. read Jesus Barabbas
c 27:17 Lit. they c 27:24 Other mss. read this righteous man's
d 27:17 Other mss. read Jesus Barabbas d 27:27 Lit. praetorium
a 27:18 The Gk. lacks He did this e 27:28 Other mss. read clothed
b 27:19 The Gk. lacks a message f 27:29 The Gk. lacks put
57
Jesus is Crucified him. 43He trusts in God. Let Gode
MATTHEW
(Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John rescue him, if he wants to do so now.
19:17-27) After all, he said, ‘I am the Son of
32
As they were leaving, they God,’”42
found a man from Cyrene named 44
In a similar way, the banditsf
Simon, whom they forced to carry who were being crucified with him
Jesus’a cross. 33When they came to a kept insulting him.
place called Golgotha (which means
Jesus Dies on the Cross
“Skull Place”), 34they offered him a
(Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John
drink of wine mixed with gall. But
19:28-30)
when he tasted it, he refused to drink 45
it. 35After they had crucified him, they From noong on, darkness came
determined who would get his over the whole landh until three in
clothes by throwing dice for them.a the afternoon.i 46About three o'clock,j
36
Then they sat down there and Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli,
continued guarding him. 37Above his Eli, lema sabachthani?”, which means,
head they placed the charge against “My God, my God, why have you
him. It read, “This is Jesus, the king of forsaken me?”k
47
the Jews.” When some of the people
38
At that time two banditsb were standing there heard this, they said,
crucified with him, one on his right “He's calling for Elijah.”l 48So one of
and the other on his left. 39Those who the men ran off at once, took a
passed by kept insultingc him, sponge, and soaked it in some sour
shaking their heads, 40and saying, wine. Then he put it on a stick and
“You who were going to destroy the offered Jesusm a drink.
49
sanctuary and rebuild it in three But the others kept saying,
days—save yourself! If you are the “Wait! Let's see if Elijah will come
Son of God, come down from the and save him.”a
50
cross!” 39
Then Jesus cried out with a
41
In the same way the high loud voice again and died.b
priests, along with the scribes and
elders, were also making fun of him. e 27:43 Lit. him
They kept saying, 42“He saved others f 27:44 Or revolutionaries
but can't save himself! He is the king g 27:45 Lit. the sixth hour
of Israel. Let himd come down from h 27:45 Or earth
i 27:45 Lit. the ninth hour
the cross now, and we will believe in j 27:46 Lit. the ninth hour
k 27:46 Ps 22:1
a 27:32 Lit. his l 27:47 Elijah in Heb. sounds like Eli
a 27:35 The Gk. lacks for them m 27:48 Lit. him
b 27:38 Or revolutionaries a 27:49 Other mss. read save him.” And
c 27:39 Or blaspheming another took a spear and pierced his side, and
d 27:42 Other mss. read If he is the king of water and blood came out.
Israel, let him b 27:50 Or and gave up his spirit
58
51
Suddenly the curtaina in the he had cut out of the rock. After
MATTHEW
sanctuary was torn in two from top to rolling a large stone across the door
bottom, the earth shook, rocks were of the tomb, he left, 61but Mary
split open, 52tombs were opened, and Magdalene and the other Mary
manyb saints who had diedc were remained there, sitting in front of the
brought back to life. 53After his tomb.
resurrection, they came out of their The Tomb is Secured
tombs and went into the Holy Cityd 62
The following day (that is, after
and appeared to many people. the Day of Preparation), the high
54
When the centurione and those priests and Pharisees gathered before
guarding Jesus with him saw the Pilate 63and said, “Sir, we remember
earthquake and the other things that how that impostor said while he was
were taking place, they were terrified still alive, ‘After three days I will be
and said, “This man certainly was the raised.’ 64Therefore, order the tomb to
Son of God!” be secured until the third day, or his
55
Now many women were also disciples may go and steal him and
there, watching from a distance. They then tell the people, ‘He has been
had accompanied Jesus from Galilee raised from the dead.’ Then the last
and had ministered tof him. 56Among deception would be worse than the
them were Mary Magdalene, Mary first one.” 27
the mother of James and Joseph, and 65

Pilate told them, “You havea a
the mother of Zebedee's sons. military guard. Go and make the
Jesus is Buried tombb as secure as you know how.”
66
(Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John So they went and secured the tomb
19:38-42) by putting a seal on the stone in the
57
Later that evening, a rich man presence of the guards.
arrived from Arimathea. His name
Chapter 28
Jesus is Raised from the Dead

was Joseph, and he had become a (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John
disciple of Jesus. 58He went to Pilate 20:1-10)
28
and asked for the body of Jesus, and 1
After the Sabbaths,c around
Pilate ordered it to be done. 59So
dawn on the first day of the
Joseph took the body and wrapped it
week,d Mary Magdalene and the
in a clean linen cloth. 60Then he
other Mary went to take a look at the
placed it in his own new tomb, which
burial site.e 2Suddenly there was a
a 27:51 This curtain separated the Holy Place powerful earthquake, because an
from the Most Holy Place.
b 27:52 Lit. and the corpses of many
c 27:52 Lit. fallen asleep a 27:65 Or Take
d 27:53 I.e. Jerusalem b 27:65 Lit. it
e 27:54 A Roman centurion commanded about c 28:1 I.e., the Passover and Saturday
100 men. d 28:1 Lit. first of the Sabbaths
f 27:55 Or provided for e 28:1 Or the tomb
59
angel of the Lord had come down sleeping. 14If this is reported to the
MATTHEW
from heaven, approached the stone, governor, we’ll personally persuade
rolled it away, and was sitting on top him to keep you out of trouble.”f 15So
of it. 3His appearance was bright as the soldiersg took the money, did as
lightning, and his clothes were white they were instructed, and this story
as snow. 4Trembling from fear, even has been spread among the Jews to
the guards themselves became this day.13
catatonic.a Jesus Commissions His Disciples

5
Responding to the women, the (Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-49; John
angel said, “Stop being frightened! I 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)
16
know you're looking for Jesus, who The eleven disciples went into
was crucified. 6He is not here. He has Galilee to the hillside to which Jesus
been raised, just as he said. Come and had directed them. 17When they saw
see the place where heb was lying. him, they worshiped him, though
7
Then go quickly and tell his disciples some had doubts.
18
that he is risen from the dead. He is Then Jesus came up and said to
going ahead of you into Galilee, and them, “All authority in heaven and
you will see him there. Remember, I on earth has been given to me.
19
have told you!” Therefore, as you go, disciple people
8
So they quickly left the tomb, in all nations, baptizing them in the
terrified but also ecstatic, and ran to name of the Father, and the Son, and
tell Jesus’c disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to
met them and said, “Greetings!” They obey everything that I’ve
went up to him, took hold of his feet, commanded you. And remember, I
and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said am with you each and every daya
to them, “Stop being frightened! Go until the end of the age.”b
and tell my brothers to leave for
Galilee, and they will see me there.”9
The Guards Report to the High Priests

11
While the women were on
their way, some of the guards went
into the city and told the high priests
everything that had happened. 12So
they met with the elders and agreed
on a plan to give the soldiers a larged
amount of money. 13They said, “Say
that Jesus’e disciples came at night
and stole him while you were
a 28:4 Lit. became like the dead

b 28:6 Other mss. read the Lord f 28:14 Lit. from worry
c 28:8 Lit. his g 28:15 Lit. they
d 28:12 Or a sufficient a 28:20 Lit. you all the days
e 28:13 Lit. his b 28:20 Other mss. read age. Amen
60
MARK
Chapter 1
John the Baptist Prepares the Way for you withg water, but it is he who will
Jesus baptize you withh the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-9, 15-17;
John 1:19-28) Jesus is Baptized
1
1 (Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22)
This isa the beginning of the 9
In those days Jesus came from
gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the
Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized
Son of God.b 2As it is written in the
MARK
by John in the Jordan. 10Just as he was
prophet Isaiah, coming up out of the water, he saw
“See! I am sending my messenger the heavens split open and the Spirit
ahead of you, descending on him like a dove.
11
who will prepare your way.c Then a voice came from heaven:
3
He is a voice calling out in the “You are my Son, whom I love. I am
wilderness: pleased with you!”
‘Prepare the way for the Lord! Jesus is Tempted by Satan
Make his paths straight!’”d (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13)
12
4 At once the Spirit drove him
John was baptizing in the into the wilderness. 13He was in the
wilderness, proclaiming a baptism wilderness for 40 days being tempted
about repentance for the forgiveness by Satan. He was among wild
of sins. 5People frome the whole animals, and angels were ministering
Judean countryside and all the people to him.
of Jerusalem were flocking to him,
being baptized by him while they Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
confessed their sins. 6Now John was (Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 4:14-15)
14
Now after John had been
dressed in camel's hair withf a leather
arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and
belt around his waist. He ate locusts
7 proclaimed the gospel about the
and wild honey. He kept kingdoma of God. 15He said, “The
proclaiming, “The one who is coming time is now! The kingdom of God is
after me is stronger than I am, and I near! Repent, and keep believing the
am not worthy to bend down and gospel!”
untie his sandal straps. 8I baptized
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks This is

b 1:1 Other mss. lack the Son of God
c 1:2 Mal 3:1
d 1:3 Isa 40:3 g 1:8 Or in
e 1:5 The Gk. lacks People from h 1:8 Or in
f 1:6 Lit. and a 1:14 Other mss. lack about the kingdom
61
Mark 1:16 The Holy Bible
Jesus Calls His First Disciples man,f cried out with a loud voice, and
(Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11) and came out of him.
16 27
While Jesusa was walking All the people were so stunned
beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw that they kept saying to each other,
Simon and his brother Andrew. They “What is this? A new teaching with
were throwing a net into the sea authority! He tells even the unclean
because they were fishermen. 17Jesus spirits what to do, and they obey
said to them, “Follow me, and I will him!” 28At once his fame began to
make you fishermen of people!” 18So spread throughout the surrounding
immediately they left their nets and region of Galilee.
followed him. 19Going on a little
Jesus Heals Many People
MARK
farther he saw James, the son of

(Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41)
Zebedee, and his brother John. They 29
After they left the synagogue,
were in a boat repairing their nets.
20 they went directly to the house of
He immediately called them, and
Simon and Andrew, along with James
they left their father Zebedee in the
and John. 30Now Simon's mother-in-
boat with the hired men and
law was lying in bed, sick with a
followed him.
fever, so they promptly told Jesusg
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean about her. 31He went up to her, took
Spirit her by the hand, and helped her up.
(Luke 4:31-37) The fever left her, and she began
21
Then they went to Capernaum. serving them.
32
As soon as it was the Sabbath,b Jesusc When evening came, after the
went into the synagogue and began sun had set, peoplea started bringing
to teach. 22The peopled were utterly to him everyone who was sick or
amazed at his teaching, because he possessed by demons. 33In fact, the
was teaching them like one with whole city gathered at the door. 34He
authority and not like their scribes. healed many who were sick with
23
Suddenlye there was a man in their various diseases and drove out many
synagogue who had an unclean demons. However, he wouldn't allow
spirit. He screamed, 24“What do you the demons to speak because they
want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? knew who he was.
Have you come to destroy us? I know
Jesus Goes on a Preaching Tour
who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 (Luke 4:42-44)
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 35
In the morning, while it was
“Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26At
this, the unclean spirit shook the still very dark, Jesusb got up and
went to a deserted place and prayed
there. 36Simon and his companions
a 1:16 Lit. he
b 1:21 Lit. Sabbaths f 1:26 Lit. him
c 1:21 Lit. he g 1:30 Lit. him
d 1:22 Lit. They a 1:32 Lit. they
e 1:23 Lit. Immediately b 1:35 Lit. he
62
International Standard Version 2.0 Mark 2:10
searched frantically for him. 37When

Chapter 2
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

they found him, they told him, (Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26)
“Everyone's looking for you.”
2
1
Several days later, Jesusi
38
He said to them, “Let's go to returned to Capernaum and it
the neighboring towns so that I can was reported that he was at home.
preach there, too, because that’s why 2
Such a large crowd gathered that
I came.” 39So he went throughout there wasn't room for them, even in
Galilee, preaching in their front of the door. Jesusa was speaking
synagogues and driving out demons. his message to them 3when some
Jesus Cleanses a Leper peopleb came and brought him a
(Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16) paralyzed man being carried by four
MARK
40
Then a lepera came to Jesusb men. 4Since they couldn't bring him
and began pleading with him. He fell to Jesus because of the crowd, they
on his knees and said to him, “If you made an opening in the roof over the
want to, you can make me clean.” 1
place where he was. They dug
41
Moved with compassion, Jesusc through it and let down the mat on
reached out his hand, touched him, which the paralyzed man was lying.
5
and said to him, “I do want to. Be When Jesus saw their faith, he
made clean!” 42Instantly the leprosy said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your
left him, and he was clean. sins are forgiven.”
6
43
Then Jesusd sternly warned Now some scribes were sitting
him and encouraged him to go at there, arguing among themselves,c
7
once, 44saying to him, “Be sure that “Why does this man talk this way?
you don't tell anyone. Instead, go and He is blaspheming! Who can forgive
show yourself to the priest, and then sins but God alone?”
8
offer for your cleansing what Moses At once, Jesus knew in his spirit
commanded as proof to the what they were saying to themselves.
authorities.”e 45But when the manf He said to them, “Why are you
left, he began to proclaim it freely. He arguing about such things among
spread the news so widely that Jesusg yourselves?d 9Which is easier: to say
could no longer enter a town openly, to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are
but had to stay out in deserted places. forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up
your mat, and walk’? 10But I want you
Still, peopleh kept coming to him
from everywhere. to knowe that the Son of Man has
authority on earth to forgive sins.
a 1:40 I.e. a man with a serious skin disease
b 1:40 Lit. him
c 1:41 Lit. he i 2:1 Lit. he
d 1:43 Lit. he a 2:2 Lit. He
e 1:44 Lit. to them b 2:3 Lit. they
f 1:45 Lit. he c 2:6 Lit. in their hearts
g 1:45 Lit. he d 2:8 Lit. in your hearts
h 1:45 Lit. they e 2:10 Lit. So that you will know
63
Then he said to the paralyzed A Question about Fasting

man, 11“I say to you, get up, pick up (Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39)
18
your mat, and go home!” 12So the Now John's disciples and the
mana got up, immediately picked up Pharisees would fast regularly. Some
his mat, and went out in front of all peoplea came and asked Jesus,b “Why
of them. do John's disciples and the Pharisees’
As a result, all of the people disciples fast, but your disciples don't
were amazed and began to glorify fast?”
19
God, saying, “We have never seen Jesus said to them, “The
anything like this!” wedding guestsc can't fast while the
groom is with them, can they? As
MARK
Jesus Calls Matthew

(Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32) long as they have the groom with
13 them, they can't fast. 20But the time
Jesusb went out again beside
will come when the groom will be
the sea. The whole crowd kept
taken away from them, and then they
coming to him, and he kept teaching
will fast on that day.”
them. 14As he was walking along, he
saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting The Unshrunk Cloth
at the tax collector's desk. Jesusc said (Matthew 9:16; Luke 5:36)
21
to him, “Follow me!” So Levid got up “No one patches an old
and followed him. garment with a piece of unshrunk
15
Later he was having dinner at cloth. If he does, the patch pulls away
e
Levi's house. Many tax collectors from it—the new from the old—and a
and sinners were also eating with worse tear is made. 22And no one
Jesus and his disciples, because there pours new wine into old wineskins. If
were many who were following him. he does, the wine will make the skins
16
When the scribes and the Pharisees burst, and both the wine and the
saw him eating with sinners and tax skins will be ruined. Instead, new
collectors, they asked his disciples, wine is pouredd into fresh
“Why does he eat and drinkf with tax wineskins.”
collectors and sinners?” Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
17
When Jesus heard that, he said (Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5)
to them, “Healthy people don't need 23
Jesuse happened to be going
a physician, but sick ones do. I did through the grain fields on a
not come to call righteous people, but Sabbath.f As they made their way, his
sinners.”
a 2:18 Lit. They
a 2:12 Lit. he b 2:18 Lit. him
b 2:13 Lit. He c 2:19 Lit. The children of the wedding hall; or
c 2:14 Lit. He The children of the groom
d 2:14 Lit. he d 2:22 The Gk. lacks is poured
e 2:15 Lit. his e 2:23 Lit. He
f 2:16 Other mss. lack and drink f 2:23 Lit. on the Sabbaths
64
disciples began picking the heads of evil on Sabbath days,f to save a life or
grain. 24The Pharisees asked him, to destroy it?” But they were silent.3
“Look! Why are they doing what is 5
Jesusg looked around at them in
not lawful on Sabbath days?”a anger, deeply hurt because of their
25
He asked them, “Haven't you hard hearts. Then he said to the man,
read what David did when he and “Hold out your hand.” The manh
his companions were hungry and in held it out, and his hand was restored
need? 26How was it that he went into to health. 6Immediately the Pharisees
the House of God during the and Herodiansi went out and began
of Abiathar the high priest and ate to plot how to kill him.
the Bread of the Presence, which was
MARK
not lawful for anyone but the priests Jesus Encounters a Large Crowd
7
to eat, and gave some of it to his So Jesus withdrew with his
companions?” disciples to the sea. A large crowd
27
Then he said to them, “The from Galilee, Judea, 8Jerusalem,
Sabbath was made for people, not Idumea, from across the Jordan, and
people for the Sabbath. 28Therefore, from the region around Tyre and
the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sidon followed him. They came to
Sabbath.” him because they kept hearing about
Chapter 3
everything he was doing. 9Jesusj told
Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed his disciples to have a boat ready for
Hand him so that the crowd wouldn't crush
(Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11) him, 10because he had healed so
3
1
Jesusa went into the synagogue many people that everyone who had
again, and a man with a diseases kept crowding up against
paralyzed hand was there. 2The him in order to touch him.
11
peopleb watched Jesusc closely to see Whenever the unclean spirits saw
whether he would heal him on the him, they would fall down in front of
Sabbath,d intending to accuse him of him and scream, “You are the Son of
doing something wrong. 3He said to God!” 12But he sternly ordered them
the man with the paralyzed hand, again and again not to tell people
“Come forward.”e 4Then he asked who he was.
them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles
(Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:12-16)
13
Then Jesusk went up on a
hillside and called to himself those
a 2:23 Lit. on the Sabbaths
b 2:26 The Gk. lacks the lifetime f 3:4 Lit. on the Sabbaths
a 3:1 Lit. He g 3:5 Lit. He
b 3:2 Lit. They h 3:5 Lit. He
c 3:2 Lit. him i 3:6 I.e. Royal party sympathizers
d 3:2 Lit. Sabbaths j 3:9 Lit. He
e 3:3 Lit. into the middle k 3:13 Lit. he
65
whom he had decided on, and they against itself, that kingdom cannot
approached him. 14He appointed stand. 25And if a household is divided
twelve disciples,a whom he called against itself, that household will not
apostles, to accompany him, to be stand. 26So if Satan rebels against
sent out to preach, 15and to have the himself and is divided, he cannot
authority to drive out demons. 16He stand. Indeed, his end has come. 27No
appointed these twelvea men:b Simon one can go into a strong man's house
(whom he named Peter), 17Zebedee’s and carry off his possessions without
sons James and his brother John first tying up the strong man. Then
(whom he named Boanerges, that is, he can ransack his house. 28I tell you
Sons of Thunder), 18Andrew, Philip, with certainty, people will be
MARK
Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, forgiven their sins and whatever

James son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus,c blasphemies they utter.g 29But
Simon the Cananaean,d 19and Judas whoever blasphemes against the
Iscariot, who also betrayed him.14 Holy Spirit can never be forgiven, but
is guilty of eternal sin.”
Jesus is Accused of Working with 30
For they had been saying, “He
Beelzebul has an unclean spirit.”
(Matthew 12:22-32; Luke 11:14-23;
12:10) The True Family of Jesus
20
Then he went home. Such a (Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21)
31
large crowd gathered again that Jesus Then his mother and his
and his disciplese couldn't even eat. brothers arrived. Milling around
21
When his family heard about it, outside, they sent for him, continually
they went to restrain him, because summoning him. 32A crowd was
they kept saying, “He's out of his sitting around him. They said to him,
mind!” “Look! Your mother and your
22
The scribes who had come brothersh are outside asking for you.” 3
33
down from Jerusalem kept repeating, He answered them, “Who are
“He has Beelzebul,” and “He drives my mother and my brothers?” 34Then
out demons by the ruler of demons.” looking at the people sitting around
23
So Jesusf called them together him, he said, “Here are my mother
and began to speak to them in and my brothers! 35Whoever does the
parables. “How can Satan drive out will of God is my brother and sister
Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided and mother.”
a 3:14 The Gk. lacks disciples

a 3:16 Other mss. lack He appointed these
twelve
b 3:16 The Gk. lacks men
c 3:18 Other mss. read Lebbaeus
d 3:18 Cananaean is Aram. for Zealot. g 3:28 Lit. they blaspheme
e 3:20 Lit. so that they h 3:32 Other mss. read your brothers and
f 3:23 Lit. he sisters
66
Chapter 4
The Parable about a Farmer ‘they may see clearly but not
(Matthew 13:1-9; Luke 8:4-18) perceive,
4
1
Then Jesusa began to teach again and they may hear clearly but not
beside the sea. Such a large crowd understand,
gathered around him that he got into otherwise they might turn
a boat and sat in it,b while the entire around and be forgiven.’”e
crowd remained beside the sea on the Jesus Explains the Parable about the
shore. 2He began teaching them many Farmer
things in parables. While he was (Matthew 13:18-23; Luke 8:11-15)
teaching them he said, 3“Listen! A 13
Then he said to them, “You
farmer went out to sow. 4As he was don't understand this parable, so how
MARK
sowing, some seeds fell along the can you understand any of the
path, and birds came and ate them parables? 14The farmer sows the
up. 5Others fell on stony ground, word. 15Some people are like the
where they did not have a lot of soil. seedsf along the path, where the
They sprouted at once because the word is sown. When they hear it,
soil wasn't deep. 6But when the sun Satan immediately comes and takes
came up, they were scorched. Since away the word that was sown in
they did not have any roots, they them. 16Others are like the seedsg
dried up. 7Others fell among thorn sown on the stony ground. When
bushes, and the thorn bushes came they hear the word, at once they
up and choked them out, and they joyfully accept it, 17but since they
did not produce anything. 8But others don't have any roots, they last for
fell on good soil and produced a crop. only a short time. When trouble or
They grew up, increased in size, and persecution comes along because of
produced 30, 60, or 100 times what the word, they immediately fall away.
was sown.”c 9He added, “Let the 18
Still others are like the seedsa sown
person who has ears to hear, listen!” among the thorn bushes. These are
The Purpose of the Parables the people who hear the word, 19but
(Matthew 13:10-17; Luke 8:9-10) the worries of life, the deceitful
10
When he was alone with the pleasures of wealth, and the desires
twelve disciplesd and those around for other things come in and choke
him, they began to ask him about the the word so that it can't produce a
parables. 11He said to them, “The crop. 20Others are like the seedsb
secret about the kingdom of God has sown on good soil. They hear the
been given to you. But to those on word, accept it, and produce crops—
the outside, everything comes in 30, 60, or 100 times what was sown.”c
parables 12so that
e 4:12 Isa 6:9-10
f 4:15 Lit. These are the ones
a 4:1 Lit. he g 4:16 Lit. These are the ones
b 4:1 Lit. on the sea a 4:18 Lit. are those
c 4:8 The Gk. lacks what was sown b 4:20 Lit. are those
d 4:10 The Gk. lacks disciples c 4:20 The Gk. lacks what was sown
67
A Light under a Basket describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed

(Luke 8:16-18) planted in the ground. Although it is
21
Then Jesusa said to them, “A the smallest ofb all the seeds on earth,
32
lamp isn't brought indoors to be put when it is planted it comes up and
under a basket or under a bed, is it? becomes larger than all the garden
It's to be put on a lamp stand, isn't it? plants. It grows such large branches
22
Nothing is hidden except for the that the birds in the sky can nest in its
purpose of having it revealed, and shade.”
nothing is secret except for the
Why Jesus Used Parables
purpose of having it come to light. 23If
(Matthew 13:34-35)
anyone has ears to hear, let him 33
MARK
With many other parables like

listen!”
24 these, Jesusc kept speaking his
He went on to say to them,
message to them according to their
“Pay attention to what you're
ability to understand. 34He did not tell
hearing! You will be evaluated by the
same standard with which you do them anything without usinga a
your evaluating, and still more will be parable, though he explained
given to you, 25because whoever has everything to his disciples in private.
something, will have more given to Jesus Calms the Sea
him. But whoever has nothing, even (Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25)
what he has will be taken away.” 35
That day, when evening had
The Parable about a Growing Seed come, he said to them, “Let's cross to
26
He was also saying, “The the other side.” 36So they left the
kingdom of God is like a man who crowd and took him away in a boat
scatters seeds on the ground. 27He without making any special
sleeps and gets up night and day preparations.b Other boats were with
while the seeds sprout and grow, him. 37A violent windstorm came up,
although he doesn't know how. 28The and the waves began breaking into
ground produces grain by itself, first the boat, so that the boat was rapidlyc
the stalk, then the head, then the full becoming swamped.
38
grain in the head. 29But when the But Jesusd was in the back of
grain is ripe, he immediately starts the boat, asleep on a cushion. So they
cutting with his sickle because the woke him up and asked him,
harvest time has come.” “Teacher, don't you care that we're
going to die?”
The Parable about a Mustard Seed
(Matthew 13:31-32; Luke 13:18-19)
30
He was also saying, “How can b 4:31 Or smaller than
we show what the kingdom of God is c 4:33 Lit. he
like, or what parable can we use to a 4:34 The Gk. lacks using
b 4:36 Lit. boat just as he was
c 4:37 Lit. already
a 4:21 Lit. he d 4:38 Lit. he
68
39 8
Then he got up, rebuked the Jesusd had been saying to him,
wind, and said to the sea, “Calm “Come out of the man, you unclean
down! Be still!” Then the wind spirit!” 9Then Jesuse asked him,
stopped blowing, and there was a “What's your name?”
great calm. 40He asked them, “Why He said to him, “My name is
are you such cowards? Don't you Legion,f because there are many of
have any faith yet?” us.” 10He kept pleading with Jesusa
41
Overcome with fear, they kept not to send them out of that region.
11
saying to one another, “Who is this Now a large herd of pigs was
man? Even the wind and the sea grazing on a hillside nearby. 12So the
obey him!” demonsb begged him, “Send us
MARK
4
Chapter 5
among the pigs, so that we can go

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
into them!” 13So he let them do this.
(Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39)
The unclean spirits came out of the
5
1
They arrived at the other side of
manc and went into the pigs, and the
the sea in the territory of the
herd of about 2,000 rushed down the
Gerasenes.a 2Just as Jesusb stepped cliff into the sea and drowned there.d
out of the boat, a man with an 14
Now when those who had
unclean spirit came out of the tombs been taking care of the pigs ran away,
and met him. 3He lived among the they reported what had happenede in
tombs, and no one could restrain him the city and countryside. So the
any longer, not even with a chain. peoplef went to see what had
4
He had often been restrained with happened. 15When they came to Jesus
shackles and chains but had snapped and saw the man who had been
the chains apart and broken the possessed by the legion of demons,
shackles in pieces. No one could tame sitting there dressed and in his right
him. 5Night and day he kept mind, they were frightened. 16The
screaming among the tombs and on people who had seen it told them
the mountainsides and kept cutting what had happened to the demon-
himself with stones. possessed man and the pigs. 17So they
6
When he saw Jesus from a began to beg Jesusg to leave their
distance, he ran and fell down in
territory.
front of him, 7screaming in a loud
voice, “What do you want with me,
Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I d 5:8 Lit. Because he
e 5:9 Lit. he
adjure you in the name ofc God never f 5:9 A Roman legion consisted of about 6,000
never to torment me!”
men.
a 5:10 Lit. him
b 5:12 Lit. they
c 5:13 The Gk. lacks of the man
a 5:1 Other mss. read Gergesenes; still other d 5:13 Lit. drowned in the sea
mss. read Gadarenes e 5:14 Lit. they reported it
b 5:2 Lit. he f 5:14 Lit. they
c 5:7 The Gk. lacks the name of g 5:17 Lit. him
69
18
As Jesusa was getting into the been helped at all but rather grew
boat, the man who had been demon- worse. 27Since she had heard about
possessed kept begging him to let Jesus, she came up behind him in the
him go with him. 19But Jesusb crowd and touched his robe,
wouldn't let him. Instead, he told 28
because she had been saying, “If I
him, “Go home to your family, and can just touch his robe, I will get
tell them how much the Lord has well.” 29Her bleeding stopped at once,
done for you and how merciful he and she felt in her body that she was
has been to you.” 20So the manc left healed from her illness.
and began proclaiming in the 30
Immediately Jesus became
Decapolisd how much Jesus had done aware that power had gone out of
MARK
for him. And everyone was utterly him. So he turned around in the
amazed. crowd and asked, “Who touched my
Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects clothes?”
31
a Girl His disciples asked him, “You
(Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56) see the crowd jostling you, and yet
21
When Jesus again had crossed you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32But he
to the other side in a boat,e a large kept looking around to see the
crowd gathered around him by the woman who had done this. 33So the
seashore. 22Then a synagogue leader woman, knowing what had
named Jairus arrived. When he saw happened to her, came forward
Jesus,f he fell at his feet 23and begged fearfully, fell down trembling in front
him urgently, saying, “My little of him, and told him the whole truth.
34
daughter is dying. Come and lay He said to her, “Daughter, your
your hands on her so that she may faith has made you well. Go in peace
get well and live.” 24So Jesusg went and be healed from your illness.”
35
with him. A huge crowd kept While he was still speaking,
following him and jostling him. some peoplea came from the
25
Now there was a woman who synagogue leader's homeb and said,
had been suffering from chronic “Your daughter is dead. Why bother
bleeding for twelve years. 26Although the Teacher anymore?”
36
she had endured a great deal under But when Jesus heardc what
the care of many doctors and had they said, he told the synagogue
spent all of her money, she had not leader, “Stop being afraid! Just keep
on believing.” 37Jesusd allowed no one
a 5:18 Lit. he to go further with him except Peter,
b 5:19 Lit. he
c 5:20 Lit. he
d 5:20 Lit. the Ten Cities, a loose federation of
ten cities strongly influenced by Greek culture. a 5:35 Lit. they
e 5:21 Other mss. lack in a boat b 5:35 Lit. from the synagogue leader
f 5:22 Lit. him c 5:36 Other mss. read overheard
g 5:24 Lit. he d 5:37 Lit. He
70
James, and John, the brother of him were utterly amazed. They said,
James. “Where did this man get all these
38
When they came to the home things? What is this wisdom that has
of the synagogue leader, Jesusa saw been given to him? What great
mass confusion. Peopleb were crying miracles are being done by his hands!
3
and sobbing loudly. 39He entered the This is the builder,e the son of Mary,
housec and said to them, “Why all and the brother of James, Joseph,
this confusion and crying? The child Judas, and Simon, isn't it? His sisters
isn't dead. She’s sleeping.” 40They are here with us, aren't they?” And
laughed and laughed at him. But they were offended by him.2
4
when he had driven all of them Jesus was telling them, “A
MARK
outside, he took the child's father and prophet is without honor only in his
mother, along with the men who hometown, among his relatives, and
were with him, and went into the in his own home.” 5He couldn't
roomd where the child was. perform a miracle there except to lay
41
He took her by the hand and his hands on a few sick people and
said to her, “Talitha koum,”a which heal them. 6He was amazed at their
means, “Young lady, I tell you, get unbelief. Then he went around to the
up!” 42The young lady got up at once villages and continued teaching.
and started to walk. She was twelve Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
years old. Instantly they were (Matthew 10:1, 5-15; Luke 9:1-6)
overcome with astonishment. 43But 7
He called the twelve disciplesf
Jesusb strictly ordered them not to let and began to send them out two by
anyone know about this. He also told two, giving them authority over
them to give her something to eat. unclean spirits. 8He instructed them
Chapter 6
to take nothing along on the trip

Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth
except a walking stick—no bread, no
(Matthew 13:53-58; Luke 4:16-30)
traveling bag, nothing in their
6
1
Jesusc left that place and went
moneybag. 9They could wear sandals
back to his hometown,d and his
but not take along an extra shirt.g
disciples followed him. 2When the 10
He told them repeatedly,
Sabbath came, he began to teach in
“Whenever you go into a home, stay
the synagogue, and many who heard
there until you leave that place. 11If
any place will not welcome you and
a 5:38 Lit. he the peopleh refuse to listen to you,
b 5:38 Lit. They when you leave, shake its dust off
c 5:39 The Gk. lacks the house
your feet as a testimony against
d 5:40 The Gk. lacks the room
a 5:41 Talitha Koum is Heb./Aram. for Little
girl, get up! e 6:3 Or carpenter
b 5:43 Lit. he f 6:7 The Gk. lacks disciples
c 6:1 Lit. He g 6:9 Lit. along two shirts
d 6:1 I.e. Nazareth h 6:11 Lit. they
71
them.” 12So they went and preached and holy man, and so he protected
that peoplea should repent. 13They him. Whenever he listened to John,h
also kept driving out many demons he did much of what he said.i In fact,
and anointing with oil many who he liked listening to him.
were sick, and healing them. 11
21
An opportunity came during
The Death of John the Baptist Herod's birthday celebration, when
(Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9) he gave a banquet for his top officials,
14
King Herod heard about this, military officers, and the most
important people of Galilee. 22When
because Jesus’a name had become
the daughter of Herodiasj came in
well-known. He wasb saying, “John
and danced, she pleased Herod and
MARK
the Baptist has been raised from the

his guests. So the king told the girl,
dead! That's why he is able to do
“Ask me for anything you want, and
these miracles.”
15 I'll give it to you.” 23He swore with an
Others were saying, “He is
oath to her, “I'll give you anything
Elijah.”
you ask for, up to half of my
Still others were saying, “He is a
kingdom.”
prophet like one of the otherc 24
So she went out and asked her
prophets.”
16 mother, “What should I ask for?”
But when Herod heard about
Her motherk replied, “The head
it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded,
of John the Baptist.”
has been raised,” 17because Herod 25
Immediately the girll hurried
himself had sent men who arrestedd
back to the king with her request, “I
John, bound him with chains, and
want you to give me right now the
put him in prison on account of
head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 26
The king was deeply saddened,
whom Herode had married.
18 yet because of his oaths and his
John had been telling Herod,
guests he was reluctant to refuse her.
“It's not lawful for you to have your 27
So without delay the king sent a
brother's wife.” 19So Herodias bore a
soldier and ordered him to bring
grudge against Johnf and wanted to
John'sa head. The soldierb went and
kill him. But she couldn't do it
20 beheaded him in prison. 28Then he
because Herod was afraid of John.
He knew that Johng was a righteous
h 6:20 Lit. him

a 6:12 Lit. they i 6:20 Lit. did many things; other mss. read he
a 6:14 Lit. his became very disturbed
b 6:14 Other mss. read They were j 6:22 Other mss. read his daughter by
c 6:15 The Gk. lacks other Herodias
d 6:17 Lit. sent and arrested k 6:24 Lit. She
e 6:17 Lit. he l 6:25 Lit. she
f 6:19 Lit. him a 6:27 Lit. his
g 6:20 Lit. he b 6:27 Lit. He
72
37
brought John'sa head on a platter and But he answered them, “You
gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it give them something to eat.”
to her mother. 29When John'sb They asked him, “Should we go
disciples heard about this, they came and buy 200 denariif worth of bread
and carried off his body and laid it in and give it to them to eat?”
38
a tomb. He asked them, “How many
loaves of bread do you have? Go and
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand
see.”
People
They found out and told him,
(Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17;
“Five loavesg and two fish.”
John 6:1-14) 39
Then he ordered them to have
MARK
30
The apostles gathered around
all the people sit down in groups on
Jesus and told him everything they
the green grass. 40So they sat down in
had done and taught. 31He said to
groups of hundreds and fifties.
them, “Come away to a deserted 41
Taking the five loaves and the two
place all by yourselves and rest for a
fish, he looked up to heaven and
while,” because so many people were
blessed them. Then he broke the
coming and going that theyc didn't
loaves in pieces and kept giving them
even have time to eat. 32So they went
to his disciples to set before the
away in a boat to a deserted place by
people.a He also divided the two fish
themselves. 33But when many people
among them all. 42All of them ate and
saw them leave and recognized them,
they hurried on foot from all the were filled. 43Then the disciplesb
towns and arrived ahead of them. picked up twelve baskets full of
34 leftover bread and fish. 44There were
When he got out of the boat,d he
5,000 men who had eaten the loaves.
saw a large crowd. He had
compassion for them, because they Jesus Walks on the Sea
were like sheep without a shepherd, (Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-21)
45
and he began to teach them many Jesusc immediately had his
things. disciples get into a boat and cross to
35
When it was quite late, his Bethsaida ahead of him, while he sent
disciples came to him and said, “This the crowd away. 46After saying
is a deserted place, and it's already goodbye to them, he went up on a
late. 36Send the crowdse away so that hillside to pray. 47When evening had
they can go to the neighboring farms come, the boat was in the middle of
and villages and buy themselves the sea, while he was alone on the
something to eat.”
f 6:37 The denarius was the usual day's wage
a 6:28 Lit. his for a laborer.
b 6:29 Lit. his g 6:38 The Gk. lacks loaves
c 6:31 Lit. and they a 6:41 Lit. before them
d 6:34 The Gk. lacks of the boat b 6:43 Lit. they
e 6:36 Lit. them c 6:45 Lit. He
73
land. 48He saw that his disciplesa were

Chapter 7
Jesus Challenges the Tradition of the

straining at the oars, because the Elders
wind was against them. Shortly (Matthew 15:1-20)
before dawnb he came to them,
7
1
The Pharisees and some of the
walking on the sea. He intended to scribes who had come from
go up right beside them, 49but when Jerusalem gathered around Jesus.a
they saw him walking on the sea, 2
They noticed that some of his
they thought it was a ghost and disciples were eatingb with unclean
began to scream. 50All of them saw hands, that is, without washing them.
him and were terrified. Immediately 3
(The Pharisees—and indeed all the
he said to them, “Have courage! It is Jewish people—don't eat unless they
MARK
I. Stop being afraid!”

wash their hands properly,c following
47
51
Then he got into the boat with
the tradition of their elders. 4They
them, and the wind stopped blowing.
don't eat anything from the
The disciplesc were utterly
marketplace unless they dip it in
astounded, 52because they didn't
water. They also observe many other
understand the significance of the
traditions, such as the proper
loaves. Instead, their hearts were
hardened. washing of washing cups, jars, brass
pots, and dinner tables.)d3
456
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret 5

So the Pharisees and the scribes
(Matthew 14:34-36) asked Jesus,e “Why don't your
53
When they had crossed over, disciples live according to the
they came ashore at Gennesaret and tradition of the elders? Instead, they
anchored the boat. 54As soon as they
eatf with unclean hands.”
got out of the boat, the people 6
He told them, “Isaiah was right
recognized Jesus.d 55They ran all over
when he prophesied about you
the countryside and began carrying
hypocrites. As it is written,
the sick on their mats to any place
where they heard he was. 56Wherever ‘These people honor me with their
he went, whether into villages, lips,
towns, or farms, peoplee would place but their hearts are far from me.
7
their sick in the marketplaces and beg Their worship of me is worthless,
him to let them touch even the tassel because they teach human rules
of his garment, and everyone who as doctrines.’g
touched it was healed.
a 7:1 Lit. him

b 7:2 Lit. eating bread
a 6:48 Lit. that they c 7:3 Lit. with a fist
b 6:48 Lit. In the fourth watch of the night d 7:4 Other mss. lack and dinner tables
c 6:51 Lit. They e 7:5 Lit. him
d 6:54 Lit. him f 7:5 Lit. eat bread
e 6:56 Lit. they g 7:7 Isa 29:13
74
8 20
You abandon the commandment of He continued, “It’s what comes out
God and hold to human tradition.” of a person that makes a person
9
Then he said to them, “You unclean, 21because it’s from within,
have such a fine way of rejecting the from the human heart, that evil
commandment of God in order to thoughts come, as well as sexual
keep your own tradition! 10Because immorality, stealing, murder,
22
Moses said, ‘Honor your father and adultery, greed, wickedness,
your mother,’a and ‘Whoever curses cheating, shameless lust, envy,
his father or mother must certainly be slander,c arrogance, and foolishness.
23
put to death.’b 11But you say, ‘If All these things come from inside
anyone tells his father or mother, and make a person unclean.”18
MARK
“Whatever support you might have A Canaanite Woman's Faith
received from me is Corban,” (that is, (Matthew 15:21-28)
an offering to God) 12‘you no longer 24
Jesusd left that place and went
let him do anything for his father or
to the territory of Tyre and Sidon.e
mother.’ 13You are destroying the
He went into a house, not wanting
word of God through your tradition
anyone to know he was there.
that you have handed down. And
However, it couldn't be kept a secret.
you do many other things like that.” 25
14 In fact, a woman whose little
Then he called to the crowd
daughter had an unclean spirit
again and said to them, “Listen to me,
immediately heard about him and
all of you, and understand! 15Nothing
came and fell down at his feet. 26Now
that goes into a person from the
the woman happened to be a Greek,
outside can make him unclean. It’s
born in Phoenicia in Syria. She kept
what comes out of a person that
asking him to drive the demon out of
makes a person unclean. 16If anyone
her daughter. 27But he kept telling
has ears to hear, let him listen!”a
17 her, “First let the children be filled. It
When he had left the crowd
is not right to take the children's
and gone home, his disciples began
bread and throw it to the puppies.”
asking him about the parable. 18He 28
But she answered him, “Yes,f
said to them, “Are you so ignorant?
Lord. Yet even the puppies under the
Don't you know that nothing that
table eat some of the children's
goes into a person from the outside
crumbs.”
can make him unclean? 19Because it 29
Then he said to her, “Because
doesn't go into his heart but into his
you have said this, go! The demon
stomach, and is expelled as waste.”
has left your daughter.” 30So she went
(By this he declared all foods clean.)b
a 7:10 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16 c 7:22 Or blasphemy

b 7:10 Exod 21:17; Lev 20:9 d 7:24 Lit. He
a 7:16 Other mss. lack this verse. e 7:24 Other mss. lack and Sidon
b 7:19 Lit. he cleansed all foods f 7:28 Other mss. lack Yes
75
Chapter 8
home and found her child lying in Jesus Feeds More Than Four
bed, and the demon was gone. Thousand People
Jesus Heals a Deaf Man with a Speech (Matthew 15:32-39)
8
1
Impediment At that time, after a large crowd
31
Then Jesusa left the territory of again had gathered together with
Tyre and passed through Sidon nothing to eat, Jesusi called his
towards the Sea of Galilee, in the disciples and said to them, 2“I have
territory of the Decapolis.b 32Some compassion for the crowd because
they have already been with me for
peoplea brought him a deaf man who
three days and have nothing to eat.
also had a speech impediment. They 3
If I send them away to their homes
MARK
begged him to lay his hand on him.

33 hungry, they will faint on the road.
Jesusb took him away from the
Some of them have come a long
crowd to be alone with him. Putting
distance.”
his fingers into the man'sc ears, he 4
His disciples answered him,
touched the man’sd tongue with “Where could anyone get enough
saliva. bread to feed these people out here in
34
Then he looked up to heaven, the wilderness?”
sighed, and said to him, 5
He asked them, “How many
e
“Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened!” loaves of bread do you have?”
35
The man'sf hearing and speech They said, “Seven.”
6
were restored at once, and he began So he ordered the crowd to sit
to talk normally. 36Jesusg ordered the down on the ground. Then he took
peopleh not to tell anyone, but the the seven loaves and gave thanks. He
more he kept ordering them, the broke them in pieces and kept giving
them to his disciples to distribute. So
more they kept spreading the news.
they served them to the crowd. 7They
7
37
Amazed beyond measure, they
also had a few small fish. He blessed
kept on saying, “He does everything
them and said that the fishj should
well! He even makes deaf people
also be distributed. 8The peoplek ate
hear and mute people talk!”
and were filled. Then the disciplesl
picked up the leftover pieces—seven
large baskets full. 9Now about 4,000
a 7:31 Lit. he men were there. Then he sent them
b 7:31 Lit. the Ten Cities, a loose federation of on their way. 10Immediately he got
ten cities strongly influenced by Greek culture
a 7:32 Lit. They
into a boat with his disciples and
b 7:33 Lit. He went to the region of Dalmanutha.a
c 7:33 Lit. his
d 7:33 Lit. his i 8:1 Lit. he
e 7:34 Ephphatha is Heb./Aram. for Be j 8:7 Lit. these
opened! k 8:8 Lit. They
f 7:35 Lit. his l 8:8 Lit. they
g 7:36 Lit. He a 8:10 Other mss. read Mageda; still other
h 7:36 Lit. them mss. read Magdala
76
Interpreting the Time 5,000, how many baskets did you fill
(Matthew 16:1-4; Luke 12:54-56) with leftover pieces?”
11
The Pharisees arrived and They told him, “Twelve.”
began arguing with Jesus.a They 20
“When I brokeh the seven
tested him by demanding from him a i
loaves for the 4,000, how many large
sign from heaven. 12He sighed deeply baskets did you fill with the leftover
in his spirit and said, “Why do those pieces?”
living todayb demand a sign? I tell They told him, “Seven.”
21
you with certainty, no sign will be Then he asked them, “Don't
given to this generation.” 13Leaving you understand yet?”
them, he got into a boat again and
MARK
Jesus Heals a Blind Man in Bethsaida
crossed to the other side. 22
As they came to Bethsaida,
The Yeast of the Pharisees and some peoplea brought a blind man to
Sadducees Jesusb and begged him to touch him.c
(Matthew 16:5-12) 23
Jesusd took the blind man by the
14
Now the disciplesc had hand and led him out of the village.
forgotten to take any bread along, but He spit into his eyes, placed his
they had one loaf with them in the hands on him, and asked him, “Do
boat. 15Jesusd had been warning you see anything?”
“Watch out! Beware of the yeast of 24
The mane looked up and said,
the Pharisees and the yeast of “I see people, but they look like trees
Herod!”e walking around.” 25Then Jesusf
16
So they were discussing with placed his hands on the man'sg eyes
one another the fact that they didn't again, and he saw clearly. His sight
have any bread. 17Knowing this, was restored, and he saw everything
Jesusf asked them, “Why are you perfectly even from a distance.
discussing the fact that you don't 26
Then Jesush sent him home,
have any bread? Don't you saying, “Don't go into the village or
understand or perceive yet? Are your tell anyone in the village.”i
hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes
but fail to see? Do you have ears but
fail to hear?g Don't you remember? h 8:20 The Gk. lacks I broke
19
When I broke the five loaves for the i 8:20 The Gk. lacks loaves
a 8:22 Lit. they
b 8:22 Lit. him
c 8:22 The Gk. lacks him
a 8:11 Lit. him d 8:23 Lit. Then he
b 8:12 Lit. Why does this generation e 8:24 Lit. He
c 8:14 Lit. they f 8:25 Lit. he
d 8:15 Lit. He g 8:25 Lit. his
e 8:15 Other mss. read of the Herodians h 8:26 Lit. he
f 8:17 Lit. he i 8:26 Other mss. lack or tell anyone in the
g 8:18 Jer 5:21 village
77
Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus pick up his cross, and follow me
(Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-21) continually, 35because whoever wants
27
Then Jesus and his disciples set to save his life will lose it, but
out for the villages around Caesarea whoever loses his life for my sake and
Philippi. On the way he was asking for the gospel will save it. 36What
his disciples, “Who do people say I profit will a person have if he gains
am?” the whole world and forfeits his life?
28 37
They answered him, “Some Indeed, what can a person give in
a
say John the Baptist, others Elijah, exchange for his life? 38If anyone is
and still others one of the prophets.” ashamed of me and my words in this
29
Then he began to ask them, adulterous and sinful generation, the
MARK
“But who do you say I am?” Son of Man will be ashamed of him
Peter answered him, “You are when he comes with the holy angels
the Messiah!” 30Jesusb sternly ordered in his Father's glory.”
9
8
Chapter 9
1
them not to tell anyone about him. Then he said to them, “I tell you
with certainty, some people
Jesus Predicts His Death and
standing here will not experienceb
Resurrection
death until they see the kingdom of
(Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:21-27)
31 God arrive with power.”
Then he began to teach them
that the Son of Man would have to Jesus’ Appearance is Changed
suffer a great deal and be rejected by (Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36)
2
the elders, the high priests, and the Six days later, Jesus took Peter,
scribes. Then he would be killed, but James, and John and led them up a
after three days he would rise again. high mountain to be alone with him.
32
He was speaking about this matter His appearance was changed in front
quite openly. of them, 3and his clothes became
Peter took him aside and began dazzling white, whiter than anyonec
to rebuke him. 33But turning and on earth could bleach them. 4Then
looking at his disciples, Jesusc Elijah appeared to them,
rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind accompanied by Moses, and they
me, Satan, because you’re not were talking with Jesus.
5
thinking God's thoughts but human Then Peter said to Jesus,
thoughts!” “Rabbi,d it's good that we're here!
34
Then Jesusa called the crowd to Let's set up three shelterse—one for
himself along with his disciples and you, one for Moses, and one for
said to them, “If anyone wants to
follow me, he must deny himself,
a 8:28 The Gk. lacks Some say b 9:1 Lit. taste

b 8:30 Lit. He c 9:3 Lit. anyone who cleans
c 8:33 Lit. he d 9:5 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or Teacher
a 8:34 Lit. he e 9:5 Or tents
78
Elijah.” 6(Petera didn't know how to 16

He asked the scribes,d “What
respond, because they were terrified.) are you arguing about with them?”
7 17
Then a cloud appeared and A man in the crowd answered
overshadowed them. A voice came him, “Teacher, I brought my son to
out of the cloud and said,b “This is you. He has a spirit that won't let him
my Son, whom I love. Keep on talk. 18Whenever it brings on a
listening to him!” 8Suddenly, as they seizure, it throws him to the ground.
looked around, they saw no one with Then he foams at the mouth, grinds
them but Jesus alone. his teeth, and becomes stiff. So I
9
On their way down the asked your disciples to drive the
mountain, Jesusc ordered them not to spirite out, but they didn't have the
MARK
tell anyone what they had seen until power.”
19
the Son of Man had risen from the Jesusf said to them, “You
dead. 10They kept the matter to unbelieving generation! How long
themselves but argued about what must I be with you? How long must I
“rising from the dead” meant. 11So put up with you? Bring him to me!”
they asked him, “Don't the scribes 20
So they brought the boyg to
say that Elijah must come first?” him. When the spirit saw Jesus,h it
12
He told them, “Elijah is indeed immediately threw the boyi into
coming first and will restore all convulsions. He fell on the ground
things. Why, then, is it written that and kept rolling around and foaming
the Son of Man must suffer a great at the mouth. 21Then Jesusj asked his
deal and be treated shamefully? 13But father, “How long has this been
I tell you that Elijah has come, yet happening to him?” He said, “Since
peoplea treated him just as they he was a child. 22The spiritk has often
pleased, as it is written about him.” thrown him into fire and into water
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon to destroy him. But if you are able to
(Matthew 17:14-20) do anything, have pity on us and
14
As they approached the otherb help us!” 21
23
disciples, they saw a large crowd Jesus said to him, “‘If you are
around them and some scribes able?’ Everything is possible for the
arguing with them. 15The whole person who believes!”
crowd was very surprised to see
Jesusc and ran to welcome him.
d 9:16 Lit. them

e 9:18 Lit. it
a 9:6 Lit. He f 9:19 Lit. He
b 9:7 The Gk. lacks and said g 9:20 Lit. him
c 9:9 Lit. he h 9:20 Lit. him
a 9:13 Lit. they i 9:20 Lit. him
b 9:14 The Gk. lacks other j 9:21 Lit. he
c 9:15 Lit. him k 9:22 Lit. It
79
24
With tears flowing,a the child's True Greatness
father at once cried out, “I do believe! (Matthew 18:1-5; Luke 9:46-48)
33
Help my unbelief!” Then they came to Capernaum.
25
When Jesus saw that a crowd While Jesuse was at home, he asked
was running to the scene, he rebuked the disciples,f “What were you
the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You arguing about on the road?” 34But
spirit that won't let him talk or hear— they kept silent, because they had
I command you to come out of him argued on the road with one another
and never enter him again!” 26The about who was the greatest.
35
spiritb screamed, shook the childc So he sat down, called his
violently, and came out. The boy was twelve disciples,g and told them, “If
MARK
like a corpse, and many said that he anyone wants to be first he must be
was dead. 27But Jesus took his hand last of all and servant of all.” 36Then
and helped him up, and he stood up. he took a little child and had him
28
When Jesusa came home, his stand among them. He took him in
disciples asked him privately, “Why his arms and said to them,
37
couldn't we drive the spiritb out?” “Whoever welcomes a child like this
29
He told them, “This kind can in my name welcomes me, and
come out only by prayer and whoever welcomes me welcomes not
fasting.”c me but the one who sent me.”
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and The True Follower of Jesus
Resurrection (Luke 9:49-50)
38
(Matthew 17:22-23; Luke 9:43-45) John said to Jesus,h “Teacher,
30
Then they left that place and we saw someone driving out demons
passed through Galilee. Jesusd didn't in your name. We tried to stop him,
want anyone to find out about it, because he wasn't a follower like us.”
39
31
because he was teaching his But Jesus said, “Don't stop him,
disciples, “The Son of Man will be because no one who works a miracle
betrayed into human hands. They in my name can slander me soon
will kill him, but after being dead for afterwards. 40Whoever is not against
three days he will be raised.” 32They us is for us. 41I tell you with certainty,
didn't understand what this whoever gives you a cup of water to
statement meant, and they were drink because you belong to the
afraid to ask him. Messiah will never lose his reward.”
a 9:24 Other mss. lack With tears flowing

b 9:26 Lit. It
c 9:26 The Gk. lacks the child
a 9:28 Lit. he e 9:33 Lit. he
b 9:28 Lit. drive it f 9:33 Lit. them
c 9:29 Other mss. lack and fasting g 9:35 The Gk. lacks disciples
d 9:30 Lit. He h 9:38 Lit. him
80
Causing Others to Sin among yourselves, and live in peace

(Matthew 18:6-9; Luke 17:1-2) with one another.”
42
“If anyone causes one of these Chapter 10
Teaching about Divorce

little ones who believe in me to sin, it
(Matthew 19:1-12)
would be better for him if a large
10
1
millstone were hung around his neck Then Jesuse left that place and
and he were thrown into the sea. 43So went into the territory of
if your hand causes you to sin, cut it Judea on the other sidef of the
off. It is better for you to enter life Jordan. Crowds gathered around him
injured than to have two hands and as usual, and he began to teach them
go to hell,a to the fire that cannot be again as was his custom. 2Some
MARK
put out. 44In that place, worms never Pharisees came to test him. They
asked, “Is it lawful for a man to
die, and the fire is never put out.b
45 divorce his wife?”
And if your foot causes you to 3
He answered them, “What did
sin, cut it off. It is better for you to
Moses command you?”
enter life crippled than to have two 4
They said, “Moses allowed a
feet and be thrown into hell.a 46In
man to write a certificate of divorce
that place, worms never die, and the
and to divorce her.”g
fire is never put out.b 5
47 But Jesus said to them, “It was
And if your eye causes you to
because of your hardness of heart
sin, tear it out. It is better for you to
that he wrote this command for you.
enter the kingdom of God with one 6
But from the beginning of creation,
eye than to have two eyes and be
‘Godh made them male and female.’i
thrown into hell.c 48In that place, 7
‘That is why a man will leave his
worms never die, and the fire is never
father and mother and be united with
put out.
49 his wife, 8and the two will become
Because everyone will be salted
one flesh.’j So they are no longer two,
with fire, and every sacrifice will be
but one flesh. 9Therefore, what God
salted with salt.d 50Salt is good. But if
has joined together, man must never
salt loses its taste, how can you
separate.”
restore its flavor? Keep on having salt 10
Back in the house, the
disciples asked him about this again.
11
So he said to them, “Whoever
a 9:43 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of divorces his wife and marries another
the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom woman commits adultery against her.
b 9:44 Other mss. lack this verse
a 9:45 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of
the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom e 10:1 Lit. he
b 9:46 Other mss. lack this verse f 10:1 I.e. the east side
c 9:47 Lit. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of g 10:4 Deut 24:1, 3
the Heb. for Valley of Hinnom h 10:6 Other mss. read He
d 9:49 Other mss. lack and every sacrifice will i 10:6 Gen 1:27; 5:2
be salted with salt j 10:8 Gen 2:24
81
12
And if a womana divorces her steal.’f ‘Never give false testimony.’g
husband and marries another man, ‘Never cheat.’ ‘Honor your father and
she commits adultery.” 11
mother.’”h
20
Jesus Blesses the Little Children The mani replied to him,
(Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17) “Teacher, I have obeyed all of these
13
Some peopleb were bringing since I was a young man.”
21
Jesus looked at him and loved
little children to Jesusc to have him
him. Then he told him, “You're
touch them. But the disciples rebuked
missing one thing. Go and sell
those who broughtd them. 14When
everything you own, give the moneyj
Jesus saw this, he became furious and
to the destitute, and you will have
MARK
told them, “Let the little children

treasure in heaven. Then come back
come to me, and stop keeping them
and follow me.” 22Shocked at this
away, because the kingdom of God
belongs to people like these. 15I tell statement, the mank went away sad
you with certainty, whoever doesn't because he had many possessions.
receive the kingdom of God as a little Salvation and Reward
child will never enter it.” 16Then after (Matthew 19:23-26; Luke 18:24-30)
23
he had hugged the children,a he Then Jesus looked around and
tenderly blessed them as he laid his said to his disciples, “How hard it will
hands on them. be for those who are wealthy to enter
the kingdom of God!” 24The disciples
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus
were startled by these words, but
(Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30)
17 Jesus said to them again, “Children,
As Jesusb was setting out
how hard it is for those who trust in
c
again, a man ran up to him, knelt
their wealthl to get into the kingdom
down in front of him, and asked him,
of God! 25It is easier for a camel to
“Good Teacher, what must I do to
squeeze through the eye of a needle
inherit eternal life?”
18 than for a rich person to get into the
Jesus said to him, “Why do you
kingdom of God.”
call me good? Nobody is good except 26
The disciplesm were utterly
for one—God. 19You know the
amazed and asked one another,n
commandments: ‘Never murder.’d
“Then who can be saved?”
‘Never commit adultery.’e ‘Never
f 10:19 Exod 20:15; Deut 5:19
a 10:12 Lit. she g 10:19 Exod 20:16; Deut 5:20
b 10:13 Lit. They h 10:19 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
c 10:13 Lit. him i 10:20 Lit. He
d 10:13 The Gk. lacks those who brought j 10:21 The Gk. lacks the money
a 10:16 Lit. hugged them k 10:22 Lit. he
b 10:17 Lit. he l 10:24 Other mss. lack for those who trust in
c 10:17 Lit. out on a journey their wealth
d 10:19 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17 m 10:26 Lit. They
e 10:19 Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18 n 10:26 Other mss. read to him
82
27
Jesus looked at them intently whip him, and kill him. But after
and said, “For humans it is three days he will be raised.”
impossible, but not for God. All
The Request of James and John
things are possible for God.”
28 (Matthew 20:20-28)
Then Peter began to say to 35
James and John, the sons of
him, “See, we have left everything
Zebedee, went to Jesusd and said to
and followed you.”
29 him, “Teacher, we want you to do for
Jesus said, “I tell you with
us whatever we ask you.”
certainty, there is no one who has left 36
He asked them, “What do you
his home, brothers, sisters, mother,
want me to do for you?”
father, children, or fields because of 37
MARK
They said to him, “Let us sit in
me and the gospel 30who will not
your glory, one on your right and
receive a hundred times as much
one on your left.”
here in this world—homes, brothers, 38
But Jesus told them, “You don't
sisters, mothers, children, and fields,
realize what you're asking. Can you
along with persecution—as well as
drink from the cup that I'm going to
eternal life in the age to come. 31But
drink from or be baptized with the
many who are first will be last, and
baptism with which I'm going to be
the last will be first.”
32 baptized?”
Now Jesus and his disciplesa 39
They told him, “We can.”
had been on the road going up to
Jesus said to them, “You will
Jerusalem, with Jesus walking ahead
drink from the cup that I'm going to
of them. They were astonished, and
drink and be baptized with the
the others who followed were afraid.
baptism with which I'm going to be
Jesus Predicts His Death and baptized. 40But it's not up to me to
Resurrection a Third Time grant you a seat at my right or my
(Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-34) left. Those positions have already
Once again, Jesusb took the been prepared for others.”
41
twelve disciplesc aside and began to When the ten other disciplese
tell them what was going to happen heard this, they began to be furious
to him. 33“See, we are going up to with James and John. 42Jesus called
Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be his disciplesf and said to them, “You
handed over to the high priests and know that those who are recognized
the scribes, and they will condemn as rulers among the gentiles lord it
him to death. Then they will hand over them, and their superiors act like
him over to the gentiles, 34and they tyrants over them. 43That's not the
will make fun of him, spit on him, way it should be among you. Instead,
whoever wants to become great
a 10:32 Lit. They d 10:35 Lit. him

b 10:32 Lit. he e 10:41 The Gk. lacks other disciples
c 10:32 The Gk. lacks disciples f 10:42 Lit. called them
83
Chapter 11
among you must be your servant, The King Enters Jerusalem

44
and whoever wants to be first (Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40;
among you must be a slave to John 12:12-19)
everyone, 45because even the Son of
11
1
When they came near
Man did not come to be served, but Jerusalem, at Bethphage and
to serve and to give his life as a Bethany, near the Mount of Olives,
ransom for many people.” 1043
Jesusd sent two of his disciples on

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus ahead 2and said to them, “Go into the
(Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43) village ahead of you. As soon as you
46
Then they came to Jericho. As go into it, you will find a colt tied up
a that no one has ever ridden. Untie it,
MARK
Jesus, his disciples, and a large

crowd were leaving Jericho, a blind and bring it along. 3If anyone asks
beggar named Bartimaeus (the son of you, ‘Why are you doing this?,’ say,
Timaeus) was sitting by the road. ‘The Lord needs it,’ and he will send
47
When he heard that Jesus of it back here at once.”2
4
Nazareth was there, he began to So they went and found the colt
shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have outside in the street tied up next to a
mercy on me!” 48Many people sternly doorway. While they were untying it,
5
told him to be quiet, but he started some men standing there asked
shouting even louder, “Son of David, them, “What are you doing untying
have mercy on me!” that colt?” 6The disciplese told them
49
So Jesus stopped and said, what Jesus had said, and the menf let
“Call him!” them go.
7
So they called the blind man and They brought the colt to Jesus
told him, “Have courage! Get up. and threw their coats upon it, and he
He's calling you.” 50He threw off his sat on it. 8Many people spread their
coat, jumped up, and went to Jesus. coats on the road, while others
51
Then Jesus asked him, “What spread leafy branches that they had
do you want me to do for you?” cut in the fields. 9Those who went
The blind man said to him, ahead and those who followed him
“Rabbouni,a I want to see again.” were shouting,
52
Jesus told him, “Go. Your faith “Hosanna!g
has made you well.” At once the How blessed is the one who comes
manb could see again, and he began in the name of the Lord!
to follow Jesusc down the road.
a 10:46 Lit. he d 11:1 Lit. he

a 10:51 Rabbouni is Heb. for My Master e 11:6 Lit. They
and/or Teacher f 11:6 Lit. they
b 10:52 Lit. he g 11:9 Hosanna is Heb. for Please save or
c 10:52 Lit. him Praise.
84
10
How blessed is the coming be called a house of prayer for all
kingdoma nations’?a But you have turned it into
of our ancestor David! a hideoutb for bandits!” 18When the
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”b high priests and elders heard this,
they began to look for a way to kill
11
Then Jesus went into Jerusalem and him, because they were afraid of him,
into the temple and looked around at since the whole crowd was amazed at
everything. Since it was already late, his teaching. 19When evening came,
he went out with his twelve disciplesc Jesus and his disciplesc would leave
to Bethany. the city.
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree The Lesson from the Dried Up Fig
MARK
(Matthew 21:18-19) Tree
12
The next day, as they were (Matthew 21:20-22)
20
leaving Bethany, Jesusd became While they were walking along
hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig early the next morning, they saw the
tree covered with leaves, he went to fig tree dried up to its roots.
21
see if he could find anything on it. Remembering what Jesus had said,d
When he came to it, he found Peter pointed out to him, “Rabbi,e
nothing except leaves because it look! The fig tree you cursed has
wasn't the season for figs. 14So he said dried up!”
22
to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from Jesus said to his disciples,f
you again!” Now his disciples were “Have faith in God! 23I tell you with
listening to this.13 certainty, if anyone says to this
mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown
Confrontation in the Temple Over
into the sea,’ if he doesn't doubt in
Money
his heart but believes that what he
(Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48;
says will happen, it will be done for
John 2:13-22)
15 him. 24That is why I tell you,
When they came to Jerusalem,
whatever you ask for in prayer,
he went into the temple and began to
believe that you have receivedg it and
throw out those who were selling
it will be yours.
and those who were buying in the
23
25
“Whenever you stand up to
temple. He overturned the
pray, forgive whatever you have
moneychangers’ tables and the chairs
against anyone, so that your Father in
of those who sold doves. 16He
wouldn't even let anyone carry a
vessel through the temple. a 11:17 Isa 56:7; Jer 7:11
17
Then he began to teach them: b 11:17 Lit. cave
c 11:19 Lit. came, they
“It is written, is it not, ‘My house is to
d 11;21 The Gk. lacks what Jesus had said
e 11:21 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
a 11:10 Ps 148:1 Teacher
b 11:10 Ps 118:25-26; Ps 148:1 f 11:22 Lit. to them
c 11:11 The Gk. lacks disciples g 11:24 Other mss. read are receiving; still
d 11:12 Lit. he other mss. read will receive
85
heaven will forgive your sins. 26But if he leased it to tenant farmers and
you do not forgive, your Father in went abroad. 2At the right time he
heaven will not forgive your sins.”a 25
sent a servant to the farmers to collect
Jesus’ Authority is Challenged from them a share of the produce
(Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8) from the vineyard. 3But the farmersc
27
Then they went into Jerusalem grabbed the servant,c beat him, and
again. While Jesusb was walking in sent him back empty-handed. 4Again,
the temple, the high priests, the the mand sent another servant to
scribes, and the elders came to him them. They beat the servante over the
28
and asked him, “By what authority head and treated him shamefully.
are you doing these things, and who 5
Then the manf sent another, and
MARK
gave you this authority to do them?” that one they killed. So it was with
29
Jesus said to them, “I will ask
many other servants.g Some of these
you one question.c Answer me, and
they beat, and others they killed. 6He
then I will tell you by what authority
I am doing these things. 30Was John's still had one more person to send,h a
authority to baptizea from heaven or son whom he loved. Finally, he sent
from humans? Answer me.” him to them, saying, ‘They will
respect my son.’ 7But those farmers
11
31
They began discussing this
among themselves. “If we say, ‘From said to one another, ‘This is the heir.
heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why Come on, let's kill him, and the
didn't you believe him?’ 32But if we inheritance will be ours!’ 8So they
say, ‘From humans’…?” They were grabbed him, killed him, and threw
afraid of the crowd, because everyone him out of the vineyard.5
9
really thought John was a prophet. “Now what will the owner of
33
So they answered Jesus, “We the vineyard do? He will come,
don't know.” execute the farmers, and give the
Then Jesus told them, “Then I vineyard to others. 10Haven't you
won't tell you by what authority I am ever read this Scripture:
doing these things.”
Chapter 12
‘The stone that the builders rejected
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers has become the cornerstone.i
11
(Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19) This was the Lord's doing,
12
1
Then Jesusb began to speak to and it is amazing in our eyes’?”j
them in parables. “A man
planted a vineyard. He put a wall
c 12:3 Lit. they
around it, dug a pit for the wine
C 12:3 Lit. him
press, and built a watchtower. Then d 12:4 Lit. he
e 12:4 Lit. him
a 11:26 Other mss. lack this verse f 12:5 Lit. he
b 11:27 Lit. he g 12:5 Lit. with many others
c 11:29 Lit. one word h 12:6 The Gk. lacks more person to send
a 11:30 Lit. John's baptism i 12:10 Or capstone
b 12:1 Lit. he j 12:11 Ps 118:22-23
86
12
They were trying to arrest him but Moses wrote for us that if a man's
were afraid of the crowd. Realizing brother dies and leaves a wife but no
that he had spoken this parable child, he should marry the widow
against them, they left him alone and and have children for his brother.c
went away. 20
There were seven brothers. The first
A Question about Paying Taxes one married and died without having
(Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26) children. 21Then the second married
13
Then they sent some Pharisees her and died without having
children, and so did the third. 22None
and some Herodiansa to him,
of the seven left any children. Last of
intending to trap him in what he
all, the woman died, too. 23In the
said. 14They came and said to him,
MARK
resurrection, whose wife will she be,
“Teacher, we know that you are
sincere. You don't favor any since all seven had married her?”d21
24
individual, because you pay no Jesus answered them, “Aren't
attention to external appearance. you mistaken because you don't
Rather, you teach the way of God know the Scriptures or God's power?
25
truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to When peoplee rise from the dead,
Caesar or not? Should we pay them they neither marry nor are given in
or should we not?” marriage but are like the angels in
15
Seeing through their hypocrisy, heaven. 26As for the dead being
Jesusa replied to them, “Why are you raised, haven't you read in the book
testing me? Bring me a denarius and of Moses, in the story about the bush,
let me look at it.” how God said, ‘I am the God of
16
So they brought one. Then he Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the
asked them, “Whose face and name God of Jacob’?f 27He is not the God of
are on this?” the dead, but of the living. You are
They said to him, “Caesar's.” badly mistaken!”
17
So Jesus said to them, “Give The Greatest Commandment
back to Caesar the things that are (Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-28)
Caesar's, and to God the things that 28
Then one of the scribes came
are God's.” And they were utterly near and heard the Sadduceesg
amazed at him. arguing with one another. He saw
A Question about the Resurrection how well Jesush answered them, so
(Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40) he asked him, “Which commandment
18
Then some Sadducees, who is the most important of them all?”
claim there is no resurrection, came to
Jesusb and asked him, 19“Teacher, c 12:19 Deut 25:5-6
d 12:23 Lit. had her as wife
e 12:25 Lit. they
a 12:13 I.e. Royal party sympathizers f 12:26 Exod 3:6
a 12:15 Lit. he g 12:28 Lit. heard them
b 12:18 Lit. him h 12:28 Lit. he
87
29
Jesus answered, “The most until I put your enemies under
important is, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord your feet.”’d
our God is one Lord, 30and you must 37
David himself calls him ‘Lord,’ so
love the Lord your God with all your
how can he be his son?” And the
heart, with all your soul, with all your
large crowd kept listening to him
mind, and with all your strength.’a
31 with delight.
The second is this: ‘You must love
your neighbor as yourself.’b No other Jesus Denounces the Scribes
commandment is greater than these.” (Matthew 23:1-36; Luke 20:45-47)
38
32
Then the scribe said to him, As he taught, he said, “Beware
“Well said,c Teacher! You have told of the scribes! They like to walk
MARK
the truth that ‘Goda is one, and there around in long robes, to be greeted in
is no other besides him.’b 33To love the marketplaces, 39and to have the
him with all your heart, with all your best seats in the synagogues and the
understanding, and with all your places of honor at banquets. 40They
strength, and to love your neighbor devour widows’ housese and say long
as yourself is more important than all prayers to cover it up. They will
the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” receive greater condemnation!”
34
When Jesus saw how wisely The Widow's Offering
the manc answered, he told him, (Luke 21:1-4)
“You are not far from the kingdom of 41
As Jesusf sat facing the offering
God.” After that, no one dared to ask box, he watched how the crowd was
him another question. dropping their money into it.g Many
A Question about David's Son rich people were dropping in large
(Matthew 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44) amounts. 42Then a destitute widow
35
While Jesus was teaching in the came and dropped in two small
temple, he said, “How can the scribes copper coins, worth about a cent.
43
say that the Messiah is David's son? He called his disciples and said to
36
David himself said by the Holy them, “I tell you with certainty, this
Spirit, destitute widow has dropped in more
than everyone who is contributing to
‘The Lord said to my Lord, the offering box, 44because all of them
“Sit at my right hand, contributed out of their surplus, but
out of her poverty she has given
everything she had to live on.”
a 12:30 Deut 6:4-5

b 12:31 Lev 19:18 d 12:36 Ps 110:1; other mss read until I make
c 12:32 The Gk. lacks said your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’
a 12:32 Lit. he e 12:40 I.e. rob widows by taking their houses
b 12:32 Deut 6:4 f 12:41 Lit. he
c 12:34 Lit. he g 12:41 Lit. into the offering box
88
Chapter 13
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Future Persecution and Evangelism

Temple (Matthew 10:16-25; Matthew 24:9-14;
(Matthew 24:1-2; Luke 21:5-6) Luke 21:12-19)
13
9
1
As Jesusa was leaving the “As for yourselves, be on your
temple, one of his disciples guard! Peoplec will hand you over to
said to him, “Look, Teacher, what local councils, and you will be beaten
large stones and what beautiful in their synagogues. You will stand
buildings!” before governors and kings to testify
2 to them because of me. 10But first, the
Jesus said to him, “Do you see
gospel must be proclaimed to all
these large buildings? Not one stone
nations.d
here will be left on another that will
MARK
11
“When they take you away and
not be torn down.”
hand you over for trial, don't worry
Cults, Revolutions, Famines, and ahead of time about what you will
Earthquakes say. Instead, say whatever is given to
(Matthew 24:3-14; Luke 21:7-19) you at that time, because it won't be
3
As Jesusa was sitting on the you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12
Mount of Olives facing the temple, Brother will betray brother to death,
Peter, James, John, and Andrew were and a father his child. Children will
asking him privately, 4“Tell us, when rebel against their parents and have
will these things happen, and what them put to death. 13You will be
will be the sign when these things hated continuously by everyone
will be put into effect?” because of my name. But the person
5
Jesus began to say to them, “See who endures to the end will be
to it that no one deceives you. 6Many saved.”
will come in my name and say, ‘I
Signs of the End
AM,’ and they will deceive many
(Matthew 24:15-28; Luke 21:20-24)
people.b 7But when you hear of wars 14
“So when you see the
and rumors of wars, stop being
destructive desecration standing
alarmed. These things must take
where it should not be (let the reader
place, but the end hasn't come yet,
8 take note),e then those who are in
because nation will rise up in arms
Judea must flee to the mountains.
against nation, and kingdom against 15
The one who is on his housetop
kingdom. There will be earthquakes
must not come down and go into his
and famines in various places. These
house to take anything out of it, 16and
things are only the beginning of the
the one who is in the field must not
birth pains.”
turn back to get his coat.
17
“How terrible it will be for
women who are pregnant or who are
a 13:1 Lit. he c 13:9 Lit. They

a 13:3 Lit. he d 13:10 Or gentiles
b 13:6 The Gk. lacks people e 13:14 Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11
89
nursing babies in those days! 18Pray The Lesson from the Fig Tree
that it may not be in winter, 19because (Matthew 24:32-35; Luke 21:29-33)
those days will be a time of 28
“Now learn a lessond from the
suffering,a a kind that has not fig tree. When its branches become
happened from the beginning of tender and it produces leaves, you
God’s creation until now, and know that summer is near. 29In the
certainly will never happen again. 20If same way, when you see these things
the Lord had not shortened those taking place, you will know that the
days, no one would be saved. But for
Son of Mane is near, right at the door.
the sake of the elect whom he has 30
I tell you with certainty, this
chosen, he has shortened those days.
generation will not disappear until all
17
MARK
21
“At that time, if anyone says to
these things take place. 31Heaven and
you, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’, or,
earth will disappear, but my words
‘Look! There he is!’, don't believe it,
22
because false messiahs and false will never disappear.” 13
prophets will appear and produce The Unknown Day and Hour of the
signs and omens to deceive, if Messiah's Return
possible, the elect. 23So be on your (Matthew 24:36-44)
guard! I've told you everything 32
“No one knows when that day
before it happens.” or hour will comef—not the angels in
The Coming of the Son of Man heaven, not the Son, but only the
(Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:25-28) Father. 33Be careful! Watch out!
24
“But after the suffering of those Because you don't know when the
days, time will come. 34It's like a man who
went on a trip. As he left home, he
‘The sun will be darkened, put his servants in charge, each with
the moon will not give its light, his own work, and he ordered the
25
the stars will fall from the sky, doorkeeper to be alert. 35So keep on
and the powers of heaven will be watching, because you don't know
shaken loose.’a when the master of the house is
26
Then peopleb will see ‘the Son of coming—whether in the evening, at
Man coming in clouds’c with great three o'clock in the morning,g or at
power and glory. 27He will send out dawn. 36Otherwise, he may come
his angels and gather his elect from suddenly and find you asleep. 37I'm
the four winds, from the ends of the telling you what I'm telling everyone:
earth to the ends of heaven.” Be alert!”
a 13:19 Or tribulation d 13:28 Or parable

a 13:25 Isa 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:10 e 13:29 Lit. that he
b 13:26 Lit. they f 13:32 Lit. about that day and hour
c 13:26 Dan 7:13 g 13:35 Lit. at cock crow
90
Chapter 14
The Plot to Kill Jesus perfume on my body in preparation

(Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2; John for my burial. 9I tell you with
11:45-53) certainty, wherever the gospel is
14
1
Now it was two days before proclaimed in the whole world, what
the Passover and the Festival she has done will also be told as a
of Unleavened Bread. The high memorial to her.”
priests and the scribes were looking Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
for a way to arrest Jesus secretly and (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6)
to have him put to death, 2because 10
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the
they kept saying, “This must not
twelve disciples,d went to the high
happen during the festival.
MARK
priests to betray Jesuse to them.
Otherwise, there’ll be a riot among 11
the people.” After they had listened to him,f they
were delighted and promised to give
A Woman Anoints Jesus him money. So he began to look for a
(Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-8) good opportunity to betray him.
3
While Jesusa was in Bethany
The Passover with the Disciples
sitting at the table in the home of
(Matthew 26:17-25; Luke 22:7-14, 21-
Simon the leper, a woman arrived
23; John 13:21-30)
with an alabaster jar of very 12
expensive perfume made from pure On the first day of the Festivalg
nard. She broke open the jar and of Unleavened Bread, when the
poured the perfume on his head. Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’h
4
Irritated, some who were there asked disciples asked him, “Where do you
one another, “Why was the perfume want us to go and make preparations
wasted like this? 5This perfume could for you to eat the Passover meal?”
13
have been sold for more than 300 He sent two of his disciples,
denariib and the moneyc given to the telling them, “Go into the city, and
destitute.” So they got extremely you will meet a man carrying a jug of
angry with her.4 water. Follow him. 14When he goes
6
But Jesus said, “Leave her into a house,i say to its owner that
alone. Why are you bothering her? the Teacher asks, ‘Where is my room
She has done a beautiful thing for where I can eat the Passover meal
me, 7because you will always have with my disciples?’ 15Then he will
the destitute with you and can help show you a large upstairs room that
them whenever you want, but you is furnished and ready. Get
will not always have me. 8She has everything ready for us there.” 16So
done what she could. She poured
d 14:10 The Gk. lacks disciples
e 14:10 Lit. him
a 14:3 Lit. he f 14:11 The Gk. lacks to him
b 14:5 A denarius was the average day's wage g 14:12 The Gk. lacks of the Festival
for a laborer. h 14:12 Lit. his
c 14:5 The Gk. lacks the money i 14:14 Lit. Wherever he enters
91
the disciples left and went into the winec until that day when I drink it
city. They found everything just as new in the kingdom of God.”
26
Jesusa had told them, and they After singing a hymn, they
prepared the Passover meal. went out to the Mount of Olives.
17
When evening came, Jesusb Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
arrived with his twelve disciples.c (Matthew 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-34;
18
While they were at the table eating, John 13:36-38)
Jesus said, “I tell you with certainty, 27
Then Jesus said to them, “All of
one of you is going to betray me, one you will turn against me, because it is
who is eating with me.” written,
19
They began to be very sad and
MARK
asked him, one after the other, ‘I will strike the shepherd,
“Surely I am not the one, am I?” and the sheep will be scattered.’d
20
He said to them, “It's one of 28
However, after I have been raised, I
you twelve men,a the one who is will go to Galilee ahead of you.”
dipping his bread into the bowl with 29
But Peter said to him, “Even if
me. 21For the Son of Man is going everyone else turns against you, I
away, just as it has been written certainly won't.”
about him, but how terrible it will be 30
Jesus said to him, “I tell you
for that man by whom the Son of with certainty, today, this very night,
Man is betrayed! It would have been before a rooster crows twice, you will
better for him if he had never been deny me three times.”
born.” 31
But Petere kept saying
The Lord's Supper emphatically, “Even if I have to die
(Matthew 26:26-30; Luke 22:15-20) with you, I will never deny you!”
22
While they were eating, Jesusb And all the others kept saying the
took a loaf of bread and blessed it. same thing.
Then he broke it in pieces and Jesus Prays in the Garden of
handed it to them, saying, “Take Gethsemane
some. This is my body.” 23Then he (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46)
took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it 32
Then they came to a place
to them, and they all drank from it. called Gethsemane, and he said to his
24
He said to them, “This is my blood disciples, “Sit down here while I
of the covenant that is being poured pray.” 33He took Peter, James, and
out for many people. 25I tell you with John along with him, and he began to
certainty, I will never again drink this feel distressed and troubled. 34So he
said to them, “I am deeply grieved,
a 14:16 Lit. he
b 14:17 Lit. he
c 14:17 The Gk. lacks disciples c 14:25 Lit. drink the product of the grapevine
a 14:20 The Gk. lacks men d 14:27 Zech 13:7
b 14:22 Lit. he e 14:31 Lit. he
92
even to the point of death. Wait here Jesus is Arrested

and stay awake.” (Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53;
35
Going on a little farther, he fell John 18:3-12)
43
to the ground and kept praying that Just then, while Jesuse was still
if it were possible the hour might speaking, Judas, one of the twelve
pass from him. 36He kept repeating, disciples,f arrived. A crowd armed
“Abba!a Father! All things are possible with swords and clubs was with him.
for you. Take this cup away from me. They were from the high priests, the
Yet not what I want but what you scribes, and the elders. 44Now the
want.” betrayer personally had given them a
37
When he went back, he found signal, saying, “The one I kissg is the
MARK
his disciplesb asleep. He said to Peter, man. Arrest him, and lead him safely
“Simon, are you asleep? You couldn't away.” 45So Judash immediately went
stay awake for one hour, could you? up to Jesusi and said, “Rabbi,”j,k and
38
All of you must stay awake and kissed him tenderly.44
pray that you won't be tempted. The 46
Then the menl took hold of
spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is
Jesusm and arrested him. 47But one of
weak.”
39 those standing there drew his sword
He went away again and
and struck the high priest's servant,
prayed the same prayer as before.c cutting off his ear. 48Jesus said to
40
Again he came back and found them, “Have you come out with
them asleep, because they could not swords and clubs to arrest me as if I
keep their eyes open. They didn't
were a bandit?n 49Day after day I was
even know what they should say to
with you in the temple teaching, yet
him.
41 you didn't arrest me. But the
He came back a third time and
Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50Then
said to them, “Are you still sleeping
all the discipleso deserted Jesusp and
and resting?d Enough of that! The
ran away.
time has come. Look! The Son of Man
is being betrayed into the hands of
sinners. 42Get up! Let's go! See, the
e 14:43 Lit. he
one who is betraying me is near!” f 14:43 The Gk. lacks disciples
g 14:44 People customarily greeted their
friends with a kiss.
h 14:45 Lit. he
i 14:45 Lit. him
j 14:45 Other mss. read Rabbi, Rabbi.
k 14:45 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
Teacher
a 14:36 Abba is Heb./Aram. for Father l 14:46 Lit. they
b 14:37 Lit. found them m 14:46 Lit. him
c 14:39 Lit. the same word n 14:48 Or revolutionary
d 14:41 Or You might as well keep on sleeping o 14:50 Lit. all of them
and resting. p 14:50 Lit. him
93
60
The Young Man Who Ran Away Then the high priest stood up
51
A certain young man, who was before theme and asked Jesus, “Don't
wearing nothing but a linen sheet, you have any answer to what these
was following Jesus.a When the menb men are testifying against you?” 61But
grabbed him, 52he left the linen sheet he kept silent and didn't answer at
behind and ran away naked. all. The high priest asked him again,
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the
Jesus is Tried before the High Priest
Blessed One?”
(Matthew 26:57-68; Luke 22:54-55; 62
Jesus said, “I AM, and
John 18:13-14, 19-24)
53
Then they took Jesus to the ‘you will see the Son of Man
MARK
high priest. All the high priests, seated at the right hand of the
elders, and scribes had gathered Power’f
together. 54Peter followed Jesusa at a and ‘coming with the clouds of
distance as far as the high priest's heaven.’”g
courtyard. He was sitting with the 63
Then the high priest tore his
servants and warming himself at the
clothes and said, “Why do we still
fire.
55 need witnesses? 64You have heard his
Meanwhile, the high priests
blasphemy! What is your verdict?” All
and the whole Councilb were looking
of them condemned him as deserving
for some testimony against Jesus in
death.
order to have him put to death, but 65
Some of them began to spit on
they couldn't find any. 56Although
him. They blindfolded him and kept
many people gave false testimony
hitting him with their fists and telling
against him, their testimony didn't
him, “Prophesy!” Even the servants
agree.
57 took him and slapped him around.
Then some men stood up and
gave false testimony against him, Peter Denies Jesus
saying, 58“We ourselves heard him (Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:56-62;
say, ‘I will destroy this sanctuary John 18:15-18, 25-27)
66
made by humanc hands, and in three While Peter was down in the
days I will build another one not courtyard, one of the high priest's
made by humand hands.’” 59But even servant girls came by. 67When she
on this point their testimony didn't saw Peter warming himself, she
agree.58 glared at him and said, “You, too,
were with Jesus from Nazareth.”
68
But he denied it, saying, “I
don't know—or even understand—
a 14:51 Lit. him
b 14:51 Lit. they
what you're talking about!” Then he
a 14:54 Lit. him
b 14:55 Or Sanhedrin e 14:60 Lit. in the middle
c 14:58 The Gk. lacks human f 14:62 Ps 110:1
d 14:58 The Gk. lacks human g 14:62 Dan 7:13
94
went out into the entryway. Just then they're bringing against you!” 5But
a rooster crowed.a since Jesus no longer answered, Pilate
69
The servant girl saw him and was astonished.
again said to those who were Jesus is Sentenced to Death
standing around, “This man is one of (Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25;
them!” 70Again he denied it. John 18:39-19:16)
After a little while the people 6
At every festivalc Pilated would
who were standing there began to release any one prisoner whom the
say to Peter again, “Obviously you're peoplee requested. 7Now there was a
one of them, because you are a man in prison named Barabbas. He
Galilean!” had been with the insurgents who
MARK
71
Then he began to invoke a had committed murder during the
divine curse and to swear with an rebellion. 8So the crowd came and
oath, “I don't know this man you're began to request that Pilatef do for
talking about!” 72Just then a rooster them what he always did.g 9Pilate
crowed a second time. 14
answered them, “Do you want me to
Peter remembered that Jesus release the king of the Jews for you?”
10
said to him, “Before a rooster crows because he knew that the high
twice, you will deny me three times.” priests had handed him over due to
Then he broke down and cried. jealousy.8
11
Chapter 15 But the high priests stirred up
Jesus is Taken to Pilate the crowd to get him to release
(Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14; Luke 23:1-5; Barabbas for them instead. 12So Pilate
John 18:28-38) asked them again, “Then what should
15
1
As soon as it was morning, I do with the man you callh ‘the King
the high priests convened a of the Jews’?”
13
meeting with the elders and scribes They shouted back, “Crucify
and the whole Council.a They bound him!”
14
Jesus with chains, led him away, and Pilate asked them, “Why? What
handed him over to Pilate. 2Pilate has he done wrong?”
asked him, “Are you the king of the But they shouted even louder,
Jews?” “Crucify him!”
15
Jesusb answered him, “You say So Pilate, wanting to satisfy the
so.” crowd, released Barabbas for them,
3
The high priests kept accusing but he had Jesus whipped and
him of many things. 4So Pilate asked handed over to be crucified.
him again, “Don't you have any
answer? Look how many accusations c 15:6 I.e. Passover
d 15:6 Lit. he
e 15:6 Lit. they
a 14:68 Other mss. lack Just then a rooster f 15:8 The Gk. lacks Pilate
crowed g 15:8 I.e. release one condemned prisoner
a 15:1 Or Sanhedrin during Passover
b 15:2 Lit. He h 15:12 Other mss. lack the man you call
95
The Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus morningg when they crucified him.
(Matthew 27:27-31; John 19:2-3) 26
The written notice of the charge
16
The soldiers led Jesusa into the against him read, “The king of the
courtyard of the palace (that is, the Jews.” 27They crucified two banditsh
governor's headquarters)b and called with him, one on his right and the
out the whole guard. 17They dressed other on his left.i 29Those who passed
him in a purple robe, twisted some by kept insultingj him, shaking their
thorns into a victor's crown, and heads, and saying, “Ha! You who
placed it on his head.c 18They began were going to destroy the sanctuary
to greet him, “Long live the king of and rebuild it in three days— 30save
the Jews!” 19They kept hitting him on yourself and come down from the
MARK
the head with a stick, spitting on him, cross!”

kneeling in front of him, and 31
In the same way the high
worshiping him. 20When they had priests, along with the scribes, were
finished making fun of him, they also making fun of him among
stripped him of the purple robe, put themselves. They kept saying, “He
his own clothes back on him, and led saved others but can't save himself!
him away to crucify him. 32
Let the Messiah, the king of Israel,
Jesus is Crucified come down from the cross now, since
(Matthew 27:32-44; Luke 23:26-43; seeing is believing!” Even the men
John 19:17-27) who were crucified with him kept
21
They forced a certain passer-by insulting him.
namedd Simon of Cyrene, the father Jesus Dies on the Cross
of Alexander and Rufus, who (Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49;
happened to be coming in from the John 19:28-30)
33
country, to carry Jesus’e cross. 22They At noon,k darkness came over
took Jesusf to a place called Golgotha, the whole landl until three in the
which means Skull Place. 23They tried afternoon.m 34At three o'clockn Jesus
to give him wine mixed with myrrh, cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, eloi,
but he wouldn't accept it. lema sabachthani?”, which means,
24
Then they crucified him. They
divided his clothes among themselves
by throwing dice to see what each
one would get. 25It was nine in the g 15:25 Lit. the third hour
h 15:27 Or revolutionaries
i 15:27 Other mss. read on his left. 28Then the
Scripture was fulfilled that says, “He was
a 15:16 Lit. him counted with criminals.”
b 15:16 Lit. praetorium j 15:29 Or blaspheming
c 15:17 Lit. on him k 15:33 Lit. At the sixth hour
d 15:21 The Gk. lacks named l 15:33 Or earth
e 15:21 Lit. his m 15:33 Lit. the ninth hour
f 15:22 Lit. him n 15:34 Lit. the ninth hour
96
“My God, my God, why have you of Arimathea, a highly respected

forsaken me?”a member of the Council,h who was
35
When some of the people waiting for the kingdom of God,
standing there heard this, they said, went boldly to Pilate and asked for
“Listen! He's calling for Elijah!”b the body of Jesus. 44Pilate was amazed
36
So someone ran and soaked a to heari that Jesusj had already died,
sponge in some sour wine. Then he so he summoned the centurion to ask
put it on a stick and offered Jesusc a him if he was in fact dead. 45When he
drink, saying, “Wait! Let's see if Elijah learned from the centurion that he
comes to take him down!” was dead, he let Joseph have the
37
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and corpse. 46Josephk bought some linen
MARK
breathed his last. 38The curtaind in the cloth, took the bodyl down, wrapped
sanctuary was torn in two from top to it in the cloth, laid it in a tomb that
bottom. 39When the centurione who had been cut out of the rock, and
stood facing Jesusf saw how he had rolled a stone against the door of the
cried out andg breathed his last, he tomb. 47Now Mary Magdalene and
said, “This man certainly was the Son Mary the mother of Joseph observed
of God!” where the bodym had been laid. 15
40
Now there were women Chapter 16

watching from a distance. Among
(Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John
them were Mary Magdalene, Mary
20:1-10)
the mother of young James and
16
1
When the Sabbath was over,
Joseph, and Salome. 41They used to
Mary Magdalene, Mary the
accompany him and care for him
mother of James, and Salome bought
while he was in Galilee. Many other
women who had come up to spices to go and anoint Jesus.n 2Very
Jerusalem with him were there, too. early on the first day of the week,a
when the sun had just come up, they
Jesus is Buried were going to the tomb. 3They kept
(Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; saying to one another, “Who will roll
John 19:38-42) away the stone for us from the
42
It was the Day of Preparation, entrance to the tomb?” 4Then they
that is, the day before the Sabbath. looked up and saw that the stone had
Since it was already evening, 43Joseph been rolled away. (It was a very large
stone.)
a 15:34 Ps 22:1
b 15:35 Elijah in Heb. sounds like Eloi. h 15:43 Or Sanhedrin
c 15:36 Lit. him i 15:44 The Gk. lacks to hear
d 15:38 This curtain separated the Holy Place j 15:44 Lit. he
from the Most Holy Place. k 15:46 Lit. He
e 15:39 A Roman centurion commanded about l 15:46 Lit. it
100 men. m 15:47 Lit. where it
f 15:39 Lit. him n 16:1 Lit. him
g 15:39 Other mss. lack cried out and a 16:2 first of the Sabbaths
97
5
As they went into the tomb, Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
they saw a young man dressed in a (Luke 24:13-35)
12
white robe sitting on the right side, After this, Jesusg appeared in a
and they were utterly astonished. different form to two disciplesh as
6
But he said to them, “Stop being they were walking into the country.
13
astonished! You are looking for Jesus They went back and told the others,
of Nazareth, who was crucified. He who didn't believe them, either.
has been raised. He is not here. Look
Jesus Commissions His Disciples
at the place where they laid him. 7But
(Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-49;
go and tell his disciples, especially
John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)
Peter, that Jesusa is going ahead of 14
Finally he appeared to his
MARK
you to Galilee. There you will see

eleven disciplesi while they were
him, just as he told you.”
8 eating. He rebuked them for their
So they left the tomb and ran
unbelief and stubbornness, because
away, overwhelmed by shock and
they had not believed those who had
astonishment. They didn't say a thing
seen him after he had risen. 15Then he
to anyone, because they were afraid.b
said to them, “As you go into all the
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene world, proclaim the gospel to
(Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:11-18) everyone.j 16Whoever believes and is
9
After Jesusc had risen early on baptized will be saved, but whoever
the first day of that week,d he doesn't believe will be condemned.15
17
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, “These are the signs that will
from whom he had driven out seven accompany those who believe: In my
demons. 10She went and told those name they will drive out demons;
who had been with Jesuse and who they will speak in new tongues;
18
now were grieving and crying. they will pick up snakes with their
11
When they heard that he was alive hands;a even if they drink any deadly
and that he had been seen by her, poison it will not hurt them; and they
they refused to believe Mary.f will place their hands on the sick, and
they will recover.”
a 16:7 Lit. he Jesus is Taken Up to Heaven
b 16:8 Some mss. end Mark here; others (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11)
19
include verses 9-20. Some mss. conclude the So the Lord Jesus,b after talking
book with the following shorter ending (others
include the shorter ending and then continue with his disciples,c was taken up to
with verses 9-20): They reported to those who heaven and sat down at the right
were with Peter everything they had been
commanded. After this, Jesus sent out through
them, from east to west, the sacred and g 16:12 Lit. he
indestructible message of eternal salvation. h 16:12 Lit. two of them
Amen. i 16:14 The Gk. lacks disciples
c 16:9 Lit. he j 16:15 Lit. to the whole creation
d 16:9 Lit. first Sabbath a 16:18 Other mss. lack with their hands
e 16:10 Lit. him b 16:19 Other mss. lack Jesus
f 16:11 Lit. her c 16:19 Lit. with them
98
hand of God. 20Then his disciplesa

went out and preached everywhere,
while the Lord kept working with
them and confirming the message by
the signs that accompanied it.
MARK
a 16:20 Lit. Then they
99
Messiah in the Synagogue
100
LUKE
Chapter 1
Luke's Dedication to Theophilus burn incense, according to the custom
1
1
Since many people have of the priests. 10And the entire
attempted to write an orderly congregation of people was praying
account of the events that have outside at the time when the incense
transpired among us, 2just as they was burned.
11
were passed down to us by those An angel of the Lord appeared
who had been eyewitnesses and to him, standing at the right side of
servants of the word from the the incense altar. 12When Zechariah
beginning, 3I, too, have carefully saw him, he was startled, and fear
investigated everything from the overwhelmed him. 13But the angel
beginning and have decided to write said to him, “Stop being afraid,
an orderly account for you, most Zechariah, because your prayer has
excellent Theophilus, 4so that you been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will
may know the certainty of the things bear you a son, and you are to name
you have been taught. him John. 14You will have great joy,c
The Birth of John the Baptist is and many people will rejoice at his
LUKE
Foretold birth, 15because he will be great in the
5
In the days of King Herod of Lord’s presence. He will never drink
Judea, there was a priest named wine or any strong drink, and he will
Zechariah, who belonged to the be filled with the Holy Spirit even
priestly order of Abijah. His wife was before he is born. 16He will bring
a descendant of Aaron, and her name many of Israel's descendants back to
was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were the Lord their God. 17He is the one
righteous before God, having lived who will go before the Lordd with the
blamelessly according to all of the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the
commandments and regulations of hearts of parents to their children and
the Lord. 7They had no children the disobedient to the wisdom of the
because Elizabeth was barren and righteous, and to prepare the people
because both of them were getting to be ready for the Lord.”
18
old.a Then Zechariah asked the
8 angel, “How can I be sure of this,
When Zechariahb was serving
since I am an old man, and my wife is
with his division of priests in God's
presence, 9he was chosen by lot to go getting older?”e
into the sanctuary of the Lord and
c 1:14 Lit. have joy and gladness

a 1:7 Lit. were advancing in their days d 1:17 Lit. before him
b 1:8 Lit. he e 1:18 Lit. is advancing in her days
101
Luke 1:19 The Holy Bible
19
The angel answered him, “I am favored! The Lord is with you!”f
Gabriel! I stand in the very presence 29
Startled by his statement, she tried
of God. I have been sent to speak to to figure out what his greeting meant.
you and to announce this good news 30
Then the angel told her, “Stop being
to you. 20But because you did not afraid, Mary, because you have found
believe my announcement, which favor with God. 31Listen! You will
will be fulfilled at its proper time,a become pregnant and give birth to a
you will become silent and unable to son, and you are to name him Jesus.
32
speak until the day this happens.” He will be great and will be called
21
Meanwhile, the people kept the Son of the Most High, and the
waiting for Zechariah and wondering Lord God will give him the throne of
why he stayed in the sanctuary so his ancestor David. 33He will rule over
long. 22But when he did come out, he the house of Jacob forever, and his
was unable to speak to them. Then kingdom will never end.”
34
they realized that he had seen a Mary asked the angel, “How
vision in the sanctuary. He kept can this happen, since I have not had
motioning to them but remained relations withg a man?”
unable to speak. 23When the days of 35
The angel answered her, “The
his service were over, he went home. Holy Spirit will come over you, and
24
After this,b his wife Elizabeth the power of the Most High will
LUKE
became pregnant and remained in surround you. Therefore, the child

seclusion for five months. She said, will be holy and will be called the Son
25
“This is what the Lord did for me of God. 36And listen! Elizabeth, your
when he looked favorably on me and relative, has herself conceived a son
took away my public disgrace.” in her old age, this woman who was
said to be barren is in her sixth
The Birth of Jesus is Foretold
26 month. 37Nothing is impossible with
Now in the sixth month of her
respect to any of God’s promises.”
pregnancy,c the angel Gabriel was 38
Then Mary said, “Truly I am
sent by God to a city in Galilee called
the Lord's servant. Let everything
Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a
you have said happen to me.” Then
man named Joseph, a descendantd of the angel left her.
David. The virgin's name was Mary.
28
The angele came to her and said, Mary Visits Elizabeth
39
“Greetings, you who are highly Later on,a Mary set out for a
Judean city in the hill country. 40She
went into Zechariah's home and
greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth
a 1:20 Lit. in their times
b 1:24 Lit. After those days f 1:28 Other mss. read is with you! How
c 1:26 The Gk. lacks of her pregnancy blessed are you among women!
d 1:27 Lit. of the house g 1:34 Lit. I have not known
e 1:28 Lit. He a 1:39 Lit. In those days
102
International Standard Version 2.0 Luke 1:64
53
heard Mary's greeting, the baby He filled hungry people with good
jumped in her womb. Elizabeth was things
filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she and sent rich people away with
loudly exclaimed, “How blessed are nothing.
54
you among women, and how blessed He helped his servant Israel,
is the infant ina your womb! 43Why remembering to be merciful,
55
should this happen to me, to have the according to the promise he madec
mother of my Lord visit me? 44As to our ancestors—
soon as the sound of your greeting to Abraham and his descendants
reached my ears, the baby in my forever.”
womb jumped for joy. 45How blessed 56
Now Mary stayed with Elizabethd
is this woman for believing that what
about three months and then went
was spoken to her by the Lord would
back home.
be fulfilled!”
The Birth of John the Baptist
Mary's Song of Praise 57
46 When the time came for
Then Mary said,
Elizabeth to have her child, she gave
“My soul praises the greatness of birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and
the Lord! relatives heard that the Lord had
47
My spirit exults in God, my shown his great mercy to her, and
LUKE
Savior, they rejoiced with her.
48
because he has looked 59
On the eighth day they went to
favorably on his humble circumcise the child. They were going
servant. to name him Zechariah after his
From now on, all generations will father, 60but his mother said,
call me blessed, “Absolutely not! He must be named
49
because the Almighty has done John.”
61
great things for me. Their friendsa said to her,
His name is holy. “None of your relatives has that
50
His mercy lasts from generation to name.”
62
generation So they motioned to the
for those who fear him. baby'sb father to see what he wanted
51
He displayed his mighty power to name him. 63He asked for a writing
with his arm. tablet and wrote, “His name is John.”
He scattered people who were And everyone was amazed.
64
proud in mind and heart.b Suddenly, Zechariah could
52
He pulled powerful rulers from open his mouth,c his tongue was set
their thrones
c 1:55 Lit. just as he spoke
and lifted up humble people. d 1:56 Lit. with her
a 1:61 Lit. They
a 1:42 Lit. the fruit of b 1:62 Lit. to his
b 1:51 Lit. in the mind of their heart c 1:64 Lit. his mouth was opened
103
75
free, and he began to speak and to and be holy and righteous
praise God. 65Fear came over all their before him all of our days.
neighbors, and throughout the hill 76
And you, child, will be called a
country of Judea all these things were
prophet of the Most High,
being discussed. 66Everyone who
because you will go ahead of the
heard about it kept thinking what
Lord to prepare his way
had happened and asked, “What will 77
and to give his people knowledge
this child become?” because it was
of salvation
obvious that the hand of the Lord
through forgiveness of their sins.
was with him. 164
78
Because of the tender mercy of our
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 God,
Then his father Zechariah was
his lightb from on high has
filled with the Holy Spirit and
us,
prophesied: 79
to shine on those who sit in
68
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel! darkness and in death's
He has taken care of his people shadow,
and has set them free. and to guide our feet into the
69 way of peace.”
He has raised up a mighty Saviora
80
for us Now the child continued to grow
LUKE
from the family of his servant and to become spiritually strong.a He

David, lived in the wilderness until the day
70
just as he promised long ago he appeared in Israel.
through the mouth of his holy Chapter 2
prophets The Birth of Jesus

71
that he would save us from our (Matthew 1:18-25)
2
1
enemies Now in those days an order was
and from the grip of all who hate published by Caesar Augustus
us. that the whole world should be
registered. 2This was the first
72
He has shown mercy to our registration taken while Quirinius
ancestors was governor of Syria. 3So all the
and remembered his holy people went to their hometowns to
covenant, be registered.2
73
the oath that he swore to our 4
Joseph, too, went up from the
ancestor Abraham. city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,
He granted us 74deliverance from to the city of David called Bethlehem,
our enemies' grip because he was a descendantb of the
so that we could serve him
without fear b 1:78 Or dawn
a 1:80 Or become strong in the Spirit
a 1:69 Lit. a horn of salvation b 2:4 The Gk. lacks a descendant
104
household and family of David. 5He about.” 16So they went quickly and
went therea to be registered with found Mary and Joseph with the
Mary, who had been promised to him baby, who was lying in the feeding
in marriage and was pregnant.4 trough. 17When they saw this, they
6
While they were there, the time repeated what they had been told
came for her to have her baby, 7and about this child. 18All who heard it
she gave birth to her first child, a son. were amazed at what the shepherds
19
She wrapped him in strips of cloth told them. However, Mary
and laid him in a feeding trough, continued to treasure all these things
because there was no place for them in her heart and to ponder them.
20
in the guest quarters. Then the shepherds returned to
their flock,c glorifying and praising
The Shepherds Visit Jesus
8 God for everything they had heard
In that region there were
and seen, just as it had been told to
shepherds living in the fields,
them.
watching their flock during the night.
9
An angel of the Lord appeared to Jesus is Circumcised
21
them, and the glory of the Lord After eight days had passed,
shone around them, and they were the infanta was circumcised and
terrified. 10Then the angel said to named Jesus, the name given him by
them, “Stop being afraid! Listen! I am the angel before he was conceived in
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bringing you good news of great joy the womb.
for all the people. 11Today your
Jesus is Presented in the Temple
Savior, the Lord Messiah, was born in 22
When the time came for their
the city of David. 12And this will be a
purification according to the law of
sign for you: You will find a baby
wrapped in strips of cloth and lying Moses, Joseph and Maryb took Jesusc
in a feeding trough.” up to Jerusalem to present him to the
13
Suddenly a multitude of the Lord, 23as it is written in the law of
Heavenly Army appeared with the the Lord, “Every firstborn son is to be
angel, praising God by saying, designated as holy to the Lord.”d
24
14
“Glory to God in the highest, and They also offered a sacrifice
peace on earth to people who enjoy according to what is specified in the
his favor!”b law of the Lord: “a pair of turtledoves
15
When the angels had left them or two young pigeons.”e
25
and gone back to heaven, the Now a man named Simeon
shepherds said to one another, “Let's was in Jerusalem. This man was
go to Bethlehem and see what has
c 2:20 The Gk. lacks to their flock
taken place that the Lord has told us
a 2:21 Lit. he
b 2:22 Lit. they
a 2:5 The Gk. lacks He went there c 2:22 Lit. him
b 2:14 Other mss. read peace on earth, and d 2:23 Exod 13:2, 12, 15
favor to people e 2:24 Lev 12:8
105
righteous and devout. He was thoughts of many people might be

waiting for the one who would revealed.”
36
comfort Israel,a and the Holy Spirit Now Anna, a prophetess, was
was upon him. 26It had been revealed also there. She was a descendant of
to him by the Holy Spirit that he Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She
would not dieb until he had seen the was very old, having lived with her
Lord's Messiah. 25
husband for seven years after her
27
Ledc by the Spirit, he went into marriage, 37and then as a widow for
the temple. When the parents 84 years. She never left the temple,
brought the child Jesus to do for him but continued to worship there night
what was customary under the law, and day with times of fasting and
28
Simeond took the infante in his arms prayer. 38Just then she came forward
and praised God, saying, and began to thank God and to speak
29
about Jesusa to everyone who was
“Master, now you are dismissing waiting for the redemption of
your servant in peace Jerusalem.
according to your promise.
30
Because my eyes have seen your The Return to Nazareth
39
salvation, After doing everything
31
which you prepared for all required by the law of the Lord,
people to see— Joseph and Maryb returned to their
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32
a light that will reveal salvationf to hometown of Nazareth in Galilee.
40
the gentiles Meanwhile, the child continued to
and bring glory to your people grow and to become strong. He was
Israel.” filled with wisdom, and God's favor
rested upon him.
33
Jesus’g father and mother kept
wondering at the things being said Jesus Visits the Temple
41
about him. 34Then Simeonh blessed Every year Jesus’c parents
them and said to Mary, his mother, would go to Jerusalem for the
“This infant is destined to cause many Passover Festival. 42When Jesusd was
in Israel to fall and rise. Also, he will twelve years old, they went up to the
be a sign that will be opposed. festival as usual. 43When the days of
35
Indeed, a sword will pierce your the festivale were over, they left for
own soul, too, so that the inner home. The young man Jesus stayed
behind in Jerusalem, but his parents
a 2:25 Lit. for the comfort of Israel did not know it. 44They thought that
b 2:26 Lit. see death he was in their group of travelers.
c 2:27 The Gk. lacks Led
d 2:28 Lit. he a 2:38 Lit. him
e 2:28 Lit. him b 2:39 Lit. they
f 2:32 Lit. a light for revelation c 2:41 Lit. his
g 2:33 Lit. His d 2:43 Lit. he
h 2:34 Lit. he e 2:43 The Gk. lacks of the festival
106
After traveling for a day, they started Abilene, 2and Annas and Caiaphas
looking for him among their relatives high priests, the word of God came to
and friends. 45When they did not find John, the son of Zechariah, in the
him, they returned to Jerusalem, wilderness. 3Johnc went throughout
searching desperately for him. the entire Jordan region, proclaiming
46
Three days later they found him in a baptism about repentance for the
the temple sitting among the forgiveness of sins, 4as it is written in
teachers, listening to them, and the book of the words of the prophet
posing questions to them. 47All who Isaiah,
heard him were amazed at his
“He is a voice calling out in the
intelligence and his answers. 48When
wilderness:
Jesus’ parentsa saw him, they were
‘Prepare the way for the Lord!
shocked. His mother asked him, “Son, Make his paths straight!
why have you treated us like this? 5
Every valley will be filled,
Your father and I have been worried and every mountain and hill will
sick looking for you!” be leveled.
49
He asked them, “Why were The crooked ways will be made
you looking for me? Didn't you know straight,
that I had to be in my Father's and the rough roads will be made
house?”b 50But they did not smooth.
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6
understand what he said to them. Everyonea will see the salvation
51
Then he went back with them, that God has provided.’”b
returning to Nazareth and remaining 7
John would say to the crowds
in submission to them. His mother
that were coming out to be baptized
continued to treasure all these things
by him, “You children of serpents!
in her heart. 52Meanwhile, Jesus kept Who warned you to flee from the
on growing wiser and more mature, coming wrath? 8Produce fruit that is
and in favor with God and his fellow consistent with repentance! Don't
man. begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have
father Abraham!’ because I tell you
Chapter 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way for

Jesus that God can raise up descendants for
(Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; John Abraham from these stones! 9The ax
already lies against the roots of the
1:19-28)
trees. So every tree not producing
3
1
Now in the fifteenth year of the
good fruit will be cut down and
reign of Caesar Tiberius, when
thrown into a fire.”
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, 10
The crowds kept asking him,
Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother
“What, then, should we do?”
Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea
and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of
c 3:3 Lit. He
a 2:48 Lit. they a 3:6 Lit. All flesh
b 2:49 Or about my Father's work b 3:6 Isa 40:3-5
107
11
He answered them, “The the other evil things Herod had done.
person who has two coats must share 20
Added to all this, Herodf locked
with the one who doesn't have any, John up in prison.
and the person who has food must
Jesus is Baptized
do the same.”
12 (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11)
Even some tax collectors came 21
When all the people had been
to be baptized. They asked him,
baptized, Jesus, too, was baptized.
“Teacher, what should we do?”
13 While he was praying, heaven
He told them, “Stop collecting
opened, 22and the Holy Spirit
more money than the amount you
descended on him, appearing in the
are told to collect.”
14 form of a dove. Then a voice came
Even some soldiers were asking
him, “And what should we do?” from heaven, saying,a “You are my
He told them, “Never extort Son, whom I love. I am pleased with
money from anyone by threats or you!”b
blackmail, and be satisfied with your The Ancestry of Jesus
pay.” (Matthew 1:1-17)
15
Now the people were filled 23
Jesus himself was about 30
with expectation, and all of them years old when he began his
were wondering if John was perhaps ministry.c He was (so it was thought)
the Messiah. 16John replied to all of
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the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,

them, “I am baptizing you witha 24
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
water, but one is coming who is more the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai,
powerful than I, and I’m not worthy the son of Joseph, 25the son of
to untie his sandal straps. It is he who Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son
will baptize you withb the Holy Spirit of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of
and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in Naggai, 26the son of Maath, the son of
his hand to clean up his threshing Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son
floor. He will gather the grain into his of Josech, the son of Joda, 27the son of
barn, but he will burn the chaff with Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of
inextinguishable fire.” Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,d the
18
With many other exhortations son of Neri, 28the son of Melchi, the
Johnc continued to proclaim the good son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the
news to the people. 19Now Herod the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29the
tetrarch had been rebuked by Johnd son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the
because he had marriede his brother's son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the
wife Herodias and because of all of
f 3:20 Lit. he
a 3:16 Or in a 3:22 The Gk. lacks saying
b 3:16 Or in b 3:22 Other mss. read You are my Son. Today
c 3:18 Lit. he I have become your Father.
d 3:19 Lit. him c 3:23 The Gk. lacks his ministry
e 3:19 Lit. because of d 3:27 Lit. Salathiel
108
son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon, the 3

The devil said to him, “Sinced
son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the you are the Son of God, tell this stone
son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, to become a loaf of bread.”
31
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, 4
Jesus answered him, “It is
the son of Matattha, the son of written,
Nathan, the son of David, 32the son of
‘One must not live on bread alone,
Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of
but on every word of God.’”a
Boaz, the son of Salmon,a the son of
Nahshon, 33the son of Amminadab, 5
The devilb also took him to a
the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the high placec and showed him all the
son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the kingdoms of the world in an instant.
son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob, the 6
He said to Jesus,d “I will give you all
son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the this authority, along with their glory,
son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35the because it has been given to me, and I
son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son give it to anyone I please. 7So if you
of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of will worship me, all this will be
Shelah, 36the son of Cainan,b the son yours.”6
of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the 8
But Jesus answered him, “It is
son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37the written,
son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,
‘You must worship the Lord your
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the son of Jared, the son of
Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38the God and serve only him.’”e
son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son 9
The devilf also took him into
of Adam, the son of God. Jerusalem and had him stand on the
highest point of the temple. He said
Chapter 4
Jesus is Tempted by Satan

(Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13) to Jesus,g “Sinceh you are the Son of
4 God, throw yourself down from here,

1
Then Jesus, filled with the Holy
10
Spirit, returned from the Jordan because it is written,
River.c He was led by the Spirit into ‘Godi will put his angels in charge
the wilderness, 2where he was being of you
tempted by the devil for 40 days. to watch over you carefully.
During that time he ate nothing at all,
and when they were over he became
d 4:3 Or “If, as is the case,
hungry. a 4:4 Deut 8:3; Other mss. lack but on every
word of God
b 4:5 Lit. He
c 4:5 Lit. took him up
d 4:6 Lit. him
a 3:32 Other mss. read Sala e 4:8 Deut 6:13
b 3:36 The inclusion of Cainan here follows f 4:9 Lit. He
the LXX; cf. Gen 10:4,24; 11:12-13; 1Chron g 4:9 Lit. him
1:7 h 4:9 Or “If, as is the case,
c 4:1 The Gk. lacks River i 4:10 Lit. He
109
11 19
With their hands they will hold you and to announce the year of the
up, Lord's favor.”a
so that you will never hit your 20
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it
foot against a rock.’”a
back to the attendant, and sat down.
12
Jesus answered him, “It has While the eyes of everyone in the
been said, ‘You must not tempt the synagogue were fixed on him, 21he
Lord your God.’”b began to say to them, “Today this
13
After the devil had finished Scripture has been fulfilled, as you’ve
tempting Jesus in every possible way, heard it read aloud.”b
22
he left him until another time. All the people began to speak
well of him and to wonder at the
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
gracious words that flowed from his
(Matthew 4:12-17; Mark 1:14-15)
14 mouth. They said, “This is Joseph's
Then Jesus returned to Galilee
son, isn't it?”
by the power of the Spirit. 23
So he said to them, “You will
Meanwhile, the news about him
probably quote this proverb to me,
spread throughout the surrounding
‘Doctor, heal yourself! Do everything
country. 15He began to teach in their
here in your hometown that we hear
synagogues and was continuously
you did in Capernaum.’”
receiving praise from everyone. 24
He added, “I tell all of you with
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Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth certainty, a prophet is not accepted in

(Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6) his hometown. 25I’m telling you the
16
Then Jesusc came to Nazareth, truth—there were many widows in
where he had been raised. As was his Israel in Elijah's time, when it didn’t
custom, he went into the synagogue rainc for three years and six months
on the Sabbath day. When he stood and there was a severe famine
up to read, 17the scroll of the prophet everywhere in the land. 26Yet Elijah
Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling wasn't sent to a single one of those
the scroll, he found the place where it widows except to one at Zarephath in
was written, Sidon. 27There were also many lepers
18 in Israel in the prophet Elisha's time,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
yet not one of them was cleansed
he has anointed me to tell
except Naaman the Syrian.”
the good news to the poor. 28
All the people in the
He has sent me to announce release
synagogue became furious when they
to the prisoners
heard this. 29They got up, forced
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set oppressed people free, Jesusd out of the city, and led him to
a 4:19 Isa 61:1-2; 58:6

a 4:11 Ps 91:11-12 b 4:21 Lit. fulfilled in your ears
b 4:12 Deut 6:16 c 4:25 Lit. when the heavens were closed
c 4:16 Lit. he d 4:29 Lit. him
110
the edge of the hill on which their Jesus Heals Many People
city was built, intending to throw him (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34)
off. 30But he walked right through the 38
Then Jesusc got up to leave the
middle of them and went away.29 synagogue and went into Simon's
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean house. Now Simon's mother-in-law
Spirit was sick with a high fever, so they
(Mark 1:21-28) asked Jesusd about her. 39He bent
31
Then Jesusa went down to over her, rebuked the fever, and it
Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and left her. She got up at once and began
serving them.
began teaching the peopleb on 40
When the sun was setting,
Sabbath days.c 32They were utterly
everyone who had any friendse
amazed at what he taught, because
suffering from various diseases
his message was spokend with
brought them to him. He placed his
authority.
33 hands on each of them and began
In the synagogue was a man
healing them. 41Even demons came
who had a demon.e He screamed out of many people, screaming, “You
with a loud voice, 34“Oh, no! What do
are the Son of God!” But Jesusf
you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
rebuked them and ordered them not
Have you come to destroy us? I know
to speak, because they knew he was
who you are—the Holy One of God!”
LUKE
35 the Messiah.
But Jesus rebuked him, saying,
“Be quiet, and come out of him!” At Jesus Goes on a Preaching Tour
this, the demon threw the mana (Mark 1:35-39)
42
down in the middle of the At daybreak he left and went to
synagogueb and came out of him a deserted place, while the crowds
without hurting him. kept looking for him. When they
36
Overwhelmed with came to him, they tried to keep him
amazement, they all kept saying to from leaving them. 43But he said to
one another, “What kind of statement them, “I have to proclaim the good
is this?—because with authority and news about the kingdom of God in
power he gives orders to unclean other cities, because I was sent to do
spirits, and they come out!” 37So news that also.” 44So he continued to
about him spread to every place in preach in the synagogues of Galilee.g
the surrounding region.
a 4:31 Lit. he
b 4:31 Lit. them
c 4:31 Lit. Sabbaths c 4:38 Lit. he
d 4:32 The Gk. lacks spoken d 4:38 Lit. him
e 4:33 Lit. a spirit of an demon of uncleanness e 4:40 Lit. people
a 4:35 Lit. him f 4:41 Lit. he
b 4:35 The Gk. lacks of the synagogue g 4:44 Other mss. read of Judea
111
Chapter 5
Jesus Calls His First Disciples James and John, Zebedee's sons and
(Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20) Simon's partners.
5 Then Jesus said to Simon, “Stop

1
One day as the crowd was
pressing in on him to listen to being afraid. From now on you will
God's word, Jesusa was standing by be catching people.” 11So when they
the lake of Gennesaret. 2He saw two brought the boats to shore, they left
boats lying on the shore, but the everything and followed Jesus.c
fishermen had stepped out of them Jesus Cleanses a Leper
and were washing their nets. 3So (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45)
Jesusb got into one of the boats (the 12
One day while Jesusd was in
one that belonged to Simon) and one of the cities, a man covered with
asked him to push out a little from leprosy saw Jesus and fell on his face,
the shore. Then he sat down and begging him, “Lord, if you want to,
began to teach the crowds from the you can make me clean.”
boat. 13
So Jesuse reached out his hand
2
4
When he had finished speaking,
and touched him, saying, “I do want
he said to Simon, “Push out into deep
to. Be clean!” Instantly the leprosy left
water, and lower your nets for a
him. 14Then Jesusf ordered him,
catch.”
5 “Don't tell anyone. Instead, go and
Simon answered, “Master, we
show yourself to the priest and make
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have worked hard all night and

an offering for your cleansing, just as
caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll
Moses commanded, as proof to the
lower the nets.” 6After the menc had
authorities.”g 15But the news about
done this, they caught so many fish
that the nets began to tear. 7So they Jesush spread even more, and many
signaled to their partners in the other crowds began gathering to hear him
boat to come and help them. They and to be healed of their diseases.
16
came and filled both boats until the However, he continued his habit of
retiring to deserted places and
boatsa began to sink. 8When Simon
praying.
Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’
knees and said, “Leave me, Lord! I Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
am a sinful man!”— 9because Simonb (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12)
17
and all the people who were with One day as Jesusi was teaching,
him were amazed at the number of some Pharisees and teachers of the
fish they had caught, 10and so were law happened to be sitting near by.
c 5:11 Lit. him

d 5:12 Lit. he
a 5:1 Lit. he e 5:13 Lit. he
b 5:3 Lit. he f 5:14 Lit. he
c 5:6 Lit. they g 5:14 Lit. to them
a 5:7 Lit. they h 5:15 Lit. him
b 5:9 Lit. he i 5:17 Lit. he
112
The peoplea had come from every the mand immediately stood up in
village in Galilee and Judea and from front of them and picked up what he
Jerusalem. The power of the Lord had been lying on. Then he went
was present to heal them.b 18Some home, praising God.
26
men were bringing a paralyzed man Amazement seized all the
on a stretcher. They were trying to people, and they began to praise
take him into the housec and place God. They were filled with feare and
him in front of Jesus.d 19When they declared, “We have seen wonderful
couldn't find a way to get him in things today!”
because of the crowd, they went up Jesus Calls Levi
on the roof and let him down on his (Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17)
stretcher through the tiles into the 27
After that, Jesusf went out and
middle of the room,e right in front of saw a tax collector named Levi sitting
Jesus. 20When Jesusf saw their faith, at the tax collector's desk. He said to
he said, “Mister,a your sins are him, “Follow me!” 28So Levig left
forgiven.” everything behind, got up, and
21
The scribes and the Pharisees followed him.
began to argue among themselves, 29
Then Levi gave a large banquet
saying, “Who is this man who is at his home for Jesus.h A large crowd
uttering blasphemies? Who can of tax collectors and others were
LUKE
forgive sins but God alone?” eating with them. 30The Pharisees and
22
Because Jesus knew that they their scribes started complaining to
were arguing, he said to them, “Why Jesus’i disciples, “Why do you eat and
are you arguing about this among drink with tax collectors and
yourselves?b 23Which is easier: to say sinners?”
‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Get 31
But Jesus answered them,
up and walk’? 24But I want you to “Healthy people don't need a
knowc that the Son of Man has physician, but sick people do. 32I have
authority on earth to forgive sins.” not come to call righteous people, but
Then he said to the paralyzed sinners, to repentance.”
man, “I say to you: Get up, pick up
your stretcher, and go home!” 25So A Question about Fasting
(Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22)
33
Then they said to him, “John's
a 5:17 Lit. They
b 5:17 Other mss. read was present with him
disciples frequently fast and pray,
and so do those of the Pharisees. But
to heal
c 5:18 The Gk. lacks the house
d 5:18 Lit. him d 5:25 Lit. he
e 5:19 The Gk. lacks of the room e 5:26 Or awe
f 5:20 Lit. he f 5:27 Lit. he
a 5:20 Lit. Man g 5:28 Lit. he
b 5:22 Lit. in your hearts h 5:29 Lit. him
c 5:24 Lit. So that you will know i 5:30 Lit. his
113
your disciplesa keep right on eating of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you
and drinking.” 5
doing what is not lawful on Sabbath
34
But Jesus said to them, “You days?”e
3
can't force the wedding guestsb to Jesus answered them, “Haven't
fast while the groom is still with you read what David did when he
them, can you? 35But the time will and his companions became hungry?
4
come when the groom will be taken How was it that he went into the
away from them, and at that time house of God, took the Bread of the
they will fast.” Presence and ate it, which was not
lawful for anyone but the priests to
The Unshrunk Cloth
eat, and then gave some of it to his
(Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21)
36 companions?”
Then he told them a parable: 5
Then he said to them, “The Son
“No one tears a piece of cloth from a
of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
new garment and sews it on an old
garment. If he does, the new cloth Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed
will tear, and the piece from the new Hand
will not match the old. 37And no one (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6)
6
pours new wine into old wineskins. If Once, on another Sabbath,
he does, the new wine will make the f
Jesus went into a synagogue and
skins burst, the winea will be spilled, began teaching. A man whose right
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and the skins will be ruined. 38Rather, hand was paralyzed was there. 7The
new wine is to be poured into fresh scribes and the Pharisees were
wineskins. 39No one who has been watching Jesusg closely to seeh
drinking old wine wants new wine, whether he would heal on the
because he says, ‘The old wine is Sabbath, in order to find a way of
good enough!’”b 5
accusing him of doing something
Chapter 6
wrong. 8But Jesusi knew what they

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
were thinking. So he said to the man
(Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28)
with the paralyzed hand, “Get up,
6
1
One time Jesusc was walking and stand in the middle of the
through some grain fields on a
synagogue.”j So he got up and stood
Sabbath.d His disciples were picking there.
the heads of grain, rubbing them in 9
Then Jesus asked them, “I ask
their hands, and eating them. 2Some you, is it lawful to do good or to do
a 5:33 Lit. yours

b 5:34 Lit. The children of the wedding hall;
or The children of the groom e 6:2 Lit. on the Sabbaths
a 5:37 Lit. it f 6:6 Lit. he
b 5:39 Other mss. lack this verse g 6:7 Lit. him
c 6:1 Lit. he h 6:7 The Gk. lacks to see
d 6:1 Other mss. read on the second Sabbath i 6:8 Lit. he
after the first j 6:8 The Gk. lacks of the synagogue
114
evil on the Sabbath, to save a life or to unclean spirits were being healed.
19
destroy it?” The entire crowd was trying to
10
He looked around at all of touch him, because power was
them and then said to the man,a coming out from him and healing all
“Hold out your hand.” The manb did of them.18
so, and his hand was restored to Jesus Pronounces Blessings and
health. 11The others were furiousc and Judgment
and began to discuss with each other (Matthew 5:1-12)
what they could do to Jesus. 20
Then Jesusc looked at his
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles disciples and said,
(Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19) “How blessed are you who are
12
Now it was in those days that destitute,
a
Jesus went to a mountain to pray, because the kingdom of God is
and he spent the whole night in yours!
prayer to God. 13When daylight came, 21
How blessed are you who are
he called his disciples and chose hungry now,
twelve of them, whom he also called because you will be satisfied!
apostles: 14Simon (whom he named How blessed are you who are
Peter), his brother Andrew, James, crying now,
John, Philip, Bartholomew,
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because you will laugh!
15
Matthew, Thomas, James (the son of 22
Alphaeus), Simon (who was called How blessed are you whenever
the Zealot), 16Judas (the son of James), people hate you, avoid you, insult
and Judas Iscariot (who became a you, and slander you because of the
traitor). Son of Man! 23Rejoice in that day and
leap for joy, because your reward in
Jesus Ministers to Many People heaven is great! That's the way their
(Matthew 4:23-25) ancestors used to treat the prophets.
17
Then Jesusb came down with 24
them and stood on a level place, “But how terrible it will be for you
along with many of his disciples and who are rich,
a large gathering of people from all because you have had your
over Judea, Jerusalem, and the comfort!
25
seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. 18They How terrible it will be for you who
had come to hear him and to be are full now,
healed of their diseases. Even those because you will be hungry!
who were being tormented by How terrible it will be for you who
are laughing now,
a 6:10 Lit. him because you will mourn and cry!
b 6:10 Lit. He
c 6:11 Or were stupefied
a 6:12 Lit. he
b 6:17 Lit. he c 6:20 Lit. he
115
26
How terrible it will be for you when and you will never be condemned.
everyone says nice things about you, Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38
because that's the way their ancestors Give, and it will be given to you. A
used to treat the false prophets!” large quantity, pressed together,
shaken down, and running over will
Teaching about Love for Enemies
be put into your lap, because you will
(Matthew 5:38-48)
27 be evaluated by the same standard
“But I say to you who are
with which you evaluate others.”
listening: Love your enemies. Do 39
He also told them a parable:
good to those who hate you. 28Bless
“One blind person can't lead another
those who curse you, and pray for
blind person, can he? Both will fall
those who insult you. 29If someone
into a ditch, won't they? 40A disciple
strikes you on the cheek, offer him
is not better than his teacher. But
the other one as well, and if someone
everyone who is fully-trained will be
takes your coat, don't keep back your
like his teacher.
shirt, either. 30Keep on giving to 41
“Why do you see the speck in
everyone who asks you for
your brother's eye but fail to notice
something, and if anyone takes what
the beam in your own eye? 42How
is yours, do not insist on getting it
can you say to your brother, ‘Brother,
back. 31Whatever you want people to
let me take the speck out of your eye,’
do for you, do the same for them.
LUKE
32 when you don't see the beam in your

“If you love those who love
own eye? You hypocrite! First remove
you, what thanks do you deserve?
the beam from your own eye, and
Why, even sinners love those who
then you'll see clearly enough to
love them. 33If you do good to those
remove the speck from your brother's
who do good to you, what thanks do
eye.”
you deserve? Even sinners do that.
34
If you lend to those from whom you A Tree is Known by Its Fruit
expect to get something back, what (Matthew 7:17-20)
43
thanks do you deserve? Even sinners “A good tree doesn't produce
lend to sinners to get back what they rotten fruit, and a rotten tree doesn't
lend. 35Rather, love your enemies, do produce good fruit, 44because every
good to them, and lend to them, tree is known by its own fruit.
expecting nothing in return. Then Peoplea don't gather figs from thorny
your reward will be great, and you plants or pick grapes from a thorn
will be children of the Most High, bush. 45A good person produces good
because he is kind even to ungrateful from the good treasure of his heart,
and evil people. 36Be merciful, just as and an evil person produces evil from
your Father is merciful.” an evil treasure, because the mouth
Judging Others speaks from the overflow of the
(Matthew 7:1-5) heart.”
37
“Stop judging, and you will a 6:44 Lit. They
never be judged. Stop condemning,
116
The Two Foundations our people and built our synagogue

(Matthew 7:24-27) for us.”
46 6
“Why do you keep calling me So Jesus went with them. He
‘Lord, Lord,’ but don't do what I tell was not far from the house when the
you? 47I will show you what everyone centurion sent friends to tell Jesus,g
is like who comes to me, hears my “Sir,h stop troubling yourself, because
words, and acts on them. 48They are I’m not worthy to have you come
like a person building a house, who under my roof. 7That's why I didn't
dug a deep hole to lay the foundation presume to come to you. But just say
on rock. When a flood came, the the word, and let my servant be
floodwaters pushed against that healed, 8because I, too, am a man
house but couldn't shake it, because it under authority and have soldiers
had been founded on the rock.a 49But under me. I say to one ‘Go’ and he
the person who hears what I sayb but goes, to another ‘Come’ and he
doesn't act on it is like someone who comes, and to my servant ‘Do this’
built a house on the ground without and he does it.”
9
any foundation. When the When Jesus heard this, he was
floodwaters pushed against it, that amazed at him. Turning to the crowd
housec quickly collapsed, and the that was following him, he said, “I tell
resulting destruction of that house you, not even in Israel have I found
LUKE
was extensive.” this kind of faith!” 10Then the men
Chapter 7
who had been sent returned to the
Jesus Heals an Official's Son house and found the servant in
(Matthew 8:5-13; John 4:43-54) perfect health.
7
1
After Jesusd had finished saying
all these thingse to the people Jesus Raises a Widow's Son
11
who were there listening, he went to Soon afterwards, Jesusi went to
Capernaum. 2There a centurion's a city called Nain. His disciples and a
servant, whom he valued highly, was large crowd were going along with
sick and about to die. 3When the him. 12As he approached the entrance
centurionf heard about Jesus, he sent to the city, a man who had died was
some Jewish elders to him to ask him being carried out. He was his
to come and save his servant's life. mother's only son, and she was a
4
So they went to Jesus and begged widow. A large crowd from the city
him repeatedly, “He deserves to have was with her.
13
this done for him, 5because he loves When the Lord saw her, he felt
compassion for her. He said to her,
“You can stop crying.” 14Then he
a 6:48 Other mss. read had been built well
b 6:49 The Gk. lacks what I say
went up and touched the bier, and
c 6:49 Lit. it
d 7:1 Lit. he g 7:6 Lit. him
e 7:1 Lit. finished all his sayings h 7:6 Or Lord
f 7:3 Lit. he i 7:11 Lit. he
117
the men who were carrying it hear the good news. 23How blessed is
stopped. He said, “Young man, I say anyone who is not offended by me!”
to you, get up!” 15The man who had 24
When John's messengers had
been dead sat up and began to speak, gone, Jesuse began to ask the crowds
and Jesusa gave him back to his about John. “What did you go out
mother. 14 into the wilderness to see? A reed
16
Fear gripped everyone, and shaken by the wind? 25Really, what
they began to praise God, saying, “A did you go out to see? A man dressed
great prophet has appeared among in fancy clothes? See, those who wear
us,” and “God has helped his fine clothes and live in luxury are in
people.” 17This news about Jesusb royal palaces. 26Really, what did you
spread throughout Judea and all the go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell
surrounding countryside. you, and even more than a prophet!
27
This is the man about whom it is
John the Baptist Sends Messengers to
written,
Jesus
(Matthew 11:2-19) ‘See, I am sending my messenger
18
John's disciples told him about ahead of you,
all these things. So John called two of who will prepare your way
his disciples 19and sent them to the before you.’f
Lord to ask, “Are you the Coming
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28
I tell you, no one has ever been born
One, or should we wait for someone
who isg greater than John. Yet even
else?”
20 the least important person in the
When the men had come to
c kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist 29
By having been baptized with
has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the
John’s baptism, all the people who
Coming One, or should we wait for
listened, including the tax collectors,
someone else?’”
21 acknowledged God’s justice.h 30But
At that time Jesusd had healed
the Pharisees and the experts in the
many people of diseases, plagues,
law rejected God's plan for
and evil spirits and had given sight to
themselvesa by refusing to be
many who were blind. 22So he
answered them, “Go and tell John baptized by John.b
31
what you have observed and heard: Jesus continued,c “To what
the blind see, the lame walk, lepers may I compare the people living
are cleansed, the deaf hear again, the
dead are raised, and the destitute e 7:24 Lit. he
f 7:27 Mal 3:1; Exod 23:20
g 7:28 Lit. one among those born of women
have been
a 7:15 Lit. he h 7:29 Or judgment
b 7:17 Lit. him a 7:30 Or God's decision in their case
c 7:20 Lit. him b 7:30 Lit. him
d 7:21 Lit. he c 7:31 The Gk. lacks Jesus continued
118
39
today?a 32They are like little children Now the Pharisee who had
who sit in the marketplace and shout invited Jesush saw this and said to
to each other, himself, “If this man were a prophet,
he would have known who is
‘A wedding song we played for
touching him and what kind of
you,
woman she is. She's a sinner!”
the dance you simply scorned. 40
Jesus said to him, “Simon, I
A woeful dirge we chanted, too,
have something to ask you.”
but then you did not mourn.’
“Teacher,” he replied, “ask it.”
33 41
Because John the Baptist has come “Two men were in debt to a
neither eating bread nor drinking moneylender. One owed him 500
wine, yet you say, ‘He has a demon!’ denarii,i and the other 50. 42When
34
The Son of Man has come eating they couldn't pay it back, he
and drinking, and you say, ‘Look! generously canceled the debts for
He’sb a glutton and a drunk, a friend both of them. Now which of them
of tax collectors and sinners!’ will love him more?”
35 43
Wisdom is vindicated by allc her Simon answered, “I suppose
children.” the one who had the larger debt
canceled.”
Jesus Forgives a Sinful Woman
36 Jesusj said to him, “You have
Now one of the Pharisees
LUKE
answered correctly.”
invited Jesusd to eat with him. So he 44
Then, turning to the woman,
went to the Pharisee's home and took
he said to Simon, “Do you see this
his place at the table. 37There was a
woman? I came into your house. You
woman who was a notoriouse sinner didn't give me any water for my feet,
in that city. When she learned that but this woman has washed my feet
Jesusf was eating at the Pharisee's with her tears and dried them with
home, she took an alabaster jar of her hair. 45You didn't give me a kiss,a
perfume 38and knelt at his feet behind but this woman, from the moment I
him. She was crying and began to came in, has not stopped kissing my
wash his feet with her tears and dry feet. 46You didn't anoint my head
them with her hair.g Then she kissed with oil, but this woman has anointed
his feet over and over again, my feet with perfume. 47So I'm telling
anointing them constantly with the you that her sins, as many as they
perfume. are, have been forgiven, and that's
why she has shown such great love.
a 7:31 Lit. people of this generation
b 7:34 The Gk. lacks He’s h 7:39 Lit. him
c 7:35 Other mss. lack all i 7:41 A denarius was the usual day's wage for
d 7:36 Lit. him a laborer.
e 7:37 The Gk. lacks notorious j 7:43 Lit. He
f 7:37 Lit. he a 7:45 People customarily greeted their friends
g 7:38 Lit. the hair of her head with a kiss.
119
But the one to whom little is forgiven seeds fell along the path, were
loves little.” trampled on, and birds from the sky
48
Then Jesusa said to the ate them up. 6Others fell on stony
woman,b “Your sins are forgiven!” 7
ground, and as soon as they came up,
49
Those who were at the table they dried up because they had no
with them began to say among moisture. 7Others fell among thorn
themselves, “Who is this man who bushes, and the thorn bushes grew
even forgives sins?” 7
with them and choked them. 8But
50
But Jesusc said to the woman, others fell on good soil, and when
“Your faith had saved you. Go in they came up, they produced a
peace.” hundred times as much as was
Chapter 8
planted.” As he said this, he called
Some Women Accompany Jesus out, “Let the person who has ears to
8
1
After this, Jesusd traveled from hear, listen!”
one city and village to another,
The Purpose of the Parables
preaching and spreading the good
(Matthew 13:10-17; Mark 4:10-12)
news about God's kingdom. His 9
Then his disciples began to ask
twelve disciplese were with him, 2as
him what this parable meant. 10So he
well as some women who had been
said, “You have been given
healed of evil spirits and illnesses:
knowledge about the secrets of the
LUKE
Mary, also called Magdalene, from

kingdom of God. But to others they
whom seven demons had gone out;
3 are giveni in parables, so that
Joanna, the wife of Herod's
household manager Chuza; Susanna; ‘they might look but not see,
and many others. These womenf and they might listen but not
continued to support themg out of understand.’”a
their personal resources.1
Jesus Explains the Parable about the
The Parable about a Farmer Farmer
(Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-9) (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20)
4 11
Now while a large crowd was “Now this is what the parable
gathering and people were coming to means. The seed is God's word. 12The
Jesush from every city, he said in a ones on the path are the people who
parable: 5“A farmer went out to sow listen, but then the devil comes and
his seed. As he was sowing, some takes the word away from their
hearts, so that they may not believe
a 7:48 Lit. he and be saved. 13The ones on the stony
b 7:48 Lit. to her ground are the people who joyfully
c 7:50 Lit. he
welcome the word when they hear it.
d 8:1 Lit. he
e 8:1 The Gk. lacks disciples But since they don't have any roots,
f 8:3 Lit. They
g 8:3 Other mss. read him i 8:10 The Gk. lacks they are given
h 8:4 Lit. him a 8:10 Isa 6:9-10
120
they believe for a while, but in a time those who hear the word of God and
of testing they fall away. 14The ones do it.”
that fell among the thorn bushes are
Jesus Calms the Sea
the people who listen, but as they go
(Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41)
on their way they are choked by the 22
One day Jesusc and his
worries, wealth, and pleasures of life,
disciples got into a boat. He said to
and their fruit doesn't mature. 15But
them, “Let's cross to the other side of
the ones on the good soil are the
the lake.” So they started out.
people who hear the word but also 23
Now as they were sailing,
hold on to it with good and honest
hearts, producing a crop through Jesusd fell asleep. A violent storm
endurance.” swept over the lake, and they were
taking on water and were in great
A Light under a Bowl danger. 24So his disciplese went to
(Mark 4:21-25) him, woke him up, and kept telling
16
“No one lights a lamp and him, “Master! Master! We're going to
hides it under a bowl or puts it under die!” He got up and rebuked the
a bed. Instead, he puts it on a lamp wind and the raging waves. They
stand so that those who come in will stopped, and there was calm.
see the light. 17There is nothing 25
Then he asked the disciples,a
hidden that will not be revealed, and “Where’s your faith?”
LUKE
there is nothing secret that will not Frightened and amazed, they
become known and come to light. asked one another, “Who is this man?
18
So pay attention to how you listen, He commands even the winds and
because to the one who has the water, and they obey him!”
something, more will be given.
However, from the one who doesn't Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
have, even what he thinks he has will (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20)
26
be taken away from him.” They landed in the region of
the Gerasenes,b which is just across
The True Family of Jesus
the lake from Galilee. 27When Jesusc
(Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35)
19 stepped out on the shore, a man from
His mother and his brothers
the city met him. This man was
came to him, but they couldn't get
near him because of the crowd. controlled byd demons and had not
20 worn clothes for a long time. He did
Jesusa was told, “Your mother and
your brothers are standing outside
c 8:22 Lit. he
and want to see you.”
21 d 8:23 Lit. he
But he answered those e 8:24 Lit. So they
“My mother and my brothers are a 8:25 Lit. them
b 8:26 Other mss. read Gadarenes; still other
mss. read Gergesenes
a 8:20 Lit. He c 8:27 Lit. he
b 8:21 Lit. them d 8:27 Lit. He had
121
not live in a house but in the tombs. had happened, they ran away and
28
When he saw Jesus, he screamed, reported it in the city and in the
fell down in front of him, and said in countryside. 35So the peoplej went
a loud voice, “What do you want out to see what had happened. When
from me, Jesus, Son of the Most High they came to Jesus and found the
God? I beg you not to torture me!” man from whom the demons had
29
because Jesusa was in the process of gone out sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed
ordering the unclean spirit to come and in his right mind, they were
out of the man. On many occasions frightened. 36The people who had
the unclean spiritb had seized the seen it told them how the demon-
man,c and though he was kept under possessed man had been healed.
37
guard and bound with chains and Then all the people from the region
shackles, he would break the chains surrounding the Gerasenesa asked
and be driven by the demon into Jesusb to leave them, because they
deserted places. 27 were terrified. So he got into a boat
30
Jesus asked the man,d “What's and started back.
38
your name?” Now the man from whom the
He answered, “Legion,”e because demons had gone out kept begging
many demons had gone into him. Jesusc to let him go with him. But
31
Then the demonsf began begging Jesusd sent him away, saying, 39“Go
LUKE
Jesusg not to order them to go into home and tell what God has done for
the bottomless pit. you.” So the mane left and kept
32
Now a large herd of pigs was proclaiming throughout the whole
grazing there on the hillside. So the city how much Jesus had done for
demonsh begged Jesusi to let them go him.
into those pigs, and he consented to Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects
that. 33Then the demons came out of a Girl
the man and went into the pigs, and (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43)
the herd rushed down the cliff into 40
When Jesus came back, the
the lake and drowned. crowd welcomed him, because
34
Now when those who had everyone was expecting him. 41Just
been taking care of the pigs saw what then a synagogue leader by the name
of Jairus arrived. He fell at Jesus’ feet
a 8:29 Lit. he and kept begging him to come to his
b 8:29 Lit. it
c 8:29 Lit. him
d 8:30 Lit. him j 8:35 Lit. they
e 8:30 A Roman legion consisted of about a 8:37 Other mss. read Gadarenes; still other
6,000 men. mss. read Gergesenes
f 8:31 Lit. they b 8:37 Lit. him
g 8:31 Lit. him c 8:38 Lit. him
h 8:32 Lit. they d 8:38 Lit. he
i 8:32 Lit. him e 8:39 Lit. he
122
home, 42because his only daughter, leader's homeg and told him,h “Your
who was about twelve years old, was daughter is dead. Stop bothering the
dying. While Jesusa was on his way, teacher anymore.” 8
50
the crowds continued to press in on But when Jesus heard this, he
him. told the synagogue leader,a “Stop
43
A woman was thereb who had being afraid! Just believe, and she will
been suffering from chronic bleeding get well.”
for twelve years. Although she had 51
When he arrived at the man’sb
spent all she had on doctors,c no one house, he allowed no one to go in
could heal her. 44She came up behind with him except Peter, John, James,
Jesusd and touched the tassel of his and the young girl’s father and
garment, and her bleeding stopped at mother. 52Now everyone was crying
once. and wailing for her. But Jesusc said,
45
Jesus asked, “Who touched “Stop crying! She's not dead but is
me?” sleeping.” 53They laughed and
While everyone was denying it, laughed at him, because they knew
Peter and those who were with hime she was dead. 54But he took her hand
said, “Master, the crowds are and called out, “Young lady, get up!”
55
surrounding you and pressing in on So her spirit returned, and she got
you.” up at once. Then Jesusd directed that
LUKE
46
Still Jesus said, “Somebody she be given something to eat. 56Her
touched me, because I know that parents were amazed, but he ordered
power has gone out of me.” them not to tell anyone what had
47
When the woman saw that she happened.
couldn't hide, she came forward Chapter 9
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

trembling. Bowing down in front of
(Matthew 10:5-15; Mark 6:7-13)
him, she explained in the presence of
9
1
all the people why she had touched Jesuse called his twelve disciplesf
together and gave them power
Jesusf and how she had been
and authority over all the demons
instantly healed. 48Then he said to
and to heal diseases. 2Then he sent
her, “Daughter, your faith has made
them to proclaim the kingdom of
you well. Go in peace.”47
49 God and to heal the sick. 3He told
While he was still speaking,
them, “Don't take anything along on
someone came from the synagogue
a 8:42 Lit. he g 8:49 Lit. from the synagogue leader

b 8:43 The Gk. lacks was there h 8:49 The Gk. lacks him
c 8:43 Other mss. lack Though she had spent a 8:50 Lit. him
all she had on doctors b 8:51 The Gk. lacks man’s
d 8:44 Lit. him c 8:52 Lit. he
e 8:45 Other mss. lack and those who were d 8:55 Lit. he
with him e 9:1 Lit. He
f 8:47 Lit. him f 9:1 The Gk. lacks disciples
123
your trip—no walking stick, traveling about the kingdom of God and to
bag, bread, money, or even an extra heal those who needed healing.
12
shirt.a 4When you visit a home and As the day was drawing to a
stay there, and go out from there, 5if close, the twelve disciplesa came to
people don't welcome you, when you him and said, “Send the crowd away
leave that city, shake its dust off your to the neighboring villages and farms
feet as a testimony against them.” 6So so they can rest and get some food,
they left and went from village to because we are here in a deserted
village, spreading the good news and place.”
13
healing diseases everywhere. 3 But he said to them, “You give
them something to eat.”
Herod Tries to See Jesus
They replied, “We have nothing
(Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
7 more than five loaves of bread and
Now Herod the tetrarch heard
two fish—unless we go and buy food
about everything that was
for all these people.”
happening. He was puzzled because 14
Now there were about 5,000
it was said by some that John had
men. So he said to his disciples,
been raised from the dead, 8by others
“Have them sit down in groups of
that Elijah had appeared, and by still
about 50.” 15They did this and got all
others that one of the ancient
of them seated. 16Taking the five
prophets had come back to life.
LUKE
9 loaves and the two fish, he looked up

Herod said, “I beheaded John. But
to heaven and blessed them. Then he
who is this man I'm hearing so much
broke the loaves in pieces and kept
about?” So Herodb kept trying to see
giving them to the disciples to pass
Jesus.c on to the crowd. 17All of them ate and
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand were filled. When they collected the
People leftover pieces, there were twelve
(Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; baskets.
John 6:1-14) Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus
10
The apostles came back and (Matthew 16:13-19; Mark 8:27-29)
told Jesusd everything they had done. 18
One day while Jesusb was
Then he took them away with him praying privately and the disciples
privately to a city called Bethsaida. were with him, he asked them, “Who
11
But the crowds found out about this do the crowds say I am?”
and followed him. He welcomed 19
They answered, “Some sayc
them and began to speak to them
John the Baptist, others Elijah, and
still others one of the ancient
prophets who has come back to life.”
a 9:3 Lit. two shirts
b 9:9 Lit. he a 9:12 The Gk. lacks disciples
c 9:9 Lit. him b 9:18 Lit. he
d 9:10 Lit. him c 9:19 The Gk. lacks Some say
124
20
He asked them, “But who do a mountain to pray. 29While he was
you say I am?” praying, the appearance of his face
“God’s Messiah,” Peter replied. changed, and his clothes turned
dazzling white. 30Suddenly, two men
Jesus Predicts His Death and
were talking with him. They were
Resurrection
Moses and Elijah. 31They had a
(Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1)
21 glorified appearance, and were
He gave them strict orders,
discussing Jesus’b departure that he
commanding them not to tell this to
would shortly bring about in
anyone. 22He said, “The Son of Man
Jerusalem.
must suffer a great deal and be 32
Now Peter and the men with
rejected by the elders, the high
him had been overcome by sleep.
priests, and the scribes. Then he must
When they woke up, they saw Jesus’c
be killed, but on the third day he will
glory and the two men standing with
be raised.”
23 him. 33Just as Moses and Elijahd were
Then he said to all of them, “If
leaving,e Peter said to Jesus, “Master,
anyone wants to come with me, he
it's good that we're here! Let's set up
must deny himself, pick up his cross
three sheltersf—one for you, one for
every day, and follow me continually,
24 Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Peterg
because whoever wants to save his
didn't know what he was saying.)
life will lose it, but whoever loses his
LUKE
34
But while he was saying this, a
life for my sake will save it. 25What
cloud appeared and surrounded
profit will a person have if he gains
them, and they became terrified as
the whole world, but destroys himself
they were being overshadowed by
or is lost? 26If anyone is ashamed of
the cloud.
me and my words, the Son of Man 35
Then a voice came out of the
will be ashamed of him when he
cloud and said, “This is my Son,
comes in his glory and the glory ofa
whom I have chosen.h Keep listening
the Father and the holy angels. 27I tell
to him!” 36After the voice had spoken,
you with certainty, some people who
Jesus wasi alone. The disciplesj kept
are standing here will not experienceb
silent and at that timek told no one
death until they see the kingdom of
about what they had seen.
God.”
Jesus’ Appearance is Changed
(Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8) b 9:31 Lit. his
28 c 9:32 Lit. his
Now about eight days after d 9:33 Lit. Just as they
Jesus said this,a he took Peter, John, e 9:33 Lit. leaving him
and James with him and went up on f 9:33 Or tents
g 9:33 Lit. He
h 9:35 Other mss. read whom I love
a 9:26 Lit. and that of i 9:36 Lit. was found to be
b 9:27 Lit. taste j 9:36 Lit. They
a 9:28 Lit. after these sayings k 9:36 Lit. in those days
125
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon Man is going to be betrayed into

(Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:14-27) human hands.” 45But they didn't
37
The next day, when they had know what this meant. Indeed, the
come down from the mountain, a meaning was hidden from them so
large crowd met Jesus.a 38Suddenly a that they didn't understand it; and
man in the crowd shouted, “Teacher, they were afraid to ask him about this
I beg you to look at my son, because statement.
he is my only child.b 39Without True Greatness
warning a spirit takes control of him, (Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37)
and he suddenly screams, goes into 46
Later, an argument started
convulsions, and foams at the mouth. among the disciplesf as to which of
The spiritc mauls him and refuses to them might be the greatest. 47But
leave him. 40I begged your disciples to Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts,
drive it out, but they couldn't.” 37
took a little child and had him stand

41
Jesus answered, “You beside him. 48Then he said to them,
unbelieving and perverted “Whoever welcomes this little child in
generation! How much longer must I my name welcomes me, and whoever
be with youd and put up with you? a welcomes me welcomes the one who
Bring yourb son here!” 42Even while sent me, because the one who is least
the boyc was coming, the demon among all of you is the one who is
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knocked him to the ground and greatest.” 47

9
threw him into convulsions. But Jesus

The Person Who is Not Against You is
rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the
for You
boy, and gave him back to his father.
(Mark 9:38-40)
49
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and John said, “Master, we saw
Resurrection someone driving out demons in your
(Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32) name. We tried to stop him, because
43
All the people continued to be he wasn't a follower like us.”
50
amazed at the greatness of God. Jesus said to him, “Don't stop
Indeed, everyone was astonished at him! Because whoever is not against
all the things Jesusd was doing. So he you is for you.”
said to his disciples, 44“Listen
A Samaritan Village Refuses to
carefully to these words.e The Son of Welcome Jesus
51
a 9:37 Lit. him
When the days grew closer for
b 9:38 Lit. only one Jesusg to be taken up to heaven,h he
c 9:39 Lit. It was determined to continue his
d 9:41 The Gk. you is plural journey to Jerusalem. 52So he sent
a 9:41 The Gk. you is plural
b 9:41 The Gk. you is singular
c 9:42 Lit. he f 9:46 Lit. among them
d 9:43 Lit. he g 9:51 Lit. for him
e 9:44 Lit. Put these words into your ears h 9:51 The Gk. lacks to heaven
126
61
messengers on ahead of him. On Still another man said, “I will
their way they went into a Samaritan follow you, Lord, but first let me say
village to get things ready for him. goodbye to those at home.”
53 62
But the peoplea would not welcome Jesus told him, “No one who
him, because he was determined to puts his hand to the plow and looks
go to Jerusalem. 54When his disciples back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
James and John observed this Chapter 10
The Mission of the Seventy

rejection,b they asked, “Lord, do you
10
1
After this, the Lord appointed
want us to call fire down from
seventyg other disciplesh and
heaven to destroy them?”a 55But he
was about to send them ahead of him
turned and rebuked them,b 56and in pairs to every town and place that
they allc went on to another village. he intended to go. 2So he instructed
The Would-be Followers of Jesus them, “The harvest is vast, but the
(Matthew 8:19-22) workers are few. So ask the Lord of
57
While they were walking along the harvest to send workers out into
the road, a man said to him, “I will his harvest. 3Get going! See, I am
follow you wherever you go.” sending you out like lambs among
58
Jesus told him, wolves. 4Don't carry a wallet, a
traveling bag, or sandals, and don't
“Foxes have holes and birdsd have greet anyone on the way.
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nests, 5
“Whatever house you go into,
but the Son of Man has no place first say, ‘May there be peace in this
to rest.”e house.’ 6If a peaceful person lives
59
He told another man, “Follow there, your greeting of peace will
me.” remain with him. But if that's not the
But he said, “Lord,f first let me case, your greetingi will come back to
go and bury my father.” you. 7Stay with the same family,
60
But he told him, “Let the dead eating and drinking whatever they
bury their own dead. But you go and provide, because the worker deserves
proclaim the kingdom of God.” his pay. Don't move from house to
house.
8
“Whenever you go into a town
a 9:53 Lit. they
and the peoplej welcome you, eat
b 9:54 The Gk. lacks rejection whatever they serve you, 9heal the
a 9:54 Other mss. read them, as Elijah did?” sick that are there, and tell them, ‘The
b 9:55 Other mss. read them,saying, “You kingdom of God is near you!’ 10But
don’t know what kind of spirit you are! 56For whenever you go into a town and
the son of man did not come to destroy the
souls of men, but to save them.”
c 9:56 The Gk. lacks all g 10:1 Other mss. read seventy-two
d 9:58 Lit. birds in the sky h 10:1 Lit. others
e 9:58 Lit. no place to lay his head i 10:6 Lit. it
f 9:59 Other mss. lack Lord j 10:8 Lit. they
127
peoplea don't welcome you, go out and scorpions and to destroyf all the
into its streets and say, 11‘We are enemy's power, and nothing will ever
wiping off your town's dust that hurt you. 20However, stop rejoicing
clings to our feet in protest against because the spirits are submitting to
you! But realize this: the kingdom of you. Rather, rejoice because your
God is near!’ 12I tell you, on the lastb names are written in heaven.”
day it will be easier for Sodom than Jesus Praises the Father
for that town!” 10
(Matthew 11:25-27; 13:16-17)

21
Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Cities At that moment, the Holy
(Matthew 11:20-24) Spiritg made Jesush extremely joyful,
13
“How terrible it will be for you, so Jesus said, “I praise you, Father,
Chorazin! How terrible it will be for Lord of heaven and earth, because
you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that you have hidden these things from
happened in you had taken place in wise and intelligent people and have
Tyre and Sidon, they would have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father,
repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth because this is what was pleasing to
and ashes. 14It will be easier for Tyre you.
22
and Sidon at the judgment than for “All things have been entrusted
you!13 to me by my Father. No one knows
15
And you, Capernaum! You who the Son is except the Father, and
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won't be lifted up to heaven, will no one knowsi who the Father is

you? You'll go down to Hell!c 16The except the Son and the person to
person who listens to you listens to whom the Son chooses to reveal
me, and the person who rejects you him.”
23
rejects me. The person who rejects Then turning to his disciples in
me rejects the one who sent me.” private, he said to them, “How
blessed are the eyes that see what
The Return of the Seventy
17 you see! 24Because I tell you, many
The seventyd disciplese came
prophets and kings wanted to see the
back and joyously reported, “Lord,
things you see but didn't see them,
even the demons are submitting to us
and to hear the things you hear but
in your name!”
18 didn't hear them.”
He said to them, “I watched
Satan falling from heaven like The Good Samaritan
25
lightning. 19Look! I have given you Just then an expert in the law
the authority to trample on snakes stood up to test Jesus.a He asked,
a 10:10 Lit. they f 10:19 Lit. and over

b 10:12 The Gk. lacks last g 10:21 Other mss. read in the spirit
c 10:15 Lit. Hades; i.e. the realm of the dead h 10:21 Lit. he
d 10:17 Other mss. read seventy-two i 10:22 The Gk. lacks no one knows
e 10:17 The Gk. lacks disciples a 10:25 Lit. him
128
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit went to him and bandaged his

eternal life?” wounds, pouring oil and wine on
26
Jesusa answered him, “What is them. Then he put him on his own
written in the law? What do you read animal, brought him to an inn, and
there?” took care of him. 35The next day he
27
He answered, “You must love took out two denariik and gave them
the Lord your God with all your to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good
heart, with all your soul, with all your care of him. If you spend more than
strength, and with all your mind.b that, I'll repay you when I come
And you must lovec your neighbor as back.’31
36
yourself.”d “Of these three men, who do
28
Jesuse told him, “You have you think was a neighbor to the man
answered correctly. ‘Do this, and you who fell into the hands of the
bandits?”
will live.’”f 37
29 He said, “The one who showed
But the man wanted to justify
mercy to him.”
himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who
Jesus told him, “Go and do what
is my neighbor?”
30 he did.”
After careful consideration,
Jesus replied, “A man was going Jesus Visits Mary and Martha
38
down from Jerusalem to Jericho when Now as they were traveling
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he fell into the hands of bandits. They along, Jesusa went into a village. A
stripped him, beat him, and went woman named Martha welcomed
away, leaving him half dead. 31By him into her home. 39She had a sister
chance, a priest was traveling along named Mary, who sat down at the
that road. When he saw the man,g he Lord's feet and kept listening to what
went by on the other side. 32Similarly, he was saying. 40But Martha was
a Levite came to that place. When he worrying about all the things she had
saw the man,h he also went by on the to do, so she came to him and asked,
other side. 33But as he was traveling “Lord, you do care that my sister has
along, a Samaritan came across the left me to do the work all by myself,
man.i When the Samaritanj saw him, don't you? Then tell her to help
he was moved with compassion. 34He me.” 39
10
41
The Lord answered her,
a 10:26 Lit. He
“Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss
b 10:27 Deut 6:5 about a lot of things. 42But there's
c 10:27 The Gk. lacks you must love onlyb one thing you need. Mary has
d 10:27 Lev 19:18
e 10:28 Lit. He
f 10:28 Cf. Gen 42:18 k 10:35 A denarius was the usual day's wage
g 10:31 Lit. him for a laborer.
h 10:32 Lit. him a 10:38 Lit. he
i 10:33 Lit. him b 10:42 Other mss. read out of a few things,
j 10:33 Lit. he there's only
129
chosen what is better,a and it is not to bedroom.h I can't get up and give
be taken away from her.” anything!’ 8I tell you, even though
Chapter 11
that mani doesn't want to get up and

Teaching about Prayer
give him anything because he is his
(Matthew 6:9-15; 7:7-11)
friend, he will get up and give him
11
1
Once Jesusb was praying in a
whatever he needs because of his
certain place. After he had
persistence.
finished, one of his disciples said to
him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John Ask, Search, Knock
taught his disciples.” (Matthew 7:7-12)
9
2
So he told them, “Whenever So I say to you: Keep asking,
you pray you are to say, and it will be given you. Keep
searching, and you will find. Keep
‘Father,c may your name be kept
knocking, and the doora will be
holy.
opened for you, 10because everyone
May your kingdom come.d who keeps asking will receive, and
3
Keep giving us every day our daily the person who keeps searching will
bread,e find, and the person who keeps
4
and forgive us our sins, knocking will have the doorb opened.
as we forgive everyone who sins 11
“What father among you, if his
against us.f son asks for bread, would give him a
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And never bring us into stone, or if he asks for a fish,c would

temptation.’”g give him a snake instead of the fish?
12
5
Then he said to them, “Suppose Or if he asks for an egg, would he
one of you has a friend, and you go give him a scorpion? 13So if you who
to him at midnight and say to him, are evil know how to give good gifts
‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of to your children, how much more
bread. 6A friend of mine on a trip has will the Father in heaven give the
dropped in on me, and I don't have Holy Spirit to those who keep asking
anything to serve him.’ 7Suppose he him!”
answers from inside, ‘Stop bothering Jesus is Accused of Working with
me! The door is already locked, and Beelzebul
my children are here with us in the (Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:20-27)
14
Jesusd was driving a demon
a 10:42 Lit. the better part out of a man who wase unable to talk.
b 11:1 Lit. he
c 11:2 Other mss. read Our Father in heaven h 11:7 Lit. with me in the bed
d 11:2 Other mss. read kingdom come. May i 11:8 Lit. though he
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. a 11:9 Lit. it
e 11:3 Or our bread from above b 11:10 Lit. it
f 11:4 Lit. is indebted to us c 11:11 Other mss. read What father among
g 11:4 Other mss. read into temptation, but you, if his son asks for a fish
deliver us from the evil one d 11:14 Lit. He
130
When the demon had gone out, the to rest but doesn't find any. So it says,
manb began to speak, and the crowds ‘I will go back to my home that I left.’
25
were amazed. 15But some of them When it gets back home, it finds it
said, “He drives out demons by swept clean and put in order. 26Then
Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” it goes and brings with it seven other
16
Others, wanting to test Jesus,c kept spirits more evil than itself, and they
asking him for a sign from heaven. all go in and settle there. And so the
17
Since he knew what they were final condition of that person is worse
thinking, he said to them, “Every than the first.”
kingdom divided against itself is True Blessedness
devastated, and a divided household 27
As Jesusa was saying this, a
collapses.d 18Now, if Satan is divided woman in the crowd raised her voice
against himself, how can his kingdom and said to him, “How blessed is the
last? After all, you say that I drive out womb that gave birth to you and the
demons by Beelzebul. 19If I drive out breasts that nursed you!”
demons by Beelzebul, by whom do 28
But he said, “Rather, how
your own followerse drive them out? blessed are those who hear God's
That is why they will be your judges! word and obey it!”
20
But if I drive out demons by the
powerf of God, then the kingdom of The Sign of Jonah
God has come to you. (Matthew 12:38-42; Mark 8:12)
LUKE
29
21
“When a strong man, fully Now as the crowds continued
armed, guards his own mansion, his to throng around Jesus,b he went on
property is safe. 22But when a to say, “This people living today arec
stronger man than he attacks and an evil generation. It craves a sign,
defeats him, the stronger mang strips but no sign will be given to it except
off that man’s armor in which he the sign of Jonah, 30because just as
trusted and then divides his plunder. Jonah became a signd to the people of
23
“The person who isn't with me Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be a
is against me, and the person who sign to this generation. 31The queen of
doesn't gather with me scatters.” the south will stand up at the
The Return of the Unclean Spirit judgment and condemn the people
(Matthew 12:43-45) living today,e because she came from
24
“Whenever an unclean spirit the ends of the earth to hear the
goes out of a person, it wanders wisdom of Solomon. But look,
through dry places looking for a place something greater than Solomon is
here! 32The men of Nineveh will
a 11:14 Lit. driving out a demon that was
b 11:14 Lit. the man who was unable to talk
c 11:16 Lit. him a 11:27 Lit. he
d 11:17 Lit. and house falls on house b 11:29 Lit. him
e 11:19 Lit. sons c 11:29 Lit. This generation is
f 11:20 Lit. finger d 11:30 The Gk. lacks a sign
g 11:22 Lit. him, he e 11:31 Lit. condemn this generation
131
stand up at the judgment and The one who made the outside made
condemn the people living today,a the inside, too, didn't he? 41So give
because they repented at the what is inside to the poor, and then
preaching of Jonah. But look, everything will be clean for you.
42
something greater than Jonah is “How terrible it will be for you
here!” Pharisees! You give a tenth of your
mint, spices, and every kind of herb,
The Lamp of the Body
but you neglect justice and the love
(Matthew 5:15; 6:22-23)
33 of God. These are the things you
“No one lights a lamp and puts
should have practiced, without
it in a hiding placeb or under a neglecting the others.
basket,c but on a lamp stand, so that 43
How terrible it will be for you
those who enter may see its light. Pharisees! You love to have the places
34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. of honor in the synagogues and to be
When your eye is healthy, your greeted in the marketplaces.
whole body is full of light. But when 44
How terrible it will be for you!
it is evil, your body is full of darkness. You are like unmarked graves—
35
Therefore, be careful that the light people walk on them without
in you isn't darkness. 36Now if your realizing it.”
whole body is full of light, with no 45
Then one of the experts in the
part of it in darkness, it will be as full
LUKE
law said to him, “Teacher, when you

of light as when a lamp gives you say these things, you insult us, too.”
light with its rays.” 46
Jesusc said, “How terrible it will
Jesus Denounces the Pharisees and be for you experts in the law, too!
the Experts in the Law You load people with burdens that
(Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; are hard to carry, yet you don't even
Luke 20:45-47) lift a finger to ease those burdens.
47
37
After Jesusa had said this, a How terrible it will be for you!
Pharisee invited him to have a meal You build monuments for the
with him. So Jesusb went and took prophets, and it was your ancestors
his place at the table. 38The Pharisee who killed them! 48So you are
was surprised to see that he didn't witnesses and approve of the deeds
first wash before the meal. 39But the of your ancestors, because they killed
Lord said to him, “Now you those for whom you are building
Pharisees clean the outside of the cup monuments. 49That is why the
and the dish, but on the inside you Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send
are full of greed and evil. 40You fools! them prophets and apostles. They
will kill some of them and persecute
a 11:32 Lit. condemn this generation
b 11:33 Or cellar
c 11:33 Other mss. lack or under a basket
a 11:37 Lit. he
b 11:37 Lit. he c 11:46 Lit. He
132
others,’a 50so those living todayb will whisperedd in private rooms will be
be charged with the blood of all the shouted from the housetops.”
prophets that was shed since the
Fear God
foundation of the world, 51from the
(Matthew 10:28-31)
blood of Abelc to the blood of 4
“But I tell you, my friends,
Zechariah,d who died between the never be afraid of those who kill the
altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell body and after that can't do anything
you, it will be charged against this more. 5I'll show you the one you
generation! 11
should be afraid of. Be afraid of the

52
How terrible it will be for you one who has the authority to throw
experts in the law! You have taken you into helle after killing you. Yes, I
away the key to knowledge. You tell you, be afraid of him!
didn't go in yourselves, and you kept 6
“Five sparrows are sold for two
out those who were trying to go in.” pennies, aren't they? Yet not one of
53
As Jesusa was leaving, the them is forgotten by God. 7Why, even
scribes and the Pharisees began to all the hairs on your head have been
oppose him fiercely, interrogating counted! Stop being afraid. You are
him about many things. 54They worth more than a bunch of
watched him closely in an effort to sparrows.”
trap him in something he might say.
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Chapter 12 Acknowledging the Messiah
A Warning Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 10:32-33; 12:32; 10:19-20)
12
1
Meanwhile, the peopleb had 8
“But I tell you, the Son of Man
gathered by the thousands will acknowledge before God's angels
and were trampling on one another. everyone who acknowledges me
Jesusc began to speak first to his before people. 9But whoever denies
disciples. “Watch out for the yeast— me before people will be denied
that is, the hypocrisy—of the before God's angels. 10Everyone who
Pharisees! 2There is nothing covered speaks a word against the Son of Man
up that will not be exposed and will be forgiven, but the person who
nothing secret that will not be made blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
known. 3Therefore, what you have will not be forgiven. 11When peoplef
said in darkness will be heard in the bring you before synagogue leaders,g
daylight, and what you have rulers, or authorities, don't worry
about howh you will defend
yourselves or what you will say,
a 11:49 The source of this quotation is
unknown.
b 11:50 that this generation d 12:3 Lit. spoken in the ear
c 11:51 Gen 4:8 e 12:5 Lit. Gehenna; a transliteration of the
d 11:51 2Chr 24:20-21 Heb. for Valley of Hinnom
a 11:53 Lit. he f 12:11 Lit. they
b 12:1 Lit. crowd g 12:11 Lit. synagogues
c 12:1 Lit. He h 12:11 Lit. how or what
133
12
because at that time the Holy Spirit to stop worrying about your life—
will teach you what you are to say.” 11 what you will eat—or about your
body—what you will wear, 23because
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 life is more than food, and the body
Then someone in the crowd
more than clothing. 24Consider the
said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother
crows.c They don't plant or harvest,
to divide the family inheritance with
they don't even have a storeroom or
me.”
14 barn, yet God feeds them. How much
But Jesusa asked him, “Mister,a
more valuable are you than birds!
who appointed me to be a judge or 25
Can any of you add an hour to the
arbitrator over you people?” 15Then
length of your lifed by worrying? 26So
he said to them, “Be careful to guard
if you can't do a small thing like that,
yourselves against every kind of
why worry about other things?
greed, because a person's life doesn't 27
Consider how the lilies grow. They
consist of the amount of possessions
don't work or spin yarn, but I tell you
he has.”
16 that not even Solomon in all his
Then he told them a parable.
splendor was clothed like one of
He said, “The land of a certain rich
them. 28Now if that's the way God
man produced good crops. 17So he
clothes the grass in the field, which is
began to think to himself, ‘What
alive today and thrown into an oven
should I do, since I have no place to
tomorrow, how much more will he
store my crops?’ 18Then he said, ‘This
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clothe you—you who have little

is what I'll do. I'll tear down my
faith?
barns and build bigger ones, and I'll 29
“So stop concerning yourselves
store all my grain and goods in them.
19 about what you will eat or what you
Then I'll say to myself, “You've
will drink, and stop being distressed,
stored up plenty of good things for 30
because it is the gentiles who are
many years. Take it easy, eat, drink,
concerned about all these things.
and enjoy yourself.”’ 20But God said
Surely your Father knows that you
to him, ‘You fool! This very night
need them! 31Instead, be concerned
your life will be demanded back from
about hise kingdom, and these things
you. Now who will get the things
will be provided for you as well.
you've accumulated?’ 21That's how it 32
Stop being afraid, little flock,
is with the person who stores up
because your Father is pleased to give
treasures for himself rather than with
you the kingdom.
God.” 33
“Sell your possessions, and give
Stop Worrying the money to the poor. Make
(Matthew 6:25-34, 19-21) yourselves wallets that don't wear
22
Then Jesusb said to his out—a dependable treasure in
disciples, “That's why I'm telling you heaven, where no thief can get close
a 12:14 Lit. he c 12:24 Or ravens

a 12:14 Lit. Man d 12:25 Or add one cubit to your height
b 12:22 Lit. he e 12:31 Other mss. read God's
134
and no moth can destroy anything. will put him in charge of all his
34
Because where your treasure is, property.
45
there your heart will be also.” “But if that servant says to
himself,e ‘My master is taking a long
The Watchful Servants
time to come back,’ and begins to
(Matthew 24:45-51)
35 beat the other servants and to eat,
“You must keep your belts
drink, and get drunk, 46the master of
fastened and your lamps burning.
36 that servant will come on a day when
Be like people who are waiting for
he doesn't expect him and at an hour
their master to return from a
that he doesn't know. Then his
wedding. As soon as he arrives and
masterf will punish him severelyg and
knocks, they will open the door for
assign him a place with unfaithful
him. 37How blessed are those servants
people. 47That servant who knew
whom the master finds watching for
what his master wanted but didn't
him when he comes! I tell you with
prepare himself or do what was
certainty, he himself will put on an
wanted will receive a severe beating.
apron, make them sit down at the 48
But the servanth who did things
table, and go around and serve them.
38 that deserved a beating without
How blessed they will be if their
knowing it will receive a light
mastera comes in the middle of the
beating. Much will be required from
night or near dawnb and finds them
everyone to whom much has been
awake!c 39But be sure of this: if the
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given. But even more will be
homeowner had known at what time
demanded from the one to whom
the thief were coming, he would have
much has been entrusted.”
watched andd would not have let his
house be broken into. 40So be ready, Not Peace, but Division
because the Son of Man is coming at (Matthew 10:34-36)
a time when you don't expect him.”38 49
“I have come to bring fire on
41
Peter asked, “Lord, are you earth, and how I wish it were already
telling this parable just for us or for kindled! 50I have a baptism to be
everyone?” baptized with, and what stress I am
42
The Lord said, “Who, then, is under until it is completed!
51
the faithful and careful servant “Do you think that I came to
manager whom his master will put in bring peace on earth? Not at all, I tell
charge of giving all his other servants you, but rather division! 52From now
their share of food at the right time? on, five people in one household will
43
How blessed is that servant whom be divided, three against two and two
his master finds doing this when he against three. 53They will be divided
comes! 44I tell you with certainty, he father against son, son against father,
a 12:38 Lit. if he
b 12:38 Lit. in the second or the third watch e 12:45 Lit. in his heart
c 12:38 Lit. finds them so f 12:46 Lit. he
d 12:39 Other mss. lack would have watched g 12:46 Lit. cut him in pieces
and h 12:48 Lit. the one
135
2
mother against daughter, daughter He asked them, “Do you think that
against mother, mother-in-law these Galileans were more sinful than
against daughter-in-law, and all the other Galileans because they
daughter-in-law against mother-in- suffered like this? 3Absolutely not, I
law.” 12
tell you! But if you don't repent, then
Interpreting the Time you, too, will all die. 4What about
(Matthew 16:2-3; Mark 8:11-13) those eighteen people who were
54 killed when the tower at Siloam fell
Then Jesusa said to the crowds,
on them? Do you think they were
“When you see a cloud coming in the
worse offenders than all the other
west, you immediately say, ‘There's
people living in Jerusalem?
going to be a storm,’ and that's what 5
Absolutely not, I tell you! But if you
happens. 55When you see a south
don't repent, then you, too, will all
wind blowing, you say, ‘It's going to
die.”
be hot,’ and so it is. 56You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the The Parable about an Unfruitful Fig
appearance of the earth and the sky, Tree
yet you don't know how to interpret 6
Then Jesusd told them this
the present time?” parable: “A man had a fig tree that
Settling with Your Opponent had been planted in his vineyard. He
(Matthew 5:25-26) went to look for fruit on it but didn't
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57
“Why don't you judge for find any. 7So he said to the gardener,
yourselves what is right? 58For ‘Look here! For three years I have
example, when you go with your been coming to look for fruit on this
opponent in front of a ruler, do your tree but haven't found any. Cut it
best to settle with him on the way down! Why should it waste the soil?’
8
there. Otherwise, you will be dragged But the gardenera replied, ‘Sir, leave
in front of the judge, and the judge it alone for one more year, until I dig
will hand you over to an officer, and around it and fertilize it. 9Maybe next
the officer will throw you into prison. year it'll bear fruit. If not, then cut it
59
I tell you, you will never get out of down.’”
there until you pay back the last Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath
penny!” 10
Jesusb was teaching in one of
the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11A
Chapter 13
Repent or Die
13
1
At that time, some people woman was there who had a spirit
who were there told Jesusb that had disabled her for eighteen
about the Galileans whose blood years. She was hunched over and
Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.c
c 13:1 I.e. whom Pilate had executed while
they were sacrificing animals
d 13:6 Lit. he
a 12:54 Lit. he a 13:8 Lit. he
b 13:1 Lit. him b 13:10 Lit. He
136
completely unable to stand up mixed withb three measures of flour

straight. 12When Jesus saw her, he until all of it was leavened.”
called to her and said, “Woman, you
The Narrow Door
are free from your illness.” 13Then he
(Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23)
placed his hands on her, and 22
immediately she stood up straight Then Jesusc taught in one town
and began praising God.11 and village after another as he made
14
But the synagogue leader, his way to Jerusalem. 23Someone
indignant because Jesus had healed asked him, “Lord,d are only a few
on the Sabbath, told the crowd, people going to be saved?”
“There are six days when work is to He said to them, 24“Keep on
be done. So come on those days to be struggling to enter through the
healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” narrow door, because I tell you that
15
The Lord replied to him, “You many people will try to enter, but
hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on won't be able to do so. 25After the
the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey homeowner gets up and closes the
and lead it out of its stall to give it door, you can stande outside, knock
some water? 16Shouldn't this woman, on the door, and say again and again,
a descendant of Abraham whom ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he
Satan has kept bound for eighteen will answer you, ‘I don't know where
you come from.’ 26Then you will say,a
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long years, be set free from this
bondage on the Sabbath day?” 17Even ‘We ate and drank with you, and you
as he was saying this, all of his taught in our streets.’ 27But he will tell
opponents were blushing with you, ‘I don't know where you come
shame. But the rest of the crowd was from. Get away from me, all you
rejoicing at all the wonderful things evildoers!’ 28In that place there will be
he was doing. crying and gnashing of teethb when
you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all
The Parables about a Mustard Seed
the prophets in the kingdom of God,
and Yeast
and you yourselves being driven
(Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32)
18 away on the outside. 29People will
So Jesusa went on to say,
come from east and west, and from
“What is the kingdom of God like?
north and south, and will eat in the
What can I compare it to? 19It is like a
kingdom of God. 30You see, some
mustard seed that someone took and
who are last will be first, and some
planted in his garden. It grew and
who are first will be last.
became a tree, and the birds of the
sky nested in its branches.”
20
Again he said, “What can I b 13:21 Lit. hid in
c 13:22 Lit. he
compare the kingdom of God to? 21It d 13:23 Or Sir
is like yeast that a woman took and e 13:25 Lit. begin to stand
a 13:26 Lit. begin to say
a 13:18 Lit. he b 13:28 I.e. extreme pain
137
Jesus Rebukes Jerusalem kept silent. So he took hold of the

(Matthew 23:37-39) man,f healed him, and sent him
31
At that hour some Pharisees away.
came and told Jesus,a “Leave and get 5
Then he asked them, “If your
away from here, because Herod song or ox falls into a well on the
wants to kill you!” Sabbath day, you would pull him out
32
He said to them, “Go and tell immediately, wouldn't you?” 6And
that fox, ‘Listen! I am driving out they couldn't argue with him about
demons and healing today and this.
tomorrow, and on the third day I will
A Lesson about Guests
finish my work. 33But I must be on 7
my way today, tomorrow, and the When Jesusa noticed how the
next day, because it's not possible for guests were choosing the places of
a prophet to be killed outside of honor, he told them a parable.
8
Jerusalem.’ “When you are invited by someone
34
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who to a wedding banquet, don't sit down
kills the prophets and stones to death at the place of honor in case someone
those who have been sent to her! more important than you was invited
How often I wanted to gather your by the host.b 9Then the host who
children together as a hen gathers her invited both of you would come to
you and say, ‘Give this person your
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chicks under her wings, but you

people were unwilling! 35Look! Your place.’ In disgrace, you would have to
house is left vacant to you. I tell you, take the place of least honor. 10But
you will not see me again until you when you are invited, go and sit
say, ‘How blessed is the one who down at the place of least honor.
comes in the name of the Lord!’”b Then, when your host comes, he will
tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher,’
13
Chapter 14
Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath and you will be honored in the
14
1
One Sabbath, Jesusc went to presence of everyone who eats with
the house of a leader of the you. 11Because everyone who exalts
Pharisees to eat a meal. The guestsd himself will be humbled, but the
were watching Jesuse closely. 2A man person who humbles himself will be
whose body was swollen with fluid exalted.”
12
suddenly appeared in front of him. Then he told the man who had
3
So Jesus asked the Pharisees and invited him, “When you give a
experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal luncheon or a dinner, stop inviting
on the Sabbath or not?” 4But they
a 13:31 Lit. him f 14:4 Lit. him

b 13:35 Ps 118:26 g 14:5 Other mss. read donkey; still other mss.
c 14:1 Lit. he read sheep
d 14:1 Lit. They a 14:7 Lit. he
e 14:1 Lit. him b 14:8 Lit. by him
138
onlya your friends, brothers, relatives, said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been
or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they done, and there is still room.’ 23Then
may invite you in return and you the master told the servant, ‘Go out
would be repaid. 13Instead, when you into the streets and the lanes and
give a banquet, make it your habit to make the people come in, so that my
invite the poor, the crippled, the house may be full. 24Because I tell all
lame, and the blind. 14Then you will of you, none of those men who were
be blessed because they can't repay invited will taste anything at my
you. And you will be repaid when banquet.’”
the righteous are resurrected.” The Cost of Discipleship
The Parable about a Banquet (Matthew 10:37-39)
25
(Matthew 22:1-10) Now large crowds were
15
Now one of those eating with traveling with Jesus.a He turned and
him heard this and said to him, “How said to them, 26“If anyone comes to
blessed is the person who will eatb in me and does not hate his father,
the kingdom of God!” mother, wife, children, brothers, and
16
Jesusc said to him, “A man gave sisters, as well as his own life, he can't
gave a large banquet and invited be my disciple. 27Whoever doesn't
many people. 17When it was time for carry his cross and follow me can't be
the banquet, he sent his servant to tell my disciple.
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28
those who were invited, ‘Come! “Suppose one of you wants to
Everything is now ready.’ 18Every build a tower. He will first sit down
single one of them began asking to be and estimate the cost to see whether
excused. The first said to him, ‘I he has enough money to finish it,
bought a field, and I need to go out won't he? 29Otherwise, if he lays a
and inspect it. Please excuse me.’ foundation and can't finish the
19
Another said, ‘I bought five pairs of building,b everyone who watches will
oxen, and I'm on my way to try them begin to ridicule him 30and say, ‘This
out. Please excuse me.’ 20Still another person started a building but couldn't
said, ‘I recently got married, so I can't finish it.’ 28
14
31
come.’ “Or suppose a king is going to
21
“So the servant went back and war against another king. He will first
reported all this to his master. Then sit down and consider whether with
the master of the house became angry 10,000 men he can fight the one
and told his servant, ‘Go quickly into coming against him with 20,000 men,
the streets and alleys of the town and won't he? 32If he can't, he will send a
bring back the poor, the crippled, the delegation to ask for terms of peace
blind, and the lame.’ 22The servant while the other kingc is still far away.
a 14:12 The Gk. lacks only a 14:25 Lit. him

b 14:15 Lit. eat bread b 14:29 The Gk. lacks the building
c 14:16 Lit. He c 14:32 Lit. while he
139
33
In the same way, none of you can The Story of the Diligent Housewife
8
be my disciple unless he gives up all “Or suppose a woman has ten
his possessions.” 3214
coins and loses one of them.a She
Tasteless Salt lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and
(Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50) searches carefully until she finds it,
34
“Now, salt is good. But if the doesn't she? 9When she finds it, she
salt should lose its taste, how can its calls her friends and neighbors
flavor be restored? 35It is suitable together and says, ‘Rejoice with me,
neither for the soil nor for the because I have found the coin that I
lost!’ 10In the same way, I tell you that
manure pile. Peoplea throw it away.
there is joy in the presence of God's
Let the person who has ears to hear,
angels over one sinner who repents.”9
listen!”
Chapter 15
The Story of the Loving Father

The Parable about The Faithful 11
Then Jesusb said, “A man had
Shepherd
two sons. 12The younger one said to
(Matthew 18:12-14)
his father, ‘Father, give me my share
15
1
Now all the tax collectors and
sinners kept coming to listen of the estate.’ So the fatherc divided
his property between them. 13A few
to Jesus.b 2But the Pharisees and the
days later, the younger son gathered
scribes kept complaining, “This man
everything he owned and traveled to
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welcomes sinners and eats with

a distant country. There he wasted it
them.”
3
So he told them this parable: alld on wild living. 14After he had
4
“Suppose one of you has a spent everything, a severe famine
hundred sheep and loses one of took place throughout that country,
them. He leaves the ninety-nine in and he began to be in need. 15So he
the wilderness and looks for the one went out to work for one of the
that is lost until he finds it, doesn't citizens of that country, who sent him
he? 5When he finds it, he puts it on into his fields to feed pigs. 16No one
his shoulders and rejoices. 6Then he would give him anything, even
goes home, calls his friends and though he would gladly have filled
neighbors together, and says to them, himself with the husks the pigs were
‘Rejoice with me, because I’ve found eating.
17
my lost sheep!’ 7In the same way, I “Then he came to his senses
tell you that there will be more joy in and said, ‘How many of my father's
heaven over one sinner who repents hired men have more food than they
than over ninety-nine righteous can eat, and here I am starving to
people who don’t need to repent.” death! 18I will get up, go to my father,
a 15:8 Lit. one coin

b 15:11 Lit. he
a 14:35 Lit. They c 15:12 Lit. he
b 15:1 Lit. him d 15:13 Lit. wasted his possessions
140
and say to him, “Father, I have house.c So his father came out and
sinned against heavena and you. 19I began to plead with him. 29But he
don't deserve to be called your son answered his father, “Listen! All these
anymore. Treat me like one of your years I've worked like a slave for you.
hired men.”’ I've never disobeyed a command of
20
“So he got up and went to his yours. Yet you've never given me so
father. While he was still far away, his much as a young goat for a feastd so I
father saw him and was filled with could celebrate with my friends. 30But
compassion. He ran to his son,b this son of yours spent your money
his arms around him, and kissed him on prostitutes, and when he came
affectionately. 21Then his son said to back, you killed the fattened calf for
him, ‘Father, I have sinned against him!’
31
heavenc and you. I don't deserve to “His fathere said to him, ‘My
be called your son anymore.’d 22But child, you are always with me, and
the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! everything I have is yours. 32But we
Bring out the best robe and put it on had to celebrate and rejoice, because
him, and put a ring on his finger and this brother of yours was dead and
sandals on his feet. 23Bring the has come back to life. He was lost and
fattened calf and kill it, and let's eat has been found.’”
and celebrate! 24Because my son was Chapter 16
The Parable about a Dishonest
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dead and has come back to life. He
Manager
was lost and has been found.’ And
16
1
Now Jesusf was saying to the
they began to celebrate.
25 disciples, “A rich man had a
“Now the father’se older son
servant manager who was accused of
was in the field. As he was coming
wasting his assets. 2So he called for
back to the house, he heard music
him and asked him, ‘What's this I
and dancing. 26So he called to one of
hear about you? You can’t be my
the servants and asked what was
manager any longer. Now give me a
happening. 27The servanta told him, report about your management!’
‘Your brother has come home, and 3
“Then the servant manager
your father has killed the fattened said to himself, ‘What should I do?
calf because he got him back safely.’ 26 15
My master is taking my position

28
“Then the older sonb became away from me. I'm not strong
angry and wouldn't go into the enough to plow, and I'm ashamed to
beg. 4I know what I'll do so that
a 15:18 I.e. God
peopleg will welcome me into their
b 15:20 The Gk. lacks to his son
c 15:21 I.e. God
d 15:21 Other mss. read anymore. Treat me c 15:28 Lit. wouldn't go in
like one of your hired men. d 15:29 The Gk. lacks for a feast
e 15:25 Lit. Now his e 15:31 Lit. He
a 15:27 Lit. He f 16:1 Lit. he
b 15:28 Lit. he g 16:4 Lit. they
141
homes when I'm dismissed from my one and despise the other. You
job.’3 cannot serve both God and wealth!”
5
“So he called for each of his
The Law and the Kingdom of God
master's debtors. He asked the first,
(Matthew 11:12-13)
‘How much do you owe my master?’ 14
6 Now the Pharisees, who love
The man replied, ‘A hundred jars of
money, had been listening to all this
olive oil.’ The managera told him,
and began to ridicule Jesus.e 15So he
‘Get your bill. Sit down quickly and
said to them, “You try to justify
write “50.”’ 7Then he asked another
yourselves in front of people, but
debtor,b ‘How much do you owe?’ God knows your hearts, because
The man replied, ‘A hundred what is highly valued by people is
containers of wheat.’ The managerc detestable to God.
told him, ‘Get your bill and write 16
“The Law and the Prophets
“80.”’ 8The master praised the remainedf until John. Since then, the
dishonest servant manager for being good news about the kingdom of
so clever, because worldly peoplea are God has been proclaimed, and
more clever than enlightened peopleb everyone entering it is under attack.
in dealing with their own.c 17
However, it is easier for heaven and
9
“I'm telling you, make friends earth to disappear than for one stroke
for yourselves by means of of a letter in the Law to be dropped.
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unrighteous wealth, so that when it 18

Any man who divorces his wife and
fails, they will welcome you into marries another woman commits
eternal homes.d 10Whoever is faithful adultery, and the man who marries a
with very little is also faithful with a woman divorced from her husband
lot, and whoever is dishonest with commits adultery.”
very little is also dishonest with a lot.
11 The Rich Man and Lazarus
So if you haven’t been faithful with 19
“Once there was a rich man
unrighteous wealth, who will trust
who used to dress in purple and fine
you with true wealth? 12And if you
linen and live in great luxury every
haven’t been faithful with what
day. 20A beggar named Lazarus, who
belongs to foreigners, who will give
was covered with sores, was brought
you what is your own?
13 to his gate. 21He was always trying to
“No servant can serve two
masters, because either he will hate satisfy his hunger with what fellg
one and love the other, or be loyal to from the rich man's table. Even the
dogs used to come and lick his sores.
22
a 16:6 Lit. He “One day the beggar died and
b 16:7 The Gk. lacks debtor was carried away by the angels to
c 16:7 Lit. He
a 16:8 Lit. the sons of this age
b 16:8 Lit. the sons of light e 16:14 Lit. him
c 16:8 Lit. own generation f 16:16 The Gk. lacks remained
d 16:9 Lit. tents g 16:21 Other mss. read the scraps that fell
142
Abraham's side. The rich man also 31

“Then Abrahamf said to him, ‘If
died and was buried. 23In the your brothersg do not listen to Moses
afterlife,a where he was in constant and the Prophets, they will not be
torment, he looked up and saw persuaded, even if someone were to
Abraham far away and Lazarus by his rise from the dead.’”
side. 24So he shouted, ‘Father Chapter 17
Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Causing Others to Sin

Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in (Matthew 18:6-7, 21-22; Mark 9:42)
17
1
water to cool off my tongue, because Jesush said to his disciples, “It
I am suffering in this fire.’ 16
is inevitable that temptations
25
“But Abraham said, ‘My child, to sin will come, but how terrible it
remember that during your lifetime will be for the person through whom
you received blessings,a while they come! 2It would be better for him
if a millstone were hung around his
Lazarus received hardships.b But now
neck and he were thrown into the sea
he is being comforted here, while you
than for him to cause one of these
suffer. 26Besides all this, a wide chasm
little ones to sin.
has been fixed between us, so that 3
“Watch yourselves! If your
those who want to cross from this
brother sins, rebuke him, and if he
side to you cannot do so, nor can
repents, forgive him. 4Even if he sins
they cross from your side to us.’
against you seven times in a day and
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27
“The rich manc said, ‘Then I
comes back to you seven times and
beg you, father, send Lazarusd to my
says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive
father's house— 28because I have five him.”
brothers—to warn them, so that they
won't end up in this place of torture, Faith and Obedience
5
too.’16
Then the apostles said to the
29
“Abraham said, ‘They have Lord, “Give us more faith!”
6
Moses and the Prophets. They should The Lord replied, “If you have
listen to them!’ faith the size ofi a mustard seed, you
30
“But the rich mane replied, ‘No, could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be
father Abraham! But if someone from uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and
the dead went to them, they would it would obey you!
7
repent.’ “Suppose a man among you has
a servant plowing or watching sheep.
Would he say to him when he comes
in from the field, ‘Come at once and
a 16:23 Lit. Hades, i.e. the realm of the dead have something to eat’? 8Of course
a 16:25 Lit. good things
b 16:25 Lit. and Lazarus in like manner evil
things f 16:31 Lit. he
c 16:27 Lit. He g 16:31 Lit. If they
d 16:27 Lit. him h 17:1 Lit. He
e 16:30 Lit. he i 17:6 Lit. faith of
143
not. Instead, he would say to him, The Coming of the Kingdom

‘Get dinner ready for me, and put on (Matthew 24:23-28, 36-41)
20
your apron and wait on me until I eat Once Jesusf was asked by the
and drink. Then you can eat and Pharisees when the kingdom of God
drink.’ 9He doesn't praise the servant would come. He answered them,
for doing what was commanded, “The kingdom of God is not coming
does he? 10That's the way it is with with a visible display. 21Peopleg won't
you. When you have done everything be saying, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or ‘There
you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are it is!’ because now the kingdom of
worthless servants. We have done God is amongh you.”
only what we ought to have done.’” 7 22
Then Jesusi said to the
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers disciples, “The time will come during
11
One day, Jesusa was traveling which you will long to see one of
along the border between Samaria these days when the Son of Man is
and Galilee on the way to Jerusalem. with you,j but you will not see it.
23
12
As he was going into a village, ten Peoplek will say to you, ‘Look!
lepers met him. They stood at a There he is!’ or ‘Look! Here he is!’ But
distance 13and shouted, “Jesus, don't go and chase after him.
24
Master, have mercy on us!” Because just as lightning flashes and
14
When Jesusb saw them, he told shines from one end of the sky to the
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them, “Go and show yourselves to other, so will the Son of Man be in his
the priests.” While they were going, time.a 25But first he must suffer a
they were made clean. 15But one of great deal and be rejected by those
them, when he saw that he had been living today.b24
26
healed, came back and praised God “Just as it was in Noah’s time,
with a loud voice. 16He fell on his face so it will be in the days of the Son of
at Jesus’c feet and thanked him. Now Man. 27Peoplec were eating, drinking,
that mand was a Samaritan. marrying, and being given in
17
Jesus asked, “Ten men were marriage right up to the day when
made clean, weren't they? Where are Noah went into the ark. Then the
the other nine? 18Except for this flood came and destroyed all of them.
28
foreigner, were any of them found to So it was in the days of Lot. Peopled
return and give praise to God?”
19
Then he told the man,e “Get up, f 17:20 Lit. he
and go home! Your faith has made g 17:21 Lit. They
you well.” h 17:21 Or within
i 17:22 Lit. he
j 17:22 The Gk. lacks is with you
a 17:11 Lit. he k 17:23 Lit. They
b 17:14 Lit. he a 17:24 Lit. day; other mss. lack in his day
c 17:16 Lit. his b 17:25 Lit. by this generation
d 17:16 Lit. Now he c 17:27 Lit. They
e 17:19 Lit. him d 17:28 Lit. They
144
were eating and drinking, buying and people. 3In that city there was also a
selling, planting and building. 29But widow who kept coming to him and
on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire saying, ‘Grant me justice against my
and sulfur rained down from heaven adversary.’ 4For a while the judgeg
and destroyed all of them. 30The day refused. But later he said to himself, ‘I
when the Son of Man is revealed will don't fear God or respect people, 5yet
be like that. because this widow keeps bothering
31
“The person who is on the me, I will grant her justice.
housetop that day must not come Otherwise, she will keep coming and
down to get his belongings out of his wear me out.’”
house. The person in the field, too, 6
Then the Lord added, “Listen
must not turn back to what’s left to what the unrighteous judge says.
behind. 32Remember Lot's wife! 7
Won't God grant his chosen people
33
Whoever tries to save his lifea will justice when they cry out to him day
lose it, but whoever loses his life will and night? Is he slow to help them? 8I
preserve it. 34I tell you, two people tell you, he will give them justice
will be in the same bed that night. quickly. But when the Son of Man
One will be taken, and the other will comes, will he find faith on earth?”
be left behind. 35Two women will be
The Parable about the Pharisee and
grinding grain together. One will be
the Tax Collector
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taken, and the other will be left 9
Jesusa also told this parable to
behind.”b
37 some people who trusted in
Then they asked him, “Where,
themselves, thinking they were
Lord, will this take place?”c righteous, but who looked down on
He told them, “Wherever there's everyone else: 10“Two men went up
a corpse, there the vulturesd will to the temple to pray. One was a
gather.” Pharisee, and the other was a tax
collector. 11The Pharisee stood by
Chapter 18
The Parable about the Judge and the

Widow himself and prayed, ‘O God, I thank
18
1
Jesuse told his disciplesf a you that I'm not like other people—
parable about their need to thieves, dishonest people, adulterers,
pray all the time and never give up. or even this tax collector. 12I fast twice
2
He said, “In a city there was a judge a week, and I give a tenth of my
who didn't fear God or respect entire income.’ 11
13
“But the tax collector stood at a
a 17:33 Other mss. read to make his life secure distance and would not even look up
b 17:35 Other mss. read left behind. 36Two to heaven. Instead, he continued to
people will be in a field. One will be taken, beat his chest and said, ‘O God, be
and the other will be left behind
c 17:37 The Gk. lacks will this take place
d 17:37 Or eagles
e 18:1 Lit. He g 18:4 Lit. he
f 18:1 Lit. them a 18:9 Lit. He
145
merciful to me, the sinner that I am!’a steal.b Never give false testimony.c
14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Honor your father and mother.’”d
other one, went down to his home 21
The officiale replied, “I have
justified, because everyone who kept all of these since I was a young
exalts himself will be humbled, but man.”
the person who humbles himself will 22
When Jesus heard this, he said
be exalted.” 13
to him, “You still need to do one

Jesus Blesses the Little Children thing. Sell everything you have and
(Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16) give the moneyf to the destitute, and
15
Now some peopleb were even you will have treasure in heaven.
bringing their infants to Jesusc to Then come back and follow me.”
23
have him touch them. But when the But when the officialg heard this he
disciples saw this, they sternly told became sad, because he was very
the peopled not to do that. 16Jesus, rich.
however, called for the childrene and Salvation and Reward
said, “Let the little children come to (Matthew 19:23-26; Mark 10:23-31)
24
me, and stop keeping them away, So when Jesus saw how sad he
because the kingdom of God belongs was, heh said, “How hard it is for rich
to people like these. 17I tell you with people to get into the kingdom of
certainty, whoever doesn't receive the God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel
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kingdom of God as a little child will to squeeze through the eye of a

never get into it at all.” needle than for a rich person to get
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus into the kingdom of God.”
26
(Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31) Those who heard Jesusi said,
18
Then an official asked Jesus,f “Then who can be saved?”
27
“Good Teacher, what must I do to Jesusj replied, “The things that
inherit eternal life?” are impossible for people are possible
19
Jesus said to him, “Why do you for God.”
28
call me good? Nobody is good except Then Peter said, “See, we have
for God. 20
You know the left everything we have and followed
commandments: ‘Never commit you.”
adultery.g Never murder.a Never
b 18:20 Exod 20:15; Deut 5:19
c 18:20 Exod 20:16; Deut 5:20
a 18:13 The Gk. lacks that I am d 18:20 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
b 18:15 Lit. they e 18:21 Lit. He
c 18:15 Lit. him f 18:22 The Gk. lacks the money
d 18:15 Lit. them g 18:23 Lit. he
e 18:16 Lit. them h 18:24 Other mss. read So Jesus looked at
f 18:18 Lit. him him and
g 18:20 Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18 i 18:26 Lit. him
a 18:20 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17 j 18:27 Lit. He
146
29
Jesusa said to them, “I tell you Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39
with certainty, there is no one who The people at the front of the
has left his home, wife, brothers, crowdc sternly told him to be quiet,
parents, or children because of the but he started shouting even louder,
kingdom of God 30who will not “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 18
40
receive many times as much in this Then Jesus stopped and
world, as well as eternal life in the ordered the man to be brought to
age to come.” him. When he came near, Jesusd
Jesus Predicts His Death and asked him, 41“What do you want me
Resurrection a Third Time to do for you?”
(Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34) He said, “Lord, I want to see
31 again!”
Jesusb took his twelve 42
So Jesus told him, “See again!
aside and said to them, “See, we are
Your faith has made you well.”
going up to Jerusalem. Everything 43
written by the prophets about the Immediately the mane could see
Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32He will again and began to follow Jesus,f
be handed over to the gentiles and glorifying God. All the people saw
will be mocked, insulted, and spit on. this and gave praise to God.
33
After they have whipped him, they
Chapter 19
Jesus and Zacchaeus
19
will kill him, but on the third day he 1
As Jesusg entered Jericho and
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will rise again.” 34But they didn't was passing through it, 2a man
understand any of this. What he said named Zacchaeus appeared. He was
was hidden from them, and they a leading tax collector, and a rich one
didn't know what he meant. at that! 3He was trying to see who
Jesus Heals a Blind Man Jesus was, but he couldn't do so due
(Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-50) to the crowd, since he was a short
35
As Jesusa was approaching man. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a
Jericho, there was a blind man sitting sycamore tree to see Jesus,h who was
by the road begging. 36When he going to pass that way.
5
heard the crowd going by, he asked When Jesus came to the tree,i
what was happening. 37They told him he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus,
that Jesus from Nazarethb was hurry and come down! I must stay at
coming by. 38So he shouted, “Jesus, your house today.” 6Zacchaeusj came
a 18:29 Lit. He c 18:39 The Gk. lacks of the crowd

b 18:31 Lit. He d 18:40 Lit. he
c 18:31 The Gk. lacks disciples e 18:43 Lit. he
a 18:35 Lit. he f 18:43 Lit. him
b 18:37 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk. g 19:1 Lit. he
Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb. h 19:4 Lit. him
netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the i 19:5 Lit. to the place
name Nazareth. j 19:6 Lit. He
147
15
down quickly and was glad to “After he was appointed king,
welcome him into his home.a 5 the princeg came back. He ordered
7
But all the people who saw this the servants to whom he had given
began to complain: “Jesusb is going to the money to be called so he could
be the guest of a notoriousa sinner!” find out what they had earned by
8
Later, Zacchaeus stood up and investing. 16The first servanth came
announced to the Lord, “Lord, I'll and said, ‘Sir, your coin has earned
give half of my possessions to the ten more coins.’ 17The kingi said to
poor. I'll pay four times as much as I him, ‘Well done, good servant!
oweb if I have cheated anyone in any Because you have been trustworthy
way.” in a very small thing, take charge of
9
Then Jesus said to him, “Today ten cities.’
18
salvation has come to this home, “The second servantj came and
because this manc is also a said, ‘Your coin, sir, has earned five
descendant of Abraham, 10and the coins.’ 19The kingk said to him, ‘You
Son of Man has come to seek and to take charge of five cities.’
save the lost.” 20
“Then the other servantl came
The Parable about the Coins and said, ‘Sir, look! Here's your coin.
11
As they were listening to this, I've kept it in a cloth for safekeeping
21
because I was afraid of you. You are
Jesusd went on to tell a parable
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a hard man. You withdraw what you

because he was near Jerusalem and
didn't deposit and harvest what you
because the peoplee thought that the
didn't plant.’ 22The kinga said to him,
kingdom of God would appear
‘I will judge you by your own words,
immediately. 12So he said, “A prince
you evil servant! You knew, did you,
went to a distant country to be
that I was a hard man, and that I
appointed king and then to return.
13 withdraw what I didn't deposit and
He called ten of his servants and
harvest what I didn't plant? 23Then
gave them ten coins.f He said to
why didn't you put my money in the
them, ‘Invest this money until I come
bank? When I returned, I could have
back.’ 14But the citizens of his country
collected it with interest.’
hated him and sent a delegation to 24
“So the kingb told those
follow him and to announce, ‘We
standing nearby, ‘Take the coin away
don't want this man to rule over us!’
from him and give it to the man who
a 19:6 The Gk. lacks into his home
b 19:7 Lit. He g 19:15 Lit. he
a 19:7 The Gk. lacks notorious h 19:16 The Gk. lacks servant
b 19:8 The Gk. lacks as I owe i 19:17 Lit. He
c 19:9 Lit. because he j 19:18 The Gk. lacks servant
d 19:11 Lit. he k 19:19 Lit. He
e 19:11 Lit. they l 19:20 The Gk. lacks servant
f 19:13 Lit. minas. A mina was equivalent to a 19:22 Lit. He
about eight months of wages for a laborer. b 19:24 Lit. he
148
has the ten coins.’ 25They answered 36

As he was riding along, peoplef
him, ‘Sir, he alreadya has ten coins!’ kept spreading their coats on the
26
‘I tell you, to everyone who has road. 37He was now approaching the
something, more will be given, but descent from the Mount of Olives.
from the person who has nothing, The whole crowd of disciples began
even what he has will be taken away. to rejoice and to praise God with a
27
But as for these enemies of mine loud voice because of all the miracles
who didn't want me to be their they had seen. 38They said,
king—bring them here and slaughter
“How blessed is the king
them in my presence!’”26
who comes in the name of the
The King Enters Jerusalem Lord!g
(Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Peace in heaven,
John 12:12-19) and glory in the highest heaven!”
28
After Jesusb had said this, he 39
Some of the Pharisees in the
traveled on and went up to
crowd said to Jesus,a “Teacher, tell
Jerusalem. 29When he came near
your disciples to be quiet.”
Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount 40
He replied, “I tell you, if they
of Olives, he sent two of his disciples
were quiet, the stones would cry
on ahead 30and said, “Go into the
out!”
village ahead of you. As you enter,
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41
When he came closer and saw
you will find a colt tied up that no
the city, he began to grieve over of it:
one has ever ridden.c Untie it, and 42
“If youb had only known today
bring it along. 31If anyone asks you
what could have brought you peace!
why you are untying it, say this: ‘The
But now it is hidden from your sight,
Lord needs it.’” 43
32
So those who were sent went because the days will comec when
your enemies will build walls around
off and found it as Jesusd had told
you, surround you, and close you in
them. 33While they were untying the
on every side. 44They will level you to
colt, its owners asked them, “Why are
you untying the colt?” the ground—you and those who lived
34
The disciplese answered, “The within your city limits.e They will not
Lord needs it.” 35Then they brought leave one stone on another within
the colt to Jesus and put their coats your walls,f because you didn't
on it, and Jesus sat upon it.
f 19:36 Lit. they
g 19:38 Ps 118:26
a 19:39 Lit. him
b 19:42 I.e. the city of Jerusalem personified;
a 19:25 The Gk. lacks already and so throughout the paragraph
b 19:28 Lit. he c 19:43 Lit. come on you
c 19:30 Lit. ever sat on d 19:44 Lit. and your children
d 19:32 Lit. he e 19:44 The Gk. lacks city limits
e 19:34 Lit. They f 19:44 Lit. within you
149
5
recognize the time when God came to They discussed this among
help you.”a 19
themselves: “If we say, ‘From
heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why
Confrontation in the Temple Over
didn't you believe him?’ 6But if we
Money
say, ‘From humans,’ all the people
(Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19;
will stone us to death, because they
John 2:13-22)
45
are convinced that John was a
Then Jesusb went into the prophet.” 7So they answered that
temple and began to throw out those they didn't know where it was from.6
who were selling things. 46He said to 8
Then Jesus told them, “Then I
them, “It is written, ‘My house is to won't tell you by what authority I am
be called a house of prayer,’c but you doing these things.”
have turned it into a hideoutd for
bandits!” The Parable about the Tenant Farmers
47
Then he began teaching in the (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12)
9
temple every day. The high priests, Then he began to tell the people
the scribes, and the leaders of the this parable: “A man planted a
people kept looking for a way to kill vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers,
him, 48but they couldn't find a way to and went abroad for a long time. 10At
do it, because all the people were the right time he sent a servant to the
eager to hear him. farmers in order to get his share of
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Chapter 20
the produce of the vineyard. But the
Jesus’ Authority is Challenged farmers beat him and sent him back
(Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33) empty-handed. 11He sent another
20
1
One day while Jesuse was servant, and they beat him, too,
teaching the people in the treated him shamefully, and sent him
temple and telling them the good back empty-handed. 12Then he sent a
news, the high priests and the scribes third, and they wounded him and
came with the elders 2and asked him, threw him out, too.11
13
“Tell us: By what authority are you “Then the owner of the
doing these things, and who gave vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I'll
you this authority?” send my son whom I love. Maybe
3
He answered them, “I, too, will they'll respect him.’ 14But when the
ask you a question.a Tell me: 4Was farmers saw him, they talked it over
John's authority to baptizeb from among themselves and said, ‘This is
heaven or from humans?” the heir. Let's kill him so that the
inheritance will be ours!’ 15So they
a 19:44 Lit. the time of your visitation threw him out of the vineyard and
b 19:45 Lit. he killed him. Now what will the owner
c 19:46 Isa 56:7
of the vineyard do to them? 16He will
d 19:46 Lit. cave
e 20:1 Lit. he come and destroy those farmers and
a 20:3 Lit. word give the vineyard to others.”
b 20:4 Lit. John's baptism Those who heard him said,
“That must never happen!”
150
17 26
But Jesusa looked at them and So they couldn't catch him
said, “What does this text mean: before the people in what he said.
Amazed at his answer, they became
‘The stone that the builders rejected
silent.
has become the cornerstone’?b
18
A Question about the Resurrection
Everyone who falls on that stone (Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27)
will be broken to pieces, and it will 27
Now some Sadducees, who
crush anyone on whom it falls.” claim there is no resurrection, came to
19
When the scribes and the high
Jesusa 28and asked him, “Teacher,
priests realized that Jesusc had told Moses wrote for us that if a man's
this parable about them, they wanted brother dies and leaves a wife but no
to arrest him right then, but they
child, the manb should marry the
were afraid of the crowd.
widow and have children for his
A Question about Paying Taxes brother. 29Now there were seven
(Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17) brothers. The first one married and
20
So they watched him closely died childless. 30Then the second
31
and sent spies who pretended to be and the third married her. In the
honest men in order to trap him in same way, all seven died and left no
what he would say. They wanted to children. 32Finally, the woman died,
hand him over to the jurisdictiond of too. 33Now in the resurrection, whose
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the governor. 21So they asked him, wife will the woman be, since the
“Teacher, we know that you are right seven had married her?”
34
in what you say and teach, and that Jesus said to them, “Those who
you don't favor any individual, but belong to this age marry and are
teach the way of God truthfully. 22Is it married, 35but those who are
lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or considered worthy of a place in that
not?” age and in the resurrection from the
23
But he discerned their dead neither marry nor are given in
craftiness and responded to them, marriage. 36Nor can they die
24
“Show me a denarius. Whose face anymore, because they are like the
and name does it have?” angels and, since they share in the
They said, “Caesar's.” resurrection, are God's children.
37
25
So he said to them, “Then give Even Moses demonstrated in the
back to Caesar the things that are story about the bush that the dead
Caesar's, and to God the things that are raised, when he calls the Lord
are God's.” ‘the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’c 38He is
not the God of the dead, but of the
a 20:17 Lit. he
b 20:17 Or capstone; Ps 118:22 a 20:27 Lit. him
c 20:19 Lit. he b 20:28 Lit. the brother
d 20:20 Lit. the power and authority c 20:37 Exod 3:6, 15, 16
151
living, because he considers all people 1

Now Jesusc looked up and saw rich
to be alive to him.” 37
people dropping their gifts into the
21
39
Then some of the scribes offering box.d 2Then he saw a
replied, “Teacher, you have given a destitute widow drop in two small
fine answer.” 40Then they no longer copper coins. 3He said, “I tell you
dared to ask him another question. with certainty, this destitute widow
A Question about David's Son has dropped in more than all of
(Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37) them, 4because all the others
41
Then he said to them, “How contributed to the offeringe out of
can peoplea say that the Messiah is their surplus, but she, in her poverty,
David's son? 42Because David himself dropped in everything she had to live
in the book of Psalms says, on.”
‘The Lord said to my Lord, Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the

“Sit at my right hand, Temple
43
until I make your enemies a (Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2)
5
footstool for your feet.”’a Now while some people were
talking about the temple—how it was
44
So David calls him 'Lord.' Then how decorated with beautiful stones and
can he be his son?” gifts dedicated to God—he said, 6“As
for these things that you see, the time
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Jesus Denounces the Scribes

(Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; will come when not one stone will be
Luke 11:37-54) left on another that will not be
45
While all the people were knocked down.”
listening, he said to his disciples, The Coming Wars and Revolutions
46
“Beware of the scribes! They like to (Matthew 24:3-8; Mark 13:3-8)
walk around in long robes and love 7
Then they asked him, “Teacher,
to be greeted in the marketplaces and when will these things take place,
to have the best seats in the and what will be the sign that these
synagogues and the places of honor things are about to take place?”
at banquets. 47They devour widows’ 8
He said, “Be careful that you are
housesb and say long prayers to cover not deceived, because many will
it up. They will receive greater come in my name and say, ‘I AM’ and
condemnation!” 20 ‘The time has come.’ Don't follow
Chapter 21
them. 9When you hear of wars and

The Widow's Offering
revolutions, never be alarmed,
(Mark 12:41-44)
because these sort of things must take
a 20:41 Lit. they c 21:1 Lit. he

a 20:43 Ps 110:1 d 21:1 Or treasury
b 20:47 I.e. rob widows by taking their houses e 21:4 Other mss. read to the offering of God
152
place first, but the end won't come understand that its devastation is
right away.” approaching. 21Then those in Judea
10
Then he went on to say to must flee to the mountains, those
them, “Nation will rise up in arms inside the city must leave it, and
against nation, and kingdom against those in the countryside must not go
kingdom. 11There will be great into it, 22because these are the days of
earthquakes and famines and plagues vengeance when all that is written
in various places, and there will be will be fulfilled.
23
fearful events and awful signs from “How terrible it will be for
heaven. those women who are pregnant or
who are nursing babies in those days!
Future Persecutions
Because there will be great distress in
(Matthew 10:16-25; Matthew 24:9-14;
Mark 13:9-13) the landb and wrath against this
12
“But before all these things take people. 24They will fall by the edge of
the sword and be carried off as
place, peoplea will arrest you and
captives among all the nations, and
persecute you. They will hand you
Jerusalem will be trampled on by the
over to synagogues and prisons, and
gentiles until the times of the gentiles
you will be brought before kings and
are fulfilled.”23
governors for my name's sake. 13It
will give you an opportunity to The Coming of the Son of Man
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testify. 14So purpose in your hearts (Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27)
25
not to prepare your defense ahead of “There will be signs in the sun,
time, 15because I will give you the the moon, and the stars, and there
ability to speak, along with wisdom, will be distress on earth among the
that none of your opponents will be nations that are confused by the
able to resist or refute. roaring of the sea and its waves.
16 26
“You will be betrayed even by People will faint from fear and
parents, brothers, relatives, and apprehension because of the things
friends, and they will put some of that are to come on the inhabited
you to death. 17You will be hated world, because the powers of heaven
continuously by everyone because of will be shaken. 27Then they will see
my name. 18And yet not a hair on ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’c
your head will be lost. 19By your with power and great glory.26
endurance you will protect your 28
“Now when these things begin
lives.” to take place, stand up and lift up
Signs of the End your heads, because your deliverance
(Matthew 24:15-21; Mark 13:14-19) is approaching.” 21
20
“When you see Jerusalem
surrounded by armies, then
b 21:23 Or on earth
a 21:12 Lit. they c 21:27 Dan 7:13
153
1
The Lesson from the Fig Tree Now the Festival of Unleavened
(Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31) Bread, which is called the Passover,
29
Then he told them a parable: was near. 2So the high priests and the
22
“Look at the fig tree and all the trees.
30
As soon as they produce leaves, you
can see for yourselves and know that
scribes were looking for a way to put
him to death, because they were
afraid of the crowd.
summer is already near. 31In the same 3
But Satan went into Judas called
way, when you see these things Iscariot, who belonged to the circleb
taking place, you will know that the of the twelve disciples.c 4So he went
kingdom of God is near. off and discussed with the high
32
“I tell you with certainty, this priests and the temple police how he
generation will not disappear until all could betray Jesusd to them. 5They
these things take place. 33Heaven and were delighted, and agreed to give
earth will disappear, but my words him money. 6Judase accepted their
will never disappear.” offer and began to look for a good
Be Alert opportunity to betray Jesusf to them
34
“Constantly be on your guard when no crowd was present.
so that your hearts will not be loaded
The Passover with the Disciples
down with self-indulgence,
(Matthew 26:17-25; Mark 14:12-21;
drunkenness, and the worries of this
John 13:21-30)
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life, or that day will take you by 7

Then the day of the Festivalg of
surprise 35like a trap, because it will
Unleavened Bread came, on which
come on everyone who lives on the
the Passover lamb was to be
face of the earth. 36So be alert at all
times, praying that you may have sacrificed. 8So Jesusa sent Peter and
strength to escape all these things John, saying, “Go and make
that are going to take place and to preparations for us to eat the
take your stand in the presence of the Passover meal.”
9
Son of Man.” They asked him, “Where do you
37 want us to prepare it?”
Now during the day Jesusa 10
He said to them, “Just after you
would teach in the temple, but when
go into the city, a man carrying a jug
evening came he would go out and
of water will meet you. Follow him
spend the night on what is called the
into the house he enters 11and say to
Mount of Olives. 38And all the people
the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher
would get up early in the morning to
listen to him in the temple.
Chapter 22
b 22:3 Lit. number
The Plot to Kill Jesus c 22:3 The Gk. lacks disciples
(Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1-2, d 22:4 Lit. him
10-11; John 11:45-53) e 22:6 Lit. He
f 22:6 Lit. him
g 22:7 The Gk. lacks of the Festival
a 21:37 Lit. he a 22:8 Lit. he
154
asks you, “Where is the room where I man by whom he is betrayed!” 23Then
can eat the Passover meal with my they began to discuss among
disciples?”’ 12Then he will show you a themselves which one of them was
large upstairs room that is furnished. going to do this.
Get things ready for us there.” 13So
An Argument about Greatness
they went and found everything just 24
Now an argument sprang up
as Jesusa had told them, and they among them as to which one of them
prepared the Passover meal. was to be regarded as the greatest.
25
The Lord's Supper But he said to them, “The kings of
(Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26) the gentiles lord it over them, and
14
Now when the hour came, those who exercise authority over
Jesusb took his place at the table, them are called benefactors. 26But you
along with his apostles. 15He said to are not to do so. On the contrary, the
them, “I have eagerly desired to eat greatest among you should become
this Passover meal with you before I like the youngest, and the one who
suffer, 16because I tell you, I will leads should become like the one
never eat it again until it finds its who serves. 27Because who is greater,
fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” the one who sits at the table, or the
17
Then he took a cup, gave one who serves? It is the one at the
thanks, and said, “Take this and share table, isn't it? But I am among you as
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it among yourselves, 18because I tell one who serves.
28
you, from now on I will never drink “You are the ones who have
the product of the vine until the always stood by me in my trials.
29
kingdom of God comes.” And I confer a kingdom on you, just
19
Then he took a loaf of bread, as my Father has conferred a
gave thanks, broke it in pieces, and kingdoma on me, 30so that you may
handed it to them, saying, “This is my eat and drink at my table in my
body, which is given for you. Keep kingdom and sit down on thrones to
on doing this in memory of me.” govern the twelve tribes of Israel.”
20
He did the same with the cup Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
after supper, saying, “This cup is the (Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31;
new covenant sealedc by my blood, John 13:36-38)
which is being poured out for you. 31
“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan
21
Yet look! The hand of the man who has asked permission to sift all of you
is betraying me is with me on the like wheat, 32but I have prayed for
table! 22The Son of Man is going you that your own faith may not fail.
away, just as it has been determined, When you have come back, you must
but how terrible it will be for that strengthen your brothers.” 31
a 22:13 Lit. he
b 22:14 Lit. he
c 22:20 The Gk. lacks sealed a 22:28 The Gk. lacks a kingdom
155
33
Petera said to him, “Lord, I am them about a stone's throw, knelt
ready even to go to prison and to die down, and began to pray, 42“Father, if
with you!” you are willing, take this cup away
34
But Jesusb said, “I tell you, from me. Yet not my will but yours
Peter, the rooster will not crow today be done.”
43
until you deny three times that you Then an angel from heaven
know me.” appeared to him and strengthened
him. 44In his anguish he prayed more
Be Prepared for Trouble
35 earnestly, and his sweat became like
Then Jesusc asked his
large drops of blood falling on the
disciples,d “When I sent you out
ground.g
without a wallet, traveling bag, or 45
When he got up from prayer,
sandals, you didn't lack anything, did
he went to the disciples and found
you?”
them asleep from sorrow. 46He said to
They replied, “Nothing at all.”
36 them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up
Then he said to them, “But
and keep on praying that you may
now whoever has a wallet must take
not be tempted.”
it along, and his traveling bag, too.
And the one who has no sword must Jesus is Arrested
sell his coat and buy one. 37Because I (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-50;
tell you, what has been written about John 18:3-11)
47
me must be fulfilled: ‘He was counted While Jesusa was still speaking,
LUKE
among the criminals.’e Indeed, what a crowd arrived. The man called
is written about me must be Judas, one of the twelve disciples,b
fulfilled.”36 was leading them, and he came close
38
So they said, “Lord, look! Here to Jesus to kissc him. 48But Jesus asked
are two swords.” him, “Judas, are you betraying the
He answered them, “Enough of Son of Man with a kiss?”
49
that!”f When those who were around
d
Jesus saw what was about to take
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
(Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42) place, they asked, “Lord, should we
39
Then he left and went to the attack with our swords?” 50Then one
Mount of Olives, as usual. The of them struck the high priest's
disciples went with him. 40When he servant, cutting off his right ear.
51
arrived, he said to them, “Keep on But Jesus said, “No more of
praying that you may not be this!” So he touched the wounded
tempted.” 41Then he withdrew from man’se ear and healed him.
g 22:44 Other mss. lack verses 43 and 44

a 22:33 Lit. He a 22:47 Lit. he
b 22:34 Lit. he b 22:47 The Gk. lacks disciples
c 22:35 Lit. he c 22:47 People customarily greeted their
d 22:35 Lit. to them friends with a kiss.
e 22:37 Isa 53:12 d 22:49 Lit. him
f 22:38 Or That is enough e 22:51 The Gk. lacks wounded man’s
156
52
Then Jesus said to the high Just then, while he was still speaking,
priests, the temple police, and the a rooster crowed.
61
elders, who had come for him, “Have Then the Lord turned and
you come out with swords and clubs looked at Peter. And Peter
as if I were a bandit?a 53While I was remembered the word from the Lord,
with you day after day in the temple, and how he had said to him, “Before
you didn't lay a hand on me. But this a rooster crows today, you will deny
is your hour, when darkness reigns!”b me three times.” 62So he went outside
and cried bitterly.
Peter Denies Jesus
(Matthew 26:57-58, 69-75; Mark Jesus is Insulted and Beaten
14:53-54, 66-72; John 18:12-18, 25- (Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65)
63
27) Then the men who were
54
Then they arrested him, led holding Jesus in custody began to
him away, and brought him to the make fun of him while they beat him.
64
high priest's house. But Peter was They blindfolded him and asked
following at a distance. 55When they him over and over again, “Prophesy!
had kindled a fire in the middle of Who is the one who hit you?” 65And
the courtyard and had taken their they kept insultingb him in many
seats, Peter, too, sat down among other ways.
66
them. 56A servant girl saw him sitting As soon as day came, the elders
LUKE
by the fire, stared at him, and said, of the people, the high priests, and
“This man was with him, too.” the scribes assembled and brought
57
But he denied it, saying, “I him before their Council.c 67They
don't know him, woman!” said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”
58
A little later a man looked at But he said to them, “If I tell
him and said, “You are one of them, you, you won't believe me, 68and if I
too.” ask you a question, you won't answer
But Peter said, “Mister,c I am me. 69But from now on the Son of
not!” Man will be seated at the right hand
59
About an hour later another of the mighty God.”d 22
70
man emphatically asserted, “This man Then they all asked, “Are you,
was certainly with him, because he is then, the Son of God?”
a Galilean!” He answered them, “You said it,
60
But Peter said, “Mister,a I don't I AM.”
71
know what you're talking about!” Then they said, “Why do we
need any more testimony? We have
heard it ourselves from his own
a 22:52 Or revolutionary
mouth!” 22
b 22:53 Lit. your hour and the power of

darkness b 22:65 Or blaspheming
c 22:58 Lit. Man c 22:66 Or Sanhedrin
a 22:60 Lit. Man d 22:69 Or the power of God
157
Chapter 23
11
Jesus is Taken to Pilate Evena Herod and his soldiers
(Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14; Mark 15:1-5; treated him with contempt and made
John 18:28-38) fun of him. He put a magnificent robe
23
1
Then the whole crowd got up on Jesusb and sent him back to Pilate.
and took him to Pilate. 2They 12
So Herod and Pilate became friends
began to accuse him, “We found this with each other that very day. Before
man corrupting our nation, this they had been enemies.
forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar,
Jesus is Sentenced to Death
and saying that he is the Messiah, a
(Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15;
king.”
3 John 18:39-19:16)
Then Pilate asked him, “Are you 13
Then Pilate called the high
the king of the Jews?”
He answered, “You say so.” priests, the otherc leaders, and the
4
Then Pilate said to the high people together 14and said to them,
priests and crowds, “I do not find “You brought this man to me as one
anything chargeable in this man.” who turns the people against the
5
But they kept insisting, “He is government. And here in your
stirring up the people with what he presence I have examined him and
teaches all over Judea, from where he have found him “Not Guilty” of the
started in Galilee to this place.” charges you make against him. 15Nor
does Herod, because he sent him
LUKE
Jesus is Sent to Herod back to us. Indeed, this mand has

6
When Pilate heard this, he done nothing to deserve death. 16So I
asked whether the man was a will punish him and let him go.”
Galilean. 7When he learned with 17
Now he was obligated to release
certainty that Jesusa came from someone for them at the festival.e
Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off 18
But they all shouted out
to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at together, “Away with this man!
that time. Release Barabbas for us!” 19(This man
8
Now Herod was very glad to had been put in prison for murder
see Jesus, because he had been and for a revolt that had taken place
wanting to see him for a long time on in the city.) 20But Pilate wanted to let
account of what he had heard about Jesus go, so he appealed to them
him. He was also hoping to see some again, 21but they continued to shout,
sign done by him. 9So he continued to “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
question him for a long time, but 22
Then he spoke to them a third
Jesusb gave him no answer at all. time: “What has he done wrong? I
10
Meanwhile, the high priests
and the scribes stood nearby and a 23:11 Other mss. lack Even
continued to accuse him vehemently. b 23:11 Lit. him
c 23:13 The Gk. lacks other
a 23:7 Lit. he d 22:15 Lit. Indeed, he
b 23:9 Lit. he e 23:17 Other mss. lack verse 17
158
have found nothing in him worthy of and to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’b 31And
death. So I will punish him and let if they do this when the wood is
him go.” 23But they kept pressing him green, what will happen when it is
with loud shouts, demanding that dry?”
32
Jesusa be crucified, and their shouts Two others, who were
began to prevail. criminals, were also led away to be
24
Then Pilate pronounced his executed with Jesus.c 33When they
sentence that their demand should be reached the place called The Skull,
carried out. 25So he released the man they crucified him there with the
who had been put in prison for revolt criminals, one on his right and one on
and murder—the man whose releaseb his left. 34Jesus kept saying, “Father,
they continued to demand—but he forgive them, because they don't
let them have their way with Jesus.c
know what they're doing.”d Then
Jesus is Crucified they divided his clothes among them
(Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32; by throwing dice.
35
John 19:17-27) Meanwhile, the people stood
26
As they led Jesusd away, they looking on. The leaders were
grabbed Simon, a man from Cyrene, mocking him by saying, “He saved
as he was coming in from the others. Let him save himself, if he is
country, and they put the cross on the Messiah of God, the chosen one!”
him and made him carry it behind 36
LUKE
The soldiers also made fun of
Jesus. 27A large crowd of people Jesuse by coming up and offering him
followed him, including some women sour wine, 37saying, “If you are the
who kept mourning and wailing for king of the Jews, save yourself!”
him. 38
28 There was also an inscription over
But Jesus turned to them and
him written in Greek, Latin, and
said, “Womene of Jerusalem, stop
Hebrew:f “This is the King of the
crying for me. Instead, cry for
yourselves and for your children, Jews.”
39
29
because the time is surely coming Now one of the criminals
when peoplef will say, ‘How blessed hanging there kept insultingg him,
are the women who couldn't bear “You are the Messiah, aren't you?
children and the wombs that never Save yourself and us!” 23
40
bore and the breasts that never But the other criminal rebuked
nursed!’ 30Then peoplea will begin to him, “Aren't you afraid of God, since
say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’,
b 23:30 Hos 10:8
c 23:32 Lit. him
a 23:23 Lit. he d 23:34 Other mss. lack Jesus kept saying,
b 23:25 The Gk. lacks whose release “Father, forgive them, for they don't know
c 23:25 Lit. he turned Jesus over to their will what they're doing.”
d 23:26 Lit. him e 23:36 Lit. him
e 23:28 Lit. Daughters f 23:38 Other mss. lack written in Greek,
f 23:29 Lit. they Latin, and Hebrew
a 23:30 Lit. they g 23:39 Or blaspheming
159
you are suffering the same penalty? Galilee, were standing at a distance
41
We have been condemned justly, watching these things.
because we are getting what we
Jesus is Buried
deserve for what we have done, but
this man has done nothing wrong.” (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47;
42
Then he went on to plead, “Jesus, John 19:38-42)
50
remember me when you come intoa Now there was a man named
your kingdom!” Joseph, a member of the Council, a
43
Jesusb said to him, “I tell you good and righteous man— 51he had
with certainty, today you will be with not voted for their plan and action—
me in Paradise.” from the Jewish town of Arimathea;
and he was waiting for the kingdom
Jesus Dies on the Cross of God. 52He went to Pilate and asked
(Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took
John 19:28-30) it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth,
44
It was already about noon,c and laid it in a tomb cut in the rock,
and the whole landd became dark in which no one had yet been laid.
until three in the afternoone 45because 54
It was the Preparation Day,
the sun had stopped shining. And the and the Sabbath was just beginning.
55
curtainf in the sanctuary was torn in So the women who had come with
two. 46Then Jesus cried out with a Jesusa from Galilee, following close
LUKE
loud voice and said, “Father, into behind, saw the tomb and how his
your hands I entrust my spirit.”g body was laid. 56Then they went back
he said this, he breathed his last. and prepared spices and perfumes,
47
When the centurionh saw what and on the Sabbath they rested
had taken place, he praised God and according to the commandment.
said, “This man certainly was Chapter 24

righteous!” 48When all the crowds
(Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; John
who had come together for this
20:1-10)
spectacle saw what had taken place,
24
1
But at early dawn on the first
they beat their chests and left. 49But
day of the week,b they went to
all his acquaintances, including the
the tomb, taking the spices they had
women who had followed him from
prepared. 2They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, 3but
a 23:42 Other mss. read in when they went in, they didn't find
b 23:43 Lit. He
c 23:44 Lit. the sixth hour
the body of the Lord Jesus.c2
4
d 23:44 Or earth While they were puzzling over
e 23:44 Lit. the ninth hour this, two men in dazzling robes
f 23:45 This curtain separated the Holy Place
from the Most Holy Place.
g 23:46 Ps 31:5 a 23:55 Lit. him
h 23:47 A Roman centurion commanded about b 24:1 Lit. first of the Sabbaths
100 men. c 24:3 Other mss. lack of the Lord Jesus
160
suddenly stood beside them. 5While called Emmaus, about seven milesb
the women remained terrified, from Jerusalem. 14They were talking
bowing their faces to the ground, the with each other about all these things
mena asked them, “Why are you that had taken place. 15While they
looking among the dead for someone were discussing and analyzing what
who is living? 6He is not here but has had happened,c Jesus himself
been raised.b Remember what he told approached and began to walk with
you while he was still in Galilee, 7‘the them, 16but their eyes were prevented
Son of Man must be handed over to from recognizing him.
17
sinful men, be crucified, and rise on He asked them, “What are you
the third day.’” discussing with each other as you're
8
Then the womenc remembered walking along?” They stood still and
Jesus’d words. 9They returned from looked gloomy.
18
the tomb and reported all these The one whose name was
things to the eleven disciplese and all Cleopas answered him, “Are you the
the others. 10The women who told the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn't
apostles about it were Mary know what happened there in the
Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother past few days?”
19
of James, and somef others. 11But He asked them, “What things?”
what they said seemed nonsense to They answered him, “The events
LUKE
them, so they did not believe them. involving Jesus of Nazareth,d who
12
Peter, however, got up and ran to was a prophet, mighty in what he
the tomb. He stooped down and saw said and did before God and all the
only the linen cloths. Then he went people, 20and how our high priests
home wondering about what had and leaders handed him over to be
happened.g condemned to death and had him
crucified. 21But we kept hoping that
Jesus Meets Two Disciples he would be the one to redeeme
(Mark 16:12-13) Israel. What is more, this is now the
13
On the same day, two of Jesus’ third day since these things occurred.
followersa were walking to a village 22
Even some of our women have
startled us by what they told us.f
They were at the tomb early this
morning 23and didn't find his body
there, so they came back and told us
a 24:5 Lit. they
b 24:6 Other mss. lack He is not here, but has
been raised b 24:13 Lit. sixty stadia; The Roman mile
c 24:8 Lit. Then they contained eight stadia, one stadion was about
d 24:8 Lit. his 604.5 feet long.
e 24:10 The Gk. lacks disciples c 24:15 The Gk. lacks what had happened
f 24:10 Lit. the d 24:19 Other mss. read the Nazorean
g 24:12 Other mss. lack verse 12. e 24:21 Or to free
a 24:13 Lit. of them f 24:22 The Gk. lacks by what they told us
161
that they had seen a vision of angels, companions all together. 34They kept
who were saying that he was alive. saying, “The Lord has really risen and
24
Then some of those who were with has appeared to Simon!” 35Then the
us went to the tomb and found it just two menb began to tell what had
as the women had said. However, happened on the road and how they
they didn't see him.” 22
had recognized him when he broke
25
Then Jesusa said to them, “O, the bread in pieces.
how foolish you are! How slow you
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
are to believe everything the
(Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18;
prophets said! 26The Messiah had to
John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)
suffer these things and then enter his 36
While they were all talking
glory, didn't he?” 27Then, beginning about this, Jesusc himself stood
with Moses and all the Prophets, he among them and said to them, “Peace
explained to them all the passages of be with you.”d
Scripture about himself. 37
They were startled and
28
As they came near the village terrified, thinking they were seeing a
where the two menb were headed, ghost. 38But Jesuse said to them,
Jesusc acted as though he were going “What’s frightening you? And why
farther. 29But they strongly urged are you doubting? 39Look at my
him, “Stay with us, because it is hands and my feet, because it’s really
LUKE
almost evening and the daylight is me. Touch me and look at me,
nearly gone.” So he went in to stay because a ghost doesn't have flesh
with them. and bones as you see that I have.”
40
30
While he was at the table with After he had said this, he
them, he took the bread, blessed it, showed them his hands and his feet.f
41
broke it in pieces, and gave it to Even though they were still
them. 31Then their eyes were opened, skeptical due to their joy and
and they knew who he was. And he astonishment, Jesusg asked them, “Do
vanished from them. you have anything here to eat?”
42
32
Then they asked each other, They gave him a piece of
broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it
“Our hearts kept burning within usd
in their presence. 44Then he said to
as he was talking to us on the road
them, “These are the words that I
and explaining the Scriptures to us,
spoke to you while I was still with
didn't they?”
33 you—that everything written about
They got up right away, went
back to Jerusalem, and found the
eleven disciplesa and their b 24:35 Lit. Then they
c 24:36 Lit. he
a 24:25 Lit. he d 24:36 Other mss. lack and said to them,
b 24:28 Lit. where they “Peace be with you.”
c 24:28 Lit. he e 24:38 Lit. he
d 24:32 Other mss. lack within us f 24:40 Other mss. lack verse 40
a 24:33 The Gk. lacks disciples g 24:41 Lit. he
162
me in the law of Moses, the Prophets,

and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.”
45
Then he opened their minds so
that they might understand the
Scriptures. 46He said to them, “This is
how it is written: the Messiah was to
suffer and rise from the dead on the
third day, 47and then repentance and
forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed
in his name to all the nations,
beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are
witnesses of these things. 49I am
sending to you what my Father
promised, so stay here in the city
until you have been clothed with
power from on high.”47
Jesus is Taken up to Heaven
(Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:9-11)
50
Later, he led them out as far as
Bethany, lifted up his hands, and
LUKE
blessed them. 51While he was blessing
them, he left them and was taken up
to heaven.a 52They worshiped him
andb returned to Jerusalem filled with
great joy. 53They were continually in
the temple, blessingc God.d
a 24:51 Other mss. lack and was taken up to

heaven
b 24:52 Other mss. lack worshiped him and
c 24:53 Other mss. read praising; still other
mss. read praising and blessing
d 24:53 Other mss. read God. Amen.
163
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
164
JOHN
Chapter 1
The Word and Creation gave authority to become God's
1 children, 13who were born, not merely

1
In the beginning, the Word
existed. The Word was with God, in a genetic sense,h nor from lust,i nor
and the Word was God. 2He existed from man’s desire, but from the will
in the beginning with God. 3Through ofj God.
him all things were made, and apart The Word Becomes Human
from him nothing was made that has 14
The Word became flesh and
been made. 4In him was life, and that livedk among us. We gazed on his
life brought light to humanity.a 5And glory, the kind of glory that belongs
the light shines on in the darkness, to the Father's unique Son,l who is
and the darkness has never put it full of grace and truth. 15John told the
out.b truth about him when he cried out,
“This is the person about whom I
John's Witness to the Word
6 said, ‘The one who comes after me
There was a man sent from
ranks higher than me, because he
God, whose name was John. 7He
existed before me.’” 16We have all
came as a witness to testify about the
received one gracious gift after
light, so that all might believe because
another from his abundance,m
of him. 8Johnc was not the light, but 17
because while the Law was given
he camed to testify about the light.
9 through Moses, grace and truth came
Thise was the true light that
through Jesus the Messiah. 18No one
enlightens every person by his
has ever seen God. The unique God,n
coming into the world.f 10He was in
who is close to the Father's side, has
the world, and the world was made
revealed him.
through him. Yet the world did not
recognize him. The Testimony of John the Baptist
JOHN
(Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:2-8; Luke
Responses to the Word
11 3:15-17)
He came to his own creation,g 19
This was John's testimony
yet his own people did not receive
when the Jews sent priests and
him. 12However, to all who received
Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask
him, those believing in his name, he
him, “Who are you?”
a 1:4 Lit. was the light of people
b 1:5 Or understood it h 1:13 Lit. not of bloods
c 1:8 Lit. He i 1:13 Lit. from desire of the flesh
d 1:8 The Gk. lacks he came j 1:13 The Gk. lacks the will of
e 1:9 Lit. He k 1:14 Lit. pitched his tent
f 1:9 Or every person who is coming into the l 1:14 The Gk. lacks Son
world m 1:16 Lit. received grace for grace
g 1:11 Or possessions n 1:18 Other mss. read Son
165
John 1:20 The Holy Bible
20
He spoke openly and, man who ranks above me, because he
remaining true to himself,a admitted, existed before me.’ 31I didn't
“I am not the Messiah.” recognize him, but I came baptizing
21
So they asked him, “Well then, withi water so that he might be
are you Elijah?” revealed to Israel.”
32
Johnb said, “I am not.” John also testified, “I saw the
“Are you the Prophet?” Spirit coming down from heaven like
He answered, “No.” a dove, and it remained on him. 33I
22
Then they said to him, “Who didn't recognize him, but the one
are you? We must give an answer to who sent me to baptize withj water
those who sent us. What do you say told me, ‘The person on whom you
about yourself?” see the Spirit descending and
23
He replied, “I am remaining is the one who baptizes
withk the Holy Spirit.’ 34I have seen
‘…a voice crying out in the
this and have testified that this is the
wilderness,
Sonl of God.”
“Prepare the Lord’s highway,”’c
The First Disciples
as the prophet Isaiah said.” 35
24 The next day John was
Now those mend had been
standing there again with two of his
sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked
him, “Why, then, are you baptizing if disciples. 36As he watched Jesus walk
you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37
the Prophet?” When the two disciples heard him
26
John answered them, “I am say this, they followed Jesus.
38
baptizing withe water, but among But when Jesus turned around
you stands a man whom you do not and saw them following, he asked
know, 27the one who is coming after them, “What are you looking for?”
me, whose sandal straps I am not They asked him, “Rabbi,” (which
worthy to untie.” 28This happened in is translated “Teacher”), “where are
Bethanyf on the other sideg of the you staying?”
39
Jordan, where John was baptizing. He told them, “Come and see!”
JOHN
29
The next day Johnh saw Jesus So they went and saw where he was
coming toward him and said, “Look, staying, and they remained with him
the Lamb of God who takes away the that day. It was about four o'clock in
sin of the world! 30This is the one the afternoon.m
about whom I said, ‘After me comes a 40
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother,
was one of the two who heard John
a 1:20 Lit. and did not deny
b 1:21 Lit. He
c 1:23 Isa 40:3
d 1:24 Lit. Now they i 1:31 Or in
e 1:26 Or in j 1:33 Or in
f 1:28 Other mss. read Bethabara k 1:33 Or in
g 1:28 I.e. the east side l 1:34 Other mss. read Chosen One
h 1:29 Lit. he m 1:39 Lit. the tenth hour
166
International Standard Version 2.0 John 2:8
49
and followed Jesus.a 41The first thing Nathaniel replied to him,
Andrewb did was to find his brother “Rabbi,h you are the Son of God! You
Simon and say to him, “We have are the King of Israel!”
50
found the Messiah!” (which is Jesus said to him, “Do you
translated “Christ”).c believe because I told you that I saw
42
He led Simond to Jesus. Jesus you under the fig tree? You will see
looked at him intently and said, “You greater things than that.” 51Then he
are Simon, John’s son.e You will be said to him, “Truly, I tell all of you
with certainty, you will see heaven
called Cephas!”f (which is translated
standing open and the angels of God
“Peter”).g
going up and coming down to the
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathaniel Son of Man.”
43
The next day Jesus decided to Chapter 2
Jesus Changes Water into Wine

go away to Galilee, where he found
2
1
Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” On the third day of that weeki
44
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the there was a wedding in Cana of
hometown of Andrew and Peter. Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2and
Jesus and his disciples had also been
1
45
Philip found Nathaniel and
told him, “We have found the man invited to the wedding. 3When the
about whom Moses in the Law and wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to
the Prophets wrote—Jesus, the son of him, “They don't have any more
Joseph, from Nazareth.” wine.”
4
46
Nathaniel asked him, “Out of Jesus said to her, “How does
Nazareth? Can anything good come that concern us, dear lady?j My time
from there?” hasn’t come yet.”
5
Philip told him, “Come and see!” His mother told the servants,
47
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming “Do whatever he tells you.”
6
toward him and said about him, Now standing there were six
“Look, a genuine Israelite, in whom stone water jars used for the Jewish
there is no deceit!” rites of purification, each one holding
JOHN
48
Nathaniel asked him, “How do from 20 to 30 gallons. 7Jesus told the
you know me?” servants,k “Fill the jars with water.”
Jesus answered him, “Before So they filled them up to the brim.
8
Philip called you, while you were Then he said to them, “Now draw
under the fig tree, I saw you.” some out and take it to the man in
charge of the banquet.” So they did.
a 1:40 Lit. him
b 1:41 Lit. He
c 1:41 I.e. Anointed One h 1:49 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
d 1:42 Lit. him Teacher
e 1:42 Cf. Matthew 16:17 i 2:1 The Gk. lacks of that week
f 1:42 Cephas means rock in Aram. j 2:4 Or us, woman
g 1:42 Peter means rock in Gk. k 2:7 Lit. them
167
9
When the man in charge of the remembered that it was written, “Zeal
banquet tasted the water that had for your house will consume me.”e
become wine (without knowing 18
Then the Jews asked him,
where it had come from, though the “What sign can you show us as
servants who had drawn the water authority for doing these things?”
19
knew), hea called for the bridegroom Jesus answered them, “Destroy
10
and said to him, “Everyone serves this sanctuary, and in three days I
the best wine first, and the cheap will rebuild it.”
20
kind when peopleb are drunk. But The Jews said, “This sanctuary
you have kept the best wine until has been under construction for 46
now!” 11Jesus did this, the firstc of his years, and you're going to rebuild it
signs, in Cana of Galilee. He revealed in three days?” 21But the sanctuary he
his glory, and his disciples believed in was speaking about was his own
him. body. 22After he had been raised from
12
After this, Jesusd went down to the dead, his disciples remembered
Capernaum—he, his mother, his that he had said this. So they believed
brothers, and his disciples—and they the Scripture and the statement that
remained there for a few days. Jesus had made.f
Confrontation in the Temple Over Jesus Knows All People

23
Money While Jesusg was in Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; for the Passover Festival, many
Luke 19:45-46) people believed in himh because they
13
The Jewish Passover was near, saw the signs that he was doing.
and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In 24
Jesus, however, did not entrust
the temple he found people selling himself to them, because he knew all
cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as people 25and didn't need anyone to
moneychangers sitting at their tables. tell him what people were like,
15
After making a whip out of cords, because he himself knew what was in
he drove all of them out of the every person.i
JOHN
temple, including the sheep and the Chapter 3
cattle. He scattered the coins of the Jesus Talks with Nicodemus
3
1
moneychangers and knocked over Now there was a man from the
their tables. Pharisees, a leader of the Jews,
16
Then he told those who were whose name was Nicodemus. 2He
selling the doves, “Take these things came to Jesusa at night and said to
out of here! Stop making my Father's
house a marketplace!” 17His disciples
e 2:17 Ps 69:9
f 2:22 Lit. spoken
a 2:9 Lit. the man in charge of the banquet g 2:23 Lit. he
b 2:10 Lit. they h 2:23 Lit. in his name
c 2:11 Or beginning i 2:25 Lit. in a person
d 2:12 Lit. he a 3:2 Lit. him
168
him, “Rabbi,a we know that you have what we've seen. Yet you peopleg do
come from God as a teacher, because not accept our testimony. 12If I have
no one can perform these signs that told you peopleh about earthly things
you are doing unless God is with and you do not believe, how will you
him.” believe if I tell you about heavenly
3
Jesus replied to him, “Truly, I things?
tell you with certainty, unless a 13
“No one has gone up to heaven
person is born from aboveb he cannot except the one who came down from
see the kingdom of God.” heaven, the Son of Man who is in
4
Nicodemus asked him, “How heaven.i 14Just as Moses lifted up the
can a person be born when he is old? serpent in the wilderness, so must the
He can't go back into his mother's Son of Man be lifted up, 15so that
womb a second time and be born, can everyone who believes in him may
he?” have eternal life.j
5
Jesus answered, “Truly, I tell 16
“For this is how God loved the
you with certainty, unless a person is world: He gave his unique Son so
born of water and Spirit he cannot that everyone who believes in him
enter the kingdom of God.c 6What is might not be lost but have eternal life.
born of the flesh is flesh, and what is 17
Because God sent the Son into the
born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Don't be world, not to condemn the world, but
astonished that I said to you, ‘All of that the world might be saved
you must be born from above.’d 8The through him. 18Whoever believes in
winde blows where it wants to. You him is not condemned, but whoever
hear its sound, but you don't know does not believe has already been
where it comes from or where it is condemned, because he has not
going. That's the way it is with believed in the name of God's unique
everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Son. 19And this is the basis for
9
Nicodemus asked him, “How judgment: The light has come into
can that be?” the world, but people loved the
JOHN
10
Jesus answered him, “You're af darkness more than the light because
teacher of Israel, and you can't their actions were evil. 20Everyone
understand this? 11Truly, I tell you who practices wickedness hates the
with certainty, we know what we're light and does not come to the light,
talking about, and we testify about so that his actions may not be
exposed.a 21But whoever does what is
true comes to the light, so that it may
a 3:2 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or Teacher
b 3:3 Or born again g 3:11 The Gk. lacks people
c 3:5 Other mss. read of heaven h 3:12 The Gk. lacks people
d 3:7 Or born again i 3:13 Other mss. lack who is in heaven
e 3:8 The Gk. word can be translated both j 3:15 The quotation possibly concludes with
wind and spirit. this verse instead of with verse 21.
f 3:10 Lit. the a 3:20 Other mss. read as being evil
169
become evident that his actions have more important, but I must become
God’s approval.”a less important.” 3
John the Baptist Talks about Jesus The One Who Comes from Above
22 31
After this, Jesus and his The one who comes from
disciples went into the Judean above is superior to everything. The
countryside. He spent some time one who is of the earth belongs to the
there with them and began baptizing. earth and speaks about earthly
23
John was also baptizing in Aenon, things.h The one who comes from
near Salim, because there was plenty heaven is superior to everything. 32He
of water there. Peopleb kept coming testifies about what he has seen and
and were being baptized, 24since John heard, yet no one accepts his
had not yet been thrown into prison. testimony. 33The person who has
25
Then a controversy about ritual accepted his testimony has
purification sprang up between a acknowledged that God is truthful.i
34
certain Jewc and John's disciples, 26so The one whom God sent speaks the
they went to John and told him, words of God, because Godj does not
“Rabbi,d the man who was with you give the Spirit in limited measure to
on the other sidee of the Jordan, the him.k 35The Father loves the Son and
one about whom you testified—look, has put everything in his hands. 36The
he's baptizing, and everyone is going one who believes in the Son has
to him!” eternal life, but the one who disobeys
27
John replied, “No one can the Son will not see life. Instead, the
receive anything unless it has been wrath of God remains on him.
given to them from heaven. 28You Chapter 4
Jesus Meets a Samaritan Woman

yourselves are myf witnesses that I
4
1
Now when Jesusl realized that
said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have
the Pharisees had heard he was
been sent ahead of him.’ 29It is the
making and baptizing more disciples
bridegroom who gets the bride, yet
than John— 2although it was not
the bridegroom's friend, who merelyg
JOHN
Jesus who did the baptizing but his

stands by and listens for him, is
disciples— 3he left Judea and went
overjoyed to hear the bridegroom's
back to Galilee. 4Now it was
voice. That's why this joy of mine is
necessary for him to go through
now complete. 30He must become
Samaria. 5So he came to a town in
Samaria called Sychar, near the piece
a 3:21 Lit. actions are in God of land that Jacob had given to his
b 3:23 Lit. They
c 3:25 Other mss. read the Jews
d 3:26 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or h 3:31 Lit. of the earth
Teacher i 3:33 Or true
e 3:26 I.e. the east side j 3:34 Lit. he
f 3:28 Other mss. lack my k 3:34 The Gk. lacks to him
g 3:29 The Gk. lacks merely l 4:1 Other mss. read the Lord
170
son Joseph. 6Jacob's Well was also thirsty or have to keep coming here
there, and Jesus, tired out by the to draw water.”
16
journey, sat down by the well. It was He said to her, “Go and call
about noon.a your husband, and come back here.”
7 17
A Samaritan woman came to The woman answered him, “I
draw water, and Jesus said to her, don't have a husband.”
“Please give me a drink,” 8since his Jesus said to her, “You are quite
disciples had gone off into town to right in saying, ‘I don't have a
buy food. husband,’ 18because you have had
9
The Samaritan woman asked five husbands, and the man you have
him, “How can you, a Jew, ask for a now is not your husband. What you
drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” have said is true.”
19
Because Jews do not have anything to The woman said to him, “Sir, I
do with Samaritans.b see that you are a prophet! 20Our
10
Jesus answered her, “If you ancestors worshiped on this
d
mountain. But you Jews say that the
knew the gift of God, and who it is
who is saying to you, ‘Please give me place where people should worship is
a drink,’ you would have been the in Jerusalem.”
21
one to ask him, and he would have Jesus said to her, “Believe me,
given you living water.” dear lady,e the hour is coming when
11
The womanc said to him, “Sir, you Samaritansf will worship the
you don't have a bucket, and the well Father neither on this mountain nor
is deep. Where are you going to get in Jerusalem. 22You don't know what
this living water? 12You're not greater you're worshiping. We Jewsg know
than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us what we're worshiping, because
the well and drank from it, along salvation comes from the Jews. 23Yet
with his sons and his flocks, are you?” the time is coming, and is now here,
13
Jesus answered her, “Everyone when true worshipers will worship
who drinks this water will become the Father in spirita and truth.
thirsty again. 14But whoever drinks
JOHN
Indeed, the Father is looking for
the water that I will give him will people like that to worship him.
never become thirsty again. The 24
God is spirit,b and those who
water that I will give him will become worship him must worship in spiritc
a well of water for him, springing up and truth.”
to eternal life.”
15
The woman said to him, “Sir,
give me this water, so that I won't get d 4:20 The Gk. lacks Jews
e 4:20 Or me, woman
f 4:21 The Gk. lacks Samaritans
a 4:6 Lit. the sixth hour g 4:21 The Gk. lacks Jews
b 4:9 Other mss. lack For Jews do not have a 4:23 Or in the Spirit
anything to do with Samaritans. b 4:24 Or Spirit
c 4:11 Other mss. read She c 4:24 Or in the Spirit
171
25
The woman said to him, “I gathering a crop for eternal life, so
know that Messiah is coming, who is that the one who sows and the one
being called ‘Christ’. When that who harvests may rejoice together.
37
person comes, he will explain In this respect the saying is true:
everything.” ‘One person sows, and another
26
Jesus said to her, “I am he, the person harvests.’e 38I have sent you to
one who is speaking to you.” harvest what you have not worked
27
At this point his disciples for. Others have worked, and you
arrived, and they were amazed that have adopted their work as your
he was talking to a woman. Yet no own.”
one said, “What do you want from 39
Now many of the Samaritans
her?”a or, “Why are you talking to of that town believed in Jesusf
her?” 28Then the woman left her because of the woman had testified,
water jar and went back to town. She “He told me everything I've ever
told people, 29“Come, see a man who done.”
told me everything I've ever done! 40
So when the Samaritans came
Could he possibly be the Messiah?” to Jesus,g they asked him to stay with
30
The peopleb left the town and them, and he stayed there for two
started on their way to him. days. 41And many more believed
31
Meanwhile, the disciples were because of what he said. 42They kept
urging him, “Rabbi,c have something telling the woman, “It is no longer
to eat.” because of what you said that we
32
But he said to them, “I have believe, for now we have heard him
food to eat that you know nothing ourselves, and we know that he really
about.” is the Savior of the world.”
33
So the disciples began to say to
Jesus Heals an Official's Son
one another, “No one has brought
(Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
him anything to eat, have they?” 43
34 Two days later, Jesusa left for
Jesus told them, “My food is
Galilee from there, 44for Jesus himself
JOHN
doing the will of the one who sent

had testified that a prophet has no
me and completing his work. 35You
honor in his own country. 45When he
say, don't you, ‘In four more months
arrived in Galilee, the Galileans
the harvest will begin?’ Look, I tell
welcomed him because they had seen
you, open your eyes and observe that
everything that he had done in
the fields are readyd for harvesting
Jerusalem during the festival and
now! 36The one who harvests is
because they, too, had gone to the
already receiving his wages and
a 4:27 The Gk. lacks from her

b 4:30 Lit. They e 4:37 Mic 6:15
c 4:31 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or f 4:39 Lit. in him
Teacher g 4:40 Lit. him
d 4:35 Lit. white a 4:43 Lit. he
172
Chapter 5
festival. 46So Jesusa returned to Cana The Healing at the Pool

in Galilee, where he had turned the
5
1
Later on, there was anotherf
water into wine. Meanwhile, in festival of the Jews, and Jesus
Capernaum there was a government went up to Jerusalem. 2Near the
official whose son was ill. 47When this Sheep Gate in Jerusalem is a pool
man heard that Jesus had come from called Bethesdag in Hebrew. It has
Judea to Galilee, he went to him and five colonnades, 3and under these a
asked him repeatedly to come down large number of sick people were
and heal his son, because he was lying—blind, lame, or paralyzed—
about to die. waiting for the movement of the
48
Jesus told him, “Unless you water.h 4At certain times an angel of
peopleb see signs and wonders, you the Lord would go down into the
will never believe.” pool and stir up the water, and
49
The official said to him, “Sir,c whoever stepped in first after the
please come down before my little stirring of the water was healed of
boy dies.” whatever disease he had.i2
50
Jesus said to him, “Go home. 5
One particular man was there
Your son will live.” The man believed who had been ill for 38 years. 6When
what Jesus told him and started back Jesus saw him lying there and knew
home. that he had already been there a long
51
While he was on his way, his time, he asked him, “Do you want to
servants met him and told him that get well?”
his childd was alive. 52So he asked 7
The sick man answered him,
them at what hour he had begun to “Sir, I don't have anyone to put me
recover, and they told him, “The into the pool when the water is
fever left him yesterday at one o'clock stirred up. While I'm trying to get
in the afternoon.”e there, someone else steps down
53
Then the father realized that ahead of me.”
8
this was the very hour when Jesus Jesus said to him, “Stand up,
JOHN
had told him, “Your son will live.” So pick up your mat, and walk!” 9The
he himself believed, along with his man immediately became well, and
whole family. 4 he picked up his mat and started
54
Now this was the second sign walking. Now that day was a
that Jesus did after coming from Sabbath.
10
Judea to Galilee. So the Jews said to the man
who had been healed, “It is the
f 5:1 Other mss. read the

a 4:46 Lit. he g 5:2 Other mss. read Bethzatha; still other
b 4:48 The Gk. lacks people mss. read Bethsaida
c 4:49 Or Lord h 5:3 Other mss. lack waiting for the
d 4:51 Other mss. read son movement of the water
e 4:52 Lit. the seventh hour i 5:4 Other mss. lack v. 4
173
Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you likewise. 20The Father loves the Son
to carry your mat.” and shows him everything he is
11
But he answered them, “The doing, and he will show him even
man who made me well told me, greater actions than these, so that you
‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” may be amazed. 21Just as the Father
12
They asked him, “Who is the raises the dead and gives them life, so
man who told you, ‘Pick it up and also the Son gives life to those he
walk’?” chooses. 22The Father judges no one,
13
But the one who had been but has given all authority to judge to
healed did not know who it was, the Son, 23so that everyone may
because Jesus had slipped away from honor the Son as they honor the
the crowd in that place. 14Later on, Father. Whoever does not honor the
Jesus found him in the temple and Son does not honor the Father who
told him, “See, you have become sent him.
24
well. Stop sinning or something “Truly, I tell all of you with
worse may happen to you.” 15The certainty, whoever hears what I say
man went off and told the Jewsa that and believes in the one who sent me
it was Jesus who had made him well. has eternal life and will not be
16
So the Jewsb began persecuting judged, but has passed from death to
Jesus,c because he kept doing such life. 25Truly, I tell all of you with
things on the Sabbath. certainty, the time approaches, and is
17
But Jesusd answered them, now here, when the dead will hear
“My Father has been working until the voice of the Son of God, and
now, and I, too, am working.” 18So those who hear it will live. 26Just as
the Father has life in himself, so also
the Jewse were trying all the harder
he has granted the Son to have life in
to kill him, because he was not only
himself, 27and he has given him
breaking the Sabbath but was also
authority to judge, because he is the
calling God his own Father, thereby
Son of Man.
making himself equal to God. 28
Don't be amazed at this,
JOHN
The Authority of the Son because the time is approaching

19
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I tell when everyone in their graves will
all of you with certainty, the Son can hear the Son of Man’sa voice 29and
do nothing on his own accord, but will come out—those who have done
only what he sees the Father doing, what is good to the resurrection that
What the Father does, the Son does leads tob life, and those who have
practiced what is evil to the
a 5:15 I.e. Jewish leaders resurrection that ends inc
b 5:16 I.e. Jewish leaders
c 5:16 Other MSS add and were seeking to kill
him a 5:28 Lit. hear his
d 5:17 Other mss. read he b 5:29 Lit. resurrection of
e 5:18 I.e. Jewish leaders c 5:29 Lit. resurrection of
174
41
condemnation.a 30I can do nothing on “I do not accept human praise.
42
my own accord. I judge according to I know that you do not have the
what I hear, and my judgment is just, love of God in you. 43I have come in
because I do not seek my own will my Father's name, and you do not
but the will of the one who sent me.” accept me. Yet if another man comes
in his own name, you will accept him.
Jesus’ Greater Testimony 44
31 How can you believe when you
“If I testify on my own behalf,
accept each other's praise and do not
my testimony is not trustworthy.
32 look for the praise that comes from
There is another who testifies about
the only God?f 45Do not suppose that
me, and I knowb that the testimony
I will be the one to accuse you before
he gives about me is true. 33You have
the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on
sent messengersc to John, and he has whom you have set your hope,
testified to the truth. 34I myself do not 46
because if you believed Moses, you
accept human testimony, but I am would believe me, since he wrote
saying these things so that you may about me. 47But if you do not believe
be saved. 35That man Johnd was a what he wrote, how will you believe
lamp that burns and brightly shines, my words?”
and for a while you were willing to
Chapter 6
rejoice in his light. 34

5
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand
36
But I have a greater testimony (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44;
than John's, because the actions that Luke 9:10-17)
6
1
the Father has given me to After this, Jesus went away to the
complete—the very actions that I am other side of the Sea of Galilee (or
doing—testify on my behalf that the Tiberias). 2A large crowd kept
Father has sent me. 37Moreover, the following him because they had seen
Father who sent me has himself the signs that he was performing by
testified on my behalf. You have healing the sick. 3But Jesus went up
never heard his voice or seen what he on a hillside and sat down there with
looks like, 38nor do you have his word his disciples.
JOHN
4
at worke in you, because you do not Now the Passover, the festival
believe in the one whom he sent. of the Jews, was near. 5When Jesus
39
You examine the Scriptures looked up and saw that a large crowd
carefully because you suppose that in was coming toward him, he asked
them you have eternal life. Yet they Philip, “Where can we buy bread for
testify about me. 40But you are not these people to eat?” 6Jesusa said this
willing to come to me to have life. to test him, because he himself knew
what he was going to do.
a 5:29 Or judgment
b 5:32 Other mss. read you know
c 5:33 The Gk. lacks messengers
d 5:35 The Gk. lacks John f 5:44 Other mss. read the only One
e 5:38 Lit. word abiding a 6:6 Lit. He
175
7
Philip answered him, “Two Jesus Walks on the Sea
hundred denariia worth of bread isn’t (Matthew 14:22-27; Mark 6:45-52)
16
enough for each of them to have a When evening came, his
little.” disciples went down to the sea, 17got
8
One of his disciples, Andrew, into a boat, and started across the sea
who was Simon Peter's brother, said to Capernaum. Darkness had already
to him, 9“There's a little boy here who fallen, and Jesus had not yet come to
has five barley loaves and two small them. 18A strong wind was blowing,
fish. But what are these among so and the sea was getting rough. 19After
many people?” they had rowed about three or four
10
Jesus said, “Have the people sit miles,f they saw Jesus walking on the
down.” Now there was plenty of sea toward their boat. They became
grass in that area, so they sat down, terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I.
numbering about 5,000 men. Stop being afraid!” 21So they were
11
Then Jesus took the loaves, glad to take him on board, and
gave thanks, and distributed them to immediately the boat reached the
those who were seated. He also land toward which they were going.20
distributedb as much fish as they Jesus the Bread of Life
12
wanted. When they were 22
The next day, the crowd that
c
completely satisfied, Jesus told his had remained on the other side of the
disciples, “Collect the pieces that are sea noticed that only one boat had
left over so that nothing is wasted.” been there, and no other, and that
13
So they collected and filled twelve Jesus had not gotten into that boat
baskets full of pieces of the five barley with his disciples. Instead, his
loaves left over by those who had disciples had gone away by
eaten. themselves. 23Other small boats from
14
When the people saw the signd Tiberias arrived near the place where
that he had done, they kept saying, they had eaten the bread after the
“Truly this is the Prophet who was to Lord had given thanks.a 24When the
JOHN
come into the world!” 15Then Jesus, crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his
realizing that they were about to disciples were there, they got into
come and take him by force to make these boats and went to Capernaum
him king, withdrewe again to the to look for Jesus.
hillside by himself. 25
When they had found him on
the other side of the sea, they asked
a 6:7 The denarius was the usual day's wage

for a laborer. f 6:19 Lit. 25 or 30 stadia; The Roman mile
b 6:11 Lit. Likewise also contained eight stadia, one stadion was about
c 6:12 Lit. he 604.5 feet long.
d 6:14 Other mss. read signs a 6:23 Other mss. lack after the Lord had
e 6:15 Other mss. read fled given thanks
176
him, “Rabbi,a when did you get will never become hungry, and
here?” whoever believes in me will never
26
Jesus replied to them, “Truly, I become thirsty. 36I told you that you
tell all of you with certainty, you are have seen me,c yet you don’t believe.
37
looking for me, not because you saw Everything the Father gives me will
signs, but because you ate the loaves come to me, and I’ll never turn away
and were completely satisfied. 27Do the one who comes to me. 38I have
not work for food that perishes but come down from heaven, not to do
for food that lasts for eternal life, my own will, but the will of the one
which the Son of Man will give you, who sent me. 39And this is the will of
because God the Father has set his the one who sent me, that I should
seal on him.” not lose anything that he has given
28
Then they asked him, “What me, but should raise it to life on the
must we do to perform the actions of last day. 40This is my Father's will:
God?” That everyone who sees the Son and
29
Jesus answered them, “This is believes in him should have eternal
the action of God: to believe in the life, and I will raise him to life on the
one whom he has sent.” last day.”
30
So they said to him, “What sign 41
Then the Jewsa began
are you going to do so that we may grumbling about him because he said,
see it and believe in you? What “I am the bread that came down from
actions are you performing? 31Our heaven.”
ancestors ate the manna in the 42
They kept saying, “This is
wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He Jesus, the son of Joseph, isn't it,
gave them bread from heaven to whose father and mother we know?
eat.’”b So how can he say, ‘I have come
32
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I tell down from heaven’?”
43
all of you with certainty, it was not Jesus answered them, “Stop
Moses who gave you the bread from grumbling among yourselves. 44No
heaven, but it is my Father who gives one can come to me unless the Father
JOHN
you the true bread from heaven. who sent me draws him, and I will
33
The bread of God is the one who raise him to life on the last day. 45It is
comes down from heaven and gives written in the Prophets, ‘And all of
life to the world.” them will be taught by God.’b
34
Then they said to him, “Sir, Everyone who has listened to the
give us this bread all the time.” Father and has learned anything
35
Jesus said to them, “I am the comes to me. 46Not that anyone has
bread of life. Whoever comes to me seen the Father except the one who
a 6:25 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or c 6:36 Other mss. lack me
Teacher a 6:41 I.e. Jewish leaders
b 6:31 Ps 78:24; Exod 16:15; Num 11:7-9 b 6:45 Isa 54:13
177
comes from God. This one has seen The Words of Eternal Life
60
the Father. 47Truly, I tell all of you When many of his disciples
with certainty, the one who believes heard this, they said, “This is a
in mea has eternal life. 48I am the difficult statement. Who can acceptd
bread of life. 49Your ancestors ate the it?”6
61
manna in the wilderness and died. But Jesus, knowing within
50
This is the bread that comes down himself that his disciples were
from heaven, so that a person may grumbling about this, asked them,
eat it and not die. 51I am the living “Does this offend you? 62What if you
bread that came down from heaven. saw the Son of Man going up to the
If anyone eats this bread, he will live place where he was before? 63It is the
forever. And the bread I will give for Spirit who gives life; the flesh
the life of the world is my flesh.” 46 accomplishes nothing. The words that
52
Then the Jews debated angrily I have spoken to you are spirit and
with each other, asking, “How can life. 64But there are some among you
this man give us his flesh to eat?” who do not believe...”—because Jesus
53
So Jesus told them, “Truly, I tell knew from the beginning those who
all of you with certainty, unless you weren’t believing, as well as the one
eat the flesh of the Son of Man and who would betray him. 65So he said,
drink his blood, you do not have life “That's why I told you that no one
in yourselves. 54Whoever eats my can come to me unless it be granted
flesh and drinks my blood has eternal him by the Father.” 66As a result,a
life, and I will raise him to life on the many of his disciples turned back and
last day, 55because my flesh is realb no longer associatedb with him.
67
food, and my blood is realc drink. So Jesus asked the twelve
56
The person who eats my flesh and disciples,c “You don't want to leave,
drinks my blood remains in me, and I too, do you?”
in him. 57Just as the living Father sent 68
Simon Peter answered him,
me and I live because of the Father, “Lord, to whom would we go? You
JOHN
so the one who feeds on me will also have the words of eternal life.
live because of me. 58This is the bread 69
Besides, we have believed and
that came down from heaven, not the remain convinced that you are the
kind that your ancestors ate. They Holy One of God.”d
died, but the one who eats this bread 70
Jesus answered them, “I chose
will live forever.” 59He said this while you twelve men,e didn't I? Yet one of
teaching in the synagogue at
Capernaum.57 d 6:60 Lit. listen to
a 6:66 Or From this time
b 6:66 Lit. walked
c 6:67 The Gk. lacks disciples
a 6:47 Other mss. lack in me d 6:69 Other mss. read the Messiah, the Son of
b 6:55 Or true the living God
c 6:55 Or true e 6:70 The Gk. lacks men
178
you is a devil.” 71Now he was not openly but, as it were,i in secret.

11
speaking about Judas, the son of The Jewsj kept looking for him at
Simon Iscariot,a because this man was the festival, asking, “Where is that
going to betray him, even though he man?” 12And there was a great deal of
was one of the twelve disciples.b discussion about him among the
Chapter 7
crowds.k Some were saying, “He is a
The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers good man,” while others were saying,
7
1
After this, Jesus traveled aboutc “No, he is deceiving the crowds!”
13
in Galilee, because he didn't want Nevertheless, no one would speak
to traveld in Judea, since the Jewse openly about him because they were
there were trying to kill him. 2Now afraid of the Jewish leaders.l
the Jewish Festival of Tabernaclesf Jesus Openly Declares His Authority
was approaching. 3So his brothers 14
Halfway through the festival,
said to him, “You should leave this Jesus went up to the temple and
place and go to Judea, so that your began teaching. 15The Jewish leadersa
disciples can see the actions that were astonished and remarked, “How
you're doing, 4since no one acts in can this man be so educated when he
secret if he wants to be known has never gone to school?”
16
publicly. If you're going to do these Jesus replied to them, “My
things, you should reveal yourself to teaching is not mine but comes from
the world!” 5Not even his brothers the one who sent me. 17If anyone
believed in him. wants to do his will, he will know
6
Jesus told them, “My time has whether this teaching is from God or
not yet come, but your time is always whether I am speaking on my own.
18
here.g 7The world cannot hate you, The one who speaks on his own
but it hates me because I testify seeks his own praise. But the one
against it that its actions are evil. 8Go who seeks the praise of him who sent
up to the festival yourselves. I am not him is genuine, and there is nothing
yeth going to this festival, because my false in him. 19Moses gave you the
time has not yet fully come.” 9After law, didn't he? Yet none of you is
JOHN
saying this, he remained in Galilee. keeping the law. Why are you trying
to kill me?”
Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem 20
The crowd answered, “You
10
But after his brothers had gone have a demon! Who is trying to kill
up to the festival, he went up himself, you?”
21
Jesus answered them, “I
a 6:71 Other mss. read Judas Iscariot, the son
performed one action, and all of you
of Simon
b 6:71 The Gk. lacks disciples are astonished. 22Moses gave you
c 7:1 Lit. walked
d 7:1 Lit. to walk i 7:10 Other mss. lack as it were
e 7:1 I.e. Jewish leaders j 7:11 I.e. Jewish leaders
f 7:2 Or Booths k 7:12 Other mss. read crowd
g 7:6 Lit. ready l 7:13 Lit. the Jews
h 7:8 Other mss. lack yet a 7:15 Lit. the Jews
179
circumcision—not that it is from Officers are Sent to Arrest Jesus

32
Moses, but from the Patriarchs—and The Pharisees heard the crowd
so you circumcise a man on the debating these things about him, so
Sabbath. 23If a man receives the high priests and the Pharisees
circumcision on the Sabbath so that sent officers to arrest Jesus.b
33
the law of Moses may not be broken, Then Jesus said, “I will be with
are you angry with me because I you only a little while longer, and
made a man perfectly well on the then I am going back to the one who
Sabbath? 24
Stop judging by sent me. 34You will look for me but
appearances, but judge with will not find me.a And where I am,
righteous judgment!”22 you cannot come.”
35
Then the Jewish leaders asked
Is This the Messiah?
25 one another, “Where does this man
Then some of the people of
intend to go that we won’t be able to
Jerusalem began saying, “This is the
find him? Surely he's not going to the
man they are trying to kill, isn't it?
26
And look, he is speaking in public, Dispersionb among the Greeks and
and they are not saying anything to teach the Greeks, is he? 36What does
him! Can it be that the authorities this statement mean that he said,
really know that this is the Messiah? ‘You will look for me but will not find
27
We know where this man comes me,’ and ‘Where I will be, you cannot
from. But when the Messiah comes, come’?”
no one will know where he comes Rivers of Living Water
from.” 37
On the last and most important
28
At this point Jesus, still day of the festival, Jesus stood up and
teaching in the temple, shouted, “So
shouted, “If anyone is thirsty, let him
you know me and know where I
come to mec and drink! 38The one
have come from? I have not come on
my own accord. But the one who sent who believes in me, as the Scripture
me is true, and he is the one you do has said, will have rivers of living
not know. 29I know him because I water flowing from his heart.” 39Now
JOHN
have come from him and he sent he said this about the Spirit, whom
me.” those who were believing in him
30
Then theya tried to seize him, were to receive, because the Spiritd
but no one laid a hand on him was not yet presente and Jesus had
because his hour had not yet come. not yet been glorified.
31
However, many in the crowd
believed in him, saying, “When the
Messiah comes, he won't do more b 7:32 Lit. him
a 7:34 Other mss. lack me
signs than this man has done, will
b 7:35 I.e. the Jewish communities outside the
he?”
land of Israel
c 7:37 Other mss. lack to me
d 7:39 Other mss. read Holy Spirit
a 7:30 Lit. the Jews e 7:39 Other mss. read given
180
Division among the People from Galilee.” 53Then each of them

40
When they heard these words, went to their own home.
some in the crowd were saying, “This Chapter 8
The Woman Caught in Adultery

really is the Prophet,” 41while others
8
1
Jesus, however, went to the
were saying, “This is the Messiah!”
Mount of Olives. 2At daybreak he
But some were saying, “The
appeared again in the temple, and all
Messiah doesn't come from Galilee,
the people came to him. So he sat
does he? 42Doesn't the Scripture say
that the Messiah is from David's down and began to teach them. 3But
family and from Bethlehem, the the scribes and the Pharisees brought
village where David lived?” 43So there a woman who had been caught in
was a division in the crowd because adultery.a After setting her before
of him. 44Some of them were wanting them,b 4they said to him, “Teacher,
to seize him, but no one laid hands this woman has been caught in the
on him. very act of adultery. 5Now in the law,
Moses commanded us to stone such
The Unbelief of the Authorities women to death. What do you say?”
45
Then the officers returned to 6
They said this to test him, so that
the high priests and Pharisees, who they might have a charge against
asked them, “Why didn't you bring him. But Jesus bent down and began
him?” to write on the ground with his
46
The officers answered, “No finger.2
man ever spoke like that!” 7
When they persisted in
47
Then the Pharisees replied to questioning him, he straightened up
them, “You haven't been deceived, and said to them, “Let the person
too, have you? 48None of the
among you who is without sin be the
authorities or Pharisees has believed
first to throw a stone at her.” 8Then
in him, have they? 49But this mob that
he bent down again and continued
does not know the law—they’re
writing on the ground.c 9When they
under a curse!”
50 heard this, they went away one by
JOHN
One of their own, Nicodemus
(the man who had previously met one,d beginning with the oldest,e and
with Jesus),a asked them, 51“Surely he was left alone with the woman
our law does not condemnb a person standing there.f 10Then Jesus stood up
without first hearing from him and
finding out what he is doing, does
a 8:3 Other mss. read in sin
it?”
52 b 8:3 Lit. in the middle
They answered him, “You c 8:8 Other mss read ground the sins of each
aren't from Galilee, too, are you? one of them
Search and see that no prophet comes d 8:9 Other mss. read one by one, being
convicted by their conscience
e 8:9 Other mss. read from the oldest to the
a 7:50 Lit. him youngest
b 7:51 Or judge f 8:9 Lit. in the middle
181
and said to her, “Dear lady,a where am testifying about myself, and the
are your accusers?b Hasn't anyone Father who sent me is testifying
condemned you? about me.”
19
11
She said, “No one, sir.”c Then they asked him, “Where
Then Jesus said, “I don't is this Father of yours?”
condemn you, either. Go home, and Jesus replied, “You do not know
from now on do not sin any more.”d me or my Father. If you had known
me, you would have known my
Jesus the Light of the World Father also.” 20He spoke these words
12
Later on Jesus spoke to them in the treasury, while he was teaching
again, saying, “I am the light of the in the temple. Yet no one arrested
world. The one who follows me will him, because his hour had not yet
never walk in darkness, but will have come.
the light of life.”
13
The Pharisees said to him, “You The One from Above
21
are testifying about yourself. Your Later on he said to them again,
“I am going away, and you will look
testimony is not valid.”e
14
Jesus answered them, “Even for me, but you will die in your sin.a
though I am testifying about myself, You cannot come where I am going.”
22
So the Jews said, “He isn't
my testimony is validf because I
going to kill himself, is he? Is that
know where I have come from and
where I am going. But you do not why he said,b ‘You cannot come
know where I come from or where I where I am going’?”
23
am going. 15You are judging by He said to them, “You are from
below, I am from above. You are of
human standards,g but I am not
this world, but I am not of this world.
judging anyone. 16Yet even if I should 24
That is why I told you that you will
judge, my judgment would be valid,h
die in your sins, for unless you
because it is not I alone who judges,
believe that I AM, you will die in
but I and the one who sent me. 17In
your sins.”
your own law it is written that the
JOHN
25
Then they asked him, “Who
testimony of two people is valid.i 18I are you?”
Jesus told them, “What have I
a 8:10 Or Woman been telling you all along?c 26I have
b 8:10 Other mss. read where are they?
c 8:11 Or Lord much to say about you and to
d 8:11 Some mss. lack 7:53-8:11; one ms. condemn you for.d But the one who
locates the text after Luke 21:38; some mss. sent me is truthful,e and what I have
locate it after John 7:36, some after John 7:52,
and some after John 21:25.
e 8:13 Or true a 8:21 I.e. their sinful nature
f 8:14 Or true b 8:22 Lit. Because he said
g 8:15 Lit. according to the flesh c 8:25 Or from the beginning
h 8:16 Or true d 8:26 The Gk. lacks you for
i 8:17 Or true e 8:26 Or true
182
heard from him I declare to the declare what I have seen in myb
world.” Father's presence, and you are doing
27
They didn't realize that he was what you have heard from your
talking to them about the Father. 28So father.”
Jesus told them, “When you have 39
They replied to him, “Our
lifted up the Son of Man, then you father is Abraham!”
will know that I AM, and that I do Jesus said to them, “If you were
nothing on my own authority. Abraham's children, you would be
Instead, I speak only what the Father doing what Abraham did.a 40But now
has taught me. 29Moreover, the one you are trying to kill me, a man who
who sent me is with me. He has has told you the truth that I heard
never left me alone because I always from God. Abraham would not have
do what pleases him.” 30While he was done that. 41You are doing your
saying these things, many believed in father's actions.”
him.29 They said to him, “We are not
Freedom and Slavery illegitimate children. We have one
31
So Jesus said to those Jews who Father, God himself.”
42
had believed in him, “If you continue Jesus told them, “If God were
in my word, you are really my your Father, you would have loved
disciples. 32And you will know the me, because I came from God and am
truth, and the truth will set you free.” here. I have not come on my own
33
They replied to him, “We are accord, but he sent me. 43Why don't
Abraham's descendants and have you understand what I’ve said? It's
never been slaves to anybody. So because you can't listen to my words.
44
how can you say, ‘You will be set You belong to your father the devil,
free’?” and you want to carry out the desires
34
Jesus answered them, “Truly, I of your father. He was a murderer
tell all of you with certainty that from the beginning and has never
everyone who commits sin is a slave stood for truth, since there is no truth
in him. Whenever he tells a lie he
JOHN
of sin.a 35The slave does not remain in
the household forever, but the son speaks in character, because he is a
does remain forever. 36So if the Son liar and the father of lies. 45But it is
sets you free, you will be free because I speak the truth that you do
indeed!” not believe me. 46Can any of you
prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling
The Real Children of Abraham the truth, why don't you believe me?
37
“I know that you are 47
The one who belongs to God listens
Abraham's descendants. Yet you are to the words of God. The reason you
trying to kill me because you’ve not
received what I’ve told you. 38I
b 8:38 Other mss. read the
a 8:34 Other mss. lack of sin a 8:39 Lit. the works of Abraham
183
57
do not listen is because you do not Then the Jews asked him, “You
belong to God.” are not even 50 years old, yet you
Jesus is Superior to Abraham have seen Abraham?”c
58
48
The Jewsa replied to him, Jesus said to them, “Truly, I tell
“Surely we are right in saying that all of you with certainty, before there
you are a Samaritan and have a was an Abraham, I AM!” 59At this,
demon, aren't we?” 8
they picked up stones to throw at
49
Jesus answered, “I don't have a him, but Jesus hid himself and went
demon. On the contrary, I honor my out of the temple. Chapter 9
Father, and you dishonor me. 50I Jesus Heals a Blind Man
9
1
don't seek my own glory. There is As he was walking along, he
one who seeks it, and he is the Judge. observed a man who had been
51
Truly, I tell all of you with certainty, blind from birth. 2His disciples asked
if anyone keeps my word, he will him, “Rabbi,a who sinned, this man
never see death.” or his parents, that caused him to be
born blind?”
8
52
Then the Jewsb said to him, 3
Jesus answered, “Neither this
“Now we really know that you have
man nor his parents sinned. This
a demon. Abraham died, and so did
happened so thatb God’s work might
the prophets, but you say, ‘If anyone
be revealed in him. 4Ic must do the
keeps my word, he will never taste
death.’ 53You aren't greater than our work of the one who sent med while
it is day. Night is approaching, when
father Abraham, who died, are you?
no one can work. 5As long as I am in
The prophets also died. Who are you
the world, I am the light of the
making yourself out to be?”
54 world.” 6After saying this, he spit on
Jesus answered, “If I were
the ground and made mud with the
trying to glorify myself, my glory saliva. Then he spread the mud on
would mean nothing. It is my Father the man's eyes 7and told him, “Go
who glorifies me, of whom you say, and wash in the pool of Siloam”
JOHN
‘He is our God.’ 55You don't know (which is translated “Sent One”). So
him, but I know him. If I were to say he went off, washed, and came back
that I don't know him, I would be a seeing.4
8
liar like you. But I do know him and Then the neighbors and those
keep his word. 56Your father Abraham who had previously seen him as a
rejoiced that he would see my day,
and he saw it and was glad.”
c 8:57 Other mss. read Abraham has seen
you?
a 9:2 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or Teacher
b 9:3 Lit. But so that
a 8:48 I.e. Jewish leaders c 9:4 Other mss. read We
b 8:52 I.e. Jewish leaders d 9:4 Other mss. read us
184
beggar said, “This is the man who He said, “He is a prophet.”

used to sit and beg, isn't it?” 18
The Jewsd did not believe that
9
Some were saying, “It’s him,” the mane had been blind and had
while others were saying, “No, but gained sight until they summoned his
it’s someone like him.” parentsf 19and asked them, “Is this
He himself kept saying, “It’s your son, the one you say was born
me!” blind? How does he now see?”
10
So they asked him, “How, then, 20
His parents replied, “We know
did you gain your eyesight?”
11 that this is our son and that he was
He said, “The man named
born blind. 21But we don't know how
Jesus made some mud, spread it on
it is that he now sees, and we don't
my eyes, and told me, ‘Go to Siloam
know who opened his eyes. Ask him.
and wash.’ So off I went and washed,
and I received my sight.” He is of age and can speak for
12
They asked him, “Where is that himself.” 22His parents said this
man?” because they were afraid of the Jews,a
He said, “I don't know!” since the Jewsb had already agreed
that anyone who acknowledged that
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13 Jesusc was the Messiah would be
So they brought to the
thrown out of the synagogue. 23That's
Pharisees the man who had once
been blind. 14Now it was a Sabbath why his parents said, “He is of age.
day when Jesus made the mud and Ask him.”
24
healeda his eyes. 15So the Pharisees The Jewish leadersd summoned
also began to ask him how he had the man who had been blind a
gained his sight. He told them, “He second time and told him, “Give
put mud on my eyes, then I washed, glory to God! We know that this man
and now I can see.” is a sinner.”
16 25
Some of the Pharisees began to But he responded, “I don't
remark, “This man is not from God know whether he is a sinner or not.
because he does not keep the The one thing I do know is that I
JOHN
Sabbath.” used to be blind and now I can see!”
26
But others were saying, “How Then they asked him, “What
can a sinful man perform such did he do to you? How did he heale
signs?” And there was a division your eyes?”
among them.
17
So they asked the formerlyb
d 9:18 I.e. Jewish leaders
blind man again, “What do you say e 9:18 Lit. believe about him that he
about him, since it was your eyes he f 9:18 Lit. the parents of the man who had
healed?”c been given sight
a 9:22 I.e. Jewish leaders
b 9:22 I.e. Jewish leaders
a 9:13 Lit. opened c 9:22 Lit. he
b 9:17 The Gk. lacks formerly d 9:24 Lit. They
c 9:17 Lit. opened e 9:26 Lit. open
185
27 37
He answered them, “I've Jesus said to him, “You have
already told you, but you didn't seen him. He is the person who is
listen. Why do you want to hear it talking with you.” 9
38
again? You don't want to become his He said, “Lord, I do believe,”
disciples, too, do you?” and worshiped him.
28 39
At this, they turned on him in Then Jesus said, “I have come
fury and said, “You are his disciple, into this world to judge it, so that
but we are disciples of Moses! 29We those who are blind may see and so
know that God has spoken to Moses, that those who see may become
but we do not know where this blind.”
40
fellow comes from.” Some of the Pharisees who
30
The man answered them, “This were near him overheard this and
is an amazing thing! You don't know asked him, “We aren't blind, too, are
where he comes from, yet he healeda we?”
41
my eyes. 31We know that God doesn't Jesus told them, “If you were
listen to sinners, but he does listen to blind, you would not have any sin.
anyone who worships him and does But now that you insist, ‘We see,’
his will. 32Ever since creation it has your sin still exists.”Chapter 10
never been heard that anyone

The Illustration of the Sheepfold
healedb the eyes of a man who was
10
1
“Truly, I tell all of you with
born blind. 33If this man were not
certainty, the person who does
from God, he couldn't do anything
not enter the sheepfold through the
like that.”
34 gate, but climbs in by some other
They asked him, “You were
way, is a thief and a bandit. 2The one
born a sinnerc and you are trying to who enters through the gate is the
instruct us?” And they threw him out. shepherd of the sheep. 3It is to him
Spiritual Blindness the gatekeeper opens the gate, and it
35
Jesus heard that they had is his voice the sheep hear. He calls
thrown him out. So when he found his own sheep by name and leads
JOHN
him, he said, “Do you believe in the them out. 4When he has driven out
Son of Man?”d all his own, he goes ahead of them,
36
He answered, “And who is he, and the sheep follow him because
sir?e Tell me,f so that I may believe in they recognize his voice. 5They will
him.” never follow a stranger, but will run
away from him because they do not
recognize the voice of strangers.”
6
Jesus used this illustration with
a 9:30 Lit. opened them, but they didn't understand
b 9:32 Lit. opened
c 9:34 Lit. born entirely in sins what he was saying to them.
d 9:35 Other mss. read Son of God
Jesus the Good Shepherd
e 9:36 Or Lord 7
f 9:36 The Gk. lacks Tell me So again Jesus said, “Truly, I tell
all of you with certainty, I am the
186
gate for the sheep. 8All who came 19

Once again there was a
before mea are thieves and bandits, division among the Jewsd because of
but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9I what Jesus had been saying. 20Many
am the gate. If anyone enters through of them were saying, “He has a
me, he will be saved. He will come in demon and is insane. Why bother
and go out and find pasture. 10The listening to him?”
21
thief comes only to steal, slaughter, Others were saying, “These are
and destroy. I have come that they not the words of a man who is
may have life, and have it demon-possessed. A demon cannot
abundantly. open the eyes of the blind, can it?”
11
“I am the good shepherd. The
Jesus is Rejected by the Jews
good shepherd lays downb his life for 22
Nowa Hanukkahb was taking
the sheep. 12The hired worker, who is
place in Jerusalem. It was winter,
not the shepherd and does not own 23
and Jesus was walking around in
the sheep, sees the wolf coming,
the temple inside the open porch of
deserts the sheep, and runs away. So
Solomon. 24So the Jews surrounded
the wolf snatches them and scatters
him and said to him, “How long are
them, 13because he is a hired worker,
you going to keep us in suspense? If
and the sheep don’t matter to him.
14 you are the Messiah, tell us so
I am the good shepherd. I
plainly.”
know my own and my own know 25
Jesus answered them, “I have
me, 15just as the Father knows me and
told you, but you do not believe it.
I know the Father. And I lay downc The actions that I do in my Father's
my life for the sheep. 16I have other name testify on my behalf, 26but you
sheep that don’t belong to this fold. I do not believe because you do not
must lead these also, and they will
belong to my sheep.c 27My sheep hear
listen to my voice. So there will be
my voice. I know them, and they
one flock and one shepherd. 17This is
follow me. 28I give them eternal life,
why the Father loves me, because I
they will never be lost, and no one
JOHN
lay down my life in order to take it
will snatch them out of my hand.
back again. 18No one is taking it from 29
What my Father has given med is
me; I lay it down of my own free will.
I have the authority to lay it down, more important than anything,e and
and I have the authority to take it no one can snatch it from the Father's
back again. This is what my Father hand. 30I and the Father are one.”
has commanded me.” d 10:19 I.e. Jewish leaders
a 10:22 Other mss. read Then
b 10:22 Or the Festival of Dedication
c 10:26 Other mss. read my sheep, just as I
told you
a 10:8 Other mss. lack before me d 10:29 Some MSS read My father, who gave
b 10:11 Other mss. read gives them to me,
c 10:15 Other mss. read give e 10:29 Or is greater than everything else
187
31
Again the Jewsa picked up man is true!” 42And many believed in
stones to stone him to death. Jesusa there.
32
Chapter 11
Jesus replied to them, “I have

The Death of Lazarus
shown you many good actions from
11
1
Now a certain man was ill,
myb Father. For which of them are
Lazarus from Bethany, the
you going to stone me?”
33 village of Mary and her sister Martha.
The Jews answered him, “We 2
Mary was the woman who anointed
are not going to stone you for a good
the Lord with perfume and wiped his
action, but for blasphemy, because
feet with her hair. Her brother
you, a mere man, are making yourself
Lazarus was the one who was ill. 3So
God!”
the sisters sent word to Jesus,b saying,
10
34
Jesus replied to them, “Is it not
“Lord, the one whom you love is ill.”
written in yourc law, ‘I said, “You are 4
But when Jesus heard it, he
gods”’?d 35If he called those to whom
said, “This illness is not meant to end
the word of God came ‘gods’ (and the
in death. It is for God's glory, so that
Scripture cannot be disregarded),
36 the Son of God may be glorified
how can you say to the one whom
through it.” 5Now Jesus loved Martha
the Father has consecrated and sent
and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet,
into the world, ‘You are
when he heard that Lazarusc was ill,
blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am
he stayed where he was for two more
the Son of God’? 37If I am not doing
days.
my Father's actions, do not believe 7
After this he said to the
me. 38But if I am doing them, even
disciples, “Let's go back to Judea.”
though you do not believe me, 8
The disciples said to him,
believe the actions, so that you may
“Rabbi,d the Jews were just now
know and understande that the
trying to stone you to death, and you
Father is in me and I am in the
are going back there again?”
Father.” 39Again they tried to seize 9
Jesus replied, “There are twelve
him, but he slipped away from them.f
hours in the day, aren't there? If
JOHN
40
Then he went away again
anyone walks during the day he does
across the Jordan to the place where
not stumble, because he sees the light
John had been baptizing at first, and
of this world. 10But if anyone walks at
he remained there. 41Many people
night he stumbles, because the light is
came to him and kept saying, “John
not in him.” 11These were the things
never performed a sign, but
he said. Then after this he told them,
everything that John said about this
a 10:31 I.e. Jewish leaders

b 10:32 Other mss. read the a 10:42 Lit. him
c 10:34 Other mss. read the b 11:3 Lit. sent to him
d 10:34 Ps 82:6 c 11:6 Lit. he
e 10:38 Other mss. read believe d 11:8 Rabbi is Heb. for Master and/or
f 10:39 Lit. away out of their hands Teacher
188
25
“Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, Jesus said to her, “I am the
but I am leaving to wake him up.” resurrection and the life.a The person
12
So the disciples said to him, who believes in me, even though he
“Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will dies, will live. 26Indeed, everyone who
get well.” 13Jesus, however, had been lives and believes in me will never
speaking about his death, but they die. Do you believe that?”
27
thought that he was speaking about She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I
resting or sleeping. believe that you are the Messiah, the
14
Then Jesus told them plainly, Son of God, the one who was to come
“Lazarus has died. 15For your sake I into the world.”
28
am glad that I was not there, so that When she had said this, she
you may believe. But let's go to him.” went away and called her sister Mary
16
Then Thomas, who was called and told her privately, “The Teacher
the Twin,a said to his fellow disciples, is here and is calling for you!”
“Let's go, too, so that we may die 29
As soon as Maryb heard this,
with him!” she got up quickly and went to him.
30
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life Now Jesus had not yet arrived at
17
When Jesus arrived, he found the village but was still at the place
that Lazarusb had already been in the where Martha had met him. 31When
tomb for four days. 18Now Bethany the Jews who had been with her,
was near Jerusalem, about two milesc consoling her in the house, saw Mary
away, 19and many of the Jews had get up quickly and go out, they
come to Martha and Mary to console followed her, thinking that she had
them about their brother. 20As soon as gone to the tomb to cry there.
Martha heard that Jesus was coming, 32
As soon as Mary came to where
she went and met him, while Mary Jesus was and saw him, she fell down
stayed at home. at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if
21
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother
you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
would not have died. 22But even now 33
When Jesus saw her crying,
JOHN
I know that whatever you ask of God, and the Jews who had come with her
hed will give it to you.” crying, he was greatly troubled in
23
Jesus told her, “Your brother spirit and deeply moved. 34He asked,
will rise again.” “Where have you put him?”
24
Martha said to him, “I know
They said to him, “Lord, come
that he will rise again in the
and see.”
resurrection on the last day.” 35
Jesus burst into tears.
36
a 11:16 Lit. Didymus
So the Jews said, “See how
b 11:17 Lit. he much he loved him!”
c 11:18 Lit. 15 stadia; The Roman mile
contained eight stadia, one stadion was about
604.5 feet long. a 11:25 Other mss. lack and the life
d 11:22 Lit. God b 11:29 Lit. she
189
37
But some of them said, “Surely and said, “What are we going to do?
the one who opened the eyes of the This man is performing many signs.
48
blind man could have kept this man If we let him go on like this,
from dying, couldn't he?” everyone will believe in him, and the
Romans will come and destroy both
Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life
38 our templeb and our nation.”
Groaning deeply again, Jesus 49
But one of them, Caiaphas,
came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a
who was high priest that year, told
stone was lying in front of it. 39Jesus
them, “You don't know anything!
said, “Remove the stone.” 50
Martha, the dead man's sister, You don't realize that it is better for
told him, “Lord, there must be a youc to have one man die for the
stench by now, because he's been people than to have the whole nation
dead for four days.” 11
destroyed.” 51Now he did not say this
40
Jesus said to her, “I told you on his own initiative. As high priest
that if you believed you would see that year, he prophesied that Jesus
God's glory, didn't I?” 41So they would die for the nation, 52and not
removed the stone. only for the nation, but that he would
Then Jesus looked upward and also gather into one the children of
said, “Father, I thank you for hearing God who were scattered abroad. 53So
me. 42I know that you always hear from that day on they resolved to put
me, but I have said this for the sake of him to death.
54
the crowd standing here, so that they As a result, Jesus no longer
may believe that you sent me.” walked openly among the Jews.d
43
After saying this, he shouted Instead, he went from theree to a
with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come town called Ephraim in the region
out!” 44The man who had died came near the wilderness. There he
out, his hands and feet tied with
remained with his disciples.
strips of cloth, and his face wrapped 55
Now the Jewish Passover was
in a handkerchief. Jesus told them,
approaching, and before the Passover
“Untie him, and let him go.”
many people from the countryside
JOHN
The Jewish Council Plans to Kill Jesus went up to Jerusalem to purify

(Matthew 26:1; Mark 14:1-2; Luke themselves. 56They kept looking for
22:1-2) Jesus and saying to one another as
45
Many of the Jews who had they stood in the temple, “What do
come with Mary and had observed you think? Surely he won't come to
what Jesus did believed in him. the festival, will he?” 57Now the high
46
Some of them, however, went to the priests and the Pharisees had given
Pharisees and told them what Jesus orders that whoever knew where he
had done. 47So the high priests and
the Pharisees assembled the Councila b 11:48 Lit. place
c 11:50 Other mss. read for us
d 11:54 I.e. Jewish leaders
a 11:47 Or Sanhedrin e 11:54 I.e. from Bethany
190
was should tell them so that they planned to kill Lazarus, too, 11since he
could arrest him. Chapter 12
was the reason why so many of the
Jews were leaving to believe in Jesus.
Mary Anoints Jesus
(Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9) The King Enters Jerusalem
12 (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11;

1
Six days before the Passover,
Jesus arrived in Bethany, Luke 19:28-40)
12
where Lazarus lived,a the man whom The next day the large crowd
Jesus had raised from the dead. that had come to the festival heard
2
There they gave a dinner for him. that Jesus was coming into Jerusalem.
13
Martha served, and Lazarus was one So they took branches of palm trees
of those at the table with him. 3Mary and went out to meet him, shouting,
took a pound of very expensive “Hosanna!a
perfume made of pure nard and How blessed is the one who comes
anointed Jesus’ feet. She wiped his
in the name of the Lord,b the
feet with her hair, and the house
King of Israel!”
became filled with the fragrance of
14
the perfume. Then Jesus found a young donkey
4
But Judas Iscariot, one of his and sat upon it, as it is written:
disciples, who was going to betray 15
“Stop being afraid, peoplec of Zion.
him, said, 5“Why wasn't this perfume Look, your king is coming,
sold for 300 denariib and the moneyc sitting upon a donkey's colt!”d
given to the destitute?” 6He said this, 16
not because he cared about the At first his disciples didn't
destitute, but because he was a thief. understand these things. However,
He was in charge of the moneybag when Jesus had been glorified, they
and would steal what was put into it. remembered that these things had
7
Then Jesus said, “Leave her been written about him and that
peoplee had done these things to
alone so she can observe the day of
him. 17So the crowd that had been
my burial, 8because you will always
JOHN
with him when he called Lazarus out
have the destitute with you, but you
of the tomb and raised him from the
will not always have me.”
dead continued to testify to what
The Plot Against Lazarus they had seen.f 18The crowd was
9
When the large crowd of Jews going out to meet Jesusg because they
realized that he was there, they came
not only because of Jesus but also to
a 12:13 Hosanna is Heb. for Please save or
see Lazarus, whom he had raised
Praise
from the dead. 10So the high priests b 12:13 Ps 118:25-26
c 12:15 Lit. daughter
a 12:1 Lit. was d 12:15 Zech 9:9
b 12:5 Three hundred denarii was about a e 12:16 Lit. they
year's wages for a laborer. f 12:17 The Gk. lacks to what they had seen
c 12:5 The Gk. lacks the money g 12:18 Lit. him
191
had heard that he had performed this world to begin.a Now will the ruler of
sign. 19Then the Pharisees said to one this world be thrown out. 32As for me,
another, “You see, there is nothing if I am lifted up from the earth, I will
you can do. Look, the world has gone draw all people to myself.” 33He said
after him!” 18 this to indicate the kind of death he
was about to die.
Some Greeks Ask to See Jesus 34
20 Then the crowd answered him,
Now some Greeks were among
“We have learnedb from the Law that
those who had come up to worship at
the Messiah remains forever. So how
the festival. 21They went to Philip
can you say that the Son of Man must
(who was from Bethsaida in Galilee)
be lifted up? Who is this Son of
and told him, “Sir, we would like to
Man?”
see Jesus.” 35
22 Jesus replied to the crowd,c
Philip went and told Andrew,
“The light is among you only for a
and Andrew and Philip went and
short time. Walk while you have the
told Jesus. 23Jesus said to them, “The
light, so that the darkness may not
hour has come for the Son of Man to
overtake you. The person who walks
be glorified. 24Truly, I tell all of you
in the darkness is in the darkness and
with certainty, unless a grain of
does not know where he is going.
wheat falls into the ground and dies, 36
As long as you have the light,
it remains alone. But if it dies, it
believe in the light, so that you may
produces a lot of grain. 25The one
become children of light.” After Jesus
who loves his life will destroy it, and
had said this, he went away and hid
the one who hates his life in this
from them.
world will preserve it for eternal life.
26
If anyone serves me, he must follow The Unbelief of the Jews
37
me. And where I am, there my Although he had performed
servant will also be. If anyone serves numerous signs in their presence,
me, the Father will honor him.” they did not believe in him, 38so that
what the prophet Isaiah spoke might
Jesus Speaks about His Death
27 be fulfilled when he said:
“Now my soul is in turmoil,
JOHN
and what should I say—‘Father, save “Lord, who has believed our
me from this hour’? No! It was for message,
this very reason that I came to this and to whom has the Lord’s
hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” powerd been revealed?”e
Then a voice came from heaven, 39
This is why they could not believe:
“I have glorified it, and I will glorify it
Isaiah also said,
again!” 29The crowd standing there
heard this and said that it was
thunder. a 12:31 Lit. Now is the judgment of this world
Others were saying, “An angel b 12:34 Lit. heard
has spoken to him.” c 12:35 Lit. them
30
Jesus replied, “This voice is for d 12:38 Lit. arm
your benefit, not for mine. 31Now is e 12:38 Isa 53:1
the time for the judgment of this

192
40
“He has blinded their eyes Instead, the Father who sent me has
and hardened their heart, himself commanded me what to say
so that they might not perceive and how to speak. 50And I know that
with their eyes, what he commands brings eternal
and understand with their minda life. What I speak, therefore, I speak
and turn, just as the Father has told me.”
and I would heal them.”b Chapter 13
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
13
41
Isaiah said this whenc he saw his 1
Now before the Passover
glory and spoke about him. 42Yet Festival, Jesus realized that his
many people, even some of the hour had come to leave this world
authorities, believed in him, but and return to the Father. Having
because of the Pharisees they did not loved his own who were in the
admit it so they would not be thrown world, he loved them to the end.c 2By
out of the synagogue. 43For they supper time, the devil had already
loved the praise of human beings put it into the heart of Judas, the son
more than the praise of God. of Simon Iscariot, to betray him.
3
Because Jesus knew that the Father
Judgment by Jesus’ Word had given everything into his
44
Then Jesus said loudly, “The control,d that he had come from God,
one who believes in me does not and that he was returning to God,
believe in me only, but alsoa in the 4
therefore he got up from the table,
one who sent me. 45The one who sees removed his outer robe, and took a
me sees the one who sent me. 46I have towel and fastened it around his
come into the world as light, so that waist. 5Then he poured some water
everyone who believes in me will not into a basin and began to wash the
remain in the darkness. 47If anyone disciples’ feet and to dry them with
hears my words and does not keep the towel that was tied around his
them, I do not condemn him, because waist.
6
I did not come to condemn the world Then he came to Simon Peter,
JOHN
but to save it.b 48The one who rejects who asked him, “Lord, are you going
me and does not receive my words to wash my feet?”
7
has something to judge him: The Jesus answered him, “You do
word that I have spoken will judge not realize now what I am doing, but
him on the last day, 49because I have later on you will understand.”
8
Peter said to him, “You must
not spoken on my own authority.
never wash my feet!”
a 12:40 Lit. heart

b 12:40 Isa 6:9-10
c 12:41 Other mss. read because
a 12:44 Lit. me but c 13:1 Or loved them completely
b 12:47 Lit. save the world d 13:3 Lit. hands
193
Jesus answered him, “Unless I before it happens, so that when it

wash you, you cannot be involved does happen, you may believe that I
with me.” AM. 20Truly, I tell all of you with
9
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, certainty, the one who receives
not just my feet, but my hands and whomever I send receives me, and
my head as well!” the one who receives me receives the
10
Jesus told him, “Whoever has one who sent me.”18
bathed is entirely clean. He doesn’t
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
need to wash himself further, except
(Matthew 26:20-25; Mark 14:17-21;
for his feet. And you mena are clean, Luke 22:21-23)
though not all of you.” 11For he knew 21
After saying this, Jesus was
who was going to betray him. That's deeply troubled in spirit and declared
why he said, “Not all of you are solemnly, “Truly, I tell all of you with
clean.” 10
13
certainty, one of you is going to

12
When Jesusb had washed their betray me!” 22The disciples began
feet and put on his outer robe, he sat looking at one another, completely
down again and said to them, “Do mystified about whom he was
you realize what I have done to you? speaking. 23One of his disciples, the
13
You call me Teacher and Lord, and one whom Jesus kept loving, had
you are righta because that is what I been sitting very close to him.
am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, 24
So Simon Peter motioned to
have washed your feet, you must also this man to ask Jesus about whom he
wash one another's feet. 15I have set was speaking. 25Leaning forward on
an example for you, so that you may Jesus’ chest, he asked him, “Lord,
do as I have done to you. 16Truly, I who is it?”
say to you with certainty, a servant is 26
Jesus answered, “He is the one
not greater than his master, and a to whom I will give this piece of
messenger is not greater than the one bread after I have dipped it in the
who sent him. 17If you understand dish.”d
JOHN
these things, how blessed you are if Then he took a piece of bread,
you put them into practice! 18I'm not dipped it, and gave it to Judas, the
talking about all of you. I know the son of Simon Iscariot.e 27After he had
ones I have chosen. But the Scripture taken the piece of bread, Satan
must be fulfilled: ‘The one who ate entered him. Then Jesus said to him,
bread with meb has turned against “Do quickly what you are going to
me.’c 19I'm telling you this now, do!” 28Now no one at the table knew
why Jesusf said this to him. 29Some
a 13:10 The Gk. lacks men
b 13:12 Lit. he
a 13:13 Lit. you speak well d 13:26 The Gk. lacks in the dish
b 13:18 Other mss. read ate my bread e 13:26 Other mss. read Judas Iscariot, the son
c 13:18 Lit. has lifted up his heel against me; of Simon
cf. Ps 41:9 f 13:28 Lit. he
194
thought that, since Judas had the 37

Peter said to him, “Lord,d why
moneybag, Jesus was telling him to can't I follow you now? I would lay
buy what they needed for the festival down my life for you!”
or to give something to the destitute. 38
Jesus answered him, “Would
30
So Judasa took the piece of bread, you lay down your life for me? Truly,
immediately went outside, and it was I tell you with certainty, a rooster will
night. not crow until you have denied me
three times.”
The New Commandment Chapter 14
31
After Judasb had gone out, Jesus the Way to the Father
14
1
Jesus said, “The Son of Man is now “Do not let your hearts be
glorified, and God has been glorified troubled. Believee in God,
by him. 32If God has been glorified by believe also in me. 2There are many
him,c God himself also will glorify the rooms in my Father's house. If there
Son of Man,a and he will do sob were not, would I have told you that
quickly. 33Little children, I am with I am going away to prepare a place
you only a little longer. You will look for you? 3And if I am going away to
for me, but what I told the Jewsc I prepare a place for you, I will come
now tell you, ‘Where I am going, you back again and welcome you into my
cannot come.’ 34I am giving you a presence, so that you may be where I
new commandment to love one am. 4You know where I am going,
another. Just as I have loved you, you and you know the way.”
5
also should love one another. 35This is Thomas asked him, “Lord, we
how everyone will know that you are don't know where you are going, so
my disciples, if you have love for one how can we know the way?”
6
another.” Jesus said to him, “I am the
way, the truth, and the life. No one
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial comes to the Father except through
(Matthew 26:31-34; Mark 14:27-31; me. 7If you have known me, you will
Luke 22:31-34) also know my Father. From now on
JOHN
36
Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, you know him and have seen him.”
where are you going?” 13
8
Philip said to him, “Lord, show
Jesus answered him, “I am going us the Father, and that will satisfy
where you cannot follow me now, us.”
9
though you will follow me later on.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been
with you all this time, Philip, and you
still do not know me? The person
a 13:30 Lit. he who has seen me has seen the Father.
b 13:31 Lit. he So how can you say, ‘Show us the
c 13:32 Other mss. lack If God has been Father’? 10You believe, don't you, that
glorified by him
a 13:32 Lit. him
b 13:32 Lit. will glorify him d 13:37 Other mss. lack Lord
c 13:33 I.e. Jewish leaders e 14:1 Or You believe
195
I am in the Father and the Father is in one who loves me will be loved by
me? The words that I say to you I do my Father, and I, too, will love him
not speak on my own. It is the Father and reveal myself to him.”
22
who dwells in me and who carries Judas (not Iscariot) asked him,
out his work. 11Believe me, I am in the “Lord, how is it that you are going to
Father and the Father is in me. reveal yourself to us and not to the
Otherwise, believe mea because of world?”
what I’ve been doing.b 10 23
Jesus answered him, “If anyone
12
“Truly, I tell all of you with loves me, he will keep my word.
certainty, the one who believes in me Then my Father will love him, and
will also do what I am doing. He will we will go to him and make our
do even greater things than these, home within him. 24The one who
because I am going to the Father. 13I does not love me does not keep my
will do whatever you ask in my words. The words that you’re hearing
name, so that the Father may be me say are not mine, but come from
glorified in the Son. 14If you ask mea the Father who sent me.
for anything in my name, I will do it.” 25
“I have told you this while I am
The Promise of the Helper still with you. 26But the Helper, the
15
“If you love me, keepb my Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
commandments. 16I will ask the send in my name, will teach you all
Father to givec you another Helper, things and remind you of everything
to be with you always. 17He is the that I have told you. 27I am leaving
Spirit of truth, whom the world you at peace. I am giving you my
cannot receive, because it neither sees own peace. I am not giving it to you
him nor recognizes him. But you as the world gives. So don’t let your
recognize him, because he lives with hearts be troubled, and don’t be
you and will be ind you. 18I am not afraid. 28You have heard me tell you,
going to forsake you like orphans. I ‘I am going away, but I am coming
will come back to you. back to you.’ If you loved me, you
19
“In a little while the world will would rejoice that I am going to the
JOHN
no longer see me, but you will see Father, because the Father is greater
me. Because I live, you will live also. than I am. 29I have told you this now,
20
At that time you will know that I am
before I leave, so that when I do
in my Father, that you are in me, and
leave, you will believe. 30I will not talk
that I am in you. 21The person who
with you much longer, because the
has my commandments and keeps
ruler of this world is coming. He has
them is the one who loves me. The
no power over me.e 31But I am doing
a 14:11 Other mss. lack me what the Father has commanded me
b 14:11 Lit. of the works themselves to let the world know that I love the
a 14:14 Other mss. lack me
b 14:15 Other mss. read you will keep
c 14:16 Lit. and he will give
d 14:17 Or among e 14:30 Lit. has nothing in me
196
Father. Get up! Let us leave this may be in you, and that your joy may
place.”3014 be complete.9
12
Chapter 15
“This is my commandment:
Jesus the True Vine
that you love one another as I have
15
1
“I am the true vine, and my
loved you. 13No one showsd greater
Father is the vintner. 2He cuts
love than when he lays down his life
off every branch that does not
for his friends. 14You are my friends if
produce fruit in me, and he cuts back
you do what I command you. 15I do
every branch that does produce fruit,
not call you servants anymore,
so that it might produce more fruit.
3 because a servant does not know
You are already clean because of
what his master is doing. But I have
what I’ve spoken to you.
4 called you friends, because I have
“Abide in me, and I will abide in
made known to you everything that I
you. Just as the branch cannot
have heard from my Father.
produce fruit by itself unless it abides 16
“You have not chosen me, but I
in the vine, neither can you unless
have chosen you. I have appointed
you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you
you to go and produce fruit that will
are the branches. The one who abides
last,e so that whatever you ask the
in me while I abide in hima produces
Father in my name, he will give it to
much fruit, because apart from me
you. 17I am giving you these
you can do nothing. 6Unless a person
commandments so that you may love
abides in me, he is thrown away like
one another.”
a prunedb branch and dries up.
People gather such branches,c throw The World's Hatred
18
them into a fire, and they are burned “If the world hates you, you
up. should realize that it hated me before
7
“If you abide in me and my you. 19If you belonged to the world,
words abide in you, you can ask for the world would love you as one of
anything you want, and you will its own. But because you do not
receive it. 8This is how my Father is belong to the world and I have
JOHN
glorified, when you produce a lot of chosen you out of it,f the world hates
fruit and so prove to be my disciples. you. 20Remember what I told you: ‘A
9
Just as the Father has loved me, so I servant is not greater than his
have loved you. So abide in my love. master.’ If they persecuted me, they
10
If you keep my commandments, will also persecute you. If they kept
you will abide in my love, just as I my word, they will also keep yours.
21
have kept my Father's They will do all these things to you
commandments and abide in his love.
11
I have told you this so that my joy
d 15:13 Lit. has
a 15:5 Lit. and I in him e 15:16 Lit. produce fruit, and your fruit is to
b 15:6 The Gk. lacks pruned last
c 15:6 Lit. They gather them f 15:19 Lit. out of the world
197
on account of my name, because they has filled your hearts. 7However, I am

do not know the one who sent me. telling you the truth. It is for your
22
“If I had not come and spoken advantage that I am going away,
to them, they would not have any because if I do not go away the
sin. But now they have no excuse for Helper will not come to you. But if I
their sin. 23The person who hates me go, I will send him to you. 8When he
also hates my Father. 24If I had not comes, he will convict the world of
done among them the actions that no sin, righteousness, and judgment—
9
one else did, they would not have of sin, because they do not believe in
any sin. But now they have seen and me; 10of righteousness, because I am
hated both me and my Father. 25But going to the Father and you will no
this happened so thata what has been longer see me; 11and of judgment,
written in their law might be fulfilled: because the ruler of this world has
‘They hated me for no reason.’b 2415
been judged.d10
26 12
“When the Helper comes, “I still have a lot to say to you,
whom I will send to you from the but you cannot bear it now. 13Yet
Father, the Spirit of Truth who comes when the Spirit of Truth comes, he
from the Father, he will testify on my will guide you into all truth. He will
behalf. 27You will testify also, because not speak on his own accord, but will
you have been with me from the speak whatever he hears and will
beginning. declare to you the things that are to
16
come. 14He will glorify me, because he
Chapter 16
1
“I have told you this to keep
you from falling away.c 2You will take what is mine and declare it
will be thrown out of the synagogues. to you. 15All that the Father has is
Yes, a time is coming when the one mine. That is why I said, ‘He will take
who kills you will think he is serving what is mine and declare it to you.’
16
God. 3They will do this because they In a little while you will no longer
have not known the Father or me. see me, then in a little while you will
4
But I have told you this so that when see me again.”
17
At this point, some of his
JOHN
the time comes you will remember

that I told you about them. I did not disciples asked each other, “What
tell you this in the beginning, because does he mean by telling us, ‘In a little
I was still with you.” while you will no longer see me, then
in a little while you will see me
The Work of the Spirit again,’ and ‘because I am going to the
5
“But now I am going to the one Father’?” 18They kept saying, “What is
who sent me. Yet none of you asks this ‘in a little while’ that he keeps
me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6But talking about? We don't know what
because I have told you this, sorrow he means.”
a 15:25 Lit. But so that
b 15:25 Ps 35:19; 69:4
c 16:1 Or from stumbling d 16:11 Or condemned
198
Sorrow Will Turn to Joy your behalf, 27because the Father

19
Jesus knew that they wanted to himself loves you, and because you
ask him a question, so he said to have loved me and believed that I
them, “Are you discussing among came from God.b 28I left the Father
yourselves what I meant when I said, and came into the world. Nowc I am
‘In a little while you will no longer leaving the world and going back to
see me, then in a little while you will the Father.”
see me again’? 20Truly, I tell all of you 29
Jesus’d disciples said, “Well,
with certainty, you will cry and now you're speaking plainly and not
mourn, but the world will rejoice. using figurative language. 30Now we
You will be deeply distressed, but know that you know everything and
your pain will turn into joy. 21When a do not need to have anyone ask you
woman is in labor she has pain, any questions. Because of this, we
because her time has come. Yet when believe that you have come from
she has given birth to her child, she God.”
doesn't remember the agony 31
Jesus answered them, “Do you
anymore because of the joy of having now believe? 32Listen, the time is
brought a human being into the coming, indeed it has already come,
world. 22Now you are having pain. when you will be scattered, each of
But I will see you again, and your you to his own home, and you will
hearts will rejoice, and no one will leave me all by myself. Yet I am not
take your joy away from you. 23On alone, because the Father is with me.
that day, you will not ask me for 33
I have told you this so that through
anything. Truly, I tell all of you with me you may have peace. In the world
certainty, whatever you ask the you will have trouble, but be
Father for in my name, he will give it courageous—I have overcome the
to you.a 24So far you haven't asked for world!”
anything in my name. Keep asking Chapter 17
and you will receive, so that your joy Jesus Prays for Himself, His Disciples,
may be complete.” and His Future Followers
JOHN
17
1
16
After Jesus had said this, he

Victory over the World looked up to heaven and said,
25
“I have said these things to you “Father, the hour has come. Glorify
in figurative language. The time is your Son, so that the Son may glorify
coming when I will no longer speak you. 2Fore you have given him
to you in figurative language, but will
authority over all humanityf so that
tell you plainly about the Father. 26At
he might give eternal life to all those
that time, you will make your
requests in my name, so that I will
b 16:27 Other mss. read from the Father
have no need to ask the Father on c 16:28 Lit. Again
d 16:29 Lit. His
a 16:23 Other mss. read ask the Father for, he e 17:2 Lit. Just as
will give it to you in my name f 17:2 Lit. flesh
199
you gave him. 3And this is eternal life: 13

“And now I am coming to you,
to know you, the only true God, and and I say these things in the world so
the one whom you sent—Jesus the that they may have my joy made
Messiah. 4I glorified you on earth by complete in themselves. 14I have
completing the task you gave me to given them your word, and the world
do.2 has hated them, because they do not
5
“So now, Father, glorify me in belong to the world, just as I do not
your presence with the glory I had belong to the world. 15I am not asking
with you before the world existed. 6I you to take them out of the world but
have made your name known to to protect them from the evil one.
16
these men whom you gave me from They do not belong to the world,
the world. They were yours, and you just as I do not belong to the world.
17
gave them to me, and they have kept “Sanctify them by the truth.
your word. 7Now they realize that Your word is truth. 18Just as you sent
everything you gave me comes from me into the world, so I have sent
you, 8because the words that you them into the world. 19It is for their
gave me I passed on to them. They sakes that I sanctify myself, so that
have received them and know for they, too, may be sanctified by the
sure that I came from you. They have truth. 20I ask not only on behalf of
believed that you sent me. 6 these men,d but also on behalf of
9
“I am asking on their behalf. I those who will believe in me through
am not asking on behalf of the world, their message, 21so that they may all
but on behalf of those you gave me, be one. Just as you, Father, are in me
because they are yours. 10All that is and I am in you, may they also be
mine is yours, and what is yours is onee in us, so that the world may
mine, and I have been glorified believe that you sent me.
through them. 11I am no longer in the 22
“I have given them the glory
world, but they are in the world, and that you gave me, so that they may
I am coming to you. Holy Father, be one, just as we are one. 23I am in
protect them by your name, the them, and you are in me. May they
JOHN
namea that you gave me, so that they be completely one, so that the world
may be one, as we are one. 12While I may know that you sent me and that
was with them, I protected them by you have loved them as you loved
the authorityb that you gave me. I me. 24Father, I want those you have
guarded them, and not one of them given me to be with me where I am
became lost except the one who was and to see my glory, which you gave
destined forc destruction, so that the me because you loved me before the
Scripture might be fulfilled.10 creation of the world. 2117
a 17:11 Lit. the one

b 17:12 Lit. by your name d 17:20 The Gk. lacks men
c 17:12 Lit. the son of e 17:21 Other mss. lack one
200
25
“Righteous Father, the world They said, “Jesus from
has never known you. Yet I have Nazareth.”d
8
known you, and these men have Jesus replied, “I told you that I
known that you sent me. 26I made am the one,e so if you are looking for
your name known to them, and will me, let these men go.” 9This was to
continue to make it known, so that fulfill what he had said, “I did not
the love you have for mea may be in lose a single one of those you gave
them and I myself may be in them.” me.”f
10
Chapter 18
Then Simon Peter, who had a

Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
sword, drew it and struck the high
(Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-40;
priest's servant, cutting off his right
Luke 22:47-53)
ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
18
1
Ater Jesus had said this, he 11
Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword
went with his disciples across
back into its sheath. Shouldn't I drink
the Kidron valley to a place where
the cup that the Father has given
there was a garden, which he and his
me?”
disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who
betrayed him, also knew the place Jesus before the High Priest
because Jesus often met there with (Matthew 26:57-58; Mark 14:53-54;
his disciples. 3So Judas took a Luke 22:54)
12
detachment of soldiers and some Then the soldiers, along with
officers from the high priests and the their commander and the Jewish
Pharisees and went there with officers, arrested Jesus and tied him
lanterns, torches, and weapons. up. 13First they brought him to Annas,
4
Then Jesus, knowing everything because he was the father-in-law of
that was going to happen, went Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
14
forward and asked them, “Who are Caiaphas was the person who had
you looking for?” advised the Jews that it was better to
5
They answered him, “Jesus have one man die for the people.
from Nazareth.”b
Peter Denies Jesus
JOHN
Jesus said to them, “I AM.”
Judas, the man who betrayed him, (Matthew 26:69-70; Mark 14:66-68;
was standing with them. Luke 22:55-57)
15
6
When Jesusc told them, “I AM,” Simon Peter and another
they backed away and fell to the disciple were following Jesus. Since
ground. 7So he asked them again, the other disciple was known to the
“Who are you looking for?” high priest, he accompanied Jesus
a 17:26 Lit. the love with which you loved me d 18:7 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.
b 18:5 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk. Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb.
Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb. netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the
netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the name Nazareth.
name Nazareth. e 18:8 The Gk. lacks the one
c 18:6 Lit. he f 18:9 cf. John 17:12
201
into the courtyard of the high priest. him, with his hands tied, to Caiaphas
16
Peter, however, stood outside the the high priest.
gate. So this other disciple who was
Peter Denies Jesus Again
known to the high priest went out
(Matthew 26:71-75; Mark 14:69-72;
and spoke to the gatekeeper and
Luke 22:58-62)
brought Peter inside. 17The young 25
Meanwhile, Simon Peter was
woman at the gate asked Peter, “You
standing and warming himself. Some
aren't one of this man's disciples, too, peopleb asked him, “You aren't one
are you?”15 of his disciples, too, are you?”
“I am not,” he replied. He denied it by saying, “I am
18
Meanwhile, the servants and not!”
officers were standing around a 26
Then one of the high priest's
charcoal fire they had built and were servants, a relative of the man whose
warming themselves because it was ear Peter had cut off, said, “I saw you
cold. Peter was also standing with
in the garden with Jesus,c didn't I?”
them, keeping himself warm. 27
Peter again denied it, and
The High Priest Questions Jesus immediately a rooster crowed.
(Matthew 26:59-66; Mark 14:55-64;
Pilate Questions Jesus
Luke 22:66-71)
19 (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1-5; Luke
Then the high priest
23:1-5)
questioned Jesus about his disciples 28
Then Jesus was led from
and about his own teaching. 20Jesus
answered him, “I have spoken Caiaphas to the governor's
publicly to the world. I have always headquartersd early in the morning.
taught in the synagogue or in the The Jewse did not go into the
temple, where all Jews meet together, headquarters, to avoid becoming
and I have said nothing in secret. uncleanf and unable to eat the
21
Why do you question me? Question Passover meal. 29So Pilate came out to
those who heard what I said. These them and said, “What accusation are
are the people who know what I you bringing against this man?”
JOHN
30
said.” They answered him, “If he
22
When he said this, one of the weren't a criminal, we wouldn't have
officers standing nearby slapped handed him over to you.”
31
Jesus on the face and said, “Is that Pilate told them, “You take him
any way to answer the high priest?” and try him according to your law.”
23
Jesus answered him, “If I have The Jews said to him, “It is not
said anything wrong, tell me what it legal for us to put anyone to death.”
was.a But if I have told the truth, why
do you hit me?” 24Then Annas sent b 18:25 Lit. They
c 18:26 Lit. him
d 18:28 Lit. to the praetorium
e 18:28 Lit. they
a 18:23 Lit. about the wrong f 18:28 I.e. ceremonially unqualified
202
32
This was to fulfill what Jesus had you want me to release for you the
saida when he indicated the kind of king of the Jews?”
40
death he was to die. At this, they shouted out again,
33
So Pilate went back into the “Not this fellow, but Barabbas!” Now
governor's headquarters,b summoned Barabbas was a revolutionary.e 18
Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the Chapter 19
king of the Jews?” Jesus is Sentenced to Death

34 (Matthew 27:15-31; Mark 15:6-20;
Jesus replied, “Are you asking
Luke 23:13-25)
this on your own initiative, or did
19
1
Then Pilate had Jesus taken
others tell you about me?”
35 away and whipped. 2The
Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew,
soldiers twisted some thorns into a
am I? It is your own nation and high victor's crown, put it on his head, and
priests who have handed you over to threw a purple robe on him. 3They
me. What have you done?” kept coming up to him and saying,
36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom “Long live the king of the Jews!”
does not belong to this world. If my Then they began to slap him on the
kingdom belonged to this world, my face.
servants would fight to keep me from 4
Pilate went outside again and
being handed over to the Jews.c But told the Jews,f “Look, I am bringing
for now my kingdom is not from him out to you to let you know that I
here.” find no basis for a charge against
37
Pilate asked him, “So you are a him.” 5Then Jesus came outside,
king?” wearing the victor's crown of thorns
Jesus answered, “You say that I and the purple robe.
Pilate said to them, “Here is the
am a king. I was born for this, and I
man!”
came into the world for this: to testify 6
When the high priests and the
to the truth. Everyone who is officials saw him, they shouted,
committed to the truth listens to my “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
JOHN
voice.” Pilate told them, “You take him
38
Pilate asked him, “What is and crucify him. I find no basis for a
‘truth’?” charge against him.”
7
After he said this, he went out to The Jews answered Pilate,a “We
the Jewsd again and told them, “I find have a law, and according to that law
no basis for a charge against him. he must die because he made himself
39
But you have a custom that I release out to be the Son of God.”
8
one person for you at Passover. Do When Pilate heard this, he
became even more afraid. 9Returning
a 18:32 Lit. the word of Jesus that he said

b 18:33 Lit. into the praetorium e 18:40 Or bandit
c 18:36 I.e. Jewish leaders f 19:4 Lit. them
d 18:38 I.e. Jewish leaders a 19:7 Lit. him
203
to his headquarters,a he asked Jesus, Jesus is Crucified

“Where are you from?” (Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32;
But Jesus did not answer him. Luke 23:26-43)
10 17
So Pilate asked him, “Aren't Carrying the cross all by
you going to speak to me? You himself, he went out to what is called
realize, don't you, that I have the The Place of a Skull, which in
authority to release you and the Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There
authority to crucify you?” they crucified him, along with two
11
Jesus answered him, “You have others, one on each side of him with
no authority over me at all, except Jesus in the middle. 19Pilate wrote an
what was given to you from above. inscription and put it on the cross. It
That's why the one who handed me read, “Jesus from Nazareth,d the King
over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” of the Jews.” 20Many Jews read this
12
From then on, Pilate tried to inscription, because the place where
release him, but the Jews kept Jesus was crucified was near the city.
shouting, “If you release this fellow, It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and
you're not a friend of Caesar! Anyone Greek.
who claims to be a king is defying 21
Then the Jewish high priests
Caesar!” told Pilate, “Don't write, ‘The King of
13
When Pilate heard these the Jews,’ but that this fellow said, ‘I
words, he brought Jesus outside and am the King of the Jews.’”
sat down on the judgment seat in a 22
Pilate replied, “What I have
place called The Pavement, which in written I have written.”
Hebrew is called Gabbatha. 14Now it 23
When the soldiers had
was the Preparation Day for the crucified Jesus, they took his clothes
Passover, about noon.b He said to the and divided them into four parts, one
Jews, “Here is your king!”13 for each soldier, and took his cloaka
15
Then they shouted, “Take him as well. The cloak was seamless,
away! Take him away! Crucify him!” woven in one piece from the top
Pilate asked them, “Should I down. 24So they said to each other,
JOHN
crucify your king?” “Let's not tear it. Instead, let's throw
The high priests responded, “We dice to see who gets it.” This was to
have no king but Caesar!” 16Then fulfill the Scripture that says,
Pilatec handed him over to be
crucified, and they took Jesus away.
d 19:19 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.

Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb.
a 19:9 Lit. to the praetorium netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the
b 19:14 Lit. about the sixth hour name Nazareth.
c 19:16 Lit. he a 19:23 Lit. and his tunic
204
“They divided my clothes among legs broken and the bodiesc removed.
themselves, 32
So the soldiers went and broke the
and for my clothing they threw legs of the first man and then of the
dice.”a other man who had been crucified
with him. 33But when they came to
So that is what the soldiers did.
25 Jesus and saw that he was already
Meanwhile, standing near
dead, they did not break his legs.
Jesus’ cross were his mother, his 34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced
mother's sister, Mary the wife of
his side with a spear, and blood and
Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When
water immediately came out. 35The
Jesus saw his mother and the disciple
one who saw this has testified, and
whom he kept loving standing there,
his testimony is true. He knows he is
he said to his mother, “Dear lady,b
telling the truth so that you, too, may
here is your son.” 27Then he said to
believe, 36because these things
the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
happened so that the Scripture might
And from that hour the disciple took
be fulfilled:
her into his own home.
“None of his bones will be
Jesus Dies on the Cross
broken.”d
(Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41;
37
Luke 23:44-49) In addition, another passage of
28
After this, when Jesus realized Scripture says,
that everything was now completed,
“They will look on the one whom
he said (in order to fulfill the
they pierced.”a
Scripture), “I'm thirsty.” 29A jar of
19
sour wine was standing there, so they

Jesus is Buried
put a sponge full of the wine on a
(Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47;
branch of hyssop and held it to his
Luke 23:50-56)
mouth. 30After Jesus had taken the 38
Later on, Joseph of Arimathea,
wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he
who was a disciple of Jesus (though a
bowed his head and released his
JOHN
secret one because he was afraid of
spirit.
the Jews), asked Pilate to let him
Jesus’ Side is Pierced remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave
31
Since it was the Preparation him permission, and he came and
Day, the Jews did not want to leave removed his body. 39Nicodemus, the
the bodies on the crosses during the man who had first come to Jesus at
Sabbath, because that was a night, also arrived, bringing a mixture
particularly important Sabbath. So of myrrh and aloes weighing about a
they asked Pilate to have the men's hundred pounds. 40They took the
c 19:31 The Gk. lacks the bodies

a 19:24 Ps 22:18 d 19:36 Exod 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20
b 19:26 Or Woman a 19:37 Zech 12:10
205
body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen other disciple, who arrived at the
cloths along with spices, according to tomb first, went inside, looked, and
the burial custom of the Jews. 41A believed. 9For they did not yet
garden was located in the place understand the Scripture that saidb
where he was crucified, and in that that Jesusc had to rise from the dead.
garden was a new tomb in which no 10
So the disciples went back to their
one had yet been placed. 42Because it homes.
was the Jewish Preparation Day, and
because the tomb was nearby, they Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
put Jesus there. 40 (Mark 16:9-11)
11
Meanwhile, Mary stood crying
19
Chapter 20
Jesus is Raised from the Dead outside the tomb. As she cried, she
(Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke bent over and lookedd into the tomb.
24:1-12) 12
She saw two angels in white clothes
20
1
On the first day of the week,a who were sitting down, one at the
early in the morning and head and the other at the foot of the
while it was still dark, Mary place where Jesus’ body had been
Magdalene went to the tomb and lying. 13They asked her, “Lady,a why
noticed that the stone had been are you crying?”
removed from the tomb. 2So she ran She told them, “Because they
off and went to Simon Peter and the have taken away my Lord, and I
other disciple, whom Jesus kept don't know where they have put
loving. She told them, “They have him.”
taken the Lord out of the tomb, and 14
After she had said this, she
we don't know where they have put turned around and noticed Jesus
him!” 3So Peter and the other disciple standing there, without realizing that
took off for the tomb. 4The two of it was Jesus.
them were running together, but the 15
Jesus asked her, “Dear lady,b
other disciple ran faster than Peter why are you crying? Who are you
and came to the tomb first. 5Bending looking for?”
JOHN
over to look inside, he noticed the Thinking he was the gardener,

linen cloths lying there but didn't go she said to him, “Sir, if you have
in. carried him away, tell me where you
6
At this point Simon Peter have put him, and I will take him
arrived, following him, and went away.”
straight into the tomb. He observed 16
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
that the linen cloths were lying there,
7
and that the handkerchief that had
been on Jesus’ head was not lying
b 20:9 The Gk. lacks that said
with the linen cloths but was rolled c 20:9 Lit. he
up in a separate place. 8Then the d 20:11 The Gk. lacks and looked
a 20:13 Or Woman
a 20:1 Lit. first of the Sabbaths b 20:15 Or Woman
206
She turned around and said to with them when Jesus came. 25So the
him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which other disciples kept telling him, “We
means “Teacher”). have seen the Lord!” But he told
17
Jesus told her, “Don't hold on them, “Unless I see the nail marks in
to me, because I have not yet his hands, put my finger into them,e
ascended to the Father. But go to my and put my hand into his side, I will
brothers and tell them, ‘I am never believe!”
ascending to my Father and your 26
A week later his disciples were
Father, to my God and your God.’” again inside, and Thomas was with
18
So Mary Magdalene went and them. Even though the doors were
announced to the disciples, “I have shut, Jesus came, stood among them,
seen the Lord!” She also told them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then
what he had said to her. he said to Thomas, “Put your finger
Jesus Appears to the Disciples here, and look at my hands. Take
(Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18; your hand, and put it into my side.
Luke 24:36-49) Stop doubting, but believe.”
28
19
It was the evening of the first Thomas answered him, “My
Lord and my God!”
day of the week,a and the doors of 29
Jesus said to him, “Is it because
the house where the disciples had
you have seen me that you have
met were locked because they were
believed? How blessed are those who
afraid of the Jews.b Jesus came and
have never seen me and yet have
stood among them. He said to them,
believed!”
“Peace be with you.” 20After saying
this, he showed them his hands and The Purpose of the Book
30
his side, and when they saw the Lord Jesus performed many other
the disciples were overjoyed. 21Jesus signs in the presence of hisa disciples
said to them again, “Peace be with that are not recorded in this book.
31
you. Just as the Father has sent me, so But these have been recorded so
I am sending you.” 22When he had that you may believe that Jesus is the
JOHN
said this, he breathed on them and Messiah, the Son of God, and so that
said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. through believing you may have life
23
If you forgive people's sins, they are in his name.
forgiven. If you retain people's sins, Chapter 21
Jesus Appears to Seven of His

they are retained.” 22
Disciples
20
Jesus Appears to Thomas

21
1
Later on, Jesus revealed
24
Thomas, one of the twelve himself again to the disciples
disciplesc (called the Twin),d wasn't at the Sea of Tiberias. This is what
a 20:19 Or evening of that day, the first of the

Sabbaths d 20:24 Lit. called Didymus
b 20:19 I.e. Jewish leaders e 20:25 Lit. into the nail marks
c 20:24 The Gk. lacks disciples a 20:30 Other mss. read the
207
happened: 2Simon Peter, Thomas of them. And although there were so

(called the Twin),a Nathaniel from many of them, the net was not torn.
12
Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, Then Jesus said to them,
and two of his other disciples were “Come, have breakfast.” Now none of
together. 3Simon Peter said to them, the disciples dared to ask him, “Who
“I'm going fishing.” 1 are you?”, because they knew it was
They all told him, “We'll go with the Lord. 13Jesus took the bread, gave
you, too.” So they went out and got it to them, and didd the same with
into the boat but didn't catch a thing the fish. 14This was now the third
that night. time that Jesus revealed himself to
4
Just as dawn was breaking, the disciples after he had been raised
Jesus stood on the shore. The from the dead.
disciples didn't realize it was Jesus.
5 Jesus Speaks with Peter
Jesus asked them, “Children, you 15
When they had finished
don't have any fish, do you?”
breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter,
They answered him, “No.”
6 “Simon, son of John, do you love me
He told them, “Throw the net
more than these?”
on the right hand side of the boat,
Petera said to him, “Yes, Lord,
and you'll catchb some.” So they
you know that I love you.”
threw it out and were unable to haul
Jesusb told him, “Feed my
it in because it was so full of fish.
7 lambs.”
That disciple whom Jesus kept 16
Then he asked him a second
loving said to Peter, “It's the Lord!”
time, “Simon, son of John, do you
When Simon Peter heard that it was
love me?”
the Lord, he put his clothes back on,
because he was practically naked, and Peterc said to him, “Yes, Lord,
jumped into the sea. 8But the other you know that I love you.”
disciples came in the boat, dragging Jesusd told him, “Take care of
the net full of fish. They were only my sheep.” 17He asked him a third
about a hundred yardsc away from time, “Simon, son of John, do you
JOHN
the shore. love me?”

9
When they arrived at the shore, Peter was deeply hurt that he
they saw a charcoal fire with fish had asked him a third time, “Do you
lying on it, and some bread. 10Jesus love me?” So he said to him, “Lord,
told them, “Bring me some of the fish you know everything. You know that
you've just caught.” 11So Simon Peter I love you!”
went aboard and dragged the net
ashore. It was full of large fish—153
d 21:13 The Gk. lacks did
a 21:15 Lit. He
a 21:2 Lit. Didymus b 21:15 Lit. He
b 21:6 Lit. find c 21:16 Lit. He
c 21:8 Lit. two hundred cubits d 21:16 Lit. He
208
25
Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep. Of course, Jesus also did many
18
“Truly, I tell you with certainty, other things, and I suppose that if
when you were young, you would every one of them were written
fasten your belt and go wherever you down the world couldn't contain the
liked. But when you get old, you will books that would be written.
stretch out your hands, and someone
else will fasten your belt and take you
where you don't want to go.” 19Now
he said this to show by what kind of
death he would glorify God.
After saying this, Jesusa told him,
“Keep following me.”
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple
20
Peter turned around and
noticed the disciple whom Jesus kept
loving following them. He was the
one who had put his head on Jesus’
chest at the supper and had said,
“Lord, who is the one who is going to
betray you?”
21
When Peter saw him, he said,
“Lord, what about him?”
22
Jesus said to him, “If it is my
will for him to remain until I come
back, how does that concern you?
You must keep following me!” 23So
the rumor spread among the
brothersb that this disciple wasn't
going to die. Yet Jesus didn't say to
JOHN
Peterc that he wasn't going to die,
but, “If it is my will for him to remain
until I come back, how does that
concern you?”
24
This is the disciple who is
testifying to these things and has
written them down. We know that
his testimony is true.
a 21:19 Lit. he
b 21:23 I.e. Jesus’ followers
c 21:23 Lit. him
209
The Resurrection of Messiah
210
THE BOOK OF
ACTS
Chapter 1
Introduction and Samaria, and to the ends of the
1
1
In my first book, Theophilus, I earth.”
wrote about everything Jesus did
Jesus Goes Up to Heaven
and taught from the beginning, 2up to 9
After saying this, Jesuse was
the day when he was taken up to
taken up while those who had
heavena after giving orders by the
gathered togetherf were watching,
Holy Spirit to the apostles he had
and a cloud took him out of their
chosen. 3After he had suffered, he
sight. 10While he was going and they
had shown himself alive to them by
were gazing up toward heaven, two
many convincing proofs, appearing
men in white robes stood right beside
to them during a period of 40 days
them. 11They asked, “Men of Galilee,
and telling them about the kingdom
why do you stand looking up toward
of God.
heaven? This same Jesus, who has
The Promise of the Holy Spirit been taken up from you into heaven,
4
While he was meeting with will come back in the same way you
them, he ordered them, “Don’t leave saw him go up into heaven.”
Jerusalem. Instead, wait for what the
A New Apostle Takes the Place of
Father has promised, about which
Judas
you heard me speak. 5For John 12
Then they returned to
baptized withb water, but you will be
Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives,g
baptized withc the Holy Spirit a few
which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath
days from now.”
6 day's journey away.h 13When they
Now those who had gathered
came into the city, these meni went to
together began to ask Jesus,d “Lord, is
the upstairs room where they had
this the time when you will restore
been staying: Peter and John, James
the kingdom to Israel?” 7He answered
and Andrew, Philip and Thomas,
them, “It is not for you to know what
Bartholomew and Matthew, James
times or periods the Father has fixed
the son of Alphaeus and Simon the
by his own authority. 8But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit Zealot, and Judas the sona of James.
14
comes on you, and you will be my With one mind all of them kept
witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea
e 1:9 Lit. he
f 1:9 Lit. while they
ACTS
a 1:2 The Gk. lacks to heaven g 1:12 Lit. from the mountain called Olives
b 1:5 Or in h 1:12 I.e. about a half mile away
c 1:5 Or in i 1:13 The Gk. lacks men
d 1:6 Lit. him a 1:13 Or brother
211
Acts 1:15 The Holy Bible
23
devoting themselves to prayer, along So they nominated two men—
with the women, including Mary the Joseph called Barsabbas, who also
mother of Jesus, and his brothers. was called Justus, and Matthias.
15 24
At that timea Peter got up Then they prayed, “Lord, you know
among the brothers (there were about the hearts of all people. Show us
120 people present) and said, which one of these two men you
16
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be have chosen 25to serve in this office of
fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke apostle,f from which Judas left to go
long ago through the voice of David to his own place.” 24 1
26
about Judas, who was the guide for So they drew lots for them, and
those who arrested Jesus, 17because when the lot fell on Matthias, he was
he was one of our number and was enrolled with the eleven apostles.
appointedb to share in this ministry.” Chapter 2
18 The Coming of the Holy Spirit

(Now this man bought a field with
2
1
When the day of Pentecost was
the money he got for his crime.
being celebrated,g all of them
Falling on his face, he burst open in
were together in one place.
the middle, and all his intestines 2
Suddenly, a sound like the roar of a
gushed out. 19This became known to
mighty windstorm came from heaven
all the residents of Jerusalem, so that
and filled the whole house where
this field is called in their language
they were sitting. 3They saw tongues
Hakeldama, that is, “The Field of
like flames of fire that separated, and
Blood”.) 20“For in the Book of Psalms
one rested on each of them. 4All of
it is written, ‘Let his estate be
them were filled with the Holy Spirit
desolate, and let no one live on it,’c
and began to speak in other
and ‘Let someone else take over his
languages as the Spirit gave them
office,’d 21who was one of the men
that ability.
associated with us all the time the 5
Now devout Jews from every
Lord Jesus came and went among us,
22 nationa were living in Jerusalem.
beginning when he was baptized by 6
When that sound came, a crowd
John until the day he was taken up
quickly gathered, startled because
from us. Therefore, someone like thise
each one heard the disciplesb
must become a witness with us to his
speaking in his own language.
resurrection.” 7
Stunned and amazed, they asked,
“All of these people who are speaking
are Galileans, aren't they? 8So how is
a 1:15 Lit. In those days it that each one of us hears them
b 1:17 Lit. was chosen by lot; i.e. by an
ostensibly random lottery, the outcome of
f 1:25 Lit. to receive the place of this service
ACTS
which was entrusted to God’s providence; cf.

v. 26 and apostleship
c 1:20 Ps 69:25 g 2:1 Lit. Pentecost had fully arrived
d 1:20 Ps 109:8 a 2:5 Lit. nation under heaven
e 1:22 The Gk. lacks like this b 2:6 Lit. them
212
International Standard Version 2.0 Acts 2:24
speaking in his own native and your old men will dream
9
language:a Parthians, Medes, dreams.
18
Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, In those days I will even pour out
Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, my Spirit
10
Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the on my slaves, men and women
district of Libya near Cyrene, Jewish alike,
and proselyte visitors from Rome, and they will prophesy.
11 19
Cretans, and Arabs, listening to I will display wonders in the sky
them talk in our own languages above
about the great deeds of God?” and signs on the earth below:
12
All of them continued to be blood, fire, and clouds of
stunned and puzzled, and they kept smoke.
20
asking one another, “What can this The sun will become dark,
mean?” and the moon turn to blood,
13
But others kept saying in before the coming of the great
derision, “They're drunk on sweet and glorious Day of the Lord.
wine!” 21
Then whoever calls on the name of
Peter Addresses the Crowd the Lord will be saved.’e
14
Then Peter stood up among the 22
“Fellow Israelites, listen to
eleven apostlesb and raised his voice these words: Jesus from
to address them: Nazarethf was a man
“Men of Judea and everyone authenticated to you by God
living in Jerusalem! You must through miracles, wonders, and
understand something, so pay signs that God performed
close attention to my words. through him among you, as you
15
These men are not drunk as yourselves know. 23After he was
you suppose, for it's only nine arrested according to the
o'clock in the morning.c 16Rather, predetermined plan and
this is what was spoken through foreknowledge of God, you
the prophet Joel: crucified this very man and
17
‘In the last days, God says, killed him by the hands of
I will pour out my Spirit on lawless men. 24But God raised
everyone.d him up and put an end to
Your sons and your daughters will suffering of death,a since it was
prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
e 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
f 2:22 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.
a 2:8 Lit. in our language in which we were
ACTS
Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb.

born netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the
b 2:14 The Gk. lacks apostles name Nazareth.
c 2:15 Lit. the third hour of the day a 2:24 Other mss. read Hades (the realm of the
d 2:17 Lit. on all flesh dead)
213
impossible for him to be held by of God, has received from the

it. 25For David says about him, 24 Father the promised Holy
Spirit,f and has caused you to
‘I always keep my eyes on the Lord,a
experience what you are seeing
for he is at my right hand
and hearing. 34For David did
so that I cannot be shaken.
26 not go up to heaven, but he
That is why my heart is glad
said,
and my tongue rejoices,
yes, even my body still rests ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
securely in hope. “Sit at my right hand,
27 35
For you will not abandon my soul until I make your enemies your
to Hadesb footstool.”’g
or allow your Holy One to 36
“Therefore, let all the peopleh
experience decay.
28 of Israel understand beyond a
You have made the ways of life
doubt that God made this Jesus,
known to me,
whom you crucified, both Lord
and you will fill me with gladness
and Messiah!”
in your presence.’c
37
29 When the crowd that had
“Brothers, I can tell you
gatheredi heard this, they were
confidently that the patriarch
pierced to the heart. They asked Peter
David died and was buried, and
and the other apostles, “Brothers,
that his tomb is among us to
what should we do?”
this day. 30Therefore, since he 38
Peter answered them, “Every
was a prophet and knew that
one of you must repent and be
God had promised him with an
baptized in the name of Jesus the
oath to put one of his
Messiah for the forgiveness of your
descendants on his throne, 31he
sins. Then you will receive the Holy
looked ahead and spoke about
the resurrection of the Messiah: Spirit as a gift.a 39For this promise
belongs to you and your children, as
‘He was not abandoned to Hades,d well as to all those who are distant,
and his flesh did not experience whom the Lord our God may call to
decay.’e himself.”
40
32 Using many different
“It was this very Jesus
expressions, Peterb continued to
whom God raised, and of that
testify and to plead with them,
we are all witnesses. 33He has
been exalted to the right hand
f 2:33 Or the promise of the Holy Spirit
a 2:25 Lit. always see the Lord in front of me g 2:35 Ps 110:1
ACTS
b 2:27 I.e. the realm of the dead h 2:36 Lit. house

c 2:28 Ps 16:8-11 i 2:37 Lit. When they
d 2:31 I.e. the realm of the dead a 2:38 Or the gift of the Holy Spirit
e 2:31 Ps 16:10 b 2:40 Lit. he
214
saying, “Be saved from this corrupt he could beg from those who were
41
generation!” So those who going into the temple. 3When he saw
welcomed his message were baptized. that Peter and John were about to go
That day about 3,000 people were into the temple, he asked them to
added to their number. give him something.2
4
Life Among the Believers Peter, along with John, looked
42
The believersa continued to him straight in the eye and said,
devote themselves to what the “Look at us!” 5So the manh watched
apostles were teaching, to fellowship, them closely, expecting to get
to the breaking of bread, and to times something from them. 6However,
of prayer.b 43A sense of fearc came Peter said, “I don't have any silver or
over everyone, and many wonders gold, but I'll give you what I do have.
and signs were being done by the In the name of Jesus the Messiah
apostles. 44All the believers were from Nazareth, walk!”i 7Then Peterj
united and shared everything with took hold of his right hand and began
one another.d 45They made it their to help him up. Immediately his feet
practice to sell their possessions and and ankles became strong, 8and he
goods and to distribute the proceedse sprang to his feet, stood up, and
to anyone who was in need. 46United began to walk. Then he went with
in purpose, they went to the temple them into the temple, walking,
every day, ate at each other's homes, jumping, and praising God.
and shared their food with glad and 9
When all the people saw him
humble hearts. 47They were praising walking and praising God, 10they
God and enjoying the good will of all
knew that he was the man who used
the people. Every day the Lord was
to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of
adding to their number those who
the temple, and they were filled with
were being saved. 42
wonder and amazement at what had
2
Chapter 3
A Crippled Man is Healed happened to him.
3
1
One afternoon, Peter and John
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
were on their way to the temple 11
While he was holding on to
for the three o’clock prayer time.f Peter and John, all the people came
2
Now a man who had been crippled running to them in what was called
from birth was being carried in. Every “Solomon's Colonnade”. They were
day peopleg would lay him at what dumbfounded. 12When Peter saw this,
was called the Beautiful Gate so that he said to the people: “Fellow
Israelites, why are you wondering
a 2:42 Lit. They about this, and why are you staring at
b 2:42 Lit. to the prayers us as if by our own power or
c 2:43 Or awe
ACTS
d 2:44 Lit. and had all things in common

e 2:45 Lit. to distribute them h 3:5 Lit. he
f 3:1 Lit. temple at the ninth hour i 3:6 Other mss. read stand up and walk
g 3:2 Lit. they j 3:7 Lit. he
215
godliness we made him walk? 13The listen to everything he tells you.b

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— 23
Any person who will not listen
the God of our ancestors—has to that prophet will be utterly
glorified his servant Jesus, whom you destroyed from among the
betrayed and rejected in the presence people.’c
of Pilate, even though he had decided
24
to let him go. 14You rejected the Holy “Indeed, all the prophets who have
and Righteous One and asked to spoken, from Samuel and those who
have a murderer released to you, followed him, also announced these
15
and you killed the source of life, days. 25You are the descendants of
whom God raised from the dead. We the prophets and the heirsd of the
are witnesses to that. 16It is his covenant that God made with youre
name—that is, by faith in his name— ancestors when he said to Abraham,
that has healed this man whom you ‘Through your descendantf all the
see and know. Yes, the faith that families of the earth will be blessed.’g
comes through Jesusa has given him 26
When God raised up his servant, he
this perfect health in the presence of sent him first to you to bless you by
all of you.12 turning every one of you from your
17
“And now, brothers, I know evil ways.” 253
that you acted in ignorance like your Chapter 4
leaders. 18This is how God fulfilled Peter and John are Tried before the
what he had predicted through the Jewish Council
4
1
voice of all the prophets—that his While they were speaking to the
Messiah would suffer. 19Therefore, people, the priests, the
repent and turn to him to have your commander of the temple guards,
sins blotted out, 20so that times of and the Sadducees came to them.
2
refreshing may come from the They were greatly disturbed that
presence of the Lord and so that he Peter and Johna were teaching the
may send you Jesus, whom he people and announcing that Jesus
appointed long ago to be the had been resurrectedb from the dead.
3
Messiah. 21He must remain in heaven So they arrested them and placed
until the time of universal restitution, them in custody until the next day,
which God announced long ago since it was already evening. 4But
through the voice of his holy many of those who heard their
prophets. 22In fact, Moses said,
b 3:22 Deut 18:15-16
‘The Lord your God will raise up c 3:23 Deut 18:19; Lev 23:29
for you a prophet like me from d 3:25 The Gk. lacks the heirs
e 3:25 Other mss. read our
among your brothers. You must f 3:25 Lit. seed
ACTS
g 3:25 Gen 22:18; 26:4

a 4:2 Lit. they
b 4:2 Lit. that in the case of Jesus there had
a 3:16 Lit. him been a resurrection
216
message believed, and the men grew them, they could not say anything
to number about 5,000. against them. 15So they ordered them
5
The next day their rulers, elders, to leave the Councile and began to
and scribes met in Jerusalem 6with discuss the matter among themselves.
Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, 16
They said, “What should we do
John,a Alexander, and the rest of the with these men? For it's obvious to
high priest's family. 7They made Peter everybody living in Jerusalem that an
and Johnb stand in front of them and unmistakable sign has been done by
began asking, “By what power or by them, and we cannot deny it. 17But to
what name did you do this?” keep it from spreading any further
8
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, among the people, let us warn them
said to them, “Rulers and elders of never again to speak to anyone in
the people! 9If we are being this name.”
18
questioned today for a good deed So they called Peter and Johnf
done for someone who was sick or to back in and ordered them not to
learn how this man was healed, 10you speak or teach at all in the name of
and all the people of Israel must Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered
understand that this man stands them, “You must decide whether it is
healthy before you because of the right in the sight of God to listen to
name of Jesus from Nazareth, whom you rather than God, 20for we cannot
you crucified but God raised from the stop talking about what we’ve seen
dead. 11He is and heard.”
21
So they threatened Peter and
‘the stone that was rejected by you a
builders, John even more and then let them
which has become the go. They couldn't find any way to
punish them, because all the people
cornerstone.’c
were praising God for what had
12
There is no salvation by anyone happened. 22For the man on whom
else, for there is no other name under this sign of healing had been
heaven given among people by performed was more than 40 years
which we must be saved.” old.
13
Now when the Jewish leadersd
The Believers Pray for Boldness
saw the boldness of Peter and John 23
After they were released, Peter
and found out that they were
and Johnb went to their fellow
uneducated and ordinary men, they
were amazed and realized that they believersc and told them everything
had been with Jesus. 14And seeing the the high priests and the elders had
man who was healed standing with
e 4:15 Or Sanhedrin
ACTS
a 4:6 Other mss. read Jonathan f 4:18 Lit. called them

b 4:7 Lit. them a 4:21 Lit. threatened them
c 4:11 Or capstone; Ps 118:22 b 4:23 Lit. released, they
d 4:13 Lit. when they c 4:23 Lit. their own
217
said. 24When they heard this, they all apostles continued to testify to the
raised their voices to God and said, resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and
“Master, you made heaven and earth, abundant grace was on them all. 34For
the sea, and everything in them. none of them needed anything,
25
You said by the Holy Spirit through because everyone who had land or
the voice of our ancestor, your houses would sell them and bring the
servant David, 23 money received for the things sold
35
and lay it at the apostles’ feet. Then
‘Why do the gentiles rage,
it was distributed to anyone who
and the people devise useless
plots? needed it. 36One man,b Joseph, a
26
The kings of the earth take their Levite and a native of Cyprus, who
stand, was named Barnabas by the apostles
and rulers meet together against (the namec means “a son of
the Lord encouragement”), 37sold a field that
and against his Messiah.’a belonged to him and brought the
money and laid it at the apostles’
27
For in this city both Herod and feet.36
4
Pontius Pilate actually met together Chapter 5
with the gentiles and the people of Ananias and Sapphira are Punished
5
1
Israel to oppose your holy servant But a man named Ananias, with
Jesus, whom you anointed, 28to carry the consent of his wife Sapphira,
out everything that your hand and sold some property. 2With his wife's
will had predetermined to take place. full knowledge he kept back some of
29
Lord, pay attention to their threats the money for himself and brought
now, and allow your servants to the remainder and laid it at the
speak your word boldly 30as you apostles’ feet.
3
stretch out your hand to heal and to Peter asked, “Ananias, why has
perform signs and wonders through Satan filled your heart so that you
the name of your holy servant Jesus.” should lie to the Holy Spirit and keep
31
When they had prayed, the back some of the money you got for
place where they were meeting was the land? 4As long as it remained
shaken, and all of them were filled unsold, wasn't it your own? And after
with the Holy Spirit and continued to it was sold, wasn't the money at your
speak the word of God boldly. disposal? So how could you have
thought of doing what you did? You
The Believers Share Their Possessions didn’t lie onlya to men, but alsob to
32
Now all the believers were one God!” 5When Ananias heard these
in heart and soul, and nobody called words, he fell down and died. And
any of his possessions his own.
Instead, they shared everything they
ACTS
b 4:36 Lit. Now

owned. 33With great power the c 4:36 Lit. which
a 5:4 The Gk. lacks only
a 4:26 Ps 2:1-2 b 5:4 The Gk. lacks also
218
great fear seized everyone who heard placing them on stretchers and mats
about it. 6The young men got up, so that at least Peter's shadow might
wrapped him up, carried him outside, fall on some of them as he went by.
16
and buried him. Even from the towns around
7
After an interval of about three Jerusalem crowds continued coming
hours, Ananias’a wife came in, not in to bring their sick and those who
knowing what had happened. 8So were troubled by unclean spirits, and
Peter asked her, “Tell me, did you sell all of them were healed.
the land for that price?” The Apostles are Tried before the
She answered, “Yes, that was the Jewish Council
price.” 17
Then the high priest and all
9
Then Peter said to her, “How those from the sect of the Sadducees
could you have agreed together to who were with him were filled with
test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The jealousy. So they went out, 18arrested
feet of the men who buried your the apostles, and put them in the city
husband are at the door, and these jail. 19But at night the angel of the
menb will carry you outside as well.” Lord opened the prison doors and
10
She instantly fell down at Peter’sc led them out. The angele told them,
feet and died. When the young men 20
“Go, stand in the temple, and keep
came in, they found her dead. So on telling the people the whole
they carried her out and buried her message about this life they can
next to her husband. 11And great fear have.”a
seized the whole church and 21
After the apostlesb heard this,
everyone else who heard about this.
they went into the temple at
The Apostles Perform Many Miracles daybreak and began to teach. The
12
Now many signs and wonders high priest and those who were with
were being performed by the apostles him arrived, called the Councilc and
among the people, who were all the elders of Israel together, and
gathered together in Solomon's sent wordd to the prison to have the
Colonnade. 13None of the others men brought in. 22When the temple
dared join them, although the rest of police got there, they did not find
the people continued to hold them in them in the prison. They came back
high regard. 14Nevertheless, believers and reported, 23“We found the prison
were being added to the Lord in securely locked and the guards
increasing numbers—both men and standing at the doors, but when we
women. 15As a result, peopled kept opened them, we found no one
carrying their sick into the streets and
e 5:19 Lit. He
ACTS
a 5:7 Lit. his a 5:20 The Gk. lacks they can have
b 5:9 Lit. and they b 5:21 Lit. this, they
c 5:10 Lit. his c 5:21 Or Sanhedrin
d 5:15 Lit. they d 5:21 The Gk. lacks word
219
inside.” 24When the commander of up in the Councilc and ordered the

the temple guards and the high men to be taken outside for a little
priests heard these words, they were while. 35Then he said to them,
utterly at a loss as to what could have “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully
happened to them. 23
what you propose to do to these men.
25
Then someone came and told 36
For in the recent past Theudas
them, “Look! The men you put in appeared, claiming that he was
prison are standing in the temple and important, and about 400 men joined
teaching the people!” 26So the him. He was killed, and all his
commander of the temple guards followers were dispersed and
went with his men to bring them disappeared. 37After that man, at the
back without force, because they time of the census, Judas the Galilean
were afraid of being stoned to death appeared and got people to follow
by the people. 27When they brought him. He, too, died, and all his
them back, they made them stand followers were scattered.
38
before the Council,a and the high “I'm telling you to keep away
priest began to question them. 28He from these men for now. Leave them
said, “We gave you strict orders not alone, because if this plan or
to teach in his name, didn't we? Yet movement is of human origin, it will
you have filled Jerusalem with your fail. 39However, if it is from God, you
teaching and are determined to bring won't be able to stop them, and you
this man's blood on us!” may even discover that you are
29
But Peter and the apostles fighting against God!” So they were
answered, “We must obey God rather convinced by him.
than men. 30The God of our ancestors 40
After calling in the apostles and
raised Jesus to life after you killed beating them, they againa ordered
him by hanging him on a tree. 31God them to stop speaking in the name of
has exalted to his right hand this very Jesus and let them go. 41They left the
man as our Leader and Savior in Council,b rejoicing to have been
order to extend repentance and considered worthy to suffer dishonor
forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32We are for the sake of the Name. 42Every day
witnesses of these things, and so is in the temple and from house to
the Holy Spirit, whom God has given house they kept teaching and
to those who keep on obeying him.” 5
proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah.

33
When the Councilb heard this, Chapter 6
they became furious and wanted to Seven Men are Chosen to Help the
kill them. 34But a Pharisee named Apostles
6
1
Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who In those days, as the number of
was respected by all the people, stood the disciples was growing larger
ACTS
c 5:34 Or Sanhedrin
a 5:27 Or Sanhedrin a 5:40 The Gk. lacks again
b 5:33 Lit. When they b 5:41 Or Sanhedrin
220
and larger, a complaint was made by began to debate with Stephen. 10But
the Hellenistic Jews against the they could neither refute the wisdom
Hebraic Jews that their widows were nor withstand the Spirit by which he
being neglected in the daily kept speaking. 11So they secretly got
distribution of food. 2So the twelve some men to say, “We have heard
mena called the whole group of him speaking blasphemous words
disciples together and said, “It is not against Moses and God.” 12They
desirable for us to neglect the word of stirred up the people, the elders, and
God in order to wait on tables. the scribes. Then they rushed at
3
Therefore, brothers, appoint seven Stephen,c grabbed him, and brought
men among you who have a good him before the Council.d
reputation, who are full of the Spirit 13
They had false witnesses stand
and wisdom, and we will put them in up and say, “This man never stops
charge of this work. 4Then we will saying things against this Holy Place
devote ourselves to prayer and to the and against the law. 14For we have
ministry of the word.” heard him say that this Jesus from
5
This suggestion pleased the Nazarethe will destroy this place and
whole group. So they chose Stephen, change the customs that Moses
a man full of faith and the Holy handed down to us.” 15Then
Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, everyone who was seated in the
Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a Councila glared at him and saw that
gentile convert to Judaism from his face was like the face of an angel.
Antioch. 6They had these men stand Chapter 7
before the apostles, who prayed and Stephen Defends Himself
7
1
laid their hands on them. Then the high priest asked, “Is
7
So the word of Godb continued this true?”
2
to spread, and the number of Stephen replied:
disciples in Jerusalem continued to “Listen, brothers and fathers!
grow rapidly. Even a large number of
priests became obedient to the faith. “The glorious God
appeared to our ancestor
Stephen is Arrested Abraham while he was in
8
Now Stephen, full of grace and Mesopotamia before he settled in
power, was performing great Haran. 3Godb said to him, ‘Leave
wonders and signs among the your country and your relatives
people. 9But some men who belonged
to the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as c 6:12 Lit. him
it was called), as well as some d 6:12 Or Sanhedrin
Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men e 6:14 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.
ACTS
from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb.
netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the
name Nazareth.
a 6:2 The Gk. lacks mens a 6:15 Or Sanhedrin
b 6:7 Other mss. read of the Lord b 7:3 Lit. He
221
and go to the land I will show was with him 10and rescued him
you.’a 4So he left the country of from all his troubles. He granted
the Chaldeans and settled in him favor and wisdom before
Haran. Then after the death of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who
his father, God had him move to appointed him ruler of Egypt
this country where you now live. and of his whole household.
11
5
Godb gave him no property “But a famine spread
here,c not even a foot of land, yet throughout Egypt and Canaan,
yet he promised to give it to him and with it great suffering, and
and to his descendantsd after our ancestors couldn't find any
him as a permanent possession, food. 12But when Jacob heard
even though he had no child. that there was grain in Egypt, he
sent our ancestors on their first
2
6
“This is what God
promised: His descendants trip. 13On their second trip,
would be strangers in a foreign Joseph made himself known to
his brothers, and Joseph
country, and its peoplee would
enslave them and oppress them introduced his familyl to
14
for 400 years. 7‘But I will punish Pharaoh. Then Joseph invited
the nation they serve,’ said God, his father Jacob and all his
‘and afterwards they will leave relatives to come to him in
and worship me in this place.’f Egypta—75 persons in all. 15So
8 Jacob went down to Egypt. Then
Later, Godg gave
he and our ancestors died.
Abrahamh the covenant of 16
They were brought back to
circumcision. Later, he fathered
Shechem and laid in the tomb
Isaac and circumcised him on the
that Abraham had bought at a
eighth day. Then Isaac fathered
high priceb from Hamor’s
Jacob, and Jacob fatheredi the
descendants in Shechem.
twelve patriarchs. 17
9 “Now as the time
“Joseph’s brothersj became approached for the fulfillment of
jealous of him and sold Joseph as the promise that God had made
a slavek in Egypt. However, God to Abraham, the people’s
population increased a great deal
a 7:3 Gen 12:1 in Egypt. 18Eventually, a different
b 7:5 Lit. He king who had not known Joseph
c 7:5 Lit. in it
d 7:5 Lit. seed became ruler of Egypt.c 19By
e 7:6 Lit. they shrewdly scheming against our
f 7:7 Gen 15:13-14; Exod 3:12
g 7:8 Lit. he
ACTS
h 7:8 Lit. him l 7:13 Lit. Joseph’s family became known

i 7:8 The Gk. lacks fathered a 7:14 The Gk. lacks in Egypt
j 7:9 Lit. The patriarchs b 7:16 Lit. Abraham for a sum of money
k 7:9 The Gk. lacks as a slave c 7:18 Other mss. lack of Egypt
222
people, he oppressed our made you ruler and judge over

ancestors and forced them to us? 28You don't want to kill me
abandon their infants to the like you killed the Egyptian
elements, so that they wouldn't yesterday, do you?’d 29Because of
live. this, Moses fled and lived as a
20
“At this time Moses was foreigner in the land of Midian.
born. He was beautiful in the There he had two sons.
sight of God, and for three 30
“After 40 years had
months he was cared for in his passed, an angel appeared to
father's house. 21When he was him in the flames of a burning
placed outside, Pharaoh's bush in the desert near Mount
daughter adopted him and Sinai. 31When Moses saw it, he
brought him up as her own son. was amazed at the sight, and
22
So Moses learned all the when he approached the bushe
wisdom of the Egyptians and to look at it, the voice of the Lord
became a great man, both in said,f 32‘I am the God of your
words and in deeds. ancestors—the God of Abraham,
23
“When he was 40 years Isaac, and Jacob.’g Moses became
old, he decideda to visit his terrified and didn't dare to look.
brothers, the descendants of 33
Then the Lord said to him,
Israel. 24When he saw one of ‘Remove your sandals from your
them being mistreated, he feet, for the place where you are
defended himb and avenged the standing is holy ground. 34I have
man who was being mistreated surely seen the oppression of my
by killing the Egyptian. 25He people in Egypt and have heard
supposed that his brothers their groans, and I have come
would understand that God was down to rescue them. Now
using him to rescue them, but come, I will send you to
they didn't understand. 26The Egypt.’a30
next day he presented himself to 35
“This same Moses—whom
some of them while they were they rejected by saying ‘Who
fighting and tried to reconcile made you ruler and judge?’b—
them. He said, ‘Men, you are was the man whom God sent to
brothers. Why should you be be both their ruler and deliverer
hurting another?’ with the help of the angel who
27
“But the man who was had appeared to him in the
harming his neighbor pushed
Mosesc away and said, ‘Who d 7:28 Exod 2:14
e 7:31 The Gk. lacks the bush
ACTS
f 7:31 Lit. came

a 7:23 Lit. old, his heart was moved g 7:32 Exod 3:6
b 7:24 The Gk. lacks him a 7:34 Exod 3:4-10
c 7:27 Lit. him b 7:35 Exod 2:14
223
bush. 36It was he who led them sacrifices those 40 years in the
out, performing wonders and wilderness, did you?
43
signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, You even took along the tent of
and in the wilderness for 40 Moloch,
years. 37It was this Moses who the star of your god Rephan,
told the Israelites, ‘God will raise and the images you made in order to
up a prophet for you from worship them.
among your own brothers, just So I will take you into exile as far
as he dida me.’b 38This Mosesc is as Babylon.’f
the one who was in the assembly 44
“Our ancestors had the
in the wilderness with the angel
Tent of Testimonyg in the
who spoke to him on Mount
Sinai and to our ancestors. He wilderness constructed,h just as
received living truths to give to the one who spoke to Moses
directed him to make it
us,d 39but our ancestors refused
according to the pattern he had
to obey him. Instead, they
seen. 45Our ancestors brought it
rejected him and wished to
here with Joshua when they
return to Egypt. 40They said to
replaced the nations that God
Aaron, ‘Make gods for us who
drove out in front of our
will lead us. This Moses who led
ancestors, and it was here until
us out of the land of Egypt—we
the time of David. 46He found
don't know what happened to
favor with God and asked to
him!’e
design a dwelling for the housea
35
41
“At that time they even
of Jacob, 47but it was Solomon
made a calf to be their idol,
who built a house for him.
offered a sacrifice to it, and 48
However, the Most High does
delighted in what they had
not live in buildings made by
made with their hands. 42So God
turned away from them and humanb hands. As the prophet
gave them over to worship the says,
heavenly bodies. As it is written 49
“‘Heaven is my throne,
in the book of the Prophets: and the earth is my footstool.
‘O house of Israel, What kind of house can you build
you didn't offer me slaughtered for me,’ declares the Lord,
animals and “or what place is there in which I
can rest?
f 7:43 Amos 5:25-27

a 7:37 The Gk. lacks he did g 7:44 I.e. the tent containing the Ark of the
ACTS
b 7:37 Deut 18:15 Covenant

c 7:38 Lit. one h 7:44 The Gk. lacks constructed
d 7:38 Other mss. read to you a 7:46 Other mss. read God
e 7:40 Exod 32:1, 23 b 7:48 The Gk. lacks human
224
50
It was my hand that made all these against them!” After he had said this,
things, wasn't it?’”a he died.c
51
Chapter 8
“You stubborn people The Church is Scattered

with uncircumcised hearts and
8
1
Now Saul heartily approved of
ears! You are always opposing putting Stephend to death. That
the Holy Spirit, just as your day a severe persecution broke out
ancestors used to do. 52Which of against the church in Jerusalem, and
the prophets did your ancestors everyone except for the apostles was
fail to persecute? They killed scattered throughout the countryside
those who predicted the coming of Judea and Samaria. 2Devout men
of the Righteous One, and now buried Stephen as they mourned
you have become his betrayers loudly for him. 3But Saul kept trying
and murderers. 53You received to destroy the church. Going into one
the law as ordained by angels, house after another, he began
and yet you haven’t obeyed it!” dragging off men and women and
Stephen is Stoned to Death throwing them in prison.
54
While they were listening to Some Samaritans Become Believers
these things, they became more and 4
Now those who were scattered
more furious and began to grind their went from place to place preaching
teeth at him. 55But Stephen,b filled the word. 5Philip went down to thee
with the Holy Spirit, looked straight city of Samaria and began to preach
into heaven and saw the glory of God the Messiah to the people.a 6The
and Jesus standing at the right hand crowds, hearing his messageb and
of God. 56He said, “Look! I see the seeing the signs that he was doing,
heavens opened and the Son of Man paid close attention to what was said
standing at the right hand of God!” 55
7
by Philip. 7Unclean spirits screamed

57
But they shouted out loud, with a loud voice as they came out of
stopped listening, and together they the many people they had possessed,
all rushed at him, 58ran him outside of and many paralyzed and lame people
the city, and began to stone him to were healed. 8As a result, there was
death. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid great rejoicing in that city.
their coats at the feet of a young man 9
Now in that city there was a
named Saul. 59As they continued to man named Simon. He was
stone Stephen, he kept praying, practicing occult arts and thrilling the
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60Then people of Samaria, claiming to be
he knelt down and cried out with a someone great. 10Everyone from the
loud voice, “Lord, don't hold this sin
c 7:60 Lit. fell asleep
ACTS
d 8:1 Lit. him

e 8:5 Other mss. read a
a 7:50 Isa 66:1-2 a 8:5 Lit. to them
b 7:55 Lit. he b 8:6 The Gk. lacks his message
225
least to the greatest paid close because your heart isn't right with
attention to him, saying, “This is what God. 22So repent of this wickedness of
we calla the great power of God!” yours, and pray to the Lord that, if
11
They paid careful attention to him possible, your heart’s intent may be
because he had thrilled them for a forgiven you. 23For I see that you're
long time with his occult being poisoned by bitterness and
performances. 12But when Philip you’re a prisoner of wickedness!”
24
proclaimed the good news about the Simon answered, “Both of you
kingdom of God and about the name c
pray to the Lord for me that none of
of Jesus the Messiah, men and the things you have said will happen
women believed and were baptized. to me.”
13 25
Even Simon believed, and after he After they had given their
was baptized he became devoted to testimony and spoken the word of
Philip. He was amazed to see the the Lord, they started back to
signs and great miracles that were Jerusalem, continuing to proclaim the
happening. 9 good news in many Samaritan
14
Now when the apostles in villages.
Jerusalem heard that Samaritans had
Philip Tells an Ethiopian about Jesus
accepted the word of God, they sent 26
Now an angel of the Lord said
Peter and John to them. 15They went
to Philip, “Get up and go south on
down and prayed for them to receive
the road that leads from Jerusalem to
the Holy Spirit. 16Before this he had
Gaza. This is a deserted road.” 27So he
not come on any of them. They had
got up and went. Now there was an
only been baptized in the name of the
Ethiopian eunuch, who was a
Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and Johnb member of the court of Candace,
laid their hands on them, and they queen of the Ethiopians. He was in
received the Holy Spirit. charge of all her treasures and had
18
Now when Simon saw that the come up to Jerusalem to worship.
Spirit was given through the laying 28
Now he was returning home, seated
on of the apostles’ hands, he offered in his chariot, and reading from the
them money 19and said, “Give me this prophet Isaiah.
power too, so that when I lay my 29
The Spirit said to Philip,
hands on someone, he will receive “Approach that chariot and stay near
the Holy Spirit.” it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard
20
But Peter said to him, “May him reading the prophet Isaiah out
your money perish with you because loud.
you thought you could obtain God's
8
Philipa asked, “Do you

free gift with money! 21You have no
understand what you're reading?”
part or share in what we’re saying,
ACTS
a 8:10 Lit. This man is called c 8:24 Lit. Pray (pl.)

b 8:17 Lit.Then they a 8:30 Lit. He
226
31
The mana replied, “How can I way rejoicing and did not see Philipf
unless someone guides me?” So he again. 40But Philip found himself at
invited Philip to get in and sit with Azotus. As he was passing through
him. 32This was the passage of that region,g he kept proclaiming the
Scripture he was reading: good news in all the towns until he
“Like a sheep he was led away to came to Caesarea.
be slaughtered,
Chapter 9
Saul Becomes a Believer
9
and like a lamb is silent before its 1
Meanwhile, still spewing death
shearer, threats against the Lord’s
so he does not open his mouth. disciples, Saul went to the high priest.
33
In his humiliation, justice was 2
He asked him for letters to take with
denied him. himh to the synagogues in Damascus,
Who can describe his so that if he found any men or
descendants?b women belonging to the Way, he
For his life is taken away from might bring them in chains to
the earth.”c Jerusalem.
3
34
The eunuch asked Philip, “I ask you, As Sauli traveled along and was
who is the prophet talking about? approaching Damascus, a light from
Himself? Or someone else?” 35Then heaven suddenly flashed around him.
4
Philip began to speak, and, starting He dropped to the ground and
from this Scripture, he told him the heard a voice saying to him, “Saul,
good news about Jesus. Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5
36
As they were going along the He asked, “Who are you,
road, they came to some water. The Lord?”a
eunuch said, “Look, there's some The voiceb said, “I am Jesus,
water. What keeps me from being whom you are persecuting. 6Now get
baptized?”d 38So he ordered the up, go into the city, and you will be
chariot to stop, and Philip and the told what you are to do.”
7
eunuch both went down into the Meanwhile, the men who were
water, and Philipe baptized him. traveling with Saulc were standing
39
When they came up out of the speechless, for they heard the voice
water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched but didn't see anyone. 8When Saul
Philip away. The eunuch went on his got up off the ground, he couldn't see
anything, even though his eyes were
a 8:31 Lit. He
b 8:33 Or generation f 8:39 Lit. him
c 8:33 Isa 53:7-8 (LXX) g 8:40 The Gk. lacks the region
d 8:36 Other mss. Read 37Philip said, “If you h 9:2 The Gk. lacks to take with him
ACTS
believe with all your heart, you may.” He i 9:3 Lit. he

replied, “I believe that Jesus the Messiah is a 9:5 Or Sir
the Son of God.” b 9:5 Lit. He
e 8:38 Lit. he c 9:7 Lit. him
227
18
open. So his companionsa took him All at once something like scales fell
by the hand and led him into from Saul’sd eyes, and he could see
Damascus. 9For three days he again. He got up and was baptized,
19
couldn't see, and he didn't eat or and after eating some food, he felt
drink anything. 7 strong again. For several days he
10
Now in Damascus there was a stayed with the disciples in
disciple named Ananias. The Lord Damascus.
20
said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He immediately started to
He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” preach about Jesus in the synagogues,
11
The Lord said to him, “Get up, saying, “This is the Son of God.”
21
go to the street called Straight, and in Everyone who heard him was
the home of Judas look for a man astonished and said, “This is the man
from Tarsus named Saul. At this very who harassed those who were calling
moment he is praying. 12He has seen on Jesus’e name in Jerusalem, isn't it?
in a visionb a man named Ananias Didn't he come here to bring them in
come in and lay his hands on him so chains to the high priests?” 22But Saul
he would see again.” grew more and more persuasive, and
13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I continued to confound the Jews who
have heard many people tell how lived in Damascus by proving that
much evil this man has done to your this man was the Messiah.
saints in Jerusalem. 14He is here with 23
After several days had gone by,
authority from the high priests to put the Jews plotted to murder Saul,a
in chains all who call on your name.” 24
but their plot became known to
15
But the Lord said to him, “Go, him.b They were even watching the
for he is my chosen instrument to gates day and night to murder him,
carry my name to the gentiles, to 25
but his disciples took him one night
their kings, and to the descendants of and let him down through the city
Israel. 16For I am going to show him wall by lowering him in a basket.
how much he must suffer for my 26
When Saulc arrived in
name's sake.” Jerusalem, he tried to join the
Saul's Sight is Restored disciples, but they all were afraid of
17
So Ananias left and went to him because they wouldn't believe he
that house. He laid his hands on was a disciple. 27Barnabas, however,
Saulc and said, “Brother Saul, the introduced Sauld to the apostles,
Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on telling them how on the road Saule
the road as you were traveling, has
sent me so that you may see again d 9:18 Lit. his
e 9:21 Lit. his
and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” a 9:23 Lit. him
ACTS
b 9:24 Lit. Saul

a 9:8 Lit. So they c 9:26 Lit. he
b 9:12 Other mss. lack in a vision d 9:27 Lit. him
c 9:17 Lit. on him e 9:27 Lit. he
228
had seen the Lord, who had spoken actions and acts of charity that she
to him, and how courageously he had was always doing. 37At that time she
spoken in the name of Jesus in got sick and died. After they had
Damascus. 28So he freely circulateda washed her, they laid her in an
among them in Jerusalem, speaking upstairs room. 38Since Lydda was
courageously in the name of the near Joppa, the disciples heard that
Lord. 29He kept talking and arguing Peter was there and sent two men to
with the Hellenistic Jews, but they him and begged him, “Come here
were bent on murdering him. 30When quickly!” 39So Peter got up and went
the brothers found out about the with them. When he arrived, they
plot,b they took him down to took him upstairs. All the widows
Caesarea and sent him away to gathered around Peter,f crying and
Tarsus. showing him all the shirts and coats
31
So the church throughout Dorcas had made while she was still
Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed with them. 9
40
peace. As it continued to be built up Peter made them all go outside.
and to live in the fear of the Lord, it After kneeling down, he prayed,
kept increasing in numbers through turned to the body, and said,
the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her
eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat
Aeneas is Healed
32 up. 41He extended his hand and
Now when Peter was going
helped her get up. Then he called the
around among all of the disciples,c he saints, including the widows, and
also visited the saints living in Lydda. gave her back to them alive. 42What
33
There he found a man named happened became known throughout
Aeneas who was paralyzed and had Joppa, and many believed in the
been bedridden for eight years.
34 Lord. 43Meanwhile, Petera stayed in
Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the
Joppa for several days with Simon, a
Messiah is healing you. Get up and
leatherworker.
put away your mat!” At once he got
up, 35and all the people who lived in
Chapter 10
Cornelius Has a Vision
10
1
Lydda and Sharon saw him and Now in Caesarea there was a
turned to the Lord. man named Cornelius, a
Tabitha is Healed centurionb in what was known as the
36
In Joppa there was a disciple Italian Regiment. 2He was a devout
man who feared God, as did
named Tabitha,d which in Greek is
everyone in his home. He gave many
Dorcas.e She was known for her good
a 9:28 Lit. he went in and out

ACTS
b 9:30 Lit. about it f 9:39 Lit. him

c 9:32 Lit. all of them a 9:43 Lit. he
d 9:36 Tabitha is Aram. for gazelle. b 10:1 A Roman centurion commanded about
e 9:36 Dorcas is Gk. for gazelle. 100 men.
229
gifts to the poor among the people by its four corners to the ground. 12In
and always prayed to God. 1 it were all kinds of four-footed
3
One day about three in the animals, reptiles, and birds of the
afternoona he had a vision and air.10
13
clearly saw an angel of God coming Then a voice told him,h “Get
to him and saying to him, up, Peter! Kill something and eat it.”
14
“Cornelius!” But Peter said, “Absolutely not,
4
He stared at the angelb in terror Lord, for I have never eaten anything
and asked, “What is it, Lord?” that is common or unclean!”
15
The angelc answered him, “Your Again the voice came to him a
prayers and your gifts to the poor second time, “You must stop calling
have arisen as a reminderd to God. unclean what God has made clean.”
16
5
Send men now to Joppa and This happened three times. Then
summon Simon, who is called Peter. the sheeti was quickly taken back into
6
He is a guest of Simon, a into heaven.
17
leatherworker, whose house is by the While Peter was still at a loss to
sea.” know what the vision he had seen
7
When the angel who had could mean, the men sent by
spoken to him had gone, Corneliuse Cornelius asked for Simon's house
summoned two of his household and went to the gate. 18They called
servants and a devout soldier, one of out and asked if Simon who was
those who served him regularly. 8He called Peter was staying there. 19Peter
explained everything to them and was still thinking about the vision
sent them to Joppa.7 when the Spirit said to him, “Look!
Three men are looking for you. 20Get
Peter Has a Vision up, go downstairs, and don't hesitate
9
Around noonf the next day, to go with them, for I have sent
while they were on their way and them.”
coming close to the town, Peter went 21
So Peter went to the men and
up on the roof to pray. 10He became said, “I'm the man you're looking for.
very hungry and wanted to eat, and Why are you here?”
while the foodg was being prepared, 22
The men replied, “Cornelius, a
he fell into a trance 11and saw heaven centurion and an upright and God-
open and something like a large linen fearing man who is respected by the
sheet coming down, being lowered whole Jewish nation, was instructed
by a holy angel to send for you to
a 10:3 Lit. About the ninth hour of the day come to his home to hear what you
b 10:4 Lit. at him have to say.”
c 10:4 Lit. He
ACTS
d 10:4 Or memorial
e 10:7 Lit. he
f 10:9 Lit. About the sixth hour h 10:13 Lit. came to him
g 10:10 Lit. it i 10:16 Lit. the vessel
230
23 33
So Petera welcomed them as So I sent for you immediately, and it
his guests. The next day he got up was good of you to come. All of us
and went with them, and some of the are here now in the presence of God
brothers from Joppa went along with to listen to everything the Lord has
him. ordered you to say.”
34
Then Peter began to speak:
Peter Speaks with Cornelius
24 “Now I understand that God shows
The next day they arrived in
no partiality. 35Indeed, whoever fears
Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting
him and does what is right is
them and had called his relatives and
acceptable to him in any nation. 36He
close friends together. 25When Peter
has sent his word to the descendants
was about to enter, Cornelius met
of Israel and brought them the good
him, bowed down at his feet, and
news of peace through Jesus the
began to worship him. 26But Peter
Messiah. This man is the Lord of
made him get up, saying, “Stand up! 37
everyone. You know what
I, too, am only a man.”
27
happened throughout Judea,
As Peterb talked with him, he beginning in Galilee after the baptism
went in and found that many people that John preached. 38God anointed
had gathered. 28He said to them, Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit
“You understand how wrong it is for and with power, and because God
a Jew to associate or visit with a was with him, he went around doing
gentile. But God has shown me that I good and healing everyone who was
should stop calling anyone common oppressed by the devil. 39We are
or unclean, 29and that is why I didn't
witnesses of everything Jesusa did in
hesitate when I was sent for. Now
the land of the Jews, including
may I ask why you sent for me?”28
30 Jerusalem.
Cornelius replied, “Four days
“They hung him on a tree and
ago at this very hour, three o'clock in
killed him, 40but God raised him on
the afternoon,c I was praying in my the third day and allowed him to
home. All at once a man in radiant appear— 41not to all the people, but
clothes stood in front of me 31and to us who were chosen by God to be
said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been witnesses and who ate and drank
heard. God has remembered your with him after he rose from the dead.
gifts to the poor 32so send 42
He also ordered us to preach to the
messengersd to Joppa and summon people and to testify solemnly that
Simon, who is called Peter, to come to this is the one appointed by God to
you. He is a guest in the home of be the judge of the living and the
Simon, a leatherworker, by the sea.’ dead. 43All the prophets testify to this:
everyone who believes in Jesusb
ACTS
a 10:23 Lit. he
b 10:27 Lit. he
c 10:30 Lit. the ninth hour a 10:39 Lit. he
d 10:32 The Gk. lacks messengers b 10:43 Lit. him
231
receives forgiveness of sins through a large linen sheet descended down

his name.” 4210 from heaven, lowered by its four
corners, and it came right down to
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 me. 6When I examined it closely, I
While Peter was still making
saw four-footed animals of the earth,
this statement, the Holy Spirit fell on
wild animals, reptiles, and birds of
all the people who were listening to
the air. 7I also heard a voice telling
his message. 45Then the circumcised
me, ‘Get up, Peter! Kill something
believers who had come with Peter
and eat it.’ 8But I replied, ‘Absolutely
were amazed that the gift of the Holy
not, Lord, for nothing common or
Spirit had been poured out on the
unclean has ever entered my mouth!’
gentiles, too. 46For they heard them 9
Then the voice from heaven
speaking in tongues and praising
answered a second time, ‘You must
God.
stop calling common what God has
45
Then Peter said, 47“No one can

made clean!’ 10This happened three
stop us from using water to baptize
times. Then everything was pulled
these people who have received the
back up to heaven.
Holy Spirit in the same way that we 11
“At that very moment three
did, can they?”a 48So Peterb ordered
men arrived at the house where we
them to be baptized in the name of
were staying. They had been sent to
Jesus the Messiah. Then they asked
me from Caesarea. 12The Spirit told
him to stay there for several days.
me to go with them without
10
hesitating. These six brothers went

Chapter 11
Peter Reports to the Church in

Jerusalem with me, too, and we entered the
11 house of the man from Caesarea.a

1
Now the apostles and the
13
brothers who were in Judea Then he told us how he had seen an
heard that the gentiles had also angel standing in his home and
accepted the word of God. 2But when saying, ‘Send messengersb to Joppa
Peter went up to Jerusalem, those and summon Simon, who is called
who emphasized circumcisionc Peter. 14He will discuss with you how
3
disagreed with him. They said, “You you and your entire household will
went to uncircumcised men and ate be saved.’
15
with them!” “When I began to speak, the
4
Then Peter began to explain to Holy Spirit fell on them just as he was
them point by point what had first given to us. 16Then I remembered
happened. He said, 5“I was in the what the Lord had said: ‘John
town of Joppa praying when in a baptized withc water, but you will be
trance I saw a vision: Something like
ACTS
a 10:47 Lit. he a 11:12 The Gk. lacks from Cesarea

b 10:48 Lit. he b 11:13 The Gk. lacks messengers
c 11:2 Lit. those of the circumcision c 11:16 Or in
232
baptized witha the Holy Spirit.’ 17Now the church and taught many people.
if God gave them the same gift that It was in Antioch that the disciples
he gave us when we believed in the were first called Christians.
27
Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who was I to At that time some prophets
try to stop God?”16 from Jerusalem came down to
Antioch. 28One of them named
11
18
When they heard this, they
calmed down, and praised God, Agabus got up and predicted by the
saying, “So God has given repentance Spirit that there would be a severe
that leads to life even to gentiles.” famine all over the world. This
happened during the reign of
The New Church in Antioch Claudius. 29So all of the disciples
19
Now the people who were decided they would send a
scattered by the persecution that contribution to the brothers living in
started because of Stephen went as Judea, as they were able, 30by sending
far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and it throughd Barnabas and Saul to the
Antioch, speaking the word to no one elders.
except Jews. 20But among them were Chapter 12
An Angel Frees Peter from Prison

some men from Cyprus and Cyrene,
12
1
About that time, Herod
who came to Antioch and began
arrested some people who
proclaiming the Lord Jesus even to
belonged to the church and
the Hellenistic Jews.b 21The hand of
mistreated them. 2He even had James
the Lord was with them, and a large
the brother of John killed with a
number of people believed and
sword. 3When he saw how this was
turned to the Lord.
22 agreeable to the Jews, he proceeded
When the church in Jerusalem
to arrest Peter, too. This happened
heard this news, they sent Barnabas
during the Festival of Unleavened
all the way to Antioch. 23When he
Bread. 4When he arrested Peter,
arrived, he rejoiced to see what the
Heroda put him in prison and turned
grace of God had done,c and with
him over to four squads of soldiers to
hearty determination he kept
guard him, planning to bring him out
encouraging all of them to remain
to the people after Passover season.b
faithful to the Lord. 24For he was a 5
So Peter was kept in prison, but
good man, full of the Holy Spirit and
earnest prayer to God for him was
faith. And so a large number of
people was brought to the Lord. being offered by the assembly.c
6
25
Then Barnabas left for Tarsus That very night, before Herod
to look for Saul. 26When he found was going to bring him out, Peter,
him, he brought him to Antioch, and bound with two chains, was sleeping
for a whole year they were guests of between two soldiers, and guards in
ACTS
d 11:30 Lit. sending by the hand of

a 11:16 Or in a 12:4 Lit. arrested him, he
b 11:20 Other mss. read to the Greeks b 12:4 The Gk. lacks season
c 11:23 Lit. to see the grace of God c 12:5 Or church
233
front of the door were watching the announced that Peter was standing at
prisoners. 7Suddenly an angel of the the gate. 15The other peoplee said to
Lord appeared and a light shone in her, “You're out of your mind!” But
the cell. He tapped Peter on his side, she kept insisting that it was so. Then
woke him up, and said, “Get up they said, “It's his angel.”
quickly!” His chains fell from his 16
Meanwhile, Peter kept on
wrists. 8Then the angel said to him, knocking and knocking. When they
“Tuck in your shirt and put on your opened the gate, they saw him and
sandals!” He did this. Then the angela were amazed. 17He motioned to them
told him, “Put on your coat and with his hand to be quiet, and then
follow me!” 9So Peterb went out and he told them how the Lord had
began to follow him, not realizing brought him out of the prison. He
that what was being done by the added, “Tell this to James and the
angel was real; he thought he was brothers.” Then he left and went
seeing a vision. 10They passed the first somewhere else. 12
18
guard, then the second, and came to When morning came, there
the iron gate that led into the city. It was a great commotion among the
opened by itself for them, and they soldiers as to what had become of
went outside and proceeded one Peter. 19Herod searched for him but
block when the angel suddenly left didn't find him, so he questioned the
him. 8
guards and ordered them to be
11
Then Peter came to himself and executed. Then he left Judea, went
said, “Now I'm sure that the Lord has down to Caesarea, and stayed there
sent his angel and rescued me fromc for a while.
Herod and from everything the The Death of Herod
Jewish people were expecting!” 20
Now Herod had been in a
12
When Peterd realized what had violent quarrel with the people of
happened, he went to the house of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him
Mary, the mother of John who was as a group. After they had won over
also called Mark, where a large Blastus, who oversaw securitya for
number of people had gathered and the king's sleeping quarters, they
were praying. 13When he knocked at asked for a peace agreement because
the outer gate, a servant-girl named their country depended on the king's
Rhoda came to answer it. 14On country for food. 21Therefore, at a set
recognizing Peter's voice, she was so time Herod put on his royal robes, sat
overjoyed that she didn't open the down on the royal seat, and made a
gate but ran back inside and speech to them. 22The people kept
shouting, “This is the voice of a god,
not of a man!” 23Immediately the
ACTS
a 12:8 Lit. he
b 12:9 Lit. he
c 12:11 Lit. from the hands of e 12:15 Lit. They
d 12:12 Lit. he a 12:20 The Gk. lacks security
234
angel of the Lord struck him down to oppose them and tried to turn the
because he did not give glory to God, proconsul away from the faith.6
and he was eaten by worms and died. 9
But Saul, also known asb Paul,
24
But the word of God continued to filled with the Holy Spirit, looked
grow and spread. him straight in the eye 10and said,
25
When Barnabas and Saul had “You are full of every form of
fulfilled their mission, they returned deception and trickery, you son of
toa Jerusalem, bringing with them the devil, you enemy of all that is
John who was also called Mark. right! You will never stop perverting
Chapter 13
the straight ways of the Lord, will

Barnabas and Saul Travel to Cyprus
you? 11Thec Lord is against you now,
13
1
Now Barnabas, Simeon called
and you will be blind and unable to
Niger, Lucius from Cyrene,
see the sun for a while!” At that
Manaen, who grew up with Herod
moment a dark mist came over him,
the tetrarch, and Saul were prophets
and he went around looking for
and teachers in the church at Antioch.
2 someone to lead him by the hand.
While they were worshiping the 12
When the proconsul saw what had
Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
happened, he believed, for he was
“Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me
astonished at the Lord's teaching.10
to do the work for which I called
them.” 3Then they fasted and prayed, Paul and Barnabas Go to Antioch in
laid their hands on them, and let Pisidia
13
them go. 4After they had been sent Then Paul and his men set sail
out by the Holy Spirit, they went to from Paphos and arrived in Perga in
Seleucia and from there sailed to Pamphylia. But John left them and
Cyprus. 5Arriving in Salamis, they went back to Jerusalem. 14They left
began to preach God's word in the Perga and arrived in Antioch in
Jewish synagogues. They also had Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they
John to help them. went into the synagogue and sat
6
They went through the whole down. 15After the reading of the Law
island as far as Paphos, where they and the Prophets, the synagogue
found a Jewish occult practitioner leaders asked them,a “Brothers, if you
and false prophet named Bar-Jesus. have any message of encouragementb
7
He was associated with the for the people, you may speak.”
proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was 16
Then Paul stood up, motioned
an intelligent man. He sent for with his hand, and said:
Barnabas and Saul because he
wanted to hear the word of God. 8But “Men of Israel and you who
Elymas the occult practitioner (that is fear God, listen! 17The God of this
ACTS
the meaning of his name) continued b 13:9 Lit. who was also
c 13:11 Lit. The hand of the
a 13:15 Lit. sent to them
a 12:25 Other mss. read from b 13:15 Or word of exhortation
235
people Israel chose our ancestors worthy to untie the sandals on

and made them a great people his feet.’
26
during their stay in the land of “My brothers, descendants
Egypt, and with a public display of Abraham's family, and those
of powera he led them out of among you who fear God, it is to
there. 18After he had put up ush that the message of this
withb them for 40 years in the salvation has been sent. 27For the
wilderness, 19he destroyed seven people who live in Jerusalem
nations in the land of Canaan. and their leaders, not knowing
Then God gave their land to the who Jesusi was, condemned him
Israelitesc as an inheritance 20for and so fulfilled the words of the
about 450 years. 18
prophets that are read every
“After that, he gave them Sabbath. 28Although they found
judges until the time of the no reason to sentence him to
prophet Samuel. 21When they death, they asked Pilate to have
demanded a king, God gave him executed. 29When they had
them Kish’s son Saul, from the finished doing everything that
tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. was written about him, they took
22
Then Godd removed Saule and him down from the tree and
made David their king, about placed him in a tomb. 30But God
whom he testified, ‘I have found raised him from the dead, 31and
that David, the son of Jesse, is a for many days he appeared to
man after my own heart, who those who had come with him to
will carry out all my wishes.’f 23It Jerusalem from Galilee. These are
was from this man's descendants now his witnesses to the people.
32
that God, as he promised, We are telling you the good
brought to Israel a Savior, who is news: What God promised our
Jesus. 24Before Jesus’ appearance, ancestors 33he has fulfilled for us,
John had already preached a their descendants, by raising
baptism of repentance to all the Jesus. As it is written in the
people in Israel. 25When John second Psalm, ‘You are my Son.
was finishing his work, he said, Today I have become your
‘Who do you think I am? I am Father.’a 34Godb raised him from
not the Messiah.g No, but he is the dead, never to experience
coming after me, and I am not decay, as he said, ‘I will give you
the holy promises made to
a 13:17 Lit. with an uplifted arm David.’c 35In another Psalmd he
b 13:18 Other mss. read nourished
c 13:19 Lit. to them h 13:26 Other mss. read to you
ACTS
d 13:22 Lit. But he i 13:26 Lit. he

e 13:22 Lit. him a 13:33 Ps 2:7
f 13:22 Ps 89:20; 1 Sam 13:14 b 13:34 Lit. He
g 13:25 Lit. one c 13:34 Isa 55:3 (LXX)
236
44
says, ‘You will not let your Holy The next Sabbath almost the
One experience decay.’b 36For whole town gathered to hear the
David, after he had served God's word of the Lord.f 45But when the
purpose in his own generation, Jews saw the crowds, they were filled
diedc and was buried with his with jealousy and began to object to
ancestors, and so he experienced the statements made by Paul and
decay. 37However, the man even to abuse him.
46
whom God raised did not Then Paul and Barnabas boldly
experience decay. declared, “We had to speak God's
38
“Therefore, brothers, you word to you first, but since you reject
must understand that through it and consider yourselves unworthy
him the forgiveness of sins is of eternal life, we are now going to
proclaimed to you, 39and that turn to the gentiles. 47For that is what
everyone who believes in him is the Lord ordered us to do: ‘I have
justified and freed from made you a light to the gentiles to be
everything that kept you from the means of salvation to the very
being justified by the law of ends of the earth.’”a 13
48
Moses. 40So be careful that what When the gentiles heard this,
the prophets said does not they began rejoicing and glorifying
happen to you: the word of the Lord. Meanwhile, all
who had been destined to eternal life
41
‘Look, you mockers! believed, 49and the word of the Lord
Be amazed and die! began to spread throughout the
For I am performing an action in your whole region.
days, 50
But the Jews stirred up devout
one that you would not believe women of high social standing and
even if someone told you!’”d the officials in the city, started a
42
As Paul and Barnabase were leaving, persecution against Paul and
the people kept urging them to tell Barnabas, and drove them out of
them the same things the next their territory. 51So Paul and
Sabbath. 43When the meeting of the Barnabasb shook the dust off their
synagogue broke up, many Jews and feet in protest against them and went
devout converts to Judaism followed to Iconium. 52Meanwhile, the disciples
Paul and Barnabas, who kept talking continued to be full of joy and the
to them and urging them to continue Holy Spirit.
in the grace of God.
a 13:35 The Gk. lacks Psalm

ACTS
b 13:35 Ps 16:10 (LXX)

c 13:36 Lit. fell asleep f 13:44 Other mss. read of God
d 13:41 Hab 1:5 (LXX) a 13:47 Isa 49:6
e 13:42 Lit. As they b 13:51 Lit. So they
237
11
Chapter 14
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium When the crowds saw what
14 Paul had done, they shouted in the

1
In Iconium Paul and
Barnabus a went into the Lycaonian language, “The gods have
Jewish synagogue and spoke in such become like men and have come
a way that a great number of both down to us!” 12They began to call
Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes,
Jews who refused to believe stirred because he was the main speaker.
13
up the gentiles and poisoned their The priest of the temple of Zeus,
minds against the brothers. 3They which was just outside the city,
stayed there a considerable time and brought bulls and garlands to the
continued to speak boldly for the gates. He and the crowds wanted to
Lord, who kept affirming his word of offer sacrifices.
14
grace and granting signs and But when the apostles
wonders to be done by them. 4But the Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they
people of the city were divided. Some tore their clothes and rushed out into
were with the Jews, while others the crowd, shouting, 15“Men, why are
were with the apostles. 2
you doing this? We are merely
5
Now when an attempt was human beings with natures like
made by both gentiles and Jews, yours. We are telling you the good
along with their authorities, to news so you’ll turn from these
mistreat and stone them, 6Paul and worthless things to the living God,
Barnabusb found out about it and who made heaven and earth, the sea,
to the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and and everything in them.a 16In past
Derbe and to the surrounding generations he allowed all the nations
territory. 7There they kept telling the to go their own ways, 17yet he has not
good news. abandoned his witness: he continues
to do good, to give you rain from
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
8 heaven, to give youb fruitful seasons,
Now in Lystra there was a man
to fill you with food and your hearts
sitting down who couldn't use his
with joy.” 18Even by saying this, it
feet. He had been crippled from birth
was all Paul and Barnabusc could do
and had never walked. 9He was
to keep the crowds from offering
listening to Paul as he spoke. Paulc
sacrifices to them.
watched him closely, and when he
saw that he had faith to be healed, Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch
10
he said in a loud voice, “Stand up in Syria
19
straight on your feet!” Then the mand But some Jews came from
jumped up and began to walk. Antioch and Iconium and won over
the crowds by persuasion. They
ACTS
a 14:1 Lit. Iconium, they

b 14:6 Lit. them, 6they a 14:15 Ex. 20:11; Psa 146:6
c 14:9 Lit. He b 14:17 The Gk. lacks to give you
d 14:10 Lit. he c 14:18 Lit. all they
238
stoned Paul and dragged him out of Barnabas had quite a dispute and
the town, thinking he was dead. 20But argument with them. So Paul and
the disciples formed a circle around Barnabas and some of the others
him, and he got up and went back to were appointed to go up to Jerusalem
town. The next day he went on with to confer with the apostles and elders
Barnabas to Derbe. about this question. 3They were sent
21
As they were proclaiming the on their way by the church, and as
good news in that city, they discipled they were going through Phoenecia
a large number of people. Then they and Samaria they told of the
went back to Lystra, Iconium, and conversion of the gentiles and
Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples brought great joy to all the brothers.
4
and encouraging them to continue in When they arrived in Jerusalem,
the faith, saying, “We must endure they were welcomed by the church,
many hardships to get into the the apostles, and the elders, and they
kingdom of God.” 23Paul and reported everything that God had
Barnabusa appointed elders for them done through them. 5But some
in each church, and with prayer and believers from the party of the
fasting they entrusted them to the Pharisees stood up and said, “The
Lord in whom they had believed. gentilesa must be circumcised and
24
Then they passed through Pisidia ordered to keep the law of Moses.”
and came to Pamphylia. 25They spoke 6
So the apostles and the elders
the wordb in Perga and went down met to look into this claim. 7After a
Attalia. 26From there they sailed back lengthy debate, Peter stood up and
to Antioch, where they had been said to them, “Brothers, you know
entrusted to the grace of God for the that in the early days God chose me
work they had completed. 27When to be the one among you through
they arrived, they called the church whom the gentiles would hear the
together and told them everything message of the gospel and believe.
8
that God had done with them and God, who knows everyone's heart,
how he had opened a door so that showed them he approved by giving
gentiles would believe. 28Then they them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to
spent a long time with the disciples. us. 9He made no distinction between
Chapter 15
them and us, because of their faith-
Controversy about the Law cleansed hearts. 10So why do you test
15
1
Then some men came down God by putting on the disciples’ neck
from Judea and started to a yoke that neither our ancestors nor
teach the brothers, “Unless you are we could carry? 11We certainly believe
circumcised according to the law of that it is through the grace of the
Moses, you can't be saved.” 2Paul and Lord Jesus, the Messiah, that we are
ACTS
saved, just as they are.”

a 14:23 Lit. They
b 14:25 Other mss. read the word of the Lord;
still other mss. read the word of God a 15:5 Lit. They
239
12
The whole crowd was silent as him in every city for generations, and
they listened to Barnabas and Paul on every Sabbath his books aref read
tell about all the signs and wonders aloud in the synagogues.”
that God had done through them
The Reply of the Church
among the gentiles. 13After Paul and 22
Then the apostles, the elders,
Barnabusa had finished speaking,
and the whole church decided to
James responded, “Brothers, listen to
choose some of their men to send
me: 14Simeonb has explained how with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch.
God first showed his concern for the These were Judas, who was called
gentiles by taking from among them Barsabbas, and Silas, who were
a people for his name. 15This agrees leaders among the brothers. 23They
with the words of the prophets. As it
wrote this letter for them to deliver:a
is written, 14
16 “From:b The apostles and the

‘“After this, I will come back
elders, your brothers
and set up David's fallen tent
To: Their gentile brothers in
again.
Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.
I will restore its ruined places
Greetings. 24We have heard that
and set it up again
17 some men, coming from us
so that the rest of the people may
without instructions from us,
search for the Lord,
have said things to trouble you
including all the gentiles who are
called by my name,” and have unsettled you.c 25So we
declares the Lord. have unanimously decided to
‘He is the one who has been doing choose men and send them to
these things you with our dear Barnabas and
18
that have been known from Paul, 26who have risked their
lives for the sake of our Lord
long ago.’c
Jesus, the Messiah. 27We have
19
Therefore, I have decided that we therefore sent Judas and Silas to
should not trouble these gentiles who tell you the same things by word
are turning to God. 20Instead, we of mouth. 28For it seemed good
should write to them to keep away to the Holy Spirit and to us not
from things polluted by idols, from to place on you any burden but
sexual immorality, from anything these essential requirements: 29to
strangled,d and from blood.e 21After keep away from food sacrificed
all, Moses has had people to proclaim to idols, from blood,d from
a 15:13 Lit. After they f 15:21 Lit. Sabbath he is

b 15:14 I.e. Simon Peter a 15:23 Lit. They wrote through their hand
ACTS
c 15:18 Amos 9:11-12; Isa 45:21 b 15:23 The Gk. lacks From
d 15:20 Other mss. lack from anything c 15:24 Other mss. read you by saying, ‘You
strangled must be circumcised and keep the law.’
e 15:20 I.e. uncooked meat d 15:29 I.e. uncooked meat
240
anything strangled, and from him to the grace of the Lord.d 41He
sexual immorality. If you avoid went through Syria and Cilicia and
these things, you will do well. strengthened the churches.
Goodbye.” Chapter 16
Timothy Joins Paul in Lystra
16
30
So the men were sent on their 1
Paula also went to Derbe and
way and arrived in Antioch. They Lystra, where there was a
gathered the congregation together disciple named Timothy, the son of a
and delivered the letter. 31When the believing Jewish wife whose husband
peoplea read it, they were pleased was a Greek. 2Timothyb was highly
with how the letter encouraged them. regarded by the brothers in Lystra
32
Then Judas and Silas, who were also and Iconium. 3Paul wanted this man
prophets, said a lot to encourage and to go with him, so he took him and
strengthen the brothers. 33After had him circumcised because of the
staying there for some time, they Jews who lived in that region,
were sent back with a greetingb from because everyone knew that
the brothers to those who had sent Timothy’sc father was a Greek. 4As
them.c 35Both Paul and Barnabas they went from town to town, they
remained in Antioch to teach and delivered the decisions reached by
proclaim the word of the Lord, as did the apostles and elders in Jerusalem
many others. 15
for them to obey. 5So the churches

Paul and Barnabas Disagree continued to be strengthened in the
36
A few days later, Paul said to faith and to increase in numbers
Barnabas, “Let's go back and visit the every day.
brothers in every town where we Paul Has a Vision
proclaimed the word of the Lord and 6
Because they had been
see how they're doing.” 37Barnabas prevented by the Holy Spirit from
wanted to take along John, who was speaking the word in Asia, Paul and
called Mark, 38but Paul did not think Timothyd went through the region of
it was right to take along the man Phrygia and Galatia. 7They went as
who had deserted them in Pamphylia far as Mysia and tried to enter
and who had not gone with them Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did
into the work. 39The disagreement not permit them, 8so they bypassed
was so sharp that they parted ways. Mysia and went down to Troas.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to 9
During the night Paul had a vision.
Cyprus, 40while Paul chose Silas and A man from Macedonia was standing
left after the brothers had entrusted there and pleading with him, “Come
a 15:31 Lit. they d 15:40 Other mss. read of God

ACTS
b 15:33 Lit. sent back with peace a 16:1 Lit. He

c 15:33 Other mss. read sent them. 34But it b 16:2 Lit. He
seemed good to Silas to remain there, and c 16:3 Lit. that his
Judas went back alone. d 16:6 Lit. Then they
241
over to Macedonia and help us!” 10As great deal of money by predicting the
soon as he had seen the vision, we future. 17She would follow Paul and
immediately looked for a way to go us and shout, “These men are
to Macedonia, because we were servants of the Most High God and
convinced that God had called us to are proclaiming to youa a way of
tell the people therea the good news. 9 salvation!”
18
She kept doing this for many
Paul and Silas in Philippi
11 days until Paul became annoyed,
Sailing from Troas, we went
straight to Samothrace, the next day turned to herb and said to the spirit,
to Neapolis, 12and from there to “I command you in the name of Jesus
Philippi, an important city of the the Messiah to come out of her!” And
districtb of Macedonia and a Romanc it came out that very moment.c
19
colony. We were in this city for When her owners realized that
several days. their hope of making money was
13
On the Sabbath day we went gone, they grabbed Paul and Silas
and dragged them before the
out the city gate and walkedd along
the river, where we thought there authorities in the public square.d
20
was a place of prayer. We sat down They brought them before the
and began talking to the women who magistrates and said, “These men are
had gathered there. 14A woman stirring up a lot of trouble in our city.
named Lydia, from the city of They are Jews 21and are advocating
Thyatira, a dealer in purple goods, customs that we are not allowed to
was listening to us. She was a accept or practice as Romans.”
22
worshiper of God, and the Lord The crowd joined in the attack
opened her heart to listen carefully to against them. Then the magistrates
what was being said by Paul. 15When had Paul and Silase stripped of their
she and her family were baptized, she clothes and ordered them beaten
urged us, “If you are convinced that I with rods. 23After giving them a
am a believer in the Lord, come and severe beating, they threw them in
stay at my home.” And she continued jail and ordered the jailer to keep
to insist that we do so. them under tight security. 24Having
received these orders, he put them
The Fortune Teller into the inner cell and fastened their
16
Once, as we were going to the feet in leg irons.
place of prayer, we met a slave girl 25
Around midnight, Paul and
who had a spirit of fortune-telling Silas were praying and singing
and who had brought her owners a hymns to God, and the other
a 16:10 Lit. tell them a 16:17 Other mss. read us

ACTS
b 16:12 Other mss. read a city of the first b 16:18 The Gk. lacks to her
district c 16:18 Lit. that hour
c 16:12 The Gk. lacks Roman d 16:19 Or in the marketplace
d 16:13 the Gk. lacks walked e 16:22 Lit. had them
242
37
prisoners were listening to them. But Paul told the guards,a “The
26
Suddenly, there was an earthquake magistratesb have had us beaten
so violent that the foundations of the publicly without a trial and have
prison were shaken. All the doors thrown us into jail, even though we
immediately flew open, and are Roman citizens. Now are they
everyone's chains were unfastened. going to throw us out secretly?
27
When the jailer woke up and Certainly not! Have them come and
saw the prison doors wide open, he escort us out.”
drew his sword and was about to kill 38
The guards reported these
himself, since he thought the words to the magistrates, and they
prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul became afraid when they heard that
shouted in a loud voice, “Don't hurt Paul and Silasc were Roman citizens.
yourself, because we are all here!” 39
29 So the magistratesd came,
The jailera asked for torches
apologized to them, and escorted
and rushed inside. Trembling as he
them out. Then they asked them to
knelt in front of Paul and Silas, 30he
leave the city. 40Leaving the jail, Paul
took them outside and asked, “Sirs,
and Silase went to Lydia's house.
what must I do to be saved?”
31 They saw the brothers, encouraged
They answered, “Believe on the
them, and then left.
Lord Jesus, and you and your family
will be saved.” 32Then they spoke the
Chapter 17
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica
17
word of the Lordb to him and 1
Paul and Silasf traveled
everyone in his home. through Amphipolis and
33
At that hour of the night he Apollonia and came to Thessalonica,
took them and washed their wounds. where there was a Jewish synagogue.
Then he and his entire family were 2
As usual, Paul entered there and on
baptized immediately. 34He brought three Sabbaths discussed the
Paul and Silasc upstairs into his house Scriptures with them. 3He explained
and set food before them. He was and showed them that the Messiah
thrilled, as was his household, to had to suffer and rise from the dead:
believe in God. “This very Jesus whom I proclaim to
35
When day came, the you is the Messiah.”
magistrates sent guards, who 4
Some of them were persuaded
commanded, “Release those men.” and began to be associated with Paul
36
The jailer reported these words
and Silas, especially a large crowd of
to Paul, and added, “The magistrates
devout Greeks and the wives of
have sent word to release you. So
come out now and go in peace.”
a 16:37 Lit. told them
b 16:37 Lit. They
ACTS
c 16:38 Lit. that they

a 16:29 Lit. He d 16:39 Lit. So they
b 16:32 Other mss. read of God e 16:40 Lit. jail, they
c 16:34 Lit. brought them f 17:1 Lit. They
243
many prominent men. 5But the Jews also in Berea, they went there to
became jealous, and they took some upset and incite the crowds. 14Then
contemptible characters who used to the brothers immediately sent Paul
hang out in the public square,a away to the coast, but Silas and
formed a mob, and started a riot in Timothy stayed there.
the city. They attacked Jason's home Paul in Athens
and searched it for Paul and Silas in 15
The men who escorted Paul
order to bring them out to the people. took him all the way to Athens and,
6
When they didn't find them, they after receiving instructions to have
dragged Jason and some other Silas and Timothy join him as soon as
brothers before the city officials and possible, they left. 16While Paul was
shouted, “These fellows who have waiting for them in Athens, his spirit
turned the world upside down have was deeply disturbed to see the city
come here, too, 7and Jason has full of idols. 17So he began holding
welcomed them as his guests. All of discussions in the synagogue with the
them oppose the emperor's decrees Jews and other worshipers, as well as
by saying that there is another king—
every day in the public squarea with
Jesus!”4
8 anyone who happened to be there.
The crowd and the city officials 18
Some Epicurean and Stoic
were upset when they heard this,
9 philosophers also debated with him.
but after they had gotten a bond
Some asked, “What is this
from Jason and the others they let
blabbermouth trying to say?” while
them go.
others said, “He seems to be
Paul and Silas in Berea preaching about foreign gods.” This
10
That night the brothers was because Paulb was telling the
immediately sent Paul and Silas away good news about Jesus and the
to Berea. When they arrived, they resurrection.
went into the Jewish synagogue. 19
Then they took him, brought
11
These people were more receptive him before the Areopagus,c and
than those in Thessalonica. They asked, “May we know what this new
were very willing to receive the teaching of yours is? 20It sounds
message, and every day they rather strange to our ears, and we
carefully examined the Scriptures to would like to know what it means.”
see if those things were so. 12Many of 21
Now all the Athenians and the
them believed, including a large foreigners living there used to spend
number of prominent Greek women their time doing nothing else other
and men. than listening to the latest ideas or
13
But when the Jews in repeating them.
Thessalonica found out that the word
ACTS
of God had been proclaimed by Paul a 17:17 Or in the marketplace

b 17:18 Lit. because he
a 17:5 Or in the marketplace c 17:19 I.e. the city council
244
22
So Paul stood up in front of the everyone everywhere to repent,
31
Areopagusa and said, “Men of because he has set a day when he is
Athens, I see that you are very going to judge the world with justicea
religious in every way. 23For as I was through a man whom he has
walking around and looking closely appointed. He has given proof of this
at the objects you worship, I even to everyone by raising him from the
found an altar with this written on it: dead.”
32
‘To an unknown god.’ So I am telling When they heard about a
you about the unknown object you resurrection of the dead, some began
worship. 24The God who made the joking about it, while others said,
world and everything in it is the Lord “We will hear you again about this.”
of heaven and earth. He doesn't live 33
And so Paul left the meeting.b
in shrines made by human hands, 34
Some men joined him and became
25
and he isn't served by peopleb as if believers. With them were Dionysius,
he needed anything. He himself gives who was a member of the
everyone life, breath, and everything Areopagus,c a woman named
else. 26From one manc he made every Damaris, and some others along with
nation of humanity to live all over the them. 17
earth, fixing the seasons of the year Chapter 18
Paul in Corinth
and the national boundaries within
18
1
which they live, 27so that they might After this, Pauld left Athens
and went to Corinth. 2There
look for God,d somehow reach for
he found a Jew named Aquila, a
him, and find him. Of course, he is
native of Pontus, who had recently
never far from any one of us. 28For we
come from Italy with his wife Priscilla
live, move, and exist because of him,
because Claudius had ordered all the
as some of your own poets have said:
Jews to leave Rome. Paule went to
‘For we are his children, too.’e 29So if
visit them, 3and because they had the
we are God's children, we shouldn't
same trade he stayed with them.
think that the divine being is like
They worked together because they
gold, silver, or stone, or is an image
were tentmakers by trade. 4Every
carved by humans using their own
Sabbath he would speak in the
imagination and skill. 30Though God
synagogue, trying to persuade both
has overlooked those times of
Jews and Greeks. 5But when Silas and
ignorance, he now commands
Timothy arrived from Macedonia,
Paul devoted himself entirely to the
a 17:22 I.e. the city council
b 17:25 Lit. hands
c 17:26 Other mss. read From one blood
d 17:27 Other mss. read for the Lord a 17:31 Or in righteousness
ACTS
e 17:28 Phainomena (5) of Aratus, a poet of b 17:33 Lit. went out from the middle of them
Cicilian origin (3rd century BC). Cleanthes the c 17:34 I.e. the city council
Stoic (3rd century BC) used almost identical d 18:1 Lit. he
language. e 18:2 Lit. He
245
worda as he emphatically assured the put up with you Jews. 15But since it is
Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. 6But a question about words, names, and
when they began to oppose him and your own law, you will have to take
insult him, he shook out his clothes in care of that yourselves. I refuse to be
protest and told them, “Your blood be a judge in these matters.” 16So he
on your own heads! I am innocent. drove them away from the judge's
From now on I will go to the seat. 17Then all of thema took
gentiles.” 5 Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and
7
Then he left that place and began beating him in front of the
went to the home of a man named judge's seat. But Gallio paid no
Titiusb Justus, who worshiped God attention to any of this.
and whose house was next door to Paul's Return Trip to Antioch
the synagogue. 8Now Crispus, the 18
After staying there for quite a
leader of the synagogue, believed in while longer, Paul said goodbye to
the Lord, along with his whole the brothers and sailed for Syria,
family. Many Corinthians who heard accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
Paul also believed and were baptized. 7
In Cenchraea he had his hair cut,

9
One night the Lord said to Paul since he was under a vow. 19When
in a vision, “Stop being afraid to they arrived in Ephesus, he left
speak out! Don’t remain silent! 10For I
Priscilla and Aquilab there. Then he
am with you, and no one will lay a
went into the synagogue and had a
hand on you or harm you, because I
discussion with the Jews. 20They
have many people in this city.” 11So
asked him to stay longer, but he
Paulc lived there for a year and a half refused. 21As he told them goodbye,
and continued to teach the word of
he said, “I will come backc to you
God among the people there.d again if it is God's will.” Then he set
12
While Gallio was proconsul of sail from Ephesus. 22When he arrived
Achaia, the Jews gathered together, in Caesarea, he went up to
attacked Paul, and brought him
Jerusalem,d greeted the church there,
before the judge's seat. 13They said,
and then returned to Antioch.
“This man is persuading people to 23
After spending some time
worship God in ways that are
there, he departed and went from
contrary to the law.”
14 place to place through the region of
Paul was about to speak when
Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all
Gallio admonished the Jews, “If there
the disciples.
were some misdemeanor or crime
involved, it would be reasonable to
a 18:17 Other mss. read of the Greeks
b 18:19 Lit. left them
ACTS
a 18:5 Other mss. read Spirit c 18:21 Other mss. read I must at all costs
b 18:7 Other mss. read Titus keep the approaching festival in Jerusalem,
c 18:11 Lit. he but I will come back
d 18:11 Lit. among them d 18:22 The Gk. lacks to Jerusalem
246
4
Apollos Preaches in Ephesus Then Paul said, “John baptized
24
Meanwhile, a Jew named when they repented, telling the
Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a people to believe in the one who was
native of Alexandria, an eloquent to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5
man, and well versed in the On hearing this, they were baptized
Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When
in the Lord's way, and with spiritual Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy
fervor he kept speaking and teaching Spirit came on them, and they began
accurately about Jesus, although he to speak in tongues and to prophesy.
knew only about John's baptism. 26He 7
There were about twelve men in all.
8
began to speak boldly in the He went into the synagogue
synagogue, but when Priscilla and and spoke there boldly for three
Aquila heard him, they took him months, holding discussions and
home and explained God's way to persuading those who heard hima
him more accurately. about the kingdom of God. 9But
27
When Apollosa wanted to cross when some people became stubborn,
over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to refused to believe, and slandered the
the disciples there, urging them to Way in front of the people, Paulb left
welcome him. On his arrival he them, took his disciples away with,
greatly helped those who, through and held daily discussions in the
God’sb grace, had believed. 28He lecture hall of Tyrannus.c 10This went
successfully refuted the Jews in public on for two years, so that all who lived
and proved by the Scriptures that in Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard
Jesus is the Messiah. the word of the Lord. 11God
Chapter 19
continued to do extraordinary
Paul in Ephesus
miracles through Paul.d 12When
19
1
It was while Apollos was in
Corinth that Paul passed handkerchiefs and aprons that had
touched his skin were taken to the
through the inland districts and came
to Ephesus. He found a few disciples sick, their diseases left them and evil
spirits went out of them.
there 2and asked them, “Did you 13
receive the Holy Spirit when you Then some Jews who went
around trying to drive out demons
believed?”
They answered him, “No, we attempted to use the name of the
Lord Jesus on those who had evil
haven't even heard that there is a
Holy Spirit.” spirits, saying, “I command you by
3 that Jesus whom Paul preaches!”
He then asked, “Then into what
were you baptized?”
They answered, “Into John's
a 19:8 Lit. persuading them
ACTS
baptism.” b 19:9 Lit. he

c 19:9 Other mss. read of a certain Tyrannus
a 18:27 Lit. he from the fifth hour to the tenth
b 18:27 The Gk. lacks God’s d 19:11 Lit. through Paul’s hands
247
14
Seven sons of a Jewish high priest Artemis, a silversmith named
named Sceva were doing this.13 Demetrius provided a large income
15
But the evil spirit said to them, for skilled workers. 25He called a
“Jesus I know, and I am getting meeting of these men and others who
acquainted with Paul, but who are were engaged in similar trades and
you?” said, “Men, you well know that we
16
Then the man with the evil get a good income from this business.
26
spirit jumped on them, got the better You also see and hear that, not only
of them, and so violently in Ephesus, but almost all over Asia,
overpowered all of them that they this man Paul has won over and
fled out of the house naked and taken away a large crowd by telling
bruised. 17When this became known them that gods made by humana
to everyone living in Ephesus, Jews hands are not gods at all. 27There is a
and Greeks alike, they all became danger not only that our business will
terrified, and the name of the Lord lose its reputation but also that the
Jesus began to be held in high honor. temple of the great goddess Artemis
18
Many who became believers kept will be brought into disrepute and
coming to confess and talk about that she will be robbed of her majesty
what they had been doing. that brought all Asia and the world to
19
Moreover, many people who had worship her.”
practiced occult arts gathered their 28
When they heard this, they
books and burned them in front of became furious and began to shout,
everybody. They estimated their “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
value and found them to have been 29
The city was filled with confusion,
worth 50,000 silver coins. 20In that and the peopleb rushed into the
way the word of the Lord kept theater together, dragging with them
spreading and triumphing. 17
Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's fellow

21
After these things had travelers from Macedonia. 30Paul
happened, Paul decideda to go wanted to go into the crowd, but the
through Macedonia and Achaia and disciples wouldn't let him. 31Even
then to go on to Jerusalem, saying, some officials of the province of Asia
“After I have gone there, I must also who were his friends sent him a
see Rome.” 22Then he sent two of his message urging him not to risk his
helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to life in the theater.
Macedonia, while he himself stayed 32
Meanwhile, some were
in Asia a while longer. shouting one thing and some
A Riot in Ephesus another, since the crowd was
23
Now about that time a great confused, and most of them didn't
commotion broke out concerning the know why they were meeting.
ACTS
Way. 24By making silver shrines of

a 19:26 The Gk. lacks human
a 19:21 Or Paul resolved in the Spirit b 19:29 Lit. they
248
33
Some of the crowd concluded it was Macedonia. 2He went through those
because of Alexander, since the Jews regions and encouraged the peoplea
had pushed him to the front. So with everything he had to say. Then
Alexander motioned for silence and he went to Greece 3and stayed there
tried to make a defense before the for three months. When he was about
people. 34But when they found out to sail for Syria, a plot was initiated
that he was a Jew, they all started to against him by the Jews, so he
shout in unison for about two hours, decided to go back through
“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 33
19
Macedonia. 4He was accompanied by
35
When the city recorder had Sopater (the son of Pyrrhus) from
quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus
Ephesus, who in the worlda doesn't from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe,
know that this city of Ephesus is the Timothy, and Tychicus and
5
keeper of the temple of the great Trophimus from Asia. These men
Artemis and of the statue that fell went on ahead and were waiting for
down from heaven?b 36Since these us in Troas. 6After the Feastb of
things cannot be denied, you must be Unleavened Bread, we sailed from
quiet and not do anything reckless. Philippi, and days later we joined
37
For you have brought these men them in Troas and stayed there for
here, although they neither rob seven days.
temples nor blaspheme ourc goddess. Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas
38
So if Demetrius and his workers 7
On the first day of the week,
have a charge against anyone, the when we had met to break bread,
courts are open and there are
Paul began to address the people.c
proconsuls. They should accuse one
Since he intended to leave the next
another there. 39But if you want
day, he went on speaking until
anything else, it must be settled in the
midnight. 8Now there were many
regular assembly, 40because we are in
lamps in the upstairs room where we
danger of being charged with rioting
were meeting. 9A young man named
today, and there is no good reason
Eutychus, who was sitting in a
we can give to justify this
window, began to sink off into a deep
commotion.” 41After saying this, he
sleep as Paul kept speaking longer
dismissed the assembly.
and longer. Overcome by sleep, he
fell down from the third floor and
Chapter 20
Paul's Trip to Macedonia and Greece
20 was picked up dead. 10But Paul went

1
When the uproar was over,
Paul sent for the disciples and down, bent overd him, took him into
encouraged them. Then he said his arms, and said, “Stop being
goodbye to them and left to go to
ACTS
a 20:2 Lit. them

a 19:35 Lit. who among people b 20:6 Lit. days
b 19:35 Or from Zeus c 20:7 Lit. them
c 19:37 Other mss. read your d 20:10 Lit. fell on
249
alarmed, because he’s still alive.” house to house. 21I testified to both
11
Then he went back upstairs, broke Jews and Greeks about repentance to
bread, and ate. He talked with them God and faith in our Lord Jesus.b
for a long time, until dawn, and then 22
“And now, compelled by the
left. 12They took the young man away Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem,
alive and were greatly relieved. 9
not knowing what will happen to me
Paul's Trip to Miletus there, 23except that in town after town
13
We proceeded to the ship and the Holy Spirit assures me that
sailed for Assos, where we intended imprisonment and suffering are
to pick up Paul. He had arranged it waiting for me. 24But I don't place any
this way, since he had planned to value on my life, if only I can finish
travel there on foot. 14When he met my race and the ministry that I
us in Assos, we took him on board received from the Lord Jesus of
and went to Mitylene. 15We sailed testifying to the gospel of God's
from there and on the following day grace.
25
arrived off Chios. The next day we “Now I know that none of you
crossed over to Samos and stayed at among whom I traveled preaching
about the kingdom will ever see my
Trogyllium.a The day after that we
face again. 26I therefore declare to you
came to Miletus. 16Paul had decided
today that I am not responsible for
to sail past Ephesus to avoid
the blood of any of you, 27for I never
spending time in Asia, as he was in a
shrank from telling you the whole
hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day
plan of God. 28Pay attention to
of Pentecost, if that was possible.
yourselves and to the entire flock
14
Paul Meets with the Ephesian Elders over which the Holy Spirit has made
17
From Miletus he sent you overseers to be shepherds of
messengersa to Ephesus to ask the God'sc church, which he acquired
elders of the church to meet with with his own blood. 29I know that
him. 18When they came to him, he when I'm gone savage wolves will
said to them, “You know how I lived come among you and not spare the
among you the entire time from the flock. 30Indeed, some of your own
first day I set foot in Asia. 19I served men will arise and distort the truth in
the Lord with all humility, with tears, order to lure the disciples into
and with trials that came to me following them. 31So be alert!
through the plots of the Jews. 20I Remember that for three years, night
never shrank from telling you and day, I never stopped tearfully
anything that would help you nor warning each of you. 20
from teaching you publicly and from

ACTS
a 20:15 Other mss. lack and stayed at b 20:21 Other mss. read Lord Jesus, the
Trogyllium Messiah
a 20:17 The Gk. lacks messengers c 20:28 Other mss. read the Lord's
250
32
“I am now entrusting you to landed at Tyre because the ship was
God and to the message of his grace, to unload its cargo there. 4So we
which is able to build you up and located some disciples and stayed
secure for you an inheritance among there for seven days. Through the
all who are sanctified. 33I never Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go
desired anyone's silver, gold, or to Jerusalem, 5but when our time
clothes. 34You yourselves know that I there came to an end, we left and
worked with my own hands to proceeded on our journey. All of
support myself and those who were them with their wives and children
with me. 35In every way I showed accompanied us out of the city. We
you that by working hard like this we knelt on the beach, prayed, 6and said
should help the weak and remember goodbye to each other. Then we
the words that the Lord Jesus himself reboarded the ship, and they went
said, ‘It is more blessed to give than back home.
to receive.’”a Paul in Caesarea
36
When Paulb had said this, he 7
When we completed our
knelt down and prayed with all of voyage from Tyre, we arrived at
them. 37All of them cried and criedc as Ptolemais, greeted the brothers there,
they put their arms around Paul and and stayed with them for one day.
kissedd him affectionately. 38They 8
The next day we left and came to
were especially sorrowful because of Caesarea. We went to the home of
what he had said—that they would Philip the evangelist, one of the
never see his face again. Then they Seven, and stayed with him. 9He had
took him to the ship. four unmarried daughters who could
Chapter 21
prophesy.
Paul in Tyre 10
After we had been there for a
21
1
When we had torn ourselves
number of days, a prophet named
away from those brothers,a we
Agabus arrived from Judea. 11He
sailed straight to Cos, and the next
came to us, took Paul's belt, and tied
day to Rhodes, and from there to
his own feet and hands with it. Then
Patara.b 2There we found a ship he said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘This is
going across to Phoenecia, so we how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up
went aboard and sailed on. 3We came the man who owns this belt. Then
in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on they will hand him over to the
our left we sailed on to Syria and gentiles.’” 12When we heard this, we
a 20:35 This saying is not recorded in the and the people who lived there
Gospels. begged Paulc not to go up to
b 20:36 Lit. he Jerusalem.
c 20:37 Lit. Great crying came to all 13
At this Paul replied, “What do
ACTS
d 20:37 People customarily greeted their

you mean by crying and breaking my
a 21:1 Lit. from them
b 21:1 Other mss. read Patara and Myra c 21:12 Lit. him
251
heart? I'm ready not only to be tied the purification ceremony with them,
up in Jerusalem but even to die for and pay their expenses to shave their
the name of the Lord Jesus!” heads. Then everyone will know that
14
When he could not be there is nothing in what they have
persuaded otherwise, we remained been told about you, but that you are
silent except to say, “May the Lord's carefully observing and keeping the
will be done.” law. 25As for the gentiles who have
become believers, we have sent a
Paul in Jerusalem
15 letter with our decision that they
When our time there ended,a
should keep away from food that has
we got ready to go up to Jerusalem.
16 been sacrificed to idols, from blood,b
Some of the disciples from Caesarea
went with us. They took us to the from anything strangled,c and from
home of Mnason to be his guests. He sexual immorality.”20
was from Cyprus and had beenb an Paul is Arrested in the Temple
early disciple. 17When we arrived in 26
Then Paul took those men and
Jerusalem, the brothers there the next day purified himself with
welcomed us warmly. 15 them. Then he went into the temple
18
The next day Paul went with to announce the time when their
us to visit James, and all the elders days of purification would end and
were present. 19After greeting them, when the sacrifice would be offered
Paula related one by one the things for each of them. 27When the seven
that God had done among the days were almost over, the Jews from
gentiles through his ministry. 20When Asia, seeing Pauld in the temple,
they heard about it, they praised God stirred up a large crowd. They
and told him, “You see, brother, how grabbed Paul,e 28yelling, “Men of
many thousands of believers there Israel, help! This is the man who
are among the Jews, and all of them teaches everyone everywhere to turn
are zealous for the law. 21But they against our people, the law, and this
have been told about you—that you place. More than that, he has even
teach all the Jews living among the brought Greeks into the temple and
gentiles to forsake the Law of Moses, desecrated this holy place.” 29For they
and that you tell them not to had earlier seen Trophimus the
circumcise their children or observe Ephesian in the city with him and
the customs. 22What is to be done? assumed that Paul had taken him
They will certainly hear that you into the temple. 30The whole city was
have come. 23So do what we tell you. in chaos. The people rushed together,
We have four men who are under a
vow. 24Take these men, go through b 21:25 I.e. uncooked meat
ACTS
c 21:25 Other mss. lack from anything

a 21:15 Lit. After those days strangled
b 21:16 The Gk. lacks had been d 21:27 Lit. him
a 21:19 Lit. he e 21:27 Lit. him
252
grabbed Paul, dragged him out of the The tribunef asked, “Oh, do you
temple, and at once the doors were speak Greek? 38You're not the
sealed shut. Egyptian who started a revolt some
31
The crowda was trying to kill time ago and led 4,000 assassins into
Paulb when a report reached the the desert, are you?”
tribune of the cohortc that all 39
Paul replied, “I am a Jew from
Jerusalem was in an uproar. Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no
32
Immediately the tribuned took some insignificant city. Please let me speak
soldiers and officers and ran down to to the people.” 40The tribuneg gave
the crowd.e When the peoplef saw him permission, and Paul, standing
the tribune and the soldiers, they on the steps, motioned for the people
stopped beating Paul. 33Then the to be silent. When everyone had
tribune came up, grabbed Paul,a and quieted down, he spoke to them in
ordered him to be tied up with two the Hebrew language:
22
chains. He then asked who Paulb was
Chapter 22
1
“Brothers and fathers, listen
and what he had done. 34Some of the to the defense that I am now
crowd shouted this and some that. making before you.” 2When they
Since the tribunec couldn't learn the heard him speaking to them in
facts due to the confusion, he ordered Hebrew, they became even more
Pauld to be taken into the barracks. quiet, and he continued:
35
When Paule got to the steps, he had
3
to be carried by the soldiers because “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus
the mob had become so violent. 36The in Cilicia but raised in this city
crowd of people kept following him and educated at the feet of
and shouting, “Kill him!” Gamaliel in the strict ways of our
ancestral law. I am as zealous for
Paul Speaks in His Own Defense
37 God as all of you are today. 4I
Just as Paul was about to be
persecuted this Way, even
taken into the barracks, he asked the
executing people,h and kept
tribune, “May I say something to
tying up both men and women
you?”
and putting them in prison, 5as
the high priest and the whole
council of elders can testify about
a 21:31 Lit. They me. From them I also received
b 21:31 Lit. him letters to the brothers in
c 21:31 I.e. perhaps as many as 600 soldiers Damascus, and I was going there
d 21:31 Lit. Immediately he
to tie up those who were there
e 21:32 Lit. them
f 21:32 Lit. When they and bring them back to
a 21:33 Lit. him Jerusalem to be punished.
ACTS
b 21:33 Lit. he
c 21:34 Lit. Since he f 21:37 Lit. He
d 21:34 Lit. him g 21:40 Lit. He
e 21:35 Lit. he h 22:4 The Gk. lacks people
253
6 14
“But while I was on my “Then he said, ‘The God of
way and approaching Damascus our ancestors has chosen you to
about noon, a bright light from know his will, to see the
heaven suddenly flashed around Righteous One, and to hear his
me. 7I fell to the ground and own voice,a 15because you will be
heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul! his witness to all people of what
Saul! Why are you persecuting you have seen and heard. 16What
me?’ are you waiting for now? Get up,
8
“I answered, ‘Who are you, be baptized, and have your sins
Lord?’a washed away as you call on his
"He said to me, ‘I am Jesus name.’
17
from Nazareth,b whom you are “Then I returned to
persecuting.’ 9The men who Jerusalem. While I was praying
were with me saw the light but in the temple, I fell into a trance
18
didn't understand the voice of and saw the Lordb saying to
the one who was speaking to me, ‘Hurry up and get out of
me. Jerusalem at once, because the
10
“Then I asked, ‘What am I peoplec won't accept your
to do, Lord?’ testimony about me.’
“The Lord told me, ‘Get up 19
“I said, ‘Lord, they
and go into Damascus, and there themselves know that in every
you will be told everything you synagogue I kept imprisoning
are destined to do.’ 11Since I and beating those who believe in
could not see because of the you. 20Even when the blood of
brightness of the light, the men your witness Stephen was being
who were with me took me by shed, I was standing there
the hand and led me into approving it and guarding the
Damascus. coats of those who were killing
12
“A certain Ananias, who him.’
was a devout man with respect 21
“Then he said to me, ‘Go,
to the law and who was highly because I will send you far away
regarded by all the Jews living to the gentiles.’”
there, 13came to me. He stood
22
beside me and said, ‘Brother Up to this point they listened
Saul, receive your sight!’ At that to him, but then they began to shout,
moment I could see him. “Away with such a fellow from the
earth! He's not fit to go on living!”
23
While they were yelling, tossing
a 22:8 Or Sir their coats around, and throwing dirt
ACTS
b 22:8 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk.

Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb. a 22:14 Lit. the voice of his mouth
netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the b 22:18 Lit. him
name Nazareth. c 22:18 Lit. they
254
into the air, 24the tribune ordered what Pauld was being accused of by
Paula to be taken into the barracks the Jews, he released him and
and told the soldiersb to beat and ordered the high priests and the
question him in order to find out why entire Councile to meet. Then he
the peoplec were yelling at him like brought Paul down and had him
this. stand before them. 23:1Paul looked
25
But when they had tied him up straight at the Councilf and said,
with the straps, Paul asked the “Brothers, with a clear conscience I
centuriond who was standing there, have done my duty before God up to
“Is it legal for you to whip a Roman this very day.”
23
Chapter 23
2
citizen who hasn't been Then the high priest Ananias
condemned?” ordered the men standing
26
When the centurion heard this, near him to strike him on the mouth.
3
he went to the tribune and said to At this Paul said to him, “God will
him, “What are you doing? This man strike you, you whitewashed wall!g
is a Roman citizen!” How can you sit there and judge me
27
So the tribune went and asked according to the law and yet in
Paul,a “Tell me, are you a Roman violation of the law order me to be
citizen?” struck?”
4
“Yes,” he said. The men standing near him
28
Then the tribune replied, “I asked, “Do you mean to insult God's
paid a lot of money for this high priest?”
5
citizenship of mine.” Paul answered, “I didn't realize,
Paul said, “But I was born a brothers, that he is the high priest.
citizen.” 29Immediately those who After all, it is written, ‘You must not
were about to examine him stepped speak evil about a ruler of your
back, and the tribune was afraid people.’”h
when he found out that Paulb was a 6
When Paul saw that some of
Roman citizen and that he had tied them were Sadducees and others
him up. 23 were Pharisees, he shouted in the
Paul is Brought before the Jewish Council,i “Brothers, I am a Pharisee
Council and a descendantj of Pharisees. I am
30
The next day, since the on trial concerning the hope that the
Tribunec wanted to find out exactly dead will be resurrected.”
a 22:24 Lit. him

b 22:24 Lit. them d 22:30 Lit. he
c Lit. why they e 22:30 Or Sanhedrin
d 22:25 A Roman centurion commanded about f 23:1 Or Sanhedrin
ACTS
100 men. g 23:3 I.e. hypocrite

a 22:27 Lit. him h 23:5 Exod 22:28
b 22:29 Lit. he i 23:6 Or Sanhedrin
c 22:30 Lit. he j 23:6 Or son
255
7
After he said that, an angry his case more carefully, but before he
quarrel broke out between the arrives we'll be ready to kill him.”
16
Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the But the son of Paul's sister
assembly was divided, 8because the heard about the ambush, so he came
Sadducees say that there is no and got into the barracks and told
resurrection and that there is no such Paul. 17Then Paul called one of the
thing as an angel or spirit, but the centurions and said, “Take this young
Pharisees believe in all those things. man to the tribune, because he has
9
There was a great deal of something to tell him.”
shouting until some of the scribes 18
So the centurionc took him,
who belonged to the party of the brought him to the tribune, and said,
Pharisees stood up and argued “The prisoner Paul called me and
forcefully, “We find nothing wrong asked me to bring this young man to
with this man. What if a spirit or an you. He has something to tell you.”
angel has spoken to him?” 19
The tribune took him by the
10
The quarrel was becoming hand, stepped aside to be alone with
violent, and the tribune was afraid him, and asked, “What have you got
that they would tear Paul to pieces. to tell me?”
So he ordered the soldiers to go 20
He answered, “The Jews have
down, take him away from them by agreed to ask you to bring Paul down
force, and bring him into the to the Councild tomorrow as though
barracks. 11That night the Lord stood they were going to examine his case
near Paula and said, “Have courage! more carefully. 21Don't believe them,
For just as you have testified about because more than 40 of them are
me in Jerusalem, you must testify in planning to ambush him. They have
Rome, too.” taken an oath not to eat or drink
Some Jews Plot to Kill Paul before they have killed him. They are
12
In the morning, the Jews ready now, just waiting for your
formed a conspiracy and took an oath consent.”
22
not to eat or drink anything before The tribune dismissed the
they had killed Paul. 13More than 40 young man and ordered him not to
men formed this conspiracy. 14They tell anyone that he had notified him.
23
went to the high priests and elders Then he summoned two centurions
and said, “We have taken a solemn and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready
oath not to taste any food before we to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock
have killed Paul. 15Now then, you tonight,e along with 70 mounted
and the Councilb must notify the soldiers and 200 soldiers with spears.
24
tribune to bring him down to you on Provide a mount for Paul to ride,
ACTS
the pretext that you want to look into

c 23:18 Lit. So he
a 23:11 Lit. him d 23:20 Or Sanhedrin
b 23:15 Or Sanhedrin e 23:23 Lit. from the third hour of the night
256
and take him safely to Governor governord asked which province

Felix.” 25He wrote a letter with this Paule was from. On learning that he
message: was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will hear
26
your case when your accusers arrive.”
“From:a Claudius Lysias
Then he ordered Paulf to be kept in
To: Governor Felix
custody in Herod's palace.g
Greetings, Your Excellency:
Chapter 24
27 Paul Presents His Case to Felix
24
This man had been seized 1
Five days later, the high priest
by the Jews and was about to be Ananias arrived with certain
killed by them when I went with elders and Tertullius, an attorney,
the guard and rescued him, and they summarized their case
having learned that he was a against Paul before the governor.
Roman citizen. 28I wanted to 2
When Paulh had been summoned,
know the exact charge they were
Tertullius opened the prosecution by
making against him, so I had
saying:
him brought before their
Council.a 29I found that, although “Your Excellency Felix, since
he was charged with questions we are enjoying lasting peace
about their law, there was no because of you, and since
charge against him deserving reforms for this nation are being
death or imprisonment. 30Since a brought about through your
plot against the man has been foresight, 3we always and
reported to me, I am at once everywhere acknowledge it with
sending him to you and have profound gratitude. 4But so as
also ordered his accusers to not to detain you any further, I
present their charges against him beg you to hear us briefly with
before you.”28 23
your customary graciousness.
5
For we have found this man a
31
So the soldiers, in keeping with perfect pest and an agitator
their orders, took Paul and brought among all Jews throughout the
him by night to Antipatris. 32The next world. He is a ringleader in the
day they let the horsemen ride with sect of the Nazarenesi 6and even
Paulb while they returned to their tried to profane the temple, but
barracks. 33When these menc came to
Caesarea, they delivered the letter to
the governor and handed Paul over d 23:34 Lit. letter, he
to him. 34After reading the letter, the e 23:34 Lit. Paul
f 23:35 Lit. Paul
g 23:35 Lit. praetorium
ACTS
a 23:26 The Gk. lacks From h 24:2 Lit. he

a 23:28 Or Sanhedrin i 24:5 The Gk. Nazoraios may be a word play
b 23:32 Lit. him between Heb. netser, meaning branch (see Isa
c 23:33 The Gk. lacks men 11:1), and the name Nazareth.
257
we arrested him.a 8By examining years I have come back to my

him for yourself, you will be able people to bring gifts for the poor
to find out from him everything and to offer sacrifices. 18They
of which we accuse him.”7 found me in the temple doing
9 these things just as I had
The Jews supported his accusations
completed the purification
by asserting that these things were
ceremony. No crowd or noisy
true. 10When the governor motioned
mob was present. 19But some
for Paul to speak, he replied:
Jews from Asia were there, and
“Since I know that you have they should be here before you
been a judge over this nation for to accuse me if they have
many years, I am pleased to anything against me.
20
present my defense. 11You can Otherwise, these men
verify for yourself that I went up themselves should tell what
to worship in Jerusalem no more wrong they found when I stood
than twelve days ago. 12They before the Councilb— 21unless it
never found me debating with is for the one thing I shouted as I
anyone in the temple or stirring stood among them: ‘It is for the
up a crowd in the synagogues or resurrection of the dead that I
throughout the city, 13and they am on trial before you today.’”
cannot prove to you the charges 22
Felix was rather well informed
they are now bringing against
about the Way, and so he adjourned
me. 14However, I admit to you
the trial with the comment, “When
that in accordance with the Way,
Tribune Lysias arrives, I will decide
which they call a heresy,a I
your case.” 23He ordered the
worship the God of our
centurion to guard Paulc but to let
ancestors and believe in
him have some freedom and not to
everything written in the Law
keep any of his friends from caring
and the Prophets. 15I have the
for his needs.
same hope in God that they
24
24
Some days later, Felix arrived
themselves cherish—that there is
with his wife Drusilla, who was
to be a resurrection of the
Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened
righteous and the wicked.
16
Therefore, I always do my best to him talk about faith in Jesusd the
to have a clear conscience before Messiah. 25As Paule talked about
God and people. 17After many righteousness, self-control, and the
coming judgment, Felix became
a 24:6 Other mss. read arrested him, and we afraid and said, “For the present you
wanted to try him under our law. 7But Tribune
ACTS
Lysias came along and took him out of our b 24:20 Or Sanhedrin
hands with much force, 8ordering his accusers c 24:23 Lit. him
to come before you. d 24:24 Other mss. lack Jesus
a 24:14 Or sect e 24:25 Lit. he
258
may go. When I get a chance, I will said in his defense, “I have done
send for you again.” 26At the same nothing wrong against the law of the
time he was hoping to receive a bribe Jews, or of the temple, or of the
from Paul, and so he would send for emperor.”
9
him frequently to talk with him. Then Festus, wanting to do the
27
After two years had passed, Jews a favor, asked Paul, “Are you
Felix was succeeded by Porcius willing to go up to Jerusalem to be
Festus. Since Felix wanted to do the tried there before me on these
Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison. charges?”
10
Chapter 25
But Paul said, “I am standing

Paul Appeals to the Emperor
before the emperor's judgment seat
25
1
Three days after Festus had
where I ought to be tried. I haven't
arrived in the province, he
done anything wrong to the Jews, as
went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 you know very well. 11If I am guilty
The high priests and Jewish leaders
and have done something that
informed him of their charges against
deserves death, I am willing to die.
Paul, urging 3and asking Festusa to But if there is nothing to their charges
have Paulb brought to Jerusalem as a against me, no one can hand me over
favor. They were laying an ambush to to them as a favor. I appeal to the
kill him on the road. emperor!”
4
Festus replied that Paul was 12
Festus talked it over with the
being kept in custody at Caesarea and council and then answered, “To the
that he himself would be going there emperor you have appealed; to the
soon. 5“Therefore,” he said, “have emperor you will go!”
your authorities come down with me
and present their charges against him King Agrippa Meets Paul
13
there, if there is anything wrong with After several days had passed,
the man.” King Agrippa and Bernice came to
6
Festusc stayed with them no Caesarea to welcome Festus. 14Since
more than eight or ten days and then they were staying there for several
went down to Caesarea. The next day days, Festus laid Paul's case before
he sat on the judge's seat and the king. He said, “There is a man
ordered Paul brought in. 7When here who was left in prison by Felix.
15
When I went to Jerusalem, the high
Pauld arrived, the Jews who had
priests and the Jewish elders
come down from Jerusalem
informed me about him and asked
surrounded him and began bringing
me to condemn him. 16I answered
a number of serious charges against
them that it was not the Roman
him that they couldn't prove. 8Paul
custom to sentence a man to be
punished until the accused met his
ACTS
a 25:3 Lit. him

b 25:3 Lit. as a favor against him to have him accusers face to face and had an
c 25:6 Lit. He opportunity to defend himself against
d 25:7 Lit. he the charge.
259
17
“So they came here with me, reliable to write our Sovereign about
and the next day without any delay I him, so I have brought him to all of
sat down in the judge's seat and you, and especially to you, King
ordered the man to be brought in. Agrippa, so that I will have
18
When his accusers stood up, they something to write after he is cross-
didn't accuse him of any of the examined. 27For it seems to me absurd
crimesa I was expecting. 19Instead, to send a prisoner without specifying
they had several arguments with him the charges against him.”25 25
about their own religion and about a Chapter 26
Paul Presents His Case to Agrippa

certain Jesus who had died but whom
26
1
Then Agrippa said to Paul,
Paul kept claiming was alive. 20I was
“You have permission to speak
puzzled how I should investigate
for yourself.” So Paul stretched out
such matters, so I asked if he would
his hand and began his defense.
like to go to Jerusalem and be tried
there for these things. 21But Paul 2
“I consider myself fortunate
appealed his case and asked to be that it is before you, King
held in prison until the decision of his Agrippa, that I can defend
Majesty. So I ordered him to be held myself today against all the
in custody until I could send him to accusations of the Jews, 3since
the emperor.” 20
you are especially familiar with

22
Agrippa told Festus, “I would all the Jewish customs and
like to hear the man.” controversies. I beg you,
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you will therefore, to listen patiently to
hear him.” me. 4All the Jews know how I
23
The next day Agrippa and lived from the earliest days of
Bernice arrived with much fanfare my youth with my own people
and went into the auditorium along and in Jerusalem. 5They have
with the tribunes and the leading known for a long time, if they
men of the city. At the command of would but testify to it, that I
Festus, Paul was brought in. 24Then lived as a Pharisee, adhering to
Festus said, “King Agrippa and all the standards of our strictest
you men who are present with us! religious party.
You see this man about whom the 6
“And now I stand here on
whole Jewish nation petitioned me, trial for the hope of the promise
both in Jerusalem and here, shouting made by God to our ancestors.
that he ought not to live any longer. 7
Our twelve tribes, worshiping
25
I find that he has not done anything day and night with intense
deserving of death. But since he has devotion, hope to attain it. It is
appealed to his Majesty, I have because of this hope, O King,
ACTS
decided to send him. 26I have nothing that I am accused by the Jews.
8
Why is it thought incredible by
a 25:18 Other mss. read of anything all of you that God should raise
the dead? 9Indeed, I myself
260
thought it my duty to take persecuting. 16But get up and

extreme measures against the stand on your feet, for I have
name of Jesus from Nazareth.a appeared to you for the very
10
That is what I did in Jerusalem. purpose of appointing you to be
I received authority from the my servant and witness of what
high priests and locked many of you have seen and of what I will
the saints in prison. And when I show you. 17I will continue to
cast my vote against them, they rescue you from your people and
were put to death. 11I would from the gentiles to whom I am
even punish them frequently in sending you. 18You will help
every synagogue and try to them understandc and turn them
make them blaspheme. Raging from darkness to light and from
furiously against them, I would Satan's control to God, so that
hunt them down even in distant their sins will be forgiven and
cities. they will receive a share among
12
“That is how I happened those who are sanctified by faith
to be traveling to Damascus with in me.’
19
authority based on a commission “And so, King Agrippa, I
from the high priests. 13On the was not disobedient to the
road at noon, O King, I saw a heavenly vision. 20Instead, I first
light from heaven that was told the people in Damascus and
brighter than the sun. It flashed Jerusalem, then all the people in
around me and those who were Judea—and after that the
traveling with me. gentiles—to repent, turn to God,
14
“All of us fell to the and perform deeds that are
ground, and I heard a voice consistent with such repentance.
21
asking me in the Hebrew For this reason the Jews
language, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are grabbed me in the temple and
you persecuting me? It is hurting kept trying to kill me. 22I have
you to keep on kicking against had help from God to this day,
the cattle prods.’a and so I stand here to testify to
15
”I asked, ‘Who are you, both the powerful and the lowly
Lord?’b alike, stating only what the
“The Lord answered, ‘I am prophets and Moses said would
Jesus, whom you are happen— 23that the Messiah
would suffer and be the first to
a 26:9 Or Jesus the Nazarene; the Gk. rise from the dead and would
Nazoraios may be a word play between Heb. bring light both to our people
netser, meaning branch (see Isa 11:1), and the and to the gentiles.”
ACTS
name Nazareth.
a 26:14 Quoted in The Bacchae by Euripides,
although Aeschylus in Prometheus Bound
used almost identical language.
b 26:15 Or Sir c 26:18 Lit. will open their eyes
261
24
As he continued his defense, Aristarchus, a Macedonian from
Festus shouted, “You're out of your Thessalonica, went with us.1
3
mind, Paul! Too much education is The next day we arrived at
driving you crazy!” Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly
25
But Paul said, “I'm not out of and allowed him to visit his friends
my mind, Your Excellency Festus. I'm there and receive any care he needed.
4
reporting what is absolutely true. After putting out from there, we
26
Indeed, the king knows about these sailed on the sheltered side of Cyprus
things, and I can speak to him freely. because the winds were against us.
5
For I am certain that none of these We sailed along the sea off Cilicia
things has escaped his notice, since and Pamphylia and reached Myra in
this wasn't done in a corner. 27King Lycia. 6There the centurion found an
Agrippa, do you believe the Alexandrian ship bound for Italy and
prophets? I know you believe them!” put us on it. 7We sailed slowly for a
28
Agrippa asked Paul, “Can you number of days and with difficulty
so quickly persuade me to become a arrived off Cnidus. Then, because the
Christian?” 2626
wind was against us, we sailed on the
29
Paul replied, “Whether quickly sheltered side of Crete off Cape
or not, I wish to God that not only Salome. 8Sailing past it with difficulty,
you but everyone listening to me we came to a place called Fair
today would become what I am— Havens, near the town of Lasea.
9
except for these chains!” Much time had been lost, and
30
Then the king, the governor, because navigation had become
Bernice, and those who were sitting dangerous and the day of fasting had
with him got up. 31As they were already past, Paul began to warn
leaving, they began to say to each those on the ship,a 10“Men, I see that
other, “This man hasn't been doing during this voyage there will be
anything to deserve death or hardship and a heavy loss not only of
imprisonment.” the cargo and ship, but also of our
32
Agrippa told Festus, “This man lives.”
could have been set free if he hadn't 11
But the centurion was
appealed to the emperor.” persuaded by the pilot and the owner
Chapter 27
of the ship and not by what Paul said.

Paul Sails for Rome 12
Since the harbor was not a good
27
1
When it was decided that we
place to spend the winter, most of the
should sail to Italy, Paul and
men favored putting out to sea from
some other prisoners were
there on the chance that somehow
transferred to a centurion named
they could reach Phoenix and spend
Julius, who belonged to the
the winter there. It is a Cretian harbor
emperor's division. 2After boarding a
ACTS
that faces southwest and northwest.

ship from Adramyttium that was
about to sail to the ports on the coast
of Asia, we put out to sea. a 27:9 Lit. warn them
262
13
When a gentle breeze began to blow courage because there will be no loss
from the south, they thought they of life among you, but only losse of
could make it to Phoenix,a so they the ship. 23For just last night an angel
hoisted anchor and began sailing of God, to whom I belong and whom
along the shore of Crete. I serve, stood by me 24and said, ‘Stop
14
But it was not long before a being afraid, Paul! You must stand
violent wind (called a northeaster) before the emperor. Indeed, God has
swept down from the island.b 15The given to you the lives off everyone
ship was caught so that it couldn't who is sailing with you.’ 25So take
face the wind, and we gave up and courage, men, because I trust God
were swept along. 16As we drifted to that it will turn out just as he told me.
26
the sheltered side of a small island However, we will have to run
called Cauda,a we barely managed to aground on some island.”
secure the ship's lifeboat. 17The ship’s The Shipwreck
crewb pulled it up on deck and used 27
It was the fourteenth night,
ropes to brace the ship. Fearing that and we were drifting through the
they would hit the large sandbank Adriatic Sea when about midnight
near Lybia,c they lowered the sail and the sailors suspected that land was
drifted along. 18The next day, because near. 28After taking soundings, they
we were being tossed so violently by found the depth to be twenty
the storm, they began to throw the fathoms. A little later they took
cargo overboard. 19On the third day soundings again and found it was
they threw the ship's equipment fifteen fathoms. 29Fearing that we
overboard with their own hands. might run aground on the rocks, they
20
For a number of days neither the dropped four anchors from the stern
sun nor the stars were to be seen, and and began praying for daylight to
the storm continued to rage until at come. 30Meanwhile, the sailors had
last all hope of our being saved begun trying to escape from the ship.
vanished.16 They lowered the lifeboat into the sea
21
After they had gone a long and pretended that they were going
time without food, Paul stood among to lay out the anchors from the bow.
his shipmatesd and said, “Men, you 31
Paul told the centurion and the
should have listened to me and not soldiers, “Unless these men remain
have sailed from Crete. You would onboard, you cannot be saved.”
have avoided this hardship and 32
Then the soldiers cut the ropes that
damage. 22But now I urge you to have held the lifeboat and set it adrift.29
33
Right up to daybreak Paul kept
a 27:13 Lit. could achieve their purpose urging all of them to eat something.
b 27:14 Lit. from it
ACTS
a 27:16 Other mss. read Clauda

He said, “Today is the fourteenth day
b 27:17 Lit. They
c 27:17 Lit. the Syrtis e 27:22 The Gk. lacks loss
d 27:21 Lit. among them f 27:24 The Gk. lacks the lives of
263
that you have been waiting and of the ship. In this way everyone got
going without food, not eating to shore safely. 40
27
anything. 34So I urge you to eat Chapter 28
Paul on the Island of Malta

something, for it will help you
28
1
When we were safely on
survive, since none of you will lose so
shore, we learned that the
much asa a hair from his head.”
35 island was called Malta. 2The people
After he said this, he took some
who lived there were unusually kind
bread, thanked God in front of
to us. It had started to rain and was
everyone, broke it, and began to eat.
36 cold, so they started a bonfire and
Everyone was encouraged and had
invited us to join themb around it.
something to eat. 37There were 276b 3
Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and
us on the ship. 38After they had eaten
put it on the fire. A poisonous snake
all they wanted, they began to lighten
was forced out by the heat and
the ship by dumping its cargo ofa
attached itself to Paul'sc hand. 4When
wheat into the sea.
the people who lived there saw the
2733
39
When day came, they didn't
snake hanging from his hand, they
recognize the land, but they could see
said to one another, “This man must
a bay with a beach on which they
be a murderer! He may have escaped
planned to run the ship ashore, if
from the sea, but Justiced won't let
possible. 40So they cut the anchors
him live.” 5But he shook the snake
free and left them in the sea. At the
into the fire and wasn't harmed.
same time they untied the ropes that 6
They were expecting him to swell up
held the steering oars, raised the
or suddenly drop dead, but after
foresail to the wind, and headed for
waiting a long time and seeing
the beach. 41But they struck a sandbar
nothing unusual happen to him, they
and ran the ship aground. The bow
changed their minds and said he was
stuck and couldn't be moved, while
a god.
the stern was broken to pieces by the 7
The governor of the island,
force of the waves. 42The soldiers’
whose name was Publius, owned
plan was to kill the prisoners to keep
estates in that part of the island. He
them from swimming ashore and
welcomed us and entertained us with
escaping, 43but the centurion wanted
great hospitality for three days. 8The
to save Paul, so he prevented them
father of Publius happened to be sick
from carrying out their plan. He
in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul
ordered those who could swim to
went to him, prayed, and healed him
jump overboard first and get to land.
44 by placing his hands on him. 9After
The rest were to follow, some on
that had happened, the rest of the
planks and others on various pieces
ACTS
b 28:2 The Gk. lacks to join them

a 27:34 The Gk. lacks so much as c 28:3 Lit. his
b 27:37 Other mss. read 76 d 28:4 I.e. a Roman god whom they supposed
a 27:38 Lit. dumping the punished wrongdoers
264
sick people on the island went to him arrested in Jerusalem and handed
and were healed. 10The islandersa over to the Romans. 18They examined
honored us in many ways, and when me and wanted to let me go because
we were about to sail again,b they there was no reason for me to
supplied us with everything we receivec the death penalty in my case.
19
needed. But the Jews objected and forced me
to appeal to the emperor, even
Paul Sails from Malta to Rome
11 though I have no countercharge to
Three months later, we
bring against my own people. 20That's
continued our sailing onboard an
why I asked to see you and speak
Alexandrian ship that had spent the
with you, since it is for the hope of
winter at the island. It had the Twin
Israel that I'm wearing this chain.”18
Brothersa as its figurehead. 12We 21
The Jewish leadersd told him,
stopped at Syracuse and stayed there
“We haven't received any letters from
for three days. 13Then we weighed
Judea about you, and none of the
anchor and came to Rhegium. A day
brothers coming here has reported or
later a south wind began to blow, and
mentioned anything bad about you.
on the second day we came to 22
However, we would like to hear
Puteoli. 14There we found some
from you what you believe, because
brothers and were invited to stay
people are talking against this sect
with them for seven days. After this,
everywhere.” 23So they set a day to
we arrived in Rome. 15The brothers
meet with Paule and came out in
there heard about us and came as far
large numbers to see him where he
as the Forum of Appius and the
was staying.
Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul
From morning until evening he
saw them, he thanked God and felt
continued to explain the kingdom of
encouraged. 16When we came into
God to them, trying to convince them
Rome, Paul was allowed to live by
about Jesus from the law of Moses
himself with the soldier who was
and the Prophets. 24Some of them
guarding him.
were convinced by what he said, but
Paul in Rome others wouldn't believe. 25They
17
Three days later, Paulb called disagreed with one another as they
the leaders of the Jews together. were leaving, so Paul added this
When they assembled, he said to statement: “The Holy Spirit was so
them, “Brothers, although I haven't right when he spoke to your
done anything against our people or ancestors through the prophet Isaiah!
26
the customs of our ancestors, I was He said,
a 28:10 Lit. They

ACTS
b 28:10 The Gk. lacks again

a 28:11 Lit. the Dioscuri; i.e. Castor and c 28:18 The Gk. lacks me to receive
Pollux, twin sons of Zeus d 28:21 Lit. They
b 28:17 Lit. he e 28:23 Lit. him
265
‘Go to this people and say,

“You will listen and listen
but never understand,
and you will look and look
but never see!
27
For this people's mindsa have
become stupid,
and their ears can barely hear,
and they have shut their eyes
so that they may never see with
their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart
and turn and let me heal them.”’a
28
You must understand that this
message aboutb God’s salvation has
been sent to the gentiles, and they
will listen.”c
30
For two whole years Pauld
lived in his own rented place and
welcomed everyone who came to
him. 31He continued to preach about
the kingdom of God and to teach
boldly and freely about the Lord
Jesus, the Messiah.
a 28:27 Lit. heart

a 28:27 Isa 6:9-10
b 28:28 The Gk. lacks message about
ACTS
c 28:28 Other mss. read will listen. 29When he

had said these words, the Jews left, arguing
intensely among themselves.
d 28:30 Lit. he
266
THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE
ROMANS
ROMANS
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul faith is being reported throughout the
1 world. 9For God, whom I serve with

1
From:a Paul, a servant of Jesus
the Messiah,b called to be an my spirit by preaching the gospel
apostle and set apart for God’s about his Son, is my witness how
gospel, 2
which he promised constantly I mention you 10in my
beforehand through his prophets in prayers at all times, asking that
the Holy Scriptures 3regardingc his somehow by God's will I may at last
Son. He was a descendant of David succeed in coming to you. 11For I am
with respect to his humanity 4and longing to see you so that I may
was declared by the resurrection from impart to you some spiritual gift to
the dead to be the powerful Son of make you strong, 12that is, that we
God according to the spiritd of may be mutually encouraged by each
holiness—Jesus the Messiah, our other's faith, both yours and mine.
13
Lord. 5Through him we received I do not want you to be
grace and a commission as an apostle unaware, brothers, that I often
to bring about faithful obedience planned to come to you (but have
among all the gentiles for the sake of been prevented from doing so until
his name. 6You, too, are among those now), so that I might reap a harvest
who have been called to belong to among you, just as I have among the
Jesus the Messiah. rest of the gentiles. 14Both to Greeks
and to barbarians,g both to wise and
7
To: Everyone in Rome,e loved by to foolish people, I am a debtor.
God and called to be holy.f 15
That is why I am so eager to
May grace and peace from God proclaim the gospel to you who live
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the in Rome,h too.
16
Messiah, be yours! For I am not ashamed of the
gospel,i because it is God's power for
Paul's Prayer and Desire to Visit the salvation of everyone who
Rome believes, of the Jew first and of the
8
First of all, I thank my God Greek as well. 17For in the gospelj
through Jesus the Messiah for all of God's righteousness is being revealed
you, because the news about your
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From

b 1:1 Other mss. read of the Messiah Jesus
c 1:3 Lit. About g 1:14 I.e. uncultured people
d 1:4 Or Spirit h 1:15 Other mss. lack who live in Rome
e 1:7 Other mss. lack in Rome i 1:16 Other mss. read gospel of the Messiah
f 1:7 Or saints j 1:17 Lit. in it
267
Romans 1:18 The Holy Bible
26
from faith to faith, as it is written, For this reason, God delivered
ROMANS
“The righteous will live by faith.”a them to degrading passions as their
females exchanged their natural
God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
18 sexual function for one that is
For God's wrath is being
unnatural. 27In the same way, their
revealed from heaven against all the
males also abandoned their natural
ungodliness and wickedness of those
sexual function toward females and
who in their wickedness suppress the
burned with lust toward one another.
truth. 19For what can be known about
Males committed indecent acts with
God is plain to them, because God
males, and received within
himself has made it plain to them.
20 themselves the appropriate penalty
For since the creation of the world
for their perversion.f
God’sb invisible attributes—his 28
Furthermore, because they did
eternal power and divine nature—
not think it worthwhile to keep
have been understood and observed
knowing God fully, God delivered
by what he made, so that peoplec are them to degraded minds to perform
without excuse. 21For although they acts that should not be done. 29They
knew God, they neither glorified him have become filled with every kind of
as God nor gave thanks to him. wickedness, evil, greed, and
Instead, their thoughts turned to depravity. They are full of envy,
worthless things,d and their senseless murder, quarreling, deceit, and
hearts were darkened. 22Though viciousness. They are gossips,
claiming to be wise, they became 30
slanderers, God-haters, haughty,
fools 23and exchanged the glory of the arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil,
immortal God for images that looked disobedient to their parents, 31foolish,
like mortal human beings, birds, four- faithless, heartless, ruthless.
footed animals, and reptiles. 32
Although they know God's just
24
For this reason, God delivered requirement—that those who practice
them to sexual impurity as they such things deserve to die—they not
followed the lustse of their hearts and only do these things but even
dishonored their bodies with one applaud others who practice them. 28 1
another. 25They exchanged God's Chapter 2
truth for a lie and worshipped and God Will Judge Everyone
1
2
served the creation rather than the Therefore, you have no excuse—
Creator, who is blessed forever. every one of you who judges. For
Amen. when you pass judgment on
another person, you condemn
yourself, since you, the judge,
a 1:17 Hab 2:4
practice the very same things. 2Now
b 1:20 Lit. his
c 1:20 Lit. they we know that God's judgment
d 1:21 Lit. they became worthless in their
thoughts
e 1:24 Lit. to impurity in the lusts f 1:27 Or deviation
268
International Standard Version 2.0 Romans 2:26
against those who act like this is possess the law, do instinctively what
ROMANS
based ona truth. 3So when you, a the law requires, they are a law to
mere man, pass judgment on those themselves, even though they do not
who practice these things and then have the law. 15They show that what
do them yourself, do you think you the law requires is written in their
will escape God's judgment? 4Or are hearts, a fact to which their own
you unaware of his rich kindness, consciences testify, and their
forbearance, and patience, that it is thoughts will either accuse or excuse
God's kindness that is leading you to them 16on that day when God,
repent? through Jesus the Messiah, will judge
5
But because of your stubborn people's secrets according to my
and unrepentant heart you are gospel. 14
2
reserving wrath for yourself on the Who is a Jew?

day of wrath, when God's righteous 17
Now if you call yourself a Jew,
judgment will be revealed. 6For he and rely on the law, and boast about
will repay everyone according to God, 18and know his will, and
what that person has done: 7eternal approve of what is best because you
life to those who strive for glory, have been instructed in the law; 19and
honor, and immortality by patiently if you are convinced that you are a
doing good; 8but wrath and fury for guide for the blind, a light to those in
those who in their selfish pride refuse darkness, 20an instructor of ignorant
to believe the truth and practice people, and a teacher of infants
wickedness instead. 9There will be because you have the full content of
suffering and anguish for every knowledge and truth in the law—
human being who practices doing 21
as you teach others, do you fail to
evil, for Jews first and for Greeks as teach yourself? As you preach against
well. 10But there will be glory, honor, stealing, do you steal? 22As you forbid
and peace for everyone who practices adultery, do you commit adultery? As
doing good, initially for Jews but also you abhor idols, do you rob temples?
for Greeks as well, 11because God 23
As you boast about the law, do you
does not show partiality. dishonor God by breaking the law?
12
For all who have sinned apart 24
As it is written, “God's name is
from the law will also perish apart being blasphemed among the gentiles
from the law, and all who have
because of you.”b
sinned under the law will be judged 25
For circumcision is valuable if
by the law. 13For it is not merely those
you observe the law, but if you break
who hear the law who are righteous
the law, your having been
in God's sight. No, it is those who
circumcised has no more value than if
follow the law, who will be justified.
14 you were uncircumcised. 26So if a
For whenever gentiles, who do not
man who is uncircumcised keeps the
a 2:2 Lit. is according to the b 2:24 Isa 52:5
269
requirements of the law, his when he vents his wrath on us, is he?
ROMANS
uncircumcision will be regarded as (I am talking in human terms.) 6Of
circumcision, won't it? 27The man course not! Otherwise, how could
who is uncircumcised physically but God judge the world? 7Forg if
who keeps the law will condemn you through my falsehood God's
who break the law, even though you truthfulness glorifies him even more,
have the written lawa and why am I still being condemned as a
28
circumcision. For a person is not a sinner? 8Or can we say—as some
Jew because of his appearance, nor is people slander us by claiming that we
circumcision something just external say—“Let’s do evil that good may
and physical. 29No, a person is a Jew result”? They deserve to be
inwardly, and circumcision is a condemned!
matter of the heart, brought about by 9
What, then, does this mean?h
the Spirit, not by a written law.b That Are we Jewsi any better off? Not at
person's praise will come from God, all! For we have already accused
not from people. 226
everyone, both Jews and Greeks, of
Chapter 3
being under the power ofj sin. 10As it

Everyone is a Sinner
is written,
3
1
What advantage, then, does the
Jew have, or what value is there “Not even one person is righteous.
in circumcision? 2There are all kinds 11
No one understands.
of advantages! First of all, the Jewsc No one searches for God.
12
have been entrusted with the All have turned away.
utterances of God. 3What if some of They have become completely
the Jewsd were unfaithful? Their worthless.
unfaithfulness cannot cancel God's No one shows kindness, not
faithfulness, can it? 4Of course not! even one person!k
13
God is true, even if everyone else is a Their throats are open graves.
liar. As it is written,3 With their tongues they deceive.l
The venom of poisonous
“You are right when you speak,e
snakes is under their lips.m
and win your case when you go 14
Their mouths are full of cursing
into court.”f
and bitterness.a
5
But if our unrighteousness serves to
confirm God's righteousness, what
can we say? God is not unrighteous
g 3:7 Other mss. read But
h 3:9 The Gk. lacks does this mean
a 2:27 Lit. what is written i 3:9 The Gk. lacks Jews
b 2:29 Lit. what is written j 3:9 The Gk. lacks the power of
c 3:2 Lit. they k 3:12 Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccl 7:20
d 3:3 Lit. of them l 3:13 Ps 5:9
e 3:4 Lit. are justified in your words m 3:13 Ps 140:3
f 3:4 Ps 51:4 a 3:14 Ps 10:7
270
15
They run swiftlya to shed blood. righteousness, because he had waited
ROMANS
16
Ruin and misery characterize patiently to deal with sins committed
their lives. in the past. 26He wantedi to
17
They have not learned the path to demonstrate at the present time that
peace.b he himself is righteous and that he
18
They don’t fear God.c justifies anyone who has the
19 faithfulness of Jesus.j
Now we know that whatever 27
What, then, is there to boast
the law says applies to those who are
about? That has been eliminated. On
under the law, so that every mouth
what principle? On that of actions?
may be silenced and the whole world
No, but on the principle of faith.
held accountable to God. 20Therefore, 28
Fork we maintain that a person is
Godd will not justify any human
justified by faith apart from the
being by means of the actions
actions prescribed by the law. 29Is
prescribed by the law, for through
God the God of the Jews only? Is he
the law comes the full knowledge of
not the God of the gentiles, too? Yes,
sin.
of the gentiles, too, 30since there is
God Gives Us Righteousness through only one God who will justify the
Faith circumcised on the basis of faith and
21
But now, apart from the law, the uncircumcised by that same faith.
31
God's righteousness is revealed and is Do we, then, abolish the law by this
attested by the Law and the faith? Of course not! Instead, we
Prophets— 22God's righteousness uphold the law.
through the faithfulness of Jesus the Chapter 4
The Example of Abraham

Messiah—e for all who believe. For
4
1
What, then, are we to say about
there is no distinction among people,f Abraham, our human ancestor?
23
since all have sinned and continue 2
For if Abraham was justified by
to fall short of God's glory. 24By his actions, he would have had
grace they are justified freely through something to boast about—though
the redemption that is in the Messiah not before God. 3For what does the
Jesus, 25whom God offered as a place Scripture say? “Abraham believed
where atonement by the Messiah'sg God, and it was credited to him as
blood would occur through faith. He righteousness.”a
did thish to demonstrate his 4
Now to someone who works,
wages are not considered a gift but
a 3:15 Lit. Their feet are swift an obligation. 5However, to someone
b 3:17 Isa 59:7-8; Prov 1:16
who does not work, but simply
c 3:18 Lit. God before their eyes
d 3:20 The Gk. lacks God
e 3:22 Or through faith in Jesus the Messiah i 3:26 The Gk. lacks He wanted
f 3:22 The Gk. lacks among people j 3:26 Or faith in Jesus
g 3:25 Lit. by his sight k 3:28 Other mss. read Therefore
h 3:25 The Gk. lacks He did this a 4:3 Gen 15:6
271
believes in the one who justifies the Abraham or to his descendants
ROMANS
ungodly, his faith is credited as through the law, but through the
righteousness. 6Likewise, David also righteousness produced by faith. 14For
speaks of the blessedness of the if those who were given the lawc are
person whom God regards as the heirs, then faith is useless and the
righteous apart from actions:
5
promise is worthless, 15for the law
7
“How blessed are those whose produces wrath. Now where there is
iniquities are forgiven no law, neither can there be any
and whose sins are covered! violation of it.
16
8
How blessed is the person whose Therefore, the promised is
sins based on faith, so that it may be a
the Lord will never charge matter of grace and may be
against him!”a guaranteed for all of Abraham’se
descendants—not only for those who
9
Now does this blessedness come were given the law,f but also for
to the circumcised alone, or also to those who share the faith of
the uncircumcised? For we say, Abraham, who is the father of us all.
“Abraham's faith was credited to him 17
As it is written, “I have made you
as righteousness.”b 10Under what the father of many nations.”g
circumstances was it credited? Was he Abrahamh acted in faith when he
circumcised or uncircumcised? He stood in the presence of God, who
had not yet been circumcised, but gives life to the dead and calls into
was uncircumcised. 11Afterward he existence things that don't yet exist.
received the mark of circumcision as 18
Hoping in spite of hopeless
a seal of the righteousness that he circumstances, he believed that he
had by faith while he was still would become “the father of many
uncircumcised. Therefore, he is the
nations,”i just as he had been told:a
ancestor of all who believe while
“This is how many descendants you
uncircumcised, in order that
will have.”b 19His faith did not
righteousness may be credited to
weaken when he thought about his
them. 12He is also the ancestor of the
circumcised—those who are not only own body (which was alreadyc as
circumcised, but who also walk in the good as dead now that he was about
footsteps of the faith that our father
Abraham had before he was c 4:14 Lit. those of the law
circumcised. d 4:16 Lit. it
e 4:16 Lit. his
The Promise Comes through Faith f 4:16 Lit. those of the law
13 g 4:17 Gen 17:5
For the promise that he would
h 4:17 Lit. He
inherit the world did not come to i 4:18 Gen 17:5
a 4:18 Lit. according to what was said
a 4:8 Ps 32:1-2 b 4:18 Gen 15:5
b 4:9 Gen 15:6 c 4:19 Other mss. lack already
272
a hundred years old) or about Sarah's has been poured out into our hearts
ROMANS
inability to have children, 20nor did he by the Holy Spirit, who has been
doubt God's promise out of a lack of given to us.3
6
faith. Instead, his faith became For at just the right time, while
stronger and he gave glory to God, we were still powerless,h the Messiah
21
being absolutely convinced that God died for the ungodly. 7For it is rare for
would do what he had promised. anyone to die for a righteous person,
22
This is why “it was credited to him though somebody might be brave
as righteousness.”a 4 enough to die for a good person. 8But
23
Now the words “it was God demonstrates his love for us by
credited to him” were written not the fact that the Messiah died for us
only for him 24but also for us. Our while we were still sinners.
9
faith will be regarded in the same Now that we have been
way,b if we believe in the one who justified by his blood, how much
raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. more will we be saved from wrath
25
He was sentenced to death because through him! 10For if, while we were
of our sins and raised to life to justify enemies, we were reconciled to God
us. through the death of his Son, how
Chapter 5
much more, having been reconciled,
We Enjoy Peace with God through will we be saved by his life! 11Not
Jesus only that, but we also continue to
5
1
Therefore, since we have been boast about God through our Lord
justified by faith, we havec peace Jesus the Messiah, through whom we
with God through our Lord Jesus the have now been reconciled.
Messiah. 2Through him we have also
obtainedd access by faithe into this Death in Adam, Life in the Messiah
12
grace by which we have been Just as sin entered the world
through one man, and death resulted
established, and we boastf because of
from sin, therefore everyone dies,
our hope in God's glory. 3Not only
because everyone has sinned.
that, but we also boastg in our 13
Certainly sin was in the world
sufferings, knowing that suffering
before the law was given,a but no
produces endurance, 4endurance
record of sin is kept when there is no
produces character, and character
law. 14Nevertheless, death ruled from
produces hope. 5Now this hope does
not disappoint us, because God's love the time ofb Adam to Moses, even
over those who did not sin in the
same way Adam did when he
a 4:22 Gen 15:6
b 4:24 Lit. It will be regarded
c 5:1 Other mss. read let’s have
d 5:2 Or let’s also obtain
e 5:2 Other mss. lack by faith h 5:6 Or weak
f 5:2 Or let’s boast a 5:13 The Gk. lacks was given
g 5:3 Or let’s also boast b 5:14 The Gk. lacks the time of
273
disobeyed.a He is a foreshadowing of so also grace might rule by bringing
ROMANS
the one who would come. justificationf that results in eternal life
15
But God's free giftb is not like through Jesus the Messiah, our Lord.
Adam's offense.c For if many people Chapter 6
No Longer Sin's Slaves, but God's

died as the result of one man's
Slaves
6
offense, how much more have God's 1
What should we say, then?
grace and the free gift given through Should we go on sinning so that
the kindness of one man, Jesus the grace may increase? 2Of course not!
Messiah, been showered on many How can we who died as far as sin is
people! 16Nor can the free gift be concerned go on living in it?
compared to what came through the 3
Or don't you know that all of us
man who sinned.d For the sentence who were baptized into union with
that followed one man's offense the Messiah Jesus were baptized into
resulted in condemnation, but the his death? 4Therefore, through
free gift brought justification, even baptism we were buried with him
after many offenses. 17For if, through into his death so that, just as the
one man, death ruled because of that Messiah was raised from the dead by
man's offense, how much more will the Father's glory, we too may live an
those who receive such overflowing entirely new life. 5For if we have
grace and the gift of righteousness become united with him in a death
rule in life because of one man, Jesus like his, we will certainly also be
the Messiah! 515
united with him in a resurrection like

18
Consequently, just as one his. 6We know that our old natures
offense resulted in condemnation for were crucified with him so that our
everyone, so one act of righteousness sin-laden bodies might be rendered
results in justification and life for powerless and we might no longer be
everyone. 19For just as through one slaves to sin. 7For the person who has
man's disobedience many people died has been freed from sin.
were made sinners, so also through 8
Now if we have died with the
one man's obedience many people Messiah, we believe that we will also
will be made righteous. 20Now the live with him, 9for we know that the
law crept in so that the offense would Messiah, who was raised from the
increase. But where sin increased, dead, will never die again; death no
grace increased even more, 21so that, longer has mastery over him. 10For
just as sin ruled by bringing death,e when he died, he died once and for
all as far as sin is concerned. But now
a 5:14 Lit. in the likeness of Adam's that he is alive, he lives for God. 11In
disobedience the same way, you too must
b 5:15 Lit. But the free gift
c 5:15 Lit. like the offense continually consider yourselves dead
d 5:16 Lit. nor is the gift like the man who
sinned
e 5:21 Lit. ruled in death f 5:21 Lit. through justification
274
as far as sin is concerned, but living nature.g Just as you once offered the
ROMANS
for God through the Messiah Jesus.a parts of your bodyh as slaves to
12
Therefore, do not let sin rule impurity and to greater and greater
your mortal bodies so that you obey disobedience, so now, in the same
their desires. 13Stop offeringb the way, you must offer the parts of your
parts of your bodyc to sin as bodyi as slaves to righteousness that
instruments of unrighteousness. leads to sanctification. 20For when
Instead, offer yourselves to God as you were slaves of sin, you were
people who have been brought from “free” as far as righteousness was
death to life and the parts of your concerned. 21What benefit did you get
bodyd as instruments of from doing those things you are now
righteousness to God. 14For sin will ashamed of? For those things resulted
not have mastery over you, because in death. 22But now that you have
you are not under law but under been freed from sin and have become
grace. 13
6
God's slaves, the benefit you reap is
15
What, then, does this mean?e sanctification, and the result is eternal
Should we go on sinning because we life. 23For the wages of sin is death,
are not under law but under grace? but the free gift of God is eternal life
Of course not! 16Don't you know that in union with the Messiah Jesus our
when you offer yourselves to Lord.
someone as obedient slaves, you are Chapter 7
Now We are Released from the Law

slaves of the one you obey—either of
7
1
Don't you realize, brothers—for I
sin, which leads to death, or of
am speaking to people who know
obedience, which leads to
the law—that the law can press its
righteousness? 17But thank God that,
claims over a person only as long as
though you were once slaves of sin,
he is alive? 2For a married woman is
you became obedient from your
bound by the law to her husband
hearts to that form of teaching with
while he is living, but if her husband
which you were entrusted! 18And
dies, she is released from the law
since you have been freed from sin,
concerning her husband. 3So while
you have become slaves of
her husband is living, she will be
righteousness.
19
called an adulterer if she lives with
I am speaking in simplef terms another man. But if her husband dies,
because of the frailty of your human she is free from this law, so that she is
not an adulterer if she marries
another man.
4
a 6:11 Other mss. read the Messiah Jesus our In the same way, my brothers,
Lord
b 6:13 Or Don't offer
through the Messiah's body you also
c 6:13 Lit. your members
d 6:13 Lit. your members g 6:19 Lit. your flesh
e 6:15 The Gk. lacks does this mean h 6:19 Lit. your members
f 6:19 Lit. human i 6:19 Lit. your members
275
died as far as the law is concerned, so The Problem of the Sin That Lives in
ROMANS
that you may belong to another Us
13
person, the one who was raised from Now, did something good
the dead, and may bear fruit for God. bring me death? Of course not! But in
5
For while we were living according order that sin might be recognized as
to our human nature,a sinful passions being sin, it used something good to
were at work in our bodiesb by cause my death, so that through the
means of the law, to bear fruit rule, sin might become more exposed
resulting in death. 6But now we have as beingg sinful than ever before.
14
been released from the law by dying For we know that the law is
to what enslaved us, so that we may spiritual, but I am merely human,h
serve in the new life of the Spirit, not sold as a slave to sin.i 15I don't
under the old writings. 4
understand what I am doing. For I
don't practice what I want to do, but
The Law Shows Us What Sin is
7 instead do what I hate. 16Now if I
What should we say, then? Is
practice what I don't want to do, I am
the law sinful? Of course not! In fact,
admitting that the law is good. 17As it
I wouldn't have become aware of sin
if it had not been for the law. I is, I am no longer the one who is
wouldn't have known what it means doing it, but it is the sin that is living
to covet if the law had not said, “You in me.
18
must not covet.”c 8But sin seized the For I know that nothing good
opportunity provided by this lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I
commandment and produced in me have the desire to do what is right,
all kinds of sinful desires, since apart but I cannot carry it out. 19For I don't
from the law, sin is dead. 9At one do the good I want to do, but instead
time I was alive without any do the evil that I don't want to do.
20
connection tod the law.e But when But if I do what I don't want to do, I
the rule was revealed, sin sprang to am no longer the one who is doing it,
life, 10and I died. I found that the very but it is the sin that is living in me. 19
7
21
rule that was intended to bring life So I find this to be a principle:a
actually brought death. 11For sin, when I want to do what is good, evil
seizing the opportunity provided by is right there with me. 22For I delight
the rule, deceived me and used it to in the law of God in my inner being,
23
kill me. 12So then, the lawf itself is but I see in my bodyb a different
holy, and the rule is holy, just, and principlec waging war with the law in
good. my mind and making me a prisoner
a 7:5 Lit. our flesh g 7:13 The Gk. lacks exposed as being
b 7:5 Lit. members h 7:14 Lit. am flesh
c 7:7 Exod 20:17 i 7:14 Lit. sold under sin
d 7:9 The Gk. lacks any connection to a 7:21 Lit. law
e 7:9 Or instruction b 7:23 Lit. in my members
f 7:12 Or instruction c 7:23 Lit. law
276
of the law of sin that exists in my human nature is hostile toward God.
ROMANS
body.a 24What a wretched man I am! It refuses to submit to the authority of
Who will rescue me from this body God's law because it is powerless to
that is infected byb death? 25Thank do so. 8Indeed, those who are under
God through Jesus the Messiah, our the control of human nature cannot
Lord, because with my mind I myself please God.
9
can serve the law of God, even while You, however, are not under
with my human naturec I serve the the control of the human nature but
law of sin. under the control of the Spirit, since
Chapter 8
God's Spirit lives in you. And if
The Spirit Gives Life anyone does not have the Spirit of
8
1
Therefore, there is now no the Messiah, he does not belong to
condemnation for those who are him. 10But if the Messiah is in you,
in union with the Messiah Jesus.d your bodies are dead due to sin, but
the Spirit’s law of life in the Messiah the spiritg is alive due to
Jesus has set mee free from the law of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of
sin and death. 3For what the law was the one who raised Jesus from the
powerless to do in that it was dead is living in you, then the one
weakened by the flesh, God did. By who raised the Messiah from the
sending his own Son in the form of dead will also make your mortal
humanity,f he condemned sin by bodies alive by his Spirit who lives in
being incarnate, 4so that the righteous you.
12
requirement of the law might be Consequently, brothers, we are
fulfilled in us, who do not live not—with respect to human nature,
according to human nature but that is—under an obligation to live
according to the Spirit. according to human nature. 13For if
5
For those who live according to you live according to human nature,
the flesh set their minds on the things you are going to die, but if by the
of the flesh, but those who live Spirit you continually put to death
according to the Spirit set their minds the activities of the body, you will
on the things of the Spirit. 6To focus live. 14For all who are led by God's
our minds on the human nature leads Spirit are God's children. 15For you
to death, but to focus our minds on have not received a spirit of slavery
the Spirit leads to life and peace. that leads you into fear again.
7
That is why the mind that focuses on Instead, you have received the Spirit
of adoption by whom we cry out,
“Abba!a Father!” 16The Spirit himself
a 7:23 Lit. in my members
b 7:24 Lit. body of death
c 7:25 Lit. my flesh testifies with our spirit that we are
d 8:1 Other mss. read the Messiah Jesus, who God's children. 17Now if we are
do not live according to the flesh but
according to the Spirit
e 8:2 Other mss. read you g 8:10 Or Spirit
f 8:3 Lit. of the flesh a 8:15 Abba is Aram. for Father.
277
children, we are heirs—heirs of God usd with groans too deep for words,
ROMANS
27
and co-heirs with the Messiah—if, in and the one who searches our
fact, we share in his sufferings in hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,
order that we may also share in his for the Spirite intercedes for the saints
glory. according to God's will.f 28And we
know that for those who love God,
God's Spirit Helps Us
18 that is, for those who are called
For I consider that the
according to his purpose, all things
sufferings of this present time are not
are working togetherg for good.
worth comparing with the glory that 29
For those whom he foreknew
will be revealed to us. 19For the
he also predestined to be conformed
creation is eagerly awaiting the
to the image of his Son, in order that
revelation of God’s children,
20 the Sonh might be the firstborn
because the creation has become
among many brothers. 30And those
subject to futility, though not by
whom he predestined, he also called;
anything it did.a The one who
and those whom he called, he also
subjected it did so in the certaintyb
21 justified; and those whom he justified
that the creation itself would also be
he also glorified. 27
set free from corrupting bondage in
8
order to share the glorious freedom Nothing Can Separate Us from God's
of God's children. 22For we know that Love
31
all the rest of creation has been What, then, can we say about
groaning with the pains of childbirth all of this? If God is for us, who can
up to the present time. 23However, be against us? 32The one who did not
not only the creation, but we who spare his own Son, but offered him as
have the first fruits of the Spirit also a sacrificea for all of us, surely will
groan inwardly as we eagerly await give us all things, along with his
our adoption, the redemption of our Son,b won't he? 33Who shall accuse
bodies. 24For we were saved with this God's elect? It is God who justifies!
34
hope in mind.c Now a hope that can Who is the one to condemn? It is
be observed is not really hope, for the Messiah Jesus who is interceding
who hopes for what can be seen? on our behalf. He died, and more
25
But if we hope for what we do not importantly, has been raised and is
yet observe, we eagerly wait for it seated at the right hand of God.
with patience. 18
26
In the same way, the Spirit also d 8:26 Other mss. lack for us
helps us in our weakness, since we do e 8:27 Lit. he
f 8:27 Lit. according to God
not know how to pray as we should.
g 8:28 Other mss. read that God works all
But the Spirit himself intercedes for
things together for good for those who love
God and who are called according to his
purpose
a 8:20 Lit. by its subjecting h 8:29 Lit. that he
b 8:20 Lit. hope a 8:32 The Gk. lacks as a sacrifice
c 8:24 The Gk. lacks in mind b 8:32 Lit. with him
278
35
Who shall separate us from the the giving of the law, the worship,
ROMANS
Messiah's love? Can trouble, distress, and the promises. 5To the Israelitesi
persecution, hunger, nakedness, belong the patriarchs, and from them,
danger, or a violent deatha do this?b the Messiah descended,j who is God
36
As it is written, over all, the one who is forever
“For your sake we are being put to blessed. Amen.
6
death all day long. Now it is not as though the
We are thought of as sheep word of God has failed. For not all
Israelites truly belong to Israel, 7and
headed for slaughter.”c
not all of Abraham's descendants are
37
In all these things we are his true descendants. On the
triumphantly victorious due to the contrary, “It is through Isaac that
one who loved us. 38For I am descendants will be named for you.”k
convinced that neither death, nor life, 8
That is, it is not merely the children
nor angels, nor rulers, nor things born through natural descent who
present, nor things to come, nor were regarded as God's children, but
powers, 39nor anything above, nor it is the children born through the
anything below, nor anything else in promise who were regarded as
all creation can separate us from the descendants. 9For this is the language
love of God that is oursd in the of the promise: “At this time I will
Messiah Jesus, our Lord. return, and Sarah will have a son.”a
10
Chapter 9
Not only that, but Rebecca became

Paul's Concern for the Jewish People
pregnant by our ancestor Isaac. 11Yet
9
1
I am telling the truth because I
before their childrenb had been born
belong toe the Messiah—I am not
or had done anything good or bad
lying, and my conscience confirms it
(so that God's plan of election might
by means of the Holy Spirit. 2I have
continue to operate 12according to his
deep sorrow and unceasing anguish
in my heart, 3for I could wish that I calling and not by actions), Rebeccac
was told, “The older child will serve
myself were condemnedf and cut off
from the Messiah for the sake of my the younger one.”d 13So it is written,
brothers, my own people,g 4who are “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”e
14
Israelites. To them belong the What can we say, then? God is
not unrighteous, is he? Of course not!
adoption, the glory, the covenants,h 15
For he says to Moses, “I will be
a 8:35 Lit. a sword i 9:5 Lit. To them

b 8:35 The Gk. lacks do this j 9:5 Lit. Messiah according to the flesh
c 8:36 Ps 44:22 k 9:7 Gen 21:12
d 8:39 The Gk. lacks ours a 9:9 Gen 18:10, 14
e 9:1 Lit. truth in b 9:11 Lit. they
f 9:3 Or accursed c 9:12 Lit. she
g 9:3 Lit. own relatives according to the flesh d 9:12 Gen 25:23
h 9:4 Other mss. read the covenant e 9:13 Mal 1:2-3
279
22
merciful to the person I want to be Now if God wants to
ROMANS
merciful to, and I will be kind to the demonstrate his wrath and reveal his
person I want to be kind to.”a power, can't he be extremely patient
16
Therefore, God's choiceb does not with the objects of his wrath that are
depend on a person's will or effort, made for destruction? 23Can't he also
but on God himself, who shows reveal his glorious riches to the
mercy. 17For the Scripture says about objects of his mercy that he has
Pharaoh, 15
prepared ahead of time for glory—
24
including us, whom he also called,
“I have raised you up for this very not only from the Jews but from the
purpose,
gentiles as well? 25As the Scriptureg
to demonstrate my power
says in Hosea,
through you
and that my name might be “Those who are not my people
proclaimed I will call my people,
in all the earth.”c and the one who was not loved
18
I will call my loved one.a
Therefore, Godd has mercy on 26
In the very place where it was said
whomever he chooses, and he to them,
hardens the heart of whomever he ‘You are not my people,’
chooses. they will be called children of
God Chose People Who are Not the living God.”b
Jewish 27
19 Isaiah also calls out concerning
You may ask me, “Then why
Israel,
does Gode still find fault with
anybody?f For who can resist his “Although the descendants of Israel
will?” 20On the contrary, who are are as numerous as the grains of
you—mere man that you are—to talk sand on the seashore,
back to God? Can an object that was only a few will be saved.
28
molded say to the one who molded For the Lord will carry out his plan
it, “Why did you make me like this?” decisively,
21
A potter has the right to do what he bringing it to completion on the
wants to with his clay, doesn't he? He earth.”c
can make something for a special 29
It is just as Isaiah predicted:
occasion or something for ordinary
use from the same lump of clay. “If the Lord of the Heavenly
Armies 9
had not left us some descendants,

a 9:15 Exod 33:19
b 9:16 Lit. it
c 9:17 Exod 9:16 g 9:25 Lit. As it
d 9:18 Lit. he a 9:25 Hos 2:23
e 9:19 Lit. he b 9:26 Hos 1:10
f 9:19 The Gk. lacks with anybody c 9:28 Isa 10:22-23
280
we would have become like Messiah is the culminatione of the
ROMANS
Sodom law as far as righteousness is
and would have been concerned for everyone who believes.
5
compared to Gomorrah.”a For Moses writes about the
30 righteousness that comes from the
What can we say, then?
law as follows: “The person who
Gentiles, who were not pursuing
obeys these things will find life by
righteousness, have attained
righteousness, a righteousness that them.”f 6But the righteousness that
comes through faith. 31But Israel, who comes from faith says, “Do not say in
pursued righteousness based on the your heart, ‘Who will go up to
law, did not achieve the law. 32Why heaven?’ (that is, to bring the Messiah
not? Because they did not pursue it down), 7or ‘Who will go down into
on the basis of faith, but as if it were the depths?’ (that is, to bring the
based on achievements. They Messiah back from the dead).”
8
stumbled over the stone that causes But what does it say? “The
people to stumble. 33As it is written, message is near you. It is in your
mouth and in your heart.”a This is the
“Look! I am placing a stone in Zion message about faith that we are
over which people will stumble— proclaiming: 9If you declare with your
a large rock that will make them mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe
fall— in your heart that God raised him
and the one who believes in him from the dead, you will be saved.
will never be ashamed.”b 10
For one believes with his heart and
Chapter 10
is justified, and declares with his

The Person Who Believes Will be
mouth and is saved. 11The Scripture
Saved
says, “Everyone who believes in him
10
1
Brothers, my heart's desire
and prayer to God about the will never be ashamed.”b 12There is
no difference between Jew and
Jewsc is that they would be saved.
2 Greek, because they all have the same
For I can testify on their behalf that
Lord, who gives richly to all who call
they have a zeal for God, but it is not
on him. 13“Everyone who calls on the
in keeping with full knowledge. 3For
they are ignorant of the righteousness name of the Lord will be saved.”c10
14
that comes from God while they try How, then, can peopled call on
to establish their own, and they have someone they have not believed?
not submitted to God's means to And how can they believe in
obtaind righteousness. 4For the someone they have not heard about?
e 10:4 Or end
f 10:5 Lev 18:5
a 9:29 Isa 1:9 a 10:8 Deut 9:4; 30:12-14
b 9:33 Isa 28:16 b 10:11 Isa 28:16
c 10:1 Lit. on behalf of them c 10:13 Joel 2:32
d 10:3 The Gk. lacks means to attain d 10:14 Lit. they
281
And how can they hear without “All day long I have held out my
ROMANS
someone preaching? 15And how can hands
peoplea preach unless they are sent? to a disobedient and rebellious
As it is written, “How beautiful areb people.”i
those who bring the good news!”c Chapter 11
16 God's Love for His People

But not everyone has obeyed the
11
1
So I ask, “God has not
gospel, for Isaiah asks, “Lord, who
rejected his people, has he?”
has believed our message?”d Of course not! I am an Israelite
17
Consequently, faith results from myself, a descendant of Abraham
listening, and listening results from the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has
through the word of the Messiah.e 14
not rejected his people whom he
18
But I ask, “Didn't they hear?” chosea long ago. Do you not know
Certainly they did! In fact, what the Scripture says in the story
“Their voice has gone out into the about Elijah,b when he pleads with
whole world, God against Israel? 3“Lord, they have
and their words to the ends of killed your prophets and demolished
the earth.”f your altars. I am the only one left,
19 and they are trying to take my life.”c
Again I ask, “Did Israel not 4
But what was the divine reply to
understand?” Moses was the first to
him? “I have reserved for myself
say,
7,000 people who have not knelt to
“I will make you jealous worship Baal.”d 5So it is at the present
by those who are not a nation; time: there is a remnant, chosen by
I will make you angry grace. 6But if this is by grace, then it is
by a nation that doesn't no longer on the basis of actions.
understand.”g Otherwise, grace would no longer be
20 grace.
And Isaiah boldly says, 7
What, then, does this mean?e It
“I was found by those who were means that Israel failed to obtain
not looking for me; what it was seeking, but the selected
I was revealed to those who were group obtained it while the rest were
not asking for me.”h hardened. 8As it is written,
21
But about Israel he says, 10 “To this day God has put them
intof deep sleep.
a 10:15 Lit. they
b 10:15 Lit. are the feet of i 10:21 Isa 65:2 (LXX)
c 10:15 Isa 52:7 a 11:2 10:2 Lit. knew
d 10:16 Isa 53:1 b 11:2 The Gk. lacks the story about
e 10:17 Other mss. read of God c 11:3 1 Kings 19:10, 14
f 10:18 Ps 19:4 d 11:4 1 Kings 19:18
g 10:19 Deut 32:21 e 11:7 The Gk. lacks does this mean
h 10:20 Isa 65:1 f 11:8 Lit. has given them a spirit of
282
Their eyes do not see, and their olive branch, have been grafted in
ROMANS
ears do not hear.”a their place to share the rich root of
9 the olive tree, 18do not boast about
And David says,
being better thana the otherb
“Let their table become a snare and branches. If you boast, remember that
a trap, you do not support the root, but the
a stumbling block and a root supports you. 19Then you will
punishment for them. say, “Branches were cut off so that I
10
Let their eyes be darkened so that could be grafted in.” 20That's right!
they cannot see, They were broken off because of their
and keep their backs forever unbelief, but you remain only
bent.”b because of faith. Do not be arrogant,
but be afraid!c 21For if God did not
The Salvation of the Gentiles
11 spare the natural branches, he
And so I ask, “They have not
certainly will not spare you, either.
stumbled so as to fall, have they?” Of 22
Consider, then, the kindness
course not! On the contrary, because
and severity of God: his severity
of their stumbling, salvation has come
toward those who fell, but God's
to the gentiles to make the Jewsc
kindness toward you—if you
jealous. 12Now if their stumbling
continue receiving his kindness.
means riches for the world, and if
Otherwise, you too will be cut off. 23If
their fall means riches for the gentiles,
the Jewsd do not persist in their
how much more will their full
unbelief, they will be grafted in again,
participation mean!
13 because God is able to graft them in.
I am speaking to you gentiles. 24
After all, if you were cut off from
Because I am an apostle to the
what is naturally a wild olive tree,
gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14in
and contrary to nature were grafted
the hope that I can make my peopled
into a cultivated olive tree, how much
jealous and save some of them. 15For
easier it will be for these natural
if their rejection results in
branches to be grafted back into their
reconciliation of the world, what will
own olive tree!
their acceptance bring but life from
the dead? 16If the first part of the The Restoration of Israel
25
dough is holy, so is the whole batch. For I want to let you know
If the root is holy, so are the about this secret, brothers, so that you
branches. will not claim to be wiser than you
17
Now if some of the branches are: Stubbornness has come to part of
have been broken off, and you, a wild Israel until the full number of the
a 11:8 Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10 a 11:18 The Gk. lacks being better than
b 11:10 Ps 69:22-23; 35:8 b 11:18 The Gk. lacks other
c 11:11 Lit. them c 11:20 Or be reverent
d 11:14 Lit. flesh d 11:23 Lit. they
283
36
gentiles comes to faith.a 26In this way, For all things are from him, by him,
ROMANS
all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
25
and for him.
Glory belongs to him forever!
“The Deliverer will come from
Amen.
Zion;11
Chapter 12
he will remove ungodliness from Dedicate Your Lives to God
12
1
Jacob. I therefore urge you, brothers,
27
This is my covenant with them in view of God's mercies, to
when I take away their sins.”b offer your bodies as living sacrifices
28 that are holy and pleasing to God, for
As far as the gospel is concerned,
this is the reasonable way for you to
they are enemies for your sake, but as
worship.b 2Do not be conformed to
far as election is concerned, they are
this world, but continually be
loved for the sake of their ancestors.
29 transformed by the renewing of your
For God's gifts and calling never
minds so that you may be able to
change. 30For just as you disobeyed
determine what God's will is—what
God in the past but now have
received his mercy because of their is proper,c pleasing, and perfect.
3
disobedience, 31so they, too, have For by the grace given to me I
now disobeyed. As a result, they ask every one of you not to think of
yourself more highly than you should
mayc receive mercy because of the
think, rather to think of yourself with
mercy shown to you. 32For God has
sober judgment on the measure of
locked all people in the prison of
faith that God has assigned each of
their own disobedience so that he
you. 4For we have many parts in one
may have mercy on them all.
body, but these parts do not all have
11
In Praise of God's Ways the same function. 5In the same way,
33
O how deep are God's riches, even though we are many people, we
and wisdom, and knowledge! are one body in the Messiah and
How unfathomable are his individual parts connected to each
decisions other. 6We have different gifts based
and unexplainable are his ways! on the grace that was given to us. So
34
Who has known the mind of the if your gift is prophecy, use your giftd
Lord? in proportion to your faith. 7If your
Or who has become his adviser?d gift is serving, devote yourself to
35
Or who has given him something serving others.e If it is teaching,
only to have him pay it back?”a devote yourself to teaching others.f 8If
it is encouraging, devote yourself to
a 11:25 The Gk. lacks to faith b 12:1 Lit. to God, your reasonable worship
b 11:27 Isa 59:20-21 c 12:2 Or good
c 11:31 Other mss. read may now d 12:6 Lit. If prophecy
d 11:34 Isa 40:13 (LXX) e 12:7 Lit. If serving, in serving
a 11:35 Job 41:11 f 12:7 Lit. If teaching, in teaching
284
encouraging others.a If it is sharing, Lord.”c 20But “if your enemy is
ROMANS
share generously.b If it is leading, hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty,
enthusiastically.c If it is helping, help give him a drink. If you do this, you
cheerfully.d3 will pile burning coals on his head.”d
21
9
Your love must be without Do not be conquered by evil, but
hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to conquer evil with good. 20 12
what is good. 10Be devoted to each Chapter 13
Obey Your Government

other with mutual affection. Excel at
13
1
Every person must be subject
showing respect for each other.
11 to the governing authorities,
Never be lazy in showing such
for no authority exists except by
devotion. Be on fire with the Spirit.
God's permission.e The existing
Serve the Lord.e 12Be joyful in hope,
authorities have been established by
patient in trouble, and persistent in
God, 2so that whoever resists the
prayer. 13Supply the needs of the
authorities opposes what God has
saints. Extend hospitality to strangers.
14 established, and those who resist will
Bless those who persecute you.
bring judgment on themselves. 3For
Keep on blessing them, and never
the authorities are not a terror to
curse them. 15Rejoice with those who
good conduct, but to bad. Would you
are rejoicing. Cry with those who are
like to live without being afraid of the
crying. 16Live in harmony with each
authorities? Then do what is right,
other. Do not be arrogant, but
and you will receive their approval.
associate with humble people. Do not 4
For they are God's servants, working
think that you are wiser than you
for your good.
really are.
17 But if you do what is wrong, you
Do not pay anyone back evil
should be afraid, for it is not without
for evil, buta focus your thoughts on reason that they bear the sword.
what is right in the sight of all people. Indeed, they are God's servants to
18
If possible, so far as it depends on
administer punishmentf to anyone
you, live in peace with all people.
19 who does wrong. 5Therefore, it is
Do not take revenge, dear friends,
necessary for you to be acquiescent to
but leave room for God'sb wrath. For
the authorities,g not only for the sake
it is written, “Vengeance belongs to
of God'sh punishment,i but also for
me. I will pay them back, declares the
the sake of your own conscience.
6
This is also why you pay taxes. For
a 12:8 Lit. If encouraging, in encouragement
b 12:8 Lit. The one who shares, with
generosity c 12:19 Deut 32:35
c 12:8 Lit. The one who leads, with enthusiasm d 12:20 Prov 25:21-22
d 12:8 Lit. The one who helps, with e 13:1 Lit. except by God
cheerfulness f 13:4 Lit. wrath
e 12:11 Other mss. read the time g 13:5 The Gk. lacks to the authorities
a 12:17 The Gk. lacks but h 13:5 The Gk. lacks God's
b 12:19 The Gk. lacks God's i 13:5 Lit. wrath
285
rulersa are God's servants faithfully drunkenness, sexual immorality,
ROMANS
devoting themselves to their work.b promiscuity, quarreling, or jealousy!
14
7
Pay everyone whatever you owe Instead, clothe yourselves with the
them—taxes to whom taxes are due, Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and do not
tolls to whom tolls are due, fearc to obey your flesh and its desires. 12 13
whom feard is due, honor to whom

Chapter 14
How to Treat Weak Believers
14
honor is due. 6
1
Accept anyone who is weak
Love One Another in faith, but not for the
8
Do not owe anyone anything— purpose of arguing over differences
except to love one another. For the of opinion. 2One person believes that
one who loves another has fulfilled he may eat anything, while the weakc
the law. 9For the commandments, person eats onlyd vegetables. 3The
“You must not commit adultery; you person who eats any kind of foode
must not murder; you must not steal; must not ridicule the person who
you must not covet,”e and every does not eat them,f and the person
other commandment are summed up who does not eat certain foodsg must
in this statement: “You must love not criticize the person who eats
your neighbor as yourself.”a 10Love them,h for God has accepted him.
never does anything that is harmful 4
Who are you to criticize someone
to its neighbor. Therefore, love is the else's servant? He stands or falls
fulfillment of the law. before his own Lord—and stand he
Live in the Light of the Messiah's will, because the Lordi makes him
Return stand.
5
11
This is necessary because you One person decides in favor of
know the times—it’s already time for one day over another, while another
you to wake up from sleep, because person decides that all days are the
our salvation is nearer now than same. Let each one be fully convinced
when we became believers. 12The in his own mind: 6The one who
night is almost over, and the day is observes a special day,j observes it to
near. Let’s therefore put aside the honor the Lord. The one who eats,
actions of darkness and put on the eats to honor the Lord, since he gives
armor of light. 13Let’s behave thanks to God. And the one who
decently, as people who live in the does not eat, refrains from eating to
light of day.b No wild parties,
c 14:2 Or ill
a 13:6 Lit. they d 14:2 The Gk. lacks only
b 13:6 Lit. to this very thing e 14:3 The Gk. lacks any kind of food
c 13:7 Or respect f 14:3 The Gk. lacks them
d 13:7 Or respect g 14:3 The Gk. lacks certain foods
e 13:9 Exod 20:13-15, 17; Deut 5:17-19, 21 h 14:3 The Gk. lacks them
a 13:9 Lev 19:18 i 14:4 Other mss. read because God
b 13:13 Lit. as in the day j 14:6 Lit. the day
286
honor the Lord; yet he, too, gives not allow what seems good to you to
ROMANS
thanks to God. be spoken of as evil. 17For God's
7
For none of us lives for himself, kingdom does not consist of food and
and no one dies for himself. 8If we drink, but of righteousness, peace,
live, we live to honor the Lord; and if and joy produced by the Holy Spirit.
18
we die, we die to honor the Lord. So For the person who serves the
whether we live or die, we belong to Messiah in this way is pleasing to
the Lord. 9For this reason the Messiah God and approved by people.
19
died and returned to life, so that he Therefore, let’s keep on pursuing
might become the Lord of both the those things that bring peace and that
dead and the living. lead to building up one another.
20
10
Why, then, do you criticize Do not destroy God's action for
your brother? Or why do you despise the sake of food. Everything is clean,
but it is wrong to make another
your brother? For all of us will stand
person stumble because of what you
before the judgment seat of God.a
11 eat. 21The right thing to do is to avoid
For it is written,
eating meat, drinking wine, or doing
“As certainly as I live, declares the anything else that makes your
Lord, 14
brother stumble, upset, or weak.e 22As
every knee will bow to me, for the faith you do have, have it as
and every tongue will praiseb your own conviction before God.
How blessed is the person who has
God.”c
no reason to condemn himself
12
Consequently, each of us will give because of what he approves! 23But
an account of himself to God. the person who has doubts is
condemned if he eats, because he
Acting in Love
13 does not act in faith; and anything
Therefore, let’s no longer
that is not done in faith is sin. 21
criticized each other. Instead, make
14
Chapter 15
up your mind not to put a stumbling Please Others, Not Yourselves

block or hindrance in the way of a
15
1
Now we who are strong
brother. 14I know—and have been ought to be patient with the
persuaded by the Lord Jesus—that weaknesses of those who are not
nothing is unclean in and of itself, but strong and must stop pleasing
it is unclean to a person who thinks it ourselves. 2Each of us must please our
is unclean. 15For if your brother is neighbor for the good purpose of
being hurt by what you eat, you are building him up. 3For even the
no longer acting in love. Do not Messiah did not please himself.
destroy the person for whom the Instead, as it is written, “The insults
Messiah died by what you eat. 16Do of those who insult you have fallen
a 14:10 Other mss. read of the Messiah on me.”f 4For everything that was
b 14:11 Or confess
c 14:11 Isa 49:18; 45:23 e 14:21 Other mss. lack upset, or weak
d 14:13 Or let’s not criticize f 15:3 Ps 69:9
287
12
written long ago was written to And again, Isaiah says,
ROMANS
instruct us, so that we might have
“There will be a Rooti from Jesse.
hope through the endurance and
He will rise up to rule the
encouragement that the Scriptures
gentiles,
give us.a
5 and the gentiles will hope in
Now may God, the source of
him.”j
endurance and encouragement, allow
13
you to live in harmony with each Now may God, the source of hope,
other as you follow the Messiah fill you with all joy and peace as you
Jesus,a 6so that with one mind and believe, so that you may overflow
one voice you might glorify the God with hope by the power of the Holy
and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Spirit.
Messiah.
7 Paul's Desire to Take the Gospel to
Therefore, accept one another,
the Whole World
just as the Messiah accepted you,b for 14
I myself am convinced,k my
the glory of God. 8For I tell you that
brothers, that you yourselves are
the Messiah became a servant of the
filled with goodness and full of all the
circumcised on behalf of God's truth
knowledge you need to be able to
in order to confirm the promises
instruct each other. 15However, on
given to our ancestors, 9so that the
some points I have written to you
gentiles may glorify God for his
rather boldly, both as a reminder to
mercy. As it is written,
you and because of the grace given
“That is why I will praisec you me by God 16to be a minister of the
among the gentiles; Messiah Jesus to the gentiles in the
I will sing praises to your name.”d priestly service of the gospel of God,
so that the offering brought by
10
Again he says,e gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified
“Rejoice, you gentiles, with his by the Holy Spirit.
17
people!”f Therefore, in the Messiah Jesus
I have the right to boast about my
11
And again, work for God. 18For I am bold enough
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles! to tell you only about what the
Messiah has accomplished through
Let all the nationsg praise him.”h
me in bringing gentiles to obedience.
By my words and actions, 19by the
a 15:4 Lit. of the Scriptures power of signs and wonders, and by
a 15:5 Lit. according to the Messiah Jesus
b 15:7 Other mss. read us
c 15:9 Or confess
d 15:9 Ps 18:49 h 15:11 Ps 117:1
e 15:10 Lit. It i 15:12 I.e. Descendant
f 15:10 Deut 32:43 j 15:12 Isa 11:10
g 15:11 Lit. all peoples k 15:14 Lit. convinced about you
288
the power of God's Spirit,a I have on my way to Spain. 29And I know
ROMANS
fully proclaimed the gospel of the that when I come to you I will come
Messiah from Jerusalem as far as with the full blessing of the Messiah.e 15
Illyricum. 20My one ambition is to 30

Now I urge you, brothers, by
proclaim the gospel where the name our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and by
of the Messiah is not known, so I the love that the Spirit produces, to
don’tb build on someone else's join me in my struggle, earnestly
foundation. 21Rather, as it is written, praying to God for me 31that I may be
rescued from the unbelievers in
“Those who were never told about
Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem
him will see,
may be acceptable to the saints, 32and
and those who have never heard
that if it’s God’ will, I may come to
will understand.”c you with joy and be refreshed
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome together with you.
22
This is why I have so often Doxology
been hindered from to you. 23But 33
Now may the God who grantsf
now, having no further opportunities
peace be with all of you! Amen.
in these regions, I want to come to Chapter 16
you, as I’ve desired to do for many Personal Greetings

years. 24Now that I am on my way to
16
1
Now I commend to you our
Spain, I hope to see you when I come sister Phoebe, a servantg in the
your way and, after I have enjoyed church at Cenchraea. 2Welcome her
your company for a while, to be sent in the Lord as is appropriate for
on by you.23 saints, and provide her with anything
25
Right now, however, I’m going she may need from you, for she has
to Jerusalem to minister to the saints, assisted many people, including me.
26
because the believers ind Macedonia 3
Greet Priscah and Aquila, who
and Achaia have been eager to share work with me for the Messiah Jesus,
their resources with the poor among 4
and who risked their necks for my
the saints in Jerusalem. 27Yes, they life. I am thankful to them, and so are
were eager to do this, and in fact they all the churches among the gentiles.
are obligated to help them, for if the 5
Greet also the church in their house.
gentiles have shared in their spiritual Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who
blessings, they are obligated to be of was the first converta to the Messiah
service to them in material things. in Asia. 6Greet Mary, who has worked
28
So when I have completed this very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus
task and have put my seal on this
contribution of theirs, I will visit you e 15:29 Other mss. read of the gospel of the
Messiah
a 15:19 Other mss. read of the Holy Spirit f 15:33 Lit. God of peace
b 15:20 Lit. known, lest I g 16:1 Or deaconess
c 15:21 Isa 52:15 h 16:3 I.e. Priscilla
d 15:26 The Gk. lacks the believers in a 16:5 Lit. who was the first fruits
289
and Junia,a my fellow Jews who are obedience has become known to
ROMANS
in prison with me and are prominent everyone, and I am full of joy for you.
among the apostles. They were But I want you to be wise about what
belonged to the Messiah before I did. is good, and innocent about what is
8
Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in evil. 20The God of peace will soon
the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our co- crush Satan under your feet. May the
worker in the Messiah, and my dear grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
friend Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, who be with all of you!c
has been approved by the Messiah.
Final Greeting
Greet those who belong to the family 21
Timothy, my fellow worker,
of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my
greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and
fellow Jew. Greet those in the family
Sosipater, my fellow Jews. 22I, Tertius,
of Narcissus, who belong to the Lord.
12 who penned this letter, greet you in
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa,
the Lord. 23Gaius, who is host to me
who have worked hard for the Lord.
and the whole church, greets you.
Greet my dear friend Persis, who has
Erastus, the city treasurer, and our
toiled diligently for the Lord. 13Greet
brother Quartus greet you. 24May the
Rufus, the one chosen by the Lord,
grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
and his mother, who has been a
be with all of you!d
mother to me, too. 14Greet Asyncritus,
Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Final Doxology
25
and the brothers who are with them. Now to the one who is able to
15
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus strengthen you with my gospel and
and his sister, and Olympas and all the message that I preach about Jesus,
the saints who are with them. 16Greet the Messiah, by revealing the secret
one another with a holy kiss.b All the that was kept hidden from long ago
26
churches of the Messiah greet you. 7 but now has been made known
through the prophets to all the
Final Warning
17 gentiles, in keeping with the decree
Now I urge you, brothers, to
of the eternal God to bring them to
watch out for those who create
the obedience that springs from
divisions and sinful enticements that
faith— 27to the only wise God,
oppose the teaching you have
through Jesus the Messiah, be glory
learned. Stay away from them,
18 forever! Amen.
because such people are not serving
the Messiah our Lord, but their own
desires. By their smooth talk and
flattering words they deceive the
hearts of the unsuspecting. 19For your
a 16:7 Or Junias c 16:20 Other mss. lack May the grace of our
b 16:16 People customarily greeted their Lord Jesus the Messiah be with all of you!
friends with a kiss on the cheek. d 16:24 Other mss. Lack this vs.
290
THE LETTER OF PAUL CALLED
FIRST CORINTHIANS
Chapter 1
Paul Greets the Church in Corinth fellowship with his Son Jesus the
1
1
From:a Paul, called to be an Messiah, our Lord.
apostle of the Messiah Jesusb by Divisions in the Church
the will of God, and from our brother 10
Brothers, in the name of our
1 CORINTHIANS
Sosthenes. Lord Jesus the Messiah, I urge all of
2
To: God’s church in Corinth, to those you to be in agreementf and not to
who have been sanctified by the have divisions among you, so that
Messiah Jesus and called to be holy,c you may be perfectly united in your
together with all those everywhere understanding and opinions. 11My
who call on the name of our Lord brothers, some members of Chloe's
Jesus, the Messiah—their Lordd and family have made it clear to me that
ours. there are quarrels among you. 12This
3 is what I mean: Each of you is saying,
May grace and peace from God
“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the
Messiah, be yours! Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,”g or
“I belong to the Messiah.”
You are Rich 13
Is the Messiah divided? Paul
4
I always thank mye God for you wasn't crucified for you, was he? You
because of the grace of God given weren't baptized in Paul's name,
you by the Messiah Jesus. 5For by him were you? 14I thank Godh that I did
you have become rich in every way— not baptize any of you except Crispus
in speech and knowledge of every and Gaius, 15so that no one can say
kind— 6while, our testimony about that you were baptized in my name.
the Messiah has been confirmed 16
(Oh yes, I also baptized the family
among you. 7Therefore, you don't of Stephanus. Beyond that, I'm not
lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly sure whether I baptized anyone else.)
wait for our Lord Jesus the Messiah to 17
For the Messiah did not send me to
be revealed. 8He will keep you strong baptize but to preach the gospel, not
until the end, so that you will be with eloquent wisdom, so the cross of
blameless on the Day of our Lord the Messiah won’t be emptied of its
Jesus the Messiah. 9Faithful is the God power.
by whom you were called into

b 1:1 Other mss. read Jesus the Messiah f 1:10 Lit. to say the same thing
c 1:2 Or to be saints g 1:12 I.e. Peter
d 1:2 Lit. theirs h 1:14 Other mss. read I thank my God; still
e 1:4 Other mss. lack my other mss. read I am thankful
291
First Corinthians 1:18 The Holy Bible
The Messiah is God's Power and nonsense in the world to make the
Wisdom wise feel ashamed. God chose what is
18
For the message about the weak in the world to make the strong
cross is nonsense to those who are feel ashamed. 28And God chose what
being destroyed, but it is God's is insignificant in the world, what is
power to us who are being saved. despised, what is nothing, in order to
19
For it is written, destroy what is something, 29so that
“I will destroy the wisdom of the no oneg may boast in God's presence.
1 CORINTHIANS
30
wise, It is because of Godh that you are in
and the intelligence of the union with the Messiah Jesus, who
intelligent I will reject.”a for us has become wisdom from God,
as well as our righteousness,
20
Where is the wise person? Where is sanctification, and redemption.
the scholar? Where is the philosopher 31
Therefore, as it is written, “The
of this age? God has turned the person who boasts must boast in the
wisdom of the world into nonsense, Lord.”i 30
hasn't he? 21For since, in the wisdom
1
Chapter 2
of God, the world through its wisdom Preaching in the Power of God
2
1
did not know God,b God was pleased When I came to you, brothers, I
to save those who believe through didn't come and tell you about
the nonsense of our preaching. 22Jews God's secretj with rhetorical language
ask for signs, and Greeks look for or wisdom. 2For while I was with you
wisdom, 23but we preach the Messiah I resolved to know nothing except
crucified. He is a stumbling block to Jesus the Messiah, and him crucified.
3
Jews and nonsense to gentiles, 24but It was in weakness, fear, and great
to those who are called,c both Jews trembling that I came to you. 4My
and Greeks, the Messiah is God's message and my preaching were not
power and God's wisdom. 25For accompanied by clever, wise words,
God's nonsense is wiser than human but by a display of the Spirit's power,
5
wisdom,d and God's weakness is so that your faith would not be
based on human wisdom but on
stronger than human strength.e
26 God's power.
Brothers, think about your own
calling. Not many of you were wise God's Spirit Reveals Everything
6
by human standards,f not many were However, when we are among
powerful, not many were of noble mature people, we do speak a
birth. 27But God chose what is message ofa wisdom, but not the
a 1:19 Isa 29:14

b 1:21 The Gk. lacks God g 1:29 Lit. flesh
c 1:24 Or chosen h 1:30 Lit. him
d 1:25 Lit. than men i 1:31 Jer 9:24
e 1:25 Lit. than men j 2:1 Other mss. read testimony
f 1:26 Lit. according to the flesh a 2:6 The Gk. lacks a message of
292
International Standard Version 2.0 First Corinthians 3:9
wisdom of this world or of the rulers spiritually evaluated. 15The spiritual

of this world, who are passing off the person evaluates everything but is
scene. 7Instead, we speak about God's subject to no one else's evaluation.
16
wisdom in a hidden secret, which For 12
2
God destined before the world

“Who has known the mind of the
begana for our glory. 8None of the Lord
rulers of this world understood it,
so that he can advise him?”f
because if they had, they would not
1 CORINTHIANS
have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But However, we have the mind of the
as it is written, Messiah.
Chapter 3
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, Spiritual Immaturity
3
1
and no mind has imagined Brothers, I couldn't talk to you as
the things that God has prepared spiritual people but as worldly
for those who love him.”b people, as mere infants in the
10 Messiah. 2I gave you milk to drink,
Butc God has revealed those things
not solid food, because you weren't
to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit
ready for it. And you're still not
searches everything, even the deep
ready! 3That's because you are still
things of God.
11 worldly. As long as there is jealousy
Is there anyone who can
and quarreling among you, you are
understand his own thoughts except
worldly and living by human
his own inner spirit? In the same
standards, aren't you? 4For when one
way, no one can know the thoughts
person says, “I follow Paul,” and
of God except God's Spirit. 12Now, we
another person says, “I follow to
have not received the spirit of the
Apollos,” you’re followinga your own
world but the Spirit who comes from
human nature, aren't you?
God, so that we can understand the 5
Who is Apollos, anyhow? Or
things that were freely given to us by
who is Paul? They’re merely servants
God. 13We don't speak about these
through whom you came to believe,
things with words taught us by
as the Lord gave to each of us his
human wisdom, but with wordsd task. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but
taught by the Spirit, as we explain
God kept everything growing. 7So
spiritual things to spiritual people.e neither the one who plants nor the
14
A person who isn't spiritual doesn't one who waters is significant, but
accept the things of God's Spirit, for God, who keeps everything growing,
they are nonsense to him. He can't is the one who matters. 8The one who
understand them because they are plants and the one who waters have
the same goal, and each will receive a
a 2:7 The Gk. lacks began
b 2:9 Isa 64:4 reward for his own action. 9For we
c 2:10 Other mss. read For
d 2:13 Lit. in things f 2:16 Isa 40:13
e 2:13 Or in spiritual words a 3:4 The Gk. lacks following
293
are God's co-workers. You are God's wisdom of this world is nonsense in
farmland and God's building. God's sight. For it is written,
The Messiah is Our Foundation “He catches the wise with their
10
As an expert builder using the own trickery,”d
grace that God gave me, I laid the 20
and again,
foundation, and someone else is
building on it. But each person must “The Lord knows that the thoughts
be careful how he builds on it. 11After of the wise are worthless.”e
1 CORINTHIANS
all, no one can lay any other 21

foundation than the one that is So let no one boast about human
already laid, and that is Jesus the beings, since everything belongs to
22
Messiah. 12Whether a person builds you, whether Paul, Apollos,
f
Cephas, the world, life, death, the
on this foundation with gold, silver,
expensive stones, wood, hay, or present, or the future—everything
straw, 13the workmanship of each belongs to you, 23but you belong to
person will become evident, for the the Messiah, and the Messiah belongs
day of judgmenta will show what it to God.
is, because it will be revealed with
Chapter 4
Faithful Servants of the Messiah
4
fire, and the fire will test the quality 1
Think of us as servants of the
of each person's action. 14If what a Messiah and as servant managers
person has built on the foundation entrusted with God's secrets. 2Now it
survives, he will receive a reward.b is required of servant managers that
15
If his work is burned up, he will each one should prove to be
suffer loss. However, he himself will trustworthy.a 3It is a very small thing
be saved, but it will be like going to me that I should be examined by
through fire. 13
3
you or by any human court. In fact, I

16
You know that you are God's don't even evaluate myself. 4For my
sanctuary and that God's Spirit lives conscience is clear,b but that does not
in you, don't you? 17If anyone vindicate me. It is the Lord who
destroys God's sanctuary, God will examines me. 5Therefore, stop
destroy him, for God's sanctuary is judging prematurely, before the Lord
holy. And you are that sanctuary! comes, for he will bring to light what
True Wisdom is now hidden in darkness and reveal
18
Let no one deceive himself. If the motives of our hearts. Then each
any of you thinks he is wise in the
ways ofc this world, he must become
a fool to become really wise. 19For the d 3:19 Job 5:13
e 3:20 Ps 94:11
f 3:22 I.e. Peter
a 3:13 The Gk. lacks of judgment a 4:2 Or should be found faithful
b 3:14 Or receive wages b 4:4 Lit. I don't know of anything against
c 3:18 The Gk. lacks the ways of myself
294
person will receive his praise from Fatherly Advice

14
God.3 I'm not writing this to make
you feel ashamed, but to warn you as
Fools for the Messiah's Sake
6 my dear children. 15You may have
Brothers, I have applied all this
10,000 mentors who work for the
to Apollos and myself for your
Messiah, but not many fathers. For in
benefit, so that you may learn from
the Messiah Jesus I became your
us not to go beyond what the
father through the gospel. 16So I urge
Scriptures say.a Then you will stop
1 CORINTHIANS
you to imitate me. 17That's why I sent
boasting about one person at the
Timothy to you. He is my dear and
expense of another.
dependable son in the Lord and will
4
7
For who makes you superior?
help you remember how I live for the
What do you have that you did not
Messiah Jesus as I teach everywhere
receive? And if you did receive it,
in every church.
why do you boast as though you did 18
Some of you have become
not receive it? 8You already have all
arrogant, as though I were not
you want! You have already become
coming to evaluateb you. 19But I will
rich! You have become kings without
come to you soon if it's the Lord's
us! I wish you really were kings so
will. Then I'll discover not only what
that we could be kings with you! 9For
these arrogant people are saying but
it seems to me that God has put us
also what power they have, 20for the
apostles on display in last place, like
kingdom of God isn't just talk, but
men condemned to death. We have
also power. 21Which do you prefer?
become a spectacle for the world, for
Should I come to you with a stick, or
angels, and for people to stare at.
10 with love and a gentle spirit?
We are fools for the Messiah's sake, Chapter 5
but you are wise in the Messiah. We Disciplining for Sexual Immorality
are weak, but you are strong. You are
5
1
It is actually reported that sexual
honored, but we are dishonored. immorality exists among you, and
11
We are hungry, thirsty, dressed in of a kind that is not found even
rags, brutally treated, and homeless, among the gentiles. A man is actually
right up to the present. 12We wear living with his father's wife! 2And you
ourselves out from working with our are being arrogant instead of being
own hands. When insulted, we bless. filled with grief and seeing to it that
When persecuted, we endure. 13When the man who did this is removed
slandered, we answer with kind from among you. 3Even though I am
words. Even now we have become away from you physically, I am with
the filth of the world, the scum of the you in spirit. I have already passed
universe. judgment on the man who did this,
as though I were present with you.
4
In the name of our Lord Jesus, when
a 4:6 Lit. what is written b 4:18 The Gk. lacks evaluate
295
you are gathered together (and I am he dare to take the matter before
there in spirit), and the power of our those who are unrighteous and not
Lord Jesus is there, too, 5turn this before the saints? 2You know that the
man over to Satan for the destruction saints will rule the world, don't you?
of his body,a so that his spirit may be And if the world is going to be ruled
saved on the Day of the Lord.b 54
by you, can't you handle insignificant
6
Your boasting is not good. You cases? 3You know that we will rule
know that a little yeast leavens the angels, not to mention things in this
1 CORINTHIANS
whole batch of dough, don't you? life, don't you? 4So if you have cases
7
Get rid of the old yeast so that you dealing with this life, why do you
may be a new batch of dough, since appoint as judges people who have
you are to be free from yeast. For the no standing in the church? 5I say this
Messiah, our Passover, has been to make you feel ashamed. Has it
sacrificed. 8So let’s keep celebrating come to this, that there is not one
the festival, neither with old yeast nor person among you who is wise
with yeast that is evil and wicked, but enough to settle disagreements
with yeast-free bread that is both between brothers?a 6Instead, one
sincere and true. brother goes to court against another
9
I wrote to you in my letter to brother, and before unbelieving
stop associating with people who are
judges,b at that! 7The very fact that
sexually immoral— 10not at all
you have lawsuits among yourselves
meaning the people of this world
is already a defeat for you. Why not
who are immoral, greedy, robbers, or
rather just accept the wrong? Why
idolaters. In that case you would have
not rather be cheated? 8Instead, you
to leave this world. 11But now I am
writing to you to stop associating yourselves practice doing wrong and
with any so-called brother if he is cheating others, and brothers at that!1
9
sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, You know that wicked people
a slanderer, a drunk, or a robber. You will not inherit the kingdom of God,
must even stop eating with someone don't you? Stop deceiving yourselves!
like that. 12After all, is it my business Sexually immoral people, idolaters,
to judge outsiders? You are to judge adulterers, male prostitutes,
10
those who are in the community, homosexuals, thieves, greedy
aren't you? 13God will judge people, drunks, slanderers, and
outsiders. “Expel that wicked man.”c robbers will not inherit the kingdom
Chapter 6
of God. 11That is what some of you
Morality in Legal Matters were! But you were washed, you
6
1
When one of you has a were sanctified, you were justified in
complaint against another, does the name of our Lord Jesus the
Messiah and by the Spirit of our God.
a 5:5 Or flesh
b 5:5 Other mss. read Lord Jesus; still other
mss. read our Lord Jesus, the Messiah a 6:5 Lit. between his brother
c 5:13 Deut 17:7 (LXX) b 6:6 The Gk. lacks judges
296
1
Morality in Sexual Matters Now about what you asked: “Is it
7
12
Everything is permissible for advisable for a man not to marry?”c
me, but not everything is helpful. 2
Because sexual immorality is so
Everything is permissible for me, but rampant,d every man should have his
I will not allow anything to control own wife, and every woman should
me. 13Food is for the stomach, and the have her own husband.
stomach is for food, but God will 3
A husband should fulfill his
make them both unnecessary. The obligation to his wife, and a wife
1 CORINTHIANS
body is not meant for sexual should do the same for her husband.
immorality but for the Lord, and the 4
A wife does not have authority over
Lord for the body. 14God raised the her own body, but her husband does.
Lord, and by his power he will also In the same way, a husband doesn't
raise us. have authority over his own body,
15
You know that your bodies but his wife does. 5Do not withhold
belong to the Messiah, don't you? yourselves from each other unless
Should I take what belongs to the you agree to do so just for a set time,
Messiah and unite them with a in order to devote yourselves to
prostitute? Certainly not! 16You know prayer.a Then you should come
that the person who unites himself together again so that Satan does not
with a prostitute becomes one body tempt you through your lack of self-
with her, don't you? For it is said, control. 6But I say this as a concession,
“The two will become one flesh.”a not as a command. 7I would like
17
But the person who unites himself everyone to be unmarried,b like I am.
with the Lord becomes one spirit However, each person has a special
with him. gift from God, one this and another
18
Keep on running away from that.
sexual immorality. Any otherb sin 8
I say to those who are
a person commits is outside his body, unmarried, especially to widows: It is
but the person who sins sexually sins good for them to remain like me.
against his own body. 19You know 9
However, if they cannot control
that your body is a sanctuary of the themselves, they should get married,
Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you for it is better to marry than to burn
have received from God, don't you? with passion.c 10To married people I
You do not belong to yourselves, give this command (not really I, but
20
because you were bought for a the Lord): A wife must not leave her
price. Therefore, glorify God with husband. 11But if she does leave him,
your bodies.
Chapter 7
c 7:1 Lit. to touch a woman

Concerning Marriage
d 7:2 Lit. because of instances of sexual
immorality
a 7:5 Other mss. read to fasting and prayer
a 6:16 Gen 2:24 b 7:7 The Gk. lacks unmarried
b 6:18 The Gk. lacks other c 7:9 The Gk. lacks with passion
297
she must remain unmarried or else be nothing, but obeying God's

reconciled to her husband. Likewise, commandments is everything.g
20
a husband must not abandona his Everyone should stay in the same
wife. conditiona in which he was called.
12
I (not the Lord) say to the rest 21
Were you a slave when you were
of you: If a brother has a wife who is called? Do not let that bother you. Of
an unbeliever and she is willing to course, if you have a chance to
live with him, he must not abandonb become free, take advantage of the
1 CORINTHIANS
her. 13And if a woman has a husband opportunity. 22For the slave who has
who is an unbeliever and he is willing been called to belong to the Lord is
to live with her, she must not the Lord's free person. In the same
abandonc him. 14For the unbelieving way, the free person who has been
husband has been sanctified because called is the Messiah's slave. 23You
of his wife, and the unbelieving wife were bought for a price. Stop
has been sanctified because of her becoming slaves of people. 24Brothers,
husband.d Otherwise, your children everyone should stay in the same
would be unclean, but now they are conditionb in which he was called by
holy. 15But if the unbelieving partnere God.
leaves, let him go. In such cases the Concerning Virgins
brother or sister is not under 25
Now concerning virgins,
obligation. God has called youf to live although I do not have any command
in peace. 16Wife, you might be able to from the Lord, I will give you my
save your husband. Husband, you opinion as one who by the Lord's
might be able to save your wife.13 mercy is trustworthy. 26In view of the
Live according to God's Call present crisis, I think it is prudent for
17
Nevertheless, everyone should a man to stay as he is. 27Have you
live the life that the Lord gave him become committedc to a wife? Stop
and to which God called him. This is trying to get released from your
my rule in all the churches. 18Was commitment.d Have you been freed
anyone circumcised when he was from your commitment toe a wife?
called? He should not try to change Stop looking for one.f 28But if you do
that. Was anyone uncircumcised get married, you have not sinned.
when he was called? He should not And if a virgin gets married, she has
get circumcised. 19Circumcision is not sinned. However, these people
nothing, and uncircumcision is
g 7:19 The Gk. lacks is everything
a 7:11 Or divorce a 7:20 Lit. the calling
b 7:12 Or divorce b 7:25 Lit. the calling
c 7:13 Or divorce c 7:27 Lit. you been bound
d 7:14 Other mss. read brother d 7:27 The Gk. lacks from your commitment
e 7:15 The Gk. lacks partner e 7:27 The Gk. lacks from your commitment
f 7:15 Other mss. read us f 7:27 Lit. for a wife
298
will experience trouble in this life,a man stands firm in his resolve, feels
and I want to spare you from that. no necessity, and has made up his
29
This is what I mean, brothers: mind to keep her a virgin, he will be
The time is short. From now on, those acting appropriately. 38So then the
who have wives should live as man who marries the virgin acts
though they had none, 30and those appropriately, but the man who
who mourn as though they did not refrains from marriage does even
mourn, and those who rejoice as better.
39
though they were not rejoicing, and A wife is bound to her husband
1 CORINTHIANS
those who buy as though they did as long as he lives. But if her husband
not own a thing, 31and those who use dies, she is free to marry anyone she
the things in the world as though wishes, only in the Lord. 40However,
they were not dependent on them. in my opinion she will be happiera if
For the world in its present form is she stays as she is. And in saying
passing away. this,b I think that I, too, have God's
32
I want you to be free from Spirit.
concerns. An unmarried man is Chapter 8
Concerning Food Offered to Idols

concerned about the things of the
8
1
Now concerning food offered to
Lord, that is, about how he can please
idols: We know that we all
the Lord. 33But a married man is
possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs
concerned about things of this world,
up, but love builds up. 2If anyone
that is, about how he can please his
wife, 34and so his attention is divided. thinks he reallyc knows something,
An unmarried woman or virgin he has not yet learned it as he ought
is concerned about the affairs of the to know it. 3But anyone who loves
Lord, so that she may be holy in body God is known by him.d
4
and spirit. But a married woman is Now concerning eating food
concerned about the affairs of this offered to idols: We know that no
world, that is, about how she can idol is real in this world and that
please her husband. 35I'm saying this there is only one God. 5For even if
for your benefit, not to put a noose there are “gods” in heaven and on
around your necks, but to promote earth (as indeed there are many so-
good order and unhindered devotion called “gods” and “lords”), 6yet for us
to the Lord.
36
If a man thinks he is not there is only one God, the Father,
behaving properly toward his virgin,b from whom everything came into
and if his passion is so strong that he being
feels he ought to marry her, let him and for whom we live.
do what he wants; he isn't sinning.
Let them get married. 37However, if a
a 7:40 Or more blessed
a 7:28 Lit. flesh b 7:40 The Gk. lacks in saying this
b 7:36 I.e. virgin fiancée, but possibly virgin c 8:2 The Gk. lacks really
daughter d 8:3 I.e. Other mss. lack by him
299
And there is only one Lord, Jesus Jesus our Lord, haven't I? You are the
the Messiah, result ofa my work in the Lord, aren't
through whom everything came you? 2If I am not an apostle to other
into being people, surely I am one to you, for
and through whom we live. you are the evidence of my apostolic
7
But not everyone has this authority from the Lord.
3
knowledge. Some people are so This is my defense to those who
accustomed to idolatry that when would examine me: 4We have the
1 CORINTHIANS
they eat food that has been offered to right to earn our food,b don't we?
5
an idol, their conscience becomes We have the right to take a believing
contaminated because it is weak. wife with us like the other apostles,
8
However, food will not bring us the Lord's brothers, and Cephas,c
closer to God. We are no worse off if don't we? 6Or is it only Barnabas and
we do not eat food that has been I who have to keep on working for a
offered to an idol,a and no better off if living? 7Who ever goes to war at his
we do. own expense? Who plants a vineyard
9
But you must see to it that this and does not eat any of its grapes? Or
right of yours does not become a who takes care of a flock and does
stumbling block for those who are not drink any of its milk? 8I am not
weak. 10For if anyone with a weak saying this on human authority, am
conscience sees you, who knows I? The law says the same thing,
better, eating in an idol's temple, he doesn't it? 9For in the law of Moses it
will be encouraged to eat what has is written, “You must not muzzle an
been offered to idols, won't he? 11In ox while it is treading out the grain.”d
that case, the weak brother for whom God is not only concerned about
the Messiah died is ruined by your oxen, is he? 10Isn't he really speaking
knowledge. 12When you sin against for our benefit? Yes, this was written
your brothers in this way and wound for our benefit, because the one who
their weak consciences, you are plows should plow in hope, and the
sinning against the Messiah. one who threshes should thresh in
13
Therefore, if food that I eatb causes hope of sharing in the crop. 11If we
my brother to stumble, I will never have sown spiritual seed among you,
eat meat again, in order to keep my is it too much if we reap material
brother from stumbling. 10 benefits from you? 12If others enjoy
this right over you, don't we have a
8
Chapter 9
The Rights of an Apostle stronger claim? But we did not use
9
1
I am free, am I not? I am an this right. On the contrary, we
apostle, am I not? I have seen
a 9:1 The Gk. lacks the result of

a 8:8 The Gk. lacks food that has been offered b 9:3 Lit. to eat and drink
to an idol c 9:5 I.e. Peter
b 8:13 The Gk. lacks that I eat d 9:9 Deut 25:4
300
tolerate everything in order not to those who do not have the law, I
put an obstacle in the way of the became like a man who does not
gospel of the Messiah. have the law in order to win those
13
You know that those who work who do not have the law. However, I
in the temple get their food from the am not free from God's law, but I’m
temple and that those who serve at subject to the Messiah’s law. 22To the
the altar get their share of its weak I became weak in order to win
offerings, don't you? 14In the same the weak. I have become all things to
1 CORINTHIANS
way, the Lord has ordered that those all people so that by all possible
who proclaim the gospel should means I might save some of them. 23I
make their living from the gospel. 9 do all this for the sake of the gospel
15
But I have not used any of in order to have a share in its
these rights, and I'm not writing this blessings. 9
24
so that they may be applied in my You know that in a race all the
case. I would rather die than let runners run but only one wins the
anyone deprive me of my reason fora prize, don't you? You must run in
boasting. 16For if I preach the gospel, I such a way that you may be
have nothing to boast about, for this victorious. 25Everyone who enters an
obligation has been entrusted to me. athletic contest practices self-control
How terrible it would be for me if I in everything. They do it to win a
didn't preach the gospel! 17For if I wreath that withers away, but we run
preach voluntarily, I get a reward, but to win a prize thata never fades.
26
if I am unwilling to do it, I am still That is the way I run, with a clear
entrusted with that obligation. goal in mind. That is the way I fight,
18
What, then, is my reward? It isb to not like someone shadow boxing.
27
be able to preach the gospel free of No, I keep on disciplining my body,
charge, and so I never resort to making it serve me so that after I
demanding my rights when I’m have preached to others, I myself will
preachingc the gospel. not somehow be disqualified.
19
Although I am free from Chapter 10
Warnings about Idolatry

everyone’s expectations, I have made
10
1
Now I do not want you to be
myself a servant to all of them to win
ignorant, brothers, of the fact
more people. 20To the Jews I became
that all of our ancestors who left
like a Jew in order to win Jews. To
Egyptb were under the cloud. They
those under the law I became like a
all went through the sea, 2and they all
man under the law, in order to win
were immersed into Moses in the
those under the law (although I
cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the
myself am not under the law). 21To
same spiritual food 4and drank the
same spiritual drink, for they drank
a 9:15 The Gk. lacks reason for
b 9:18 The Gk. lacks It is a 9:25 The Gk. lacks run to win a prize that
c 9:18 Lit. rights in b 10:1 The Gk. lacks who left Egypt
301
from the spiritual rock that went with cup of blessing that we bless is a sign
them. That rock was the Messiah. of our sharing in the blood of the
5
But God wasn't pleased with most of Messiah, isn't it? The bread that we
those people,a and so they were break is a sign of our sharing in the
struck down in the wilderness.4 body of the Messiah, isn't it?
6 17
Now their experiences serve as Because there is one loaf, we who
examples for us so that we won't set are many are one body, because all of
our hearts on evil as they did. 7Let’s us eat from the same loaf.
1 CORINTHIANS
18
stop being idolaters, as some of them Look at the Israelites from a
were. As it is written, “The people sat human point of view.a Those who eat
down to eat and drink and got up to the sacrifices share in what is on the
play.”b 8Let’s stop sinning sexually, as altar, don't they? 19Am I suggesting
some of them were doing, and on a that an offering made to idols means
single day 23,000 fell dead. 9Let’s stop anything, or that an idol itself means
putting the Lordc to the test, as some anything? 20Hardly! What they offer,
of them were doing, and were they offer to demons and not to God,
destroyed by snakes. 10You must stop and I do not want you to become
complaining, as some of them were partners with demons. 21You cannot
doing, and were annihilated by the drink the cup of the Lord and the cup
destroyer. 11These things happened to of demons. You cannot dine with the
them to serve as an example, and Lord and dine with demons, 22or
they were written down as a warning you’ll provoke the Lord to jealousy,
for us in whom the culmination of won’t you? Are we are stronger than
the ages has been attained. he is?
12
Therefore, whoever thinks he is All to the Glory of God
standing securely should watch out 23
Everything is permissible, but
so he doesn’t fall. 13No temptation has not everything is helpful. Everything
overtaken you that is unusual for is permissible, but not everything
human beings. But God is faithful, builds up. 24No one should seek his
and he will not allow you to be own welfare, but rather his
tempted beyond your strength. neighbor's.
Instead, along with the temptation he
10
25
Eat anything that is sold in the
will also provide a way out, so that meat market without raising any
you may be able to endure it. question about it on the grounds of
14
And so, my dear friends, keep conscience, 26for “the earth and
on running away from idolatry. 15I am everything in it belong to the Lord.”b
talking to sensible people. Apply 27
If an unbeliever invites you to his
what I am saying to yourselves. 16The house and you wish to go, eat
whatever is set before you, raising no
a 10:5 Lit. of them
b 10:7 Exod 32:6 a 10:18 Lit. Israel according to the flesh
c 10:9 Other mss. read Messiah b 10:26 Ps 24:1
302
question on the grounds of her head uncovered dishonors her

conscience. 28However, if someone head, which is the same as having
says to you, “This was offered as a her head shaved. 6So if a woman does
sacrifice,” don't eat it, both out of not cover her head, she should cut off
consideration for the one who told her hair. If it is a disgrace for a
you and also for the sake of woman to cut off her hair or shave
conscience. 29I mean, of course, his her head, let her cover her own head.
7
conscience, not yours. For why A man should not cover his
1 CORINTHIANS
should my freedom be determined by head, because he exists as God's
someone else's conscience? 30If I eat image and glory. But the woman is
with thankfulness, why should I be man's glory. 8For man did not come
denounced because of what I am from woman, but woman from man;
thankful for?29 10
9
and man was not created for
31
Therefore, whether you eat or woman, but woman for man. 10This is
drink, or whatever you do, do why a woman should have authority
everything for the glory of God. over her own head: because of the
32
Don’t become a stumbling block to angels.
11
Jews or Greeks or to the church of In the Lord, however, woman
God, 33just as I myself try to please is not independent of man, nor is
everybody in every way. I don’t look man of woman. 12For as woman came
out for my own benefit, but rather for from man, so man comes through
the benefit of many people, so that woman. But everything comes from
they might be saved. God. 13Decide for yourselves: Is it
Chapter 11
proper for a woman to pray to God

Be Imitators of Me
with her head uncovered?c 14Nature
11
1
Imitate me, as I do the
itself teaches you neither that it is
Messiah. 2I praise you for
disgraceful for a man to have longd
remembering everything I told youa
hair 15nor that hair is a woman's
and for holding to the traditionsb that
glory, since hair is given as a
I passed on to you.
substitute for coverings. 16But if
Advice about Head Coverings anyone wants to argue about this, we
3
Now I want you to realize that do not have any custom like this, nor
the Messiah is the head of every man, do any of God's churches.
and man is the head of the woman,
Concerning the Lord's Supper
and God is the head of the Messiah.
4 (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25;
Every man who prays or prophesies
Luke 22:14-20)
with something on his head 17
Now I am not praising you in
dishonors his head, 5and every
giving you the following instructions.
woman who prays or prophesies with
When you gather, it is not for the
a 11:2 The Gk. lacks told you c 11:13 Or It is proper . . . uncovered, isn't it?
b 11:2 I.e. Jewish traditions d 11:14 The Gk. lacks long
303
better but for the worse. 18For in the himself and then eat the bread and
first place, I hear that when you drink from the cup, 29because
gather as a church there are divisions whoever eats and drinksb without
among you, and I partly believe it. recognizing the body,c eats and
19
Of course, there must be factions drinks judgment on himself. 30That's
among you to show which of you are why so many of you are weak and
genuine! 1117
sick and a considerable number are

20
When you gather in the same dying.d 31But if we judged ourselves
1 CORINTHIANS
place, it is not to eat the Lord's correctly, we would not be judged.

Supper. 21For as you eat, each of you 32
Now, while we are being judged by
rushes to eat his own supper, and the Lord, we are being disciplined so
one person goes hungry while we won’te be condemned along with
another gets drunk. 22You have the world.
homes in which to eat and drink, 33
Therefore, my brothers, when
don't you? Or do you despise God's you gather to eat, wait for each other.
church and humiliate those who have 34
If anyone is hungry, he should eat
nothing? What should I say to you? at home, so that when you gather it
Should I praise you? I will not praise may not bring judgment on you. And
you for this! when I come I will give instructions
23
For I received from the Lord concerning the other matters.
what I also passed on to you—how
11
Chapter 12
the Lord Jesus, on the night he was Concerning Spiritual Gifts
12
1
betrayed, took a loaf of bread, 24gave Now concerning spiritual
thanks for it, and broke it in pieces, gifts, brothers, I don't want
saying, “This is my body that isa for you to be ignorant. 2You know that
you. Keep doing this in memory of when you were unbelievers,f you
me.” 25He did the same with the cup were enticed and led astray to
after the supper, saying, “This cup is worshipg idols that couldn't even
the new covenant in my blood. As speak. 3For this reason I want you to
often as you drink from it, keep be aware that no one who is speaking
doing this in memory of me.” 26For as by God's Spirit can say, “Jesus is
often as you eat this bread and drink cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is
from this cup, you proclaim the Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4
Lord's death until he comes. Now there are varieties of gifts,
27
Therefore, whoever eats the but the same Spirit, 5and there are
bread or drinks from the cup in an
unworthy manner will be held b 11:29 Other mss. read drinks in an unworthy
responsible for the Lord's body and
manner
blood. 28A person must examine c 11:29 Other mss. read the Lord's body
d 11:30 Lit. are falling asleep
e 11:32 Lit. disciplined lest we
a 11:24 Other mss. read that is broken; still f 12:2 Or pagans
other mss. read that is given g 12:2 The Gk. lacks worship
304
varieties of ministries, but the same whole body were an eye, where
Lord. 6There are varieties of results, would the sense of hearing be? If the
but it is the same God who produces whole bodyb were an ear, where
all the results in everyone. would the sense of smell be? 18But
7
To each person has been given now God has arranged the parts,
the ability to manifest the Spirit for every one of them, in the body
the common good. 8To one has been according to his plan.c 19Now if all of
given a message of wisdom by the it were one part, there wouldn’t be a
Spirit; to another the ability to speak body, would there? 20So there are
1 CORINTHIANS
with knowledge according to the many parts, but one body.
21
same Spirit; 9to another faith by the The eye cannot say to the
same Spirit; to another gifts of hand, “I don't need you,” or the head
healing by that one Spirit; 10to to the feet, “I don't need you.” 22On
another miraculous results; to the contrary, those parts of the body
another prophecy; to another the that seem to be weaker are in fact
ability to distinguish between spirits; indispensable, 23and the parts of the
to another various kinds of body that we think are less honorable
languages; and to another the are treated with special honor, and
interpretation of languages. 11But one we make our less attractive parts
and the same Spirit produces all these more attractive. 24However, our
results and gives what he wants to attractive parts don't need this. But
each person. God has put the body together and
has given special honor to the parts
The Unity and Diversity of Spiritual that lack it, 25so that there might be
Gifts no disharmony in the body, but that
12
For just as the body is one and its parts should have the same
yet has many parts, and all the parts concern for each other. 26If one part
of the body, though many, form a suffers, every part suffers with it. If
single body, so it is with the Messiah. one part is praised, every part rejoices
13
For bya one Spirit all of us—Jews with it.
and Greeks, slaves and free—were 27
Now you are the Messiah's
baptized into one body and were all body and individual parts of it. 28God
privileged to drink from one Spirit. 12
has appointed in the church first of

14
For the body does not consist all apostles, second prophets, third
of only one part, but of many. 15If the teachers, then those who perform
foot says, “Since I'm not a hand, I'm miracles, those who have gifts of
not part of the body,” that does not healing, those who help others,
make it any less a part of the body, administrators, and those who speakd
does it? 16And if the ear says, “Since various kinds of languages. 29Not all
I'm not an eye, I'm not part of the are apostles, are they? Not all are
body,” that does not make it any less
a part of the body, does it? 17If the
b 12:17 The Gk. lacks body
c 12:18 Lit. will
a 12:13 Or in d 12:28 The Gk. lacks those who speak
305
7
prophets, are they? Not all are She bears up under everything,
teachers, are they? Not all perform believes the best in all,
miracles, do they? 30Not all have the there is no limit to her hope,
gift of healing, do they? Not all speak and she will never fall.
in other languages,a do they? Not all 8
Love never fails. Now if there
interpret, do they? 31Keep on
are prophecies, they will be done
desiringa the better gifts. And now I
away with. If there are languages,
will show you the best way of all.
they will cease. If there is knowledge,
1229
1 CORINTHIANS
it will be done away with. 9For what

Chapter 13
The Supremacy of Love
13 we know is incomplete and what we

1
If I speak in the languages of
humans and angels but have prophesy is incomplete. 10But when
no love, I have become a what is completed comes, then what
reverberating gong or a clashing is incomplete will be done away with.
11
cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy When I was a child, I spoke like
and can understand all secrets and a child, thought like a child, and
every form of knowledge, and if I reasoned like a child. When I became
have absolute faith so as to move a man, I gave up my childish ways.
12
mountains but have no love, I am Now we see only an indistinct
image in a mirror, but then we will be
nothing. 3Even if I give away
face to face. Now what I know is
everything that I have and sacrifice
incomplete, but then I will know
myself,b but have no love, I gain
fully, even as I have been fully
nothing. known.
13
4
Love is always patient; 13
Right now three things remain:
love is always kind; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest
love is never envious of these is love.
or arrogant with pride. Chapter 14
Prophecy and Languages
14
1
Nor is she conceited, Keep on pursuing love, and
5
and she is never rude; keep on desiring spiritual gifts,
she never thinks just of herself especially the ability to prophesy. 2For
or ever gets annoyed. the person who speaks in anothere
She never is resentful; language is not actually speaking to
6
is never glad with sin; people but to God. Indeed, no one
she’s always glad to side with truth, understands him, because he is
and pleased that truth shall win.c talking about secrets by the Spirit.f
3
But the person who prophesies
speaks to people for their upbuilding,
a 12:30 The Gk. lacks other; and so through
14:39
a 12:31 Or You are desiring d 13:10 Or perfect
b 13:3 Other mss. read sacrifice my body to be e 14:2 The Gk. lacks another; and so
burned; Or myself so that I may boast throughout 14:39
c 13:6 The Gk. lacks shall win f 14:2 Or with his spirit
306
encouragement, and comfort. 4The gifts, you must keep on desiring them
person who speaks in anothera builds for the upbuilding of the church.
13
himself up, but the person who Therefore, the person who
prophesies builds up the church. speaks in another language should
5
Now I wish that all of you could pray for the ability to interpret it.
14
speak in other languages, but For if I pray in another language,
especially that you could prophesy. my spirit prays but my mind is not
The person who prophesies is more productive. 15What does this mean? I
1 CORINTHIANS
important than the person who will pray with my spirit, but I will
speaks in another language, unless he also pray with my mind. I will sing
interprets it so that the church may psalms with my spirit, but I will also
be built up. sing psalms with my mind.
6 16
Indeed, brothers, if I come to Otherwise, if you say a blessing
you speaking in other languages, with your spirit, how can an
what good will I be to you unless I otherwise uneducated persond say
speak to you in some revelation, “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since
knowledge, prophecy, or teaching? he does not know what you're
7
In the same way, lifeless instruments saying? 17It's good for you to give
like the flute or harp produce sounds. thanks, but it does not build up the
But if there's no difference in the other person. 18I thank God that I
notes, how can a person tell what speak in other languages more than
tune is being played? 8For example, if all of you. 19But in church I would
a bugle doesn't sound a clear call, rather speak five words with my
who will get ready for battle? 9In the mind to instruct others than 10,000
same way, unless you speak an words in another language.
intelligible message with your 20
Brothers, stop beinge childish
language, how will anyone know in your thinking. Be like infants with
what is being said? You'll be talking respect to evil, but think like adults.
into the air! 21
In the law it is written,
10
There are, I suppose, many
“By means of other languages
different languagesb in the world, yet
and through the mouths of
none of them is without meaning. 11If
foreigners
I don't know the meaning of the
I will speak to this people,
language,c I will be a foreigner to the but even then they will not listen
speaker and the speaker will be a
to me,”a
foreigner to me. 12In the same way,
declares the Lord.
since you're so desirous of spiritual
d 14:16 Lit. the person who occupies the place

a 14:4 The Gk. lacks another of the uneducated
b 14:10 Or sounds e 14:20 Or do not be
c 14:11 Or sound a 14:21 Isa 28:11-12
307
22
Other languages, then, are meant to silent. 31For everyone can prophesy in
be a sign, not for believers, but for turn, so that everyone can be
unbelievers, while prophecy is meant, instructed and everyone can be
not for unbelievers, but for believers. encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets
23
Now if the whole church gathers in are subject to the prophets, 33for Godd
the same place and everyone is is not a God of disorder but of peace.
speaking in other languages, when Ase in all the churches of the
uneducated people or unbelievers saints, 34the women must keep silent
1 CORINTHIANS
come in, they will say that you are in the churches. They are not allowed
out of your mind, won't they? 24But if to speak out, but must place
everyone is prophesying, when an themselves in submission, as the oralf
unbeliever or an uneducated person law also says. 35If they want to learn
comes in he will be convicted and anything, they should ask their own
examined by everything that’s husbands at home, for it is
happening.a 25His secret, inner heart inappropriate for a woman to speak
will become known, and so he will out in church.g 14
bow down to the ground and 36

Did God's word originate with
worship God, declaring, “God is truly you? Are you the only people it has
among you!” reached? 37If anyone thinks he is a
Maintain Order in the Church prophet or a spiritual person, he must
26
What, then, does this mean,b acknowledge that what I am writing
brothers? When you gather, everyone to you is the Lord's command. 38But if
has a psalm, teaching, revelation, anyone ignores this, he should be
other language, or interpretation. ignored.a
39
Everything must be done for Therefore, my brothers, desire
upbuilding. 27If anyone speaks in the ability to prophesy, and do not
another language, only two or three prevent others from speaking in other
at the most should do so, one at a languages. 40But everything must be
time, and somebody must interpret. done in a proper and orderly way.
28
If an interpreter is not present, the
Chapter 15
The Resurrection of the Messiah
15
speakerc should remain silent in the 1
Now I'm making known to
church and speak to himself and you, brothers, the gospel that I
God. proclaimed to you, which you
29
Two or three prophets should accepted, on which you have taken
speak, and others should weigh
carefully what is said. 30If a revelation d 14:33 Lit. he
is made to another person who is e 14:33-34 Or peace, as in all the churches of
seated, the first person should be the saints.34The
f 14:34 The Gk. lacks oral
g 14:35 Other mss. place vv. 34 and 35 after v.
a 14:24 The Gk. lacks that’s happening 40.
b 14:26 The Gk. lacks does this mean a 14:38 Other mss. read If he is ignorant of
c 14:28 Lit. present, he this, he should remain ignorant
308
your stand, 2and by which you are been raised, 14and if the Messiah has
also being saved if you hold firmly to not been raised, then our message
the message I proclaimed to you— means nothing and youre faith means
unless, of course, your faith was nothing. 15In addition, we are found
worthless. to be false witnesses about God
3
For I passed on to you the most because we testified on God's behalf
important points thata I received: The that he raised the Messiah—whom he
Messiah died for our sins according did not raise if in fact it is true that
to the Scriptures, 4he was buried, he the dead are not raised. 16For if the
1 CORINTHIANS
was raised on the third day according dead are not raised, then the Messiah
to the Scriptures—and is still alive!— has not been raised, 17and if the
5
and he was seen by Cephas,b and Messiah has not been raised, your
then by the twelve disciples.c 6After faith is worthless and you are still
that, he was seen by more than 500 imprisoned by your sins. 18Yes, even
brothers at one time, most of whom those who have diedf believingg in
are still alive, though some have the Messiah are lost. 19If we have set
died.d 7Next he was seen by James, our hopes on the Messiah in this life
then by all the apostles, 8and finally only, we deserve more pity than any
he was seen by me, as though I were other people.12
20
born abnormally late. But at this moment the Messiah
9
For I am the least of the apostles stands risen from the dead, the first
and not even fit to be called an one offered in the harvesta of those
apostle because I persecuted God's who have died.b 21For since death
church. 10But by God's grace I am came through a man, the resurrection
what I am, and his grace shown to of the dead also came through a man.
22
me was not wasted. Instead, I worked For as in Adam all die, so also in the
harder than all the others—not I, of Messiah will all be made alive.
23
course, but God's grace that was with However, this will happen to each
me. 11So, whether it was I or the person in the proper order: first the
others, this is what we preach, and Messiah,c then those who belong to
this is what you believed. the Messiah when he comes. 24Then
the end will come, when after he has
The Resurrection of the Dead done away with every ruler and
12
Now if we preach that the every authority and power, the
Messiah has been raised from the Messiahd hands over the kingdom to
dead, how can some of you keep God the Father. 25For he must rule
claiming there is no resurrection of
the dead? 13If there is no resurrection
of the dead, then the Messiah has not e 15:14 Other mss. read our
f 15:18 Lit. have fallen asleep
a 15:3 Or to you as matters of great g 15:18 The Gk. lacks believing
importance what a 15:20 Lit. the first fruits
b 15:5 I.e. Peter b 15:20 Lit. have fallen asleep
c 15:5 The Gk. lacks disciples c 15:23 Lit. Messiah the first fruits
d 15:6 Lit. have fallen asleep d 15:24 Lit. when he
309
until Goda puts all the Messiah’sb The Resurrection Body

enemies under his feet. 26The last 35
But someone will ask, “How
enemy to be done away with is are the dead raised? What kind of
death, 27for “Godc has put everything body will they have when they come
under his feet.”d Now when he says, back?” 36You fool! The seed you plant
“Everything has been put under does not come to life unless it dies,
37
him,” this clearly excludes the one and what you plant is not the form
who put everything under him. 28But that it will be, but a bare kernel,
when everything has been put under whether it is wheat or something else.
1 CORINTHIANS
38
him, then the Son himself will also But God gives the planta the form
become subject to the one who put he wants it to have, and to each kind
everything under him, so that God of seed its own form. 39Not all flesh is
may be all in all. 1525 the same.b Humans have one kind of
29
Otherwise, what will those flesh,c animals in general have
people do who are being baptized another,d birds have another,e and
because of those who have died? If fish have still another. 40There are
the dead are not raised at all, why are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies,
they being baptized because of them? but the splendor of those in heaven is
30
And why in fact are we being of one kind, and that of those on
endangered every hour? 31I face earth is of another. 41One kind of
death every day! That is as certain, splendor belongs to the sun, anotherf
brothers,e as it is that I am proud of to the moon, and still anotherg to the
you in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. stars. In fact, one star differs from
32
If I have fought with wild animals another star in splendor.
42
in Ephesus from merely human This is how it will be at the
motives, what do I get out of it? If the resurrection of the dead. What is
dead are not raised,31 planted is decaying, what is raised
“Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow cannot decay. 43The bodyh is planted
we die.”f in a state of dishonor but is raised in a
33 state of splendor. It is planted in
Stop being deceived: weakness but is raised in power. 44It is
“Wicked friends lead to evil ends.”g planted a physical body but is raised
34
Come back to your senses as you a spiritual body. If there is a physical
should, and stop sinning! For some of body, there is also a spiritual body.i
you—I say this to your shame—don’t
fully know God.
a 15:38 The Gk. lacks the plant
b 15:39 Lit. the same flesh
a 15:25 Lit. he c 15:39 The Gk. lacks of flesh
b 15:25 Lit. his d 15:39 Lit. another kind of flesh
c 15:27 Lit. he e 15:39 Lit. another kind of flesh
d 15:27 Ps 8:6 f 15:41 Lit. another kind of splendor
e 15:31 Other mss. lack brothers g 15:41 Lit. another kind of splendor
f 15:32 Isa 22:13 h 15:43 Lit. It
g 15:33 Menander, Thais (218) i 15:44 The Gk. lacks body
310
45 55
This, indeed, is what is written: “Where, O death, is your victory?
“The first man, Adam, became a Where, O death, is your sting?”b
living being.”a The last Adam became 56
Now death’s stinger is sin, and sin’s
a life-giving spirit. 46The spiritual does
power is the law. 57But thanks be to
not come first, but the physical does,
God, who gives us the victory
and then comes the spiritual. 47The
through our Lord Jesus the Messiah!
first man came from the dust of the 58
Therefore, my dear brothers, be
earth; the second man came from
steadfast, unmovable, always
heaven. 48Those who are made of the
1 CORINTHIANS
excelling in the work of the Lord,
dust are like the man from the dust;
because you know that the work that
those who are heavenly are like the
you do for the Lord isn't wasted.
man who is from heaven. 49Just as we Chapter 16
have borne the likeness of the man Concerning the Collection for the
who was made from dust, we willb Saints
16
also bear the likeness of the man from 1
Now concerning the
heaven. 15
collection for the saints, you

50
Brothers, this is what I mean: should follow the directions I gave to
Mortal bodiesc cannot inherit the the churches in Galatia. 2After the
kingdom of God, and what decays Sabbath ends,c each of you should set
cannot inherit what does not decay. aside and save something from your
51
Let me tell you a secret. Not all of us
surplus in proportion to what you
will die,d but all of us will be
have, so that no collections will have
changed— 52in a moment, faster than
to be made when I arrive. 3When I
an eye can blink, at the sound of the
arrive, I will send letters along with
last trumpet. Indeed, that trumpete
the men you approve to take your
will sound, and then the dead will be
raised never to decay, and we will be gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is worthwhile
changed. 53For what is decaying must for me to go, too, they can go with
be clothed with what cannot decay, me
and what is dying must be clothed Plans for Travel
with what cannot die. 54Now, when 5
I will visit you when I go
what is decaying is clothed with what through Macedonia—for I intend to
cannot decay, and what is dying is go through Macedonia— 6and will
clothed with what cannot die, then probably stay with you for a whiled
the written word will be fulfilled: or even spend the winter with you.e
“Death has been swallowed up by Then you can send me on my way,
victory!”a wherever I decide to go. 7I do not
want to visit with you now just in
a 15:45 Gen 2:7
passing, because I hope to spend a
b 15:49 Other mss. read we should
c 15:50 Lit. mean: Flesh and blood b 15:55 Hos 13:14
d 15:51 Lit. will fall asleep c 16:2 Or On the first day of the week
e 15:52 Lit. it d 16:6 The Gk. lacks for a while
a 15:54 Isa 25:8 e 16:6 The Gk. lacks with you
311
longer time with you if the Lord refreshed my spirit—and yours, too.
permits. 8However, I’ll stay on in Therefore, appreciate men like that.
Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a
Final Greetings
door has opened wide for me to do 19
The churches in Asia greet you.
effective work, although many people
Aquila and Priscab and the church in
are opposing me.7
10 their house greet you warmly in
If Timothy comes, see to it that
union with the Lord. 20All the
he does not have anything to be
brothers greet you. Greet one another
afraid of while he is with you, for he
1 CORINTHIANS
with a holy kiss.c 21I, Paul, am writing

is doing the Lord's work as I am.
11 this greeting with my own hand.
Therefore, no one should treat him
22
with contempt. Send him on his way If anyone doesn't love the Lord,
in peace so that he may come to me, let him be condemned!
because I am expecting him along May our Lord come!d
with the brothers. 23
12 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be
Now concerning our brother
with you!
Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit 24
May my love remaine with all of
you with the othera brothers, but he
you
was not inclined to do so just now.
in union with the Messiah Jesus.f
However, he will visit youb when the
time is right.
Final Instructions
13
Remain alert. Keep standing
firm in your faith. Keep on being
courageous and strong. 14Everything
you do should be done lovingly.
15
Now I urge you, brothers—for you
know that the members of the family
of Stephanas were the first convertsa
in Achaia, and that they have
devoted themselves to serving the
saints— 16to submit yourselves to
people like these and to anyone else
who shares their labor and hard
work. 17I am glad that Stephanas,
Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here,
because what was lacking they have
18
supplied through you. They
b 16:19 I.e. Priscilla
c 16:20 People customarily greeted their
a 16:12 The Gk. lacks other d 16:22 Lit. Marana tha
b 16:12 The Gk. lacks you e 16:24 Or My love is
a 16:15 Lit. the first fruits f 16:24 Other mss. read Jesus. Amen
312
SECOND CORINTHIANS
Chapter 1
Paul Greets the Church in Corinth were so crushed beyond our ability to
1 endure that we even despaired of

1
From:a Paul, an apostle of the
Messiah Jesus by the will of God, living. 9In fact, we felt that we had
and Timothy our brother. received a death sentence so we
would not rely on ourselves but on
To: God’s church in Corinth, and to God, who raises the dead. 10He has
all the holy peopleb throughout rescued us from a terrible death, and
Achaia. he will continue to rescue us. Yes, he
2
May grace and peace from God is the one on whom we have set our
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the hope, and he will rescue us again, 11as
Messiah, be yours! you also help us by your prayers for
us. Then many people will thank
The God of All Comfort Godc on our behalf because of the
3
Blessed be the God and Father favor shown us through the prayers
2 CORINTHIANS
of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! He is of many.
our merciful Father and the God of
all comfort, 4who comforts us in all Paul's Reason for Boasting
12
our suffering, so that we may be able For this is what we boast about:
to comfort others in all their Our conscience testifies that we have
suffering, as we ourselves are being conducted ourselves in the world
comforted by God. 5For as the with pure motives and godly
Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, sincerity, without earthly wisdom but
so also our comfort overflows with God's grace—especially toward
through the Messiah. 6If we suffer, it you. 13For what we are writing you is
is for your comfort and salvation. If nothing more than what you can
we are comforted, it is for your read and also understand. I hope you
comfort when you patiently endure will understand completely, 14just as
the same sufferings that we are you have already understood us
suffering. 7Our hope for you is partially, so that on the Day of ourd
unshaken, because we know that as Lord Jesus we can be your reason to
you share our sufferings, you also boast, even as you are ours. 1
share our comfort. Why Paul's Visit Was Postponed

15
How God Rescued Paul Because I was confident, I
8
For we do not want you to be planned to come to you first so you
ignorant, brothers, about the might receive a double blessing. 16I
suffering we experienced in Asia. We
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From c 1:11 The Gk. lacks God
b 1:1 Or the saints d 1:14 Other mss. read the
313
Second Corinthians 1:17 The Holy Bible
planned to leave you in order to goa me happy but the person I am

to Macedonia, and then come back to making sad? 3This is the very reason I
you from Macedonia, and let you wrote you, so that when I did come I
send me on to Judea. 1
might not be made sad by those who
17
When I planned this, I did not should have made me happy. For I
do it lightly, did I? Are my plans so had confidence that all of you would
fickleb that I can say “Yes” and “No”c share the joy that I have. 4I wrote to
at the same time? 18As certainly as you out of great sorrow and anguish
God is faithful, we haven’t talked to of heart—along with many tears—not
you with mixed messages like that.d to make you sad but to let you know
19
For God's Son, Jesus the Messiah, how much love I have for you.
who was preached among you by
2
us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy— Forgive the Person Who Sinned
5
was not “Yes” and “No.” But with But if anyone has caused grief,
him it is always “Yes.” 20For all God's he didn't cause me any grief. To some
promises are “Yes” in him. And so extent—I don't want to emphasize
through him we can say “Amen,”e to this too much—it has affectedg all of
the glory of God. 21Now the one who you. 6This punishment by the
2 CORINTHIANS
makes us—and you as well—secure majority is severe enough for such a

in union with the Messiah and has man. 7So forgive and comfort him, or
anointed us is God, 22who has placed else he will drown in his excessive
his seal on us and has given us the grief. 8That's why I'm urging you to
Spirit in our hearts as a down assure him of your love. 9I had also
payment. written to you to see if you would
23
I call upon God as a witness on stand the test and be obedient in
my behalf that it was in order to every way. 10When you forgive
spare you that I did not return to someone, I do, too. Indeed, what I
Corinth. 24It is not that we are trying
have forgiven—if there was anything
to rule over your faith, but rather to
to forgive—I dida in the presence of
work with you for your joy, because
you have been standing firm in the the Messiah for your benefit, 11so that
faith. we may not be outsmarted by Satan.
Chapter 2
After all, we are not unaware of his
Paul's Painful Visit intentions.
2
1
Nowf I decided not to pay you
Paul's Anxiety and Relief
another painful visit. 2After all, if I 12
When I went to Troas on behalf
were to grieve you, who should make
of the gospel of the Messiah, the Lord
a 1:16 Lit. To go through you
opened a door for me, 13but my spirit
b 1:17 Lit. according to the flesh could not find any relief, because I
c 1:17 Lit. “Yes, yes” and “No, no” couldn't find Titus, my brother. So I
d 1:18 Lit. faithful, our word to you is not
“Yes” and “No”
e 1:20 Lit. through him is the “Amen” g 2:5 The Gk. lacks much—it has affected
f 2:1 Other mss. read For a 2:10 The Gk. lacks I did
314
International Standard Version 2.0 Second Corinthians 3:16
said goodbye to them and went on to not written but spiritual, because the
Macedonia. 2 written texte brings death, but the
14
But thanks be to God! He Spirit gives life.
7
always leads us triumphantly by the Now if the ministry of death
Messiah and through us spreads that was inscribed in letters of stone
everywhere the fragrance of knowing came with such glory that the people
him. 15To God we are the aroma of of Israel could not gaze on Moses’
the Messiah among those who are face (because the glory was fading
being saved and among those who away from it), 8will not the Spirit's
are being lost. 16To some people we ministry have even more glory? 9For
are a deadly fragrance,a while to if the ministry of condemnation has
others we are a living fragrance.b glory, then the ministry of
Who is qualified for this? 17At least we justification has an overwhelming
are not commercializing God's word glory. 10In fact, that which once had
like so many others. Instead, we glory lost its glory, because the other
speak with sincerity in the Messiah’s glory surpassed it. 11For if that which
name,c like people who are sent from fades away camef through glory, how
God and are accountable to God.d much more does that which is
2 CORINTHIANS
Chapter 3
permanent have glory?
Ministers of the New Covenant 12
Therefore, since we have such
3
1
Are we beginning to recommend a hope, we speak very boldly, 13not
ourselves again? Unlike some like Moses, who kept covering his
people, we do not need letters of face with a veil to keep the people of
recommendation to you or from you, Israel from gazing at the end of what
do we? 2You are our letter, written in was fading away. 14However, their
our hearts and known and read by minds were hardened, for to this day
everyone. 3You are demonstrating the same veil is still there when they
that you are the Messiah's letter, read the old covenant. Only in union
produced by our service, written not with the Messiah is that veil
with ink but with the Spirit of the removed.a 15Yet even to this day,
living God, not on tablets of stone but when Moses is read, a veil covers
on tablets of human hearts. 3
their hearts. 16But whenever a person
4
Such is the confidence that we turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
17
have in God through the Messiah. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and
5
By ourselves we are not qualified to where the Lord's Spirit is, there is
claim that anything comes from us. freedom. 18As all of us reflect the
Rather, our credentials come from glory of the Lord with unveiled faces,
God, 6who has also qualified us to be we are becoming more like him with
ministers of a new covenant, which is ever-increasing glory by the Lord's
Spirit.316
a 2:16 Lit. a fragrance of death to death

b 2:16 Lit. a fragrance of life to life e 3:6 Lit. what is written
c 2:17 The Gk. lacks name f 3:11 The Gk. lacks came
d 2:17 Lit. as from God and before God a 3:14 Lit. is it removed
315
Chapter 4
Treasure in Clay Jars we are alive, we are constantly being
4 handed over to death for Jesus’ sake,

1
Therefore, since we have this
ministry through the mercy so that the life of Jesus may be clearly
shown to us, we do not get shown in our mortal bodies. 12And so
discouraged. 2Instead, we have death is at work in us, but life is at
renounced secret and shameful ways. workd in you.
13
We do not use trickery or pervert Now since we have the same
God's word. By clear statements of spirit of faith in keeping with this
the truth we commend ourselves to Scripture: “I believed, and so I
everyone's conscience before God. spoke,”e we also believe and
3
So if our gospel is veiled, it is therefore speak. 14We know that the
veiled to those who are dying.a 4In one who raised the Lord Jesus will
their case, the god of this world has also raise us with Jesus and present
blinded the minds of those who do us to Goda together with you. 15All
not believe to keep them from seeing this is for your sake so that, as his
the light of the glorious gospel of the grace spreads, more and more people
Messiah, who is the image of God. 4
will give thanks and glorify of God.
5
For we do not preach
2 CORINTHIANS
Life in an Earthly Tent

ourselves, but rather Jesus the 16
That's why we are not
Messiah as Lord, and ourselves as
discouraged. No, even if outwardly
merely your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 we are wearing out, inwardly we are
For God, who said, “Let light shine
being renewed each and every day.
out of darkness,”b has shone in our 17
This light, temporary nature of our
hearts to give us the light of the
suffering is producing for us an
knowledge of God's glory in the face
everlasting, weight of glory, far
of Jesus the Messiah.c beyond any comparison, 18because we
7
But we have this treasure in do not look for things that can be
clay jars to show that its seen but for things that cannot be
extraordinary power comes from God seen. For things that can be seen are
and not from us. 8In every way we're temporary, but things that cannot be
troubled but not crushed, frustrated seen are eternal.
but not in despair, 9persecuted but
5
Chapter 5
1
We know that if the earthly tent
not abandoned, struck down but not
we live in is torn down, we have
destroyed. 10We are always carrying
a building in heaven that comes from
around the death of Jesus in our
God, an eternal house not built by
bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be
humanb hands. 2For in this one we
clearly shown in our bodies. 11While
sigh, since we long to put on our
a 4:3 Or being destroyed d 4:12 The Gk. lacks is at work

b 4:6 Gen 1:3 e 4:13 Ps 116:10
c 4:6 Other mss. lack Jesus; still other mss. a 4:14 The Gk. lacks to God
read the Messiah Jesus b 5:1 The Gk. lacks human
316
heavenly dwelling. 3Of course, if we was for God; if we are sane, it is for
do put it on, we will not be found you. 14The love of the Messiah
without a body.a 4So while we are still controls us, for we are convinced of
in this tent, we sigh under our this: that one person died for all
burdens, because we do not want to people; therefore, all people have
put it off but to put it on, so that our died. 15He died for all people, so that
dying bodies may be swallowed up those who live should no longer live
by life. 5God has prepared us for this for themselves but for the one who
and has given us his Spirit as a died and rose for them.
16
guarantee.2 So then, from now on we do
6
Therefore, we are always not think of anyone from a human
confident, and we know that as long point of view.a Even if we did think
as we are at home in this body we are of the Messiah from a human point of
away from the Lord. 7For we live by view,b we don't think of him that
faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, way any more. 17Therefore, if anyone
then, and would prefer to be away is in the Messiah, he is a new
from this body and to live with the creation. Old things have
Lord. 9So whether we are at home or disappeared, and—look!—all things
2 CORINTHIANS
away from home, our goal is to be have become new!
pleasing to him. 10For all of us must 18
All of this comes from God,
appear before the judgment seat of who has reconciled us to himself
the Messiah, so that each of us may through the Messiah and has given
receive what he deserves for what he us the ministry of reconciliation, 19for
has done in his body, whether good through the Messiah, God was
or worthless.b reconciling the world to himself by
not counting their sins against them.
The Messiah's Love Controls Us
11 He has committed his message of
Therefore, since we know what
reconciliation to us. 20Therefore, we
it means to fear the Lord, we try to
are the Messiah's representatives, as
persuade people. We ourselves are
though God were pleading through
perfectly known to God. I hope we
us. We plead on the Messiah's behalf:
are also really known to your
consciences. 12
We are not “Be reconciled to God!” 21Godc made
recommending ourselves to you the one who did not know sin to be
again but are giving you a reason to sin for us, so that God's righteousness
be proud of us, so that you can would be produced in us.d
answer those who are proud of
outward things rather than inward
character.c 13So if we were crazy, it
a 5:16 Lit. according to the flesh
b 5:16 Lit. according to the flesh
a 5:3 Lit. found naked c 5:21 Lit. He
b 5:10 Or bad d 5:21 Lit. that we might become God’s
c 5:12 Lit. rather than the heart righteousness in him
317
Chapter 6
11
Workers with God We have spoken franklyd to
6
1
Since, then, we are working with you, Corinthians. Our hearts are wide
God,a we plead with you not to open. 12We have not cut you off, but
accept God's grace in vain. 2For he you have cut off your own feelings
says, toward us. 13Do us a favor—I ask you
as my children—and open wide your
“At the right time I heard you,
hearts.12
and on a day of salvation I
helped you.”b Relating with Unbelievers
14
Stop becominga unevenly
Listen, now is really the “right time”!
yoked with unbelievers. What
Now is the “day of salvation”!
partnership can righteousness have
We are God's Servants with lawlessness? What fellowship
3
We do not put an obstacle in can light have with darkness? 15What
anyone's way. Otherwise, fault may harmony exists between the Messiah
be found with our ministry. 4Instead, and Beliar,b or what do a believer and
in every way we demonstrate that we an unbeliever have in common?
16
are God's servants by tremendous What agreement can a temple of
2 CORINTHIANS
endurance in the midst of difficulties, God make with idols? For wec are the
5
hardships, and calamities; in temple of the living God, just as God
beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in said: 6
hard work, sleepless nights, and

“I will live and walk among them.
hunger; 6with purity, knowledge,
I will be their God,
patience, and kindness; with the Holy
Spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and they will be my people.”d
and divine power; through the 17
Therefore,
weapons of righteousness in the right
and left hands; 8through honor and “Get away from them
dishonor; through ill repute and good and separate yourselves from
them,”
repute; perceivedc as deceivers and
declares the Lord,
yet true, 9as unknown and yet well-
“and don't touch anything unclean.
known, as dying and yet—as you
Then I will welcome you.
see—very much alive, as punished 18
I will be your Father,
and yet not killed, 10as sorrowful and
and you will be my sons and
yet always rejoicing, as poor and yet
daughters,”
enriching many, as having nothing
and yet possessing everything. declares the Lord Almighty.e
d 6:11 Lit. Our mouth is open

a 6:14 Or Don't become
a 6:1 Lit. working together b 6:15 I.e. the devil
b 6:2 Isa 49:8 c 6:16 Other mss. read you (pl.)
c 6:8 The Gk. lacks perceived d 6:16 Lev 26:12; Ezek 37:27
318
Chapter 7
Cleanse Yourselves in Holiness you were sorry in a godly way, and
7 so you were not hurt by us in any

1
Since we have these promises,
dear friends, let’s cleanse way. 10For having sorrow in a godly
ourselves from everything that way results in repentance that leads
contaminates body and spirit by to salvation and leaves no regrets. But
becoming mature in our holy fear of the sorrow of the world produces
God. death.
11
See what great earnestness
Encouraged by the Corinthians
2 godly sorrow has produced in you!
Make room for us in your
How ready you are to clear
hearts!b We have not treated anyone yourselves, how indignant, how
unjustly, harmed anyone, or cheated alarmed, how full of longing and
anyone. 3I am not saying this to enthusiasm, how eager to seek
condemn you. I told you before that justice! In every way you have
you are in our hearts to die together demonstrated that you are innocent
and to live together. 4I have great in this matter. 12So, even though I
confidence in you. I am very proud of wrote to you, it wasn't because of the
you. I am very much encouraged. I man who did the wrong or because
2 CORINTHIANS
am overjoyed in all our troubles. of the man who was hurt. Instead, I
5
For even when we came to wrote to you so that your devotion to
Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. us might be made perfectly clear to
We suffered in a number of ways. you before God.
Outwardly there were conflicts, 13
This is what comforted us. In
inwardly there were fears. 6Yet God, addition to our own comfort, we
who comforts those who feel were even more delighted at the joy
miserable, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, because his spirit had been
of Titus, 7and not only by his arrival set at rest by all of you. 14For if I have
but also by the comfort he had been doing some boasting about you
received from you. He told us about to him, I have never been ashamed of
your longing for me, your sorrow, it. Moreover, since everything we told
and your eagerness to take my side, you was true, our boasting to Titus
and this made me even happier. 5 7
has also proved to be true. 15His heart

8
If I made you sad with my goes out to you even more as he
letter, I do not regret it, although I remembers how obedient all of you
did regret it then. I see that the letter were and how you welcomed him
caused you sorrow, though only for a with fear and trembling. 16I rejoice
while. 9Now I am happy, not because that I can have complete confidence
you had such sorrow, but because in you.
your sorrow led you to repent. For Chapter 8
The Collection for the Christians in

a 6:18 Isa 52:11; Ezek 20:34, 41; 2 Sam 7:8, Jerusalem
8
1
14 We want you to know, brothers,
b 7:2 The Gk. lacks in your hearts about God's grace that was given
to the churches of Macedonia. 2In
319
spite of their terrible ordeal of giftb is acceptable according to what

suffering, their abundant joy and you have, not according to what you
deep poverty has led them to be do not have.
abundantly generous. 3I can testify 13
Not that others should have
that by their own free will they have relief while you have hardship.
given to the utmost of their ability, Rather, it is a question of fairness. 14At
yes, even beyond their ability. 4They the present time, your surplus fills
begged us earnestly for the privilegea their need, so that their surplus may
of participating in this ministry to the fill your need. In this way things are
saints. 5We did not expect that! They fair. 15As it is written,
gave themselves to the Lord first and
“The person who had much did not
then to us, since this was God's will.
6 have too much,
So we urged Titus to finish this work
and the person who had little did
of kindnessb among you in the same
not have too little.”c
way that he had started it. 7Indeed,
the more your faith, speech, Titus and His Companions
16
knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for But thanks be to God, who
us increase, the more we want you to placed in the heart of Titus the same
2 CORINTHIANS
be rich in this work of kindness.c2 dedication to you that I have. 17He

8
I am not commanding you but welcomed my request and eagerly
testing the genuineness of your love went to visit you by his own free will.
18
by the enthusiasm of others. 9For you With him we have sent the brother
know the grace of our Lord Jesus, the who is praised in all the churches for
Messiah. Although he was rich, for spreading the gospel.d 19More than
your sakes he became poor, so that that, he has also been selected by the
you, through his poverty, might churches to travel with us while we
become rich. are administering this work of
10
I am giving you my opinion on kindnesse for the glory of the Lord
this matter because it will be helpful and as evidence of our eagerness to
to you. Last year you were not only help.f 20We are trying to avoid any
willing to do something, but had criticism of the way we are
already started to do it. 11Now finish administering this great undertaking.
what you began, so that your 21
We intend to do what is right, not
eagerness to do so may be matched only in the sight of the Lord, but also
by your eagernessa to complete it. in the sight of people. 20 8
12 22
For if the eagerness is there, the We have also sent with them
our brother whom we have often
a 8:4 Or for the grace b 8:12 Lit. it

b 8:6 Or this grace c 8:15 Exod 16:18
c 8:7 Or this grace d 8:18 Lit. in the gospel
a 8:11 Lit. matched as you contribute from e 8:19 Or this grace
what you have f 8:19 The Gk. lacks to help
320
tested in many ways and found to be generously will also reap generously.
7
dedicated. At present he is more Each of you must give what you
dedicated than ever because he has have decided in your heart, not with
so much confidence in you. regret or under compulsion, since
23
As for Titus, he is my partner God loves a cheerful giver. 8Besides,
and fellow worker on your behalf. God is able to make every blessing of
Our brothers, emissariesa from the yours overflow for you, so that in
churches, are bringing glory to the every situation you will always have
Messiah. 24Therefore, demonstrate to all you need for any good work. 9As it
the churches that you love them and is written,
show them publicly why we boast “He scatters everywhere and gives
about you. to the poor;
his righteousness lasts forever.”b
Chapter 9
Why Giving is Important
9
9
1
I do not need to write to you any 10
Now he who supplies seed to the
further about the ministry to the farmer and bread to eat will also
saints. 2For I know how willing you supply you with seed and multiply it
are, and I boast about you to the and enlarge the harvest that results
2 CORINTHIANS
people of Macedonia, sayingb that from your righteousness. 11In every
Achaia has been ready since last year, way you will grow richer and become
and your enthusiasm has stimulated even more generous, and this will
most of them. 3Now I have sent the cause others to give thanks to God
brothers so that our boasting about because of us 12because this ministry
you in this matter may not prove to you render is not only fully
be an idle boast, and so that you may supplying the needs of the saints, it is
stand ready, just as I said. 4Otherwise, also overflowing with more and more
if any Macedonians come with me prayers of thanksgiving to God.
and find out that you are not ready, 13
Because your service in giving
we would be humiliated—to say proves your love,c you will be
nothing of you—in this undertaking. glorifying God as you obey what
5
Therefore, I thought it necessary to your confession of the Messiah’s
urge these brothers to visit you ahead
gospel demands,d since you are
of me, to make arrangements in
generous in sharing with them and
advance for this gift you promised,
with everyone else. 14And so in their
and to have it ready as something
prayers for you they will long for you
given generously and not forced.
6 because of God's exceptional grace
Remembera this: The person that was shown to you. 15Thanks be
who sows sparingly will also reap to God for his indescribable gift!
sparingly, and the person who sows
a 8:23 Or apostles b 9:9 Ps 112:9

b 9:2 The Gk. lacks saying c 9:13 The Gk. lacks your love
a 9:6 Lit. Now d 9:13 The Gk. lacks demands
321
Chapter 10
Paul's Authority to Speak Forcefully but his bodily presence is weak and
10 his speech contemptible.” 11Someone

1
Now I myself, Paul, plead
with you with the gentleness like this should take note of the
and kindness of the Messiah—I who following: What we say by letter
am humble when I am face to face when we are absent is what we will
with you but forceful toward you do when present!
when I am away! 2I beg you that Paul's Reason for Boasting
when I come I will not need to be 12
We would not dare put
courageous by daring to oppose some ourselves in the same class with, or
people who think that we are living compare ourselves to, those who
according to the flesh. 3Of course, we recommend themselves. Whenever
are living in the world,a but we do they measure themselves by their
not wage war in a world-likeb way. own standards or compare
4
For the weapons of our warfare are themselves among themselves, they
not those of the world.a Instead, they show how foolish they are. 13We will
have the power of God to demolish not boast about what cannot be
fortresses. We tear down arguments evaluated. Instead, we will stay
2 CORINTHIANS
5
and every proud obstacle that is within the field that God assigned us,
raised against the knowledge of God, so as to reach even you. 14For it is not
taking every thought captive in order as though we were overstepping our
to obey the Messiah. 6Once your limits when we came to you. We
obedience is complete, we will be were the first to reach you with the
ready to reprimand every type of gospel of the Messiah. 15We are not
disobedience. boasting about work done by others
7
Look at the plain facts! If that cannot be evaluated. On the
anyone is confident that he belongs contrary, we cherish the hope that
to the Messiah, he should remind your faith may continue to grow and
himself of this: Just as he belongs to enlarge our sphere of action among
the Messiah, so do we. 8So if I boast a you until it overflows. 16Then we can
little too much about our authority, preach the gospel in the regions far
which the Lord gave us to build you beyond you without boasting about
up and not to tear you down, I will things already accomplished by
not be ashamed of it. someone else. 12 10
9
I do not want you to think that I 17
“The person who boasts should
am trying to frighten you with my boast in the Lord.”c 18It is not the
letters. 10For someone is saying,b “His person who commends himself who
letters are impressive and forceful, is approved, but the person whom
the Lord commends.
a 10:3 Lit. flesh
b 10:3 Lit. fleshly
a 10:4 Lit. flesh
b 10:10 The Gk. lacks For someone is saying c 10:17 Jer 9:24
322
10
Chapter 11
Paul Contrasts Himself with False As surely as the truth of the

Apostles Messiah is in me, my boasting will
11
1
I wish you would tolerate a not be silenced in the regions of
little of my foolishness. Yes, Achaia. 11Why? Because I do not love
please tolerate me! 2I am jealous of you? God knows that I do!
12
you with God's own jealousy, But I will go on doing what I'm
because I promised you in marriage doing in order to deny an
to one husband, to present you as a opportunity to those people who
pure virgin to the Messiah. 3However, want an opportunity to be recognized
I am afraid that just as the serpent as our equals in the work they are
boasting about. 13Such people are
deceived Eve by its tricks, so your
false apostles, dishonest workers who
minds may somehow be lured away
are masquerading as apostles of the
from sincere and purea devotion to
Messiah. 14And no wonder, since
the Messiah. Satan himself masquerades as an
4
For if someone comes along and angel of light. 15So it is not surprising
preaches another Jesus than the one if his servants also masquerade as
we preached, or should you receive a servants of righteousness. Their
different spirit from the one you
2 CORINTHIANS
doomb will match their deeds!
received or a different gospel from
the one you accepted, you are all too Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16
willing to listen. 5I do not think I'm I will say it again: No one
inferior in any way to those “super- should think that I am a fool. But if
apostles.” 6Even though I may be you do, then treat me like a fool so
untrained as an orator, I am not so in that I can also boast a little. 17When I
the field of knowledge. We have talk as a confident boaster, I am not
made this clear to all of you in every talking with the Lord's authority but
possible way. like a fool. 18Since many people boast
7
Did I commit a sin when I in a fleshly way, I will do it, too. 19You
humbled myself by proclaiming to are wise, so you will gladly be
you the gospel of God free of charge, tolerant of fools. 20You tolerate
so that you could be exalted? 8I anyone who makes you his slaves,
robbed other churches by accepting devours what you have, takes what is
support from them in order to serve yours, orders you around, or slaps
you. 9When I was with you and your face!
21
needed something, I did not bother I am ashamed to admit it, but
any of you, because our brothers who we have been too weak for that.
came from Macedonia supplied Whatever anyone else dares to
everything I needed. I kept myself claim—I am talking like a fool—I can
from being a burden to you in any claim it, too. 22Are they Hebrews? So
way, and I will continue to do so.8 am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are
they among Abraham's descendants?
a 11:3 Other mss. lack and pure b 11:15 Lit. end
323
So am I. 23Are they the Messiah's body, I do not know, but God

servants? I am insane to talk like this, knows—that man was snatched away
but I am a far better one! I have been to the third heaven. 3I know that this
involved in far greater efforts, far man—whether in his body or outside
more imprisonments, countless of his body, I do not know, but God
beatings, and have faced death more knows— 4was snatched away to
than once. 24Five times I received Paradise and heard things that
from the Jews 40 lashes minus one. cannot be expressed in words, things
25
Three times I was beaten with a that no human being has a right even
stick, once I was pelted with stones, to mention.
three times I was shipwrecked, and I 5
I will boast about this man, but
drifted on the sea for a day and a as for myself I will boast only about
night. 26I have traveled extensively my weaknesses. 6However, if I did
and have been endangered from
want to boast, I would not be a fool,
rivers, robbers, my own people, and
because I would be telling the truth.
gentiles. I’ve also been in danger in
But I am not going to do it in order to
the city, in the open country, at sea,
keep anyone from thinking more of
from false brothers, 27in toil and
me than what he sees and hears
2 CORINTHIANS
hardship, through many a sleepless

night, through hunger, thirst, many about me.
7
periods of fasting, coldness, and To keep me from becoming
nakedness. 28Besides everything else, conceited because of the exceptional
I have a daily burden because of my nature of these revelations, a thorna
anxiety about all the churches. 29Who was given to me and placed in my
is weak without me being weak, too? body.b It was Satan's messenger to
Who is caused to stumble without me keep on tormenting me so that I
becoming indignant? 1122 would not become conceited.
30 8
If I must boast, I will boast I pleaded with the Lord three
about the things that show how weak times to take it away from me, 9but he
I am. 31The God and Father of the has told me, “My grace is all you
Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, need, because my power is perfected
knows that I am not lying. 32In in weakness.” Therefore, I will most
Damascus, the governor under King happily boast about my weaknesses,
Aretas put guards around the city of so that the Messiah's power may rest
Damascus to catch me, 33but I was let on me. 10That is why I take such
down in a basket through an opening pleasure in weaknesses, insults,
in the wall and escaped from him. 11
hardships, persecutions, and

difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for
Chapter 12
Paul's Thorn
12
1
I must boast, although it does when I am weak, then I am strong.
not do any good. Let’s talk
about visions and revelations from
the Lord. 2I know a man who belongs a 12:7 Or stake
to the Messiah. Fourteen years ago— b 12:7 Lit. was given to me in the flesh
whether in his body or outside of his
324
Concern for the Corinthians am afraid that I may come and

11
I have become a fool. You somehow find you not as I want to
forced me to be one. Really, I should find you, and that you may find me
have been commended by you, for I not as you want to find me. Perhaps
am not in any way inferior to your there will be quarreling, jealousy,
“super-apostles,” even if I am anger, selfishness, slander, gossip,
nothing. 12The signs of an apostle arrogance, and disorderly conduct. 21I
were performed among you with am afraid that when I come my God
utmost patience—signs, wonders, may again humble me before you
and powerful actions. 13How were and that I may have to grieve over
you treated worse than the other many who formerly lived in sin and
churches, except that I did not bother have not repented of their impurity,
you for help? Forgive me for this sexual immorality, and promiscuity
wrong! 14Now I’m ready to visit you that they once practiced.
for a third time, and I will not bother Chapter 13
Final Warnings
you for help. I do not want your
13
1
things, but rather you yourselves. This will be the third time I
Children should not have to supporta am coming to you. “Every
accusation must be verified by two or
2 CORINTHIANS
their parents, but parents their
children. 15I will be very glad to spend three witnesses.”c 2I have already
my money and myself for you. Do warned those who sinned previously
you love me less because I love you and all the rest. Although I am absent
so much? 12
now, I am warning them as I did on
16
Granting that I have not been a my second visit: If I come back, I will
burden to you, was I a clever schemer not spare you, 3since you want proof
who trapped you by some trick? 17I that the Messiah is speaking through
did not take advantage of you me. He is not weak in dealing with
through any of the men I sent you, you but is making his power felt
did I? 18I encouraged Titus to visit among you. 4Though he was crucified
you, and I sent along with him the in weakness, he lives by God's power.
brother you know so well. Titus We are weak with him, but by God's
didn't take advantage of you, did he? power we will live for you.
We conducted ourselves with the 5
Keep examining yourselves to
same spirit, didn't we? We took the see whether you are continuing in
very same steps, didn't we? the faith. Test yourselves! You know,
19
Have you been thinking all don’t you, that Jesus the Messiah
along that we are trying to defend lives in you? Could it be that you are
ourselves before you? We are failing the test? 6I hope you will
speaking before God in the authority realize that we haven't failed our test.
ofb the Messiah, and everything, dear 7
We pray to God that you will not do
friends, is meant to build you up. 20I
anything wrong—not to show that
a 12:14 Lit. to save up for
b 12:19 The Gk. lacks the authority of c 13:1 Deut 19:15
325
we have not failed the test, but so

that you may do what is right, even if
we seem to have failed. 8For we
cannot do anything against the truth,
but only for the truth. 9We are glad
when we are weak and you are
strong. That is what we are praying
for—your maturity. 7
10
For this reason I am writing
this while I am away from you: When
I come I do not want to be severe in
using the authority the Lord gave me
to build you up and not to tear you
down.
Final Greetings and Benediction
11
Finally, brothers, goodbye.
Keep on growing to maturity. Keep
2 CORINTHIANS
listening to my appeals. Continue

agreeing with each other and living
in peace. Then the God of love and
peace will be with you. 12Greet one
another with a holy kiss.a 13All the
saints greet you.
14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus
the Messiah, the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with
all of you!
a 13:12 People customarily greeted their

326
GALATIANS
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul let that person be condemned! 10Am I
1
1
From:a Paul—an apostle not now trying to win the approval of
sentb from men or by a man, but people or of God? Or am I trying to
by Jesus the Messiah, and God the please people? If I were still trying to
Father, who raised him from the please people, I would not be the
dead— 2and all the brothers who are Messiah's servant.e
with me. Jesus Himself Gave Paul His Message
11
To: The churches in Galatia. Forf I want you to know,
3 brothers, that the gospel that was
proclaimed by me is not of human
origin. 12For I did not receive it from a
Messiah, be yours! 4He gave himself
man, nor was I taught it, but it was
for our sins in order to rescue us from
revealed to me by Jesus the Messiah.
this present evil age according to the 13
For you have heard about my
will of our God and Father. 5To him
earlier life in Judaism—how I kept
be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
violently persecuting God's church
There is No Other Gospel and was trying to destroy it. 14I
6
I am astonished that you are so advanced in Judaism beyond many of
quickly deserting the one who called my contemporaries, because I was far
you by the grace of the Messiah and, more zealous for the traditions of my
instead, are followingc a different ancestors. 1
15
gospel, 7not that another one really But when God, who set me
exists. To be sure, there are certain apart before I was born and who
GALATIANS
people who are troubling you and called me by his grace, was pleased
16
want to distort the gospel about the to reveal his Son to me so that I
Messiah. 8But even if we or an angel might proclaim him among the
from heaven should proclaim to youd gentiles, I did not confer with another
a gospel contrary to what we human beingg at any time, 17nor did I
proclaimed to you, let that person be go up to Jerusalem to seea those who
condemned! 9What we have told you were apostles before me. Instead, I
in the past I am now telling you went away to Arabia and then came
again: If anyone proclaims to you a back to Damascus.
gospel contrary to what you received,
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From e 1:10 Or slave

b 1:1 The Gk. lacks sent f 1:11 Other mss. read Now
c 1:6 Lit. Messiah for g 1:16 Lit. with flesh and blood
d 1:8 Other mss. lack to you a 1:17 The Gk. lacks see
327
Galatians 1:18 The Holy Bible
18 5
Then three years later I went But we did not give in to them for a
up to Jerusalem to become moment, so that the truth of the
acquainted with Cephas,a and I gospel might always remain with
stayed with him for fifteen days. 19But you.
6
I did not see any other apostle except Now those who were reputed
James, the Lord's brother. 20(Before to be important added nothing to my
God, what I’m writing to you is the message.f (What sort of people they
truth.)b 21Then I went to the regions were makes no difference to me,
of Syria and Cilicia. 22But the since God pays no attention to
churches of the Messiah that are in outward appearances.) 7In fact, they
Judea did not yet know me saw that I had been entrusted with
personally. 23The only thing they kept the gospel for the uncircumcised, just
hearing was this: “The man who used as Peter had been entrusted with the
to persecute us is now proclaiming gospel for the circumcised. 8For the
the faith he once tried to destroy!” one who worked through Peter by
24
So they kept glorifying God for making him an apostle to the
what had happened toc me. 1
circumcised also worked through me
Chapter 2
by sending me to the gentiles. 9So
How Paul Was Accepted by the when James, Cephas,g and John (who
Apostles in Jerusalem
were reputed to be leaders)h
2
1
Then fourteen years later I again
recognized the grace that had been
went up to Jerusalem with
given me, they gave Barnabas and me
Barnabas, taking Titus with me. 2I
the right hand of fellowship, agreeing
went in response to a revelation, and
that we should go to the gentiles and
in a private meeting with the reputed
they to the circumcised. 10The only
leaders, I explained to them the
thing they asked us to do was to
gospel that I’m proclaiming to the
remember the destitute, the very
gentiles. I did this because I was
thing I was eager to do.7
GALATIANS
afraid thatd I was running or had run

my life’s racee for nothing. 3But not Paul Confronts Cephas in Antioch
11
even Titus, who was with me, was But when Cephasa came to
forced to be circumcised, even Antioch, I opposed him to his face,
though he was a Greek. 4However, because he was clearly wrong.b
12
false brothers were secretly brought Until some men arrived from James,
in. They slipped in to spy on the he was in the habit of eating with the
freedom we have in the Messiah gentiles, but after those menc came,
Jesus so that they might enslave us.
f 2:6 Lit. to me
a 1:18 I.e. Peter g 2:9 I.e. Peter
b 1:20 Lit. is not a lie h 2:9 Lit. pillars
c 1:24 The Gk. lacks what had happened to a 2:11 I.e. Peter
d 2:2 Lit. Lest somehow b 2:11 Or was self-condemned
e 2:2 The Gk. lacks my life’s race c 2:12 Lit. after they
328
International Standard Version 2.0 Galatians 3:6
he withdrew from the gentilesa and wrongdoer. 19For through the law I
would not associate with them any died to the law so that I might live for
longer, because he was afraid of the God. I have been crucified with the
circumcision party. 13The other Jews Messiah. 20I no longer live, but the
also joined him in this hypocritical Messiah lives in me, and the life that I
behavior, to the extent that even am now living in this body I live by
Barnabas was caught up in their the faithfulness of the Son of God,g
hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they who loved me and gave himself for
were not acting consistently with the me. 21I do not misapply God’s grace,
truth of the gospel, I told Cephasb in for if righteousness comes about by
front of everyone, “Though you are a doing what the law requires, then the
Jew, you have been living like a Messiah died for nothing. 20 2
gentile and not like a Jew. So how Chapter 3
Believers are Approved by God

can you insist that the gentiles must
3
1
You foolish Galatians! Who put
live like Jews?”
you under a spell? Was not Jesus
Jews, Like Gentiles, are Saved by Faith the Messiah clearly portrayed before
15
We ourselves are Jews by birth, your very eyes as having been
and not gentile sinners, 16yet we crucified? 2I want to learn only one
know that a person is not justified by thing from you: Did you receive the
doing what the law requires,c but Spirit by doinga the actions of the law
rather by the faithfulness of Jesusd or by believing what you heard?b
3
Messiah. We, too, have believed in Are you so foolish? Having started
the Messiah Jesus so that we might be out with the Spirit, are you now
justified by the faithfulness ofe the ending up with the flesh? 4Did you
Messiah and not by doing what the suffer so much for nothing? (If it
law requires, for no human beingf really was for nothing!) 5Does Godc
will be justified by doing what the supply you with the Spirit and work
GALATIANS
law requires. 17Now if we, while miracles among you because you do
trying to be justified by the Messiah, the actionsd of the law or because you
have been found to be sinners, does believe what you heard?e 6In the
that mean that the Messiah is serving same way, Abraham “believed God,
the interests of sin? Of course not! and it was credited to him as
18
For if I rebuild something that I tore righteousness.”f
down, I demonstrate that I am a
a 2:12 The Gk. lacks from the gentiles g 2:20 Or by faith in the Son of God
b 2:14 I.e. Peter a 3:2 Lit. Spirit through
c 2:16 Lit. by works of the law; and so b 3:2 Lit. or through the hearing of faith
throughout this verse c 3:5 Lit. he
d 2:16 Or by faith in Jesus d 3:5 Lit. you through the works
e 2:16 Or by faith in e 3:5 Lit. you through the hearing of faith
f 2:16 Lit. no flesh f 3:6 Gen 15:6
329
7
You see, then, that those who might receive the promised Spiritd
have faith are Abraham's real through faith.10
descendants. 8Because the Scripture 15
Brothers, let me use an
saw ahead of time that God would example from everyday life.e Once a
justify the gentilesa by faith, it person's will has been ratified, no one
announced the gospel to Abraham can cancel it or add conditions to it.
beforehand when it said, “Through 16
Now the promises were spoken to
you all nationsb will be blessed.”c Abraham and to his descendant. It
9
Therefore, those who believe are doesn't say “descendants,” referring
blessed together with Abraham, the to many, but “your descendant,”f
one who believed. 7
referring to one person, who is the
No One is Justified by the Law Messiah. 17This is what I mean: The
10
Certainly all who depend on law that came 430 years later did not
the actions of the law are under a cancel the covenant that God ratified
curse. For it is written, “A curse on previously. The promise was never
everyone who does not obey nullified. 18For if the inheritance
everything that is written in the book comes about through the law, it no
longer comes about through the
of the law!”d 11Now it is obvious that
promise. But it was through a
no one is justified in the sight of God
promise that God so graciously gave
by the law, because “The righteous
it to Abraham.
will live by faith.”e 12But the law has
nothing to do with faith. Instead, The Purpose of the Law
19
“The person who keeps the Why, then, was the law
commandmentsf will have life in added?g Because of transgressions,
them.”g 13The Messiah redeemed us until the descendanth came about to
from the curse of the law by whom the promise pertained. It was
becoming a curse for us. For it is put into effect through angels by
GALATIANS
written, “A curse on everyone who is means of a mediator. 20Now a

hung on a tree!”a 14This happenedb in mediator involves more than one
order that the blessing promised toc party, but God is one. 21So is the law
Abraham would come to the gentiles in conflict with the promises of God?
through the Messiah Jesus, so that we Of course not! For if a law had been
given that could give us life, then
a 3:8 Or nations certainly righteousness would come
b 3:8 Or all the gentiles through the law. 22But the Scripture
c 3:8 Gen 12:3 has captured everything by means of
d 3:10 Deut 27:26
e 3:11 Hab 2:4
f 3:12 Lit. who does them d 3:14 Or the promise of the Spirit
g 3:12 Lev 18:5 e 3:15 Lit. I am speaking according to man
a 3:13 Deut 21:23 f 3:16 Gen 12:7
b 3:14 The Gk. lacks This happened g 3:19 The Gk. lacks added
c 3:14 Lit. the blessing of h 3:19 Lit. seed
330
sin’s net, so that what was promised those who were under the law, and
by the faithfulness ofa the Messiah thus to adopt them as his children.
6
might be granted to those who Now because you are his children,
believe. 23Now before faith came God has sent the Spirit of his Son into
about, we were held in custody and ourc hearts to cry out, “Abba!d
confined under the law in Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave
preparation for the faith that was to but a child, and if you are a child,
be revealed. 24And so the law was our then you are also an heir because of
guardian until the Messiah came, so what God did.
8
that we might be justified by faith. However, in the past, when you
25
But now that faith has come about, did not know God, you were slaves
we are no longer under a guardian. to things that are not really gods at
You are God's Children all.e 9But now that you know God, or
26
For all of you are God's rather have been known by God,
children through faith in the Messiah how can you turn back again to those
Jesus. 27Indeed, all of you who were powerless and bankrupt basic
baptized into the Messiah have principles?f Why do you want to
clothed yourselves with the Messiah. become their slaves all over again?
10
28
Because all of you are one in the You are observing days, months,
Messiah Jesus, a person is no longer a seasons, and years. 11I am afraid for
Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free you! I don’t want my work for you to
person, a male or a female. 29And if haveg been wasted!
you belong to the Messiah, then you Paul's Concern for the Galatians
are Abraham's descendants indeed, 12
I beg you, brothers, to become
and heirs according to the promise. like me, since I became like you. You
4
3
Chapter 4
1
Now what I am saying is this: As did not do anything wrong to me.
long as an heir is a child, he is no 13
You know that it was because I was
better off than a slave, even though
GALATIANS
illh that I brought you the gospel the
he owns everything. 2Instead, he is first time. 14Even though my
placed under the care ofa guardians condition put you to the test, you did
and servant managers until the time not despise or reject me. On the
set by the father. 3It was the same contrary, you welcomed me as if I
way with us. While we were children, were an angel of God, or as if I were
we were slaves to the basic principles the Messiah Jesus. 15What, then,
of the world.b 4But when the
appropriate time had come, God sent
his Son, born by a woman, born c 4:6 Other mss. read your
d 4:6 Abba is Aram. for Father.
under the law, 5in order to redeem e 4:8 Lit. gods by nature
f 4:9 Or elemental spirits
a 3:22 Or by faith in g 4:11 Lit. you, lest somehow my work for you
a 4:1 The Gk. lacks the care of has
b 4:3 Or the elemental spirits of the universe h 4:13 Lit. because of a weakness of the flesh
331
happened to your positive attitude?a the heavenly Jerusalem is the free

For I testify that if it had been woman, and she is our spiritual
possible, you would have torn out mother.c 27For it is written,
your eyes and given them to me. 16So
“Rejoice, you childless woman,
have I now become your enemy for
who cannot give birth to any
telling you the truth?15
17 children!
These people who have been
Break into song and shout,
instructing youa are devoted to you, you who feel no pains of
but not in a good way. They want childbirth!
you to avoid me so that you will be For the children of the deserted
devoted to them. 18(Now it is always woman
good to be devoted to a good cause, are more numerous than the
even when I am not with you.) 19My children
children, I am suffering birth pains of the woman who has a
for you again until the Messiah is
husband.”d
formed in you. 20Indeed, I wish I were
28
with you right now so that I could So you,e brothers, are children
change the tone of my voice, because of the promise, like Isaac. 29But just as
I am completely baffled by you! then the son who was conceived
according to the flesh persecuted the
You are Children of a Free Woman
21 son who was conceived according to
Tell me, those of you who want
the Spirit, so it is now. 30But what
to live under the law: Are you really
does the Scripture say? “Drive out the
listening to what the law says? 22For it
slave woman and her son, for the son
is written that Abraham had two
of the slave woman must never share
sons, one by a slave woman and the
the inheritance with the son of the
other by a free woman. 23Now the
slave woman’s son was conceived free woman.”f 31So then, brothers, we
through human means, while the free are not children of the slave woman
GALATIANS
woman’s son was conceived through but of the free woman. 29 4
divineb promise. 24This is being said

Chapter 5
Live in the Freedom That the Messiah

as an allegory, for these women Provides
5
represent two covenants. The one 1
The Messiah has set us free so
woman, Hagar, is from Mount Sinai, that we may enjoy the benefits of
and her children are born into freedom.g So keep on standing firm
slavery. 25Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in it, and stop putting yourselves
in Arabia and corresponds to present- under the yoke of slavery again.
day Jerusalem, because she is in
slavery along with her children. 26But c 4:26 Other mss. read the mother of us all
d 4:27 Isa 54:1
a 4:15 Lit. your blessedness e 4:28 Other mss. read we
a 4:17 Lit. They f 4:30 Gen 21:10
b 4:23 The Gk. lacks divine g 5:1 Lit. has set us free for freedom
332
2
Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if freedom into an opportunity to
you allow yourselves to be gratify your flesh, but through love
circumcised, the Messiah will be of no make it your habit to serve one
benefit to you. 3Again, I insista that another. 14For the whole law is
everyone who allows himself to be summarized in a single statement:
circumcised is obligated to obey the “You must love your neighbor as
entire law. 4Those of you who are yourself.”f 15But if you bite and
trying to be justified by the law have devour one another, be careful that
been cut off from the Messiah. You you are not destroyed by each other.
16
have fallen away from grace. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you
5
Through the Spirit by faith we will never fulfill the desires of the
confidently await the fulfillment of flesh. 17For what the flesh wants is
our righteous hope, 6for in union opposed to the Spirit, and what the
with the Messiah Jesus neither Spirit wants is opposed to the flesh.
circumcision nor uncircumcision They are opposed to each other, and
matters. What matters is faithb so you do not do what you want to
expressed through love. do. 18But if you are being led by the
7
You were running the race Spirit, you are not under the law. 145
19
beautifully. Who cut in on you and Now the actions of the flesh are
stopped you from obeying the truth? obvious: sexual immorality, impurity,
8
Such influence does not come from promiscuity, 20idolatry, witchcraft,g
the one who calls you. 9A little yeast hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of
spreads through the whole batch of anger, quarrels, conflicts, factions,
dough. 10I am confidentc in the Lord 21
envy, murder,h drunkenness, wild
that you will take no other view of partying, and things like that. I am
this. However, the one who is telling you now, as I have told you in
troubling you will suffer God'sd the past, that people who practice
judgment, whoever he is. 11As for me, such things will not inherit the
GALATIANS
brothers, if I am still preaching the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the
necessity ofe circumcision, why am I Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
still being persecuted? In that case the kindness, goodness, faithfulness,a
23
offense of the cross has been gentleness, and self-control. There is
removed. 12I wish that those who are no law against such things. 24Now
upsetting you would castrate those who belong to the Messiah
themselves!11 Jesus have crucified their flesh with
13
For you, brothers, were called its passions and desires. 25If we live by
to freedom. Only do not turn your the Spirit, let’s also be guided by the
a 5:3 Or testify
b 5:6 Lit. But faith f 5:14 Lev 19:18
c 5:10 Lit. confident about you g 5:20 Or sorcery
d 5:10 The Gk. lacks God's h 5:21 Other mss. lack murder
e 5:11 The Gk lacks the necessity of a 5:22 Or faith
333
Spirit. 26Let’s stop being arrogant, to impress others by their external

provoking one another and envying appearanceb are trying to force you to
one another. 525
be circumcised, simply to avoid being
Chapter 6
persecuted for the cross of the

Help Each Other
Messiah. 13Why, not even those who
6
1
Brothers, if a person is caught
are circumcised obey the law! They
doing something wrong, those of
simply want you to be circumcised so
you who are spiritual should restore
that they can boast about your
that person gently. Watch out for
external appearance.c 14But may I
yourself so that you are not tempted
never boast about anything except
as well. 2Practice carrying each other's
the cross of our Lord Jesus, the
burdens. In this way you will fulfill
Messiah, by which the world has
the law of the Messiah. 3For if anyone
been crucified to me, and I to the
thinks he is something when he is
world! 15For neither circumcision nor
really nothing, he is only fooling
uncircumcision matters. Rather, what
himself. 4Each person must examine
his own actions, and then he can matters is beingd a new creation.
16
boast about his own accomplishments Now may peace be on all those who
and not about someone else. 5For live by this principle, and may mercy
everyone must carry his own load. be on the Israel of God. 17Let no one
6
The person who is taught the make any more trouble for me,
word should share all his goods with because I carry the scars of Jesus on
my own body.
his teacher. 7Stop beinga deceived;
God is not to be ridiculed. A person Final Greeting
harvests whatever he plants: 8The 18
May the grace of our Lord
person who sows through human Jesus, the Messiah, be with your
means will harvest decay from spirit, brothers! Amen.
human means, but the person who
GALATIANS
sows in the Spirit will harvest eternal

life from the Spirit. 9Let’s not get tired
of doing what is good, for at the right
time we will reap a harvest—if we do
not give up. 10So then, whenever we
have the opportunity, let’s practice
doing good to everyone, especially to
the family of faith.
A Final Warning Against Circumcision
11
Look at how large these letters
are because I am writing with my
own hand! 12These people who want
b 6:12 Lit. their flesh
c 6:13 Lit. your flesh
a 6:7 Or Do not be d 6:15 The Gk. lacks what matters is being
334
EPHESIANS
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul and understanding, 9when he made
1
1
From:a Paul, an apostle of the known to us the secret of his will.
Messiah Jesus by God's will. This was according to his plan that he
set forth in the Messiahh 10to usher ini
To: His holy and faithful peopleb in the fullness of the times and to bring
Ephesusc who are in union with the together in the Messiah all things in
Messiah Jesus. heaven and on earth.
11
2 In the Messiahj we were also
chosen when we were predestined
according to the purpose of the one
Messiah, be yours!
who does everything that he wills to
The Many Blessings of Salvation do, 12so that we who had already
3
Blessed be the God and Father fixed our hope on the Messiah might
of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! He live for his praise and glory. 13You,
has blessed us in the Messiah with too, have heard the word of truth, the
every spiritual blessing in the gospel of your salvation. When you
heavenly realm, 4just as he chose us believed in the Messiah,k you were
in the Messiahd before the creation of sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14
the universee to be holy and who is the guarantee of our
blameless in his presence. In love 5he inheritance until God redeems his
predestined us for adoption to own possessiona for his praise and
himself through Jesus the Messiah, glory.
according to the pleasure of his will,
6
Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians
so that we would praisef his glorious 15
Therefore, because I have
grace that he gave us in the Beloved heard about your faith in the Lord
One. 7In union with him we have
Jesus and your loveb for all the saints,
redemption through his blood, the 16
I never stop giving thanks for you
forgiveness of our offenses, according
as I mention you in my prayers. 17I
to the riches of God'sg grace 8that he
prayc that the God of our Lord Jesus,
lavished on us, along with all wisdom
the Messiah, the most glorious Father,
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From h 1:9 Lit. him

EPHESIANS
b 1:1 Or to the saints and faithful i 1:10 Or administer

c 1:1 Other mss. lack in Ephesus j 1:11 Lit. him
d 1:4 Lit. in him k 1:13 Lit. in him
e 1:4 Or world a 1:14 Lit. of the possession
f 1:6 Lit. to the praise of b 1:15 Other mss. lack your love
g 1:7 Lit. his c 1:17 The Gk. lacks I pray
335
Ephesians 1:18 The Holy Bible
would give you a wise spirit, along those who are disobedient.i 3Indeed,
with revelation that comes through all of us once behaved likej them in
knowing the Messiaha fully. 18Then, the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
with the eyes of your hearts desires of our flesh and senses. By
enlightened, you will know the nature we were destined fora wrath,
confidenceb that is produced by Godc just like everyone else. 4But God, who
having called you,d the rich glory that is rich in mercy, because of his great
is his inheritance among the saints, love for usb 5even when we were
19
and the unlimited greatness of his dead because of our offenses, made
power for us who believe, according us alive together withc the Messiah
to the working of his mighty (by grace you have been saved),
strength, 20which he brought about in 6
raised us up with him, and seated us
the Messiah when he raised him from with him in the heavenly realm in the
the dead and seated him at his right Messiah Jesus, 7so that in the coming
hand in the heavenly realm. 21He is ages he might display the limitless
far above every ruler, authority, riches of his grace that comes to us
power, dominion, and every name through his kindness in the Messiah
that can be named, not only in the Jesus. 8For by such grace you have
present age but also in the one to been saved through faith. This does
come. 22Gode has put everything not come from you; it is the gift of
under the Messiah’sf feet and has God 9and not the result of actions, to
made him the head of everything for put a stop to all boasting.d 10For we
the good ofg the church, 23which is are God’se masterpiece,f created in
body, the fullness of the one who fills the Messiah Jesus to perform good
everything in every way.h 1 actions that God prepared long ago to
Chapter 2
be our way of life.g3

God Has Brought Us from Death to
Life All Believers are One in the Messiah
2
1 11
You used to be dead because of So then, remember that at one
your offenses and sins, 2that you time you gentiles by birthh were
once practiced as you lived according called “the uncircumcised” by those
to the ways of this present world and who called themselves “the
according to the ruler of the power of circumcised.” They underwent
the air, the spirit that is now active in
i 2:2 Lit. the sons of disobedience
j 2:3 Or lived among
a 1:17 Lit. him a 2:3 Lit. were children of
b 1:18 Or hope b 2:4 Lit. love with which he loved us
EPHESIANS
c 1:18 Lit. him c 2:5 Other mss. read in

d 1:18 The Gk. lacks you d 2:9 Lit. works, lest anyone boast
e 1:22 Lit. He e 2:10 Lit. his
f 1:22 Lit. under his f 2:10 Or workmanship
g 1:22 The Gk. lacks the good of g 2:10 Lit. so that we might walk in them
h 1:23 Or who fills all in all h 2:11 Lit. in the flesh
336
International Standard Version 2.0 Ephesians 3:9
physical circumcision done by human Lord. 22You, too, are being built in
hands. 12At that time you were him, along with the others, into a
without the Messiah, excluded from place for God’s Spirit to dwell.
citizenship in Israel,a and strangers to Chapter 3
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles

the covenants of promise. You had no
3
1
For this reason I, Paul, am the
hope and were in the world without
prisoner of the Messiah Jesus for
God. 13But now, in union with the
the sake of you gentiles. 2Surely you
Messiah Jesus, you who once were far
have heard about the responsibility of
away have been brought near by the
administering God's grace that was
blood of the Messiah.
14 given to me on your behalf, 3and how
For it is he who is our peace.
this secret was made known to me
Through his mortalityb he made both
through a revelation, just as I wrote
groups one by tearing down the wall
about briefly in the past. 4By reading
of hostility that divided them.c 15He this, you will be able to grasp my
rendered the law inoperative, along understanding of the secret about the
with its commandments and Messiah, 5
which in previous
regulations, thus creating in himself generations was not made known to
one new humanity from the two,
16 human beingsb as it has now been
thereby making peace, and
revealed by the Spirit to God'sc holy
reconciling both groups to God in
apostles and prophets. This is that
one body through the cross, on which
secret:d 6The gentiles are heirs-in-
he eliminated the hostility. 17He came
common, members-in-common of the
and proclaimed peace for you who
body, and common participants in
were far away and for you who were
what was promisede by the Messiah
near. 18For through him, both of usd
Jesus through the gospel.
have access to the Father by one 7
I have become a servant of this
Spirit. 19That is why you are no
longer strangers and foreigners but gospelf according to the gift of God's
fellow citizens with the saints and grace that was given me by the
members of God's household, working of his power. 8To me, the
20
having been built on the foundation very least of all the saints, this grace
of the apostles and prophets, the was given so that I might proclaim to
Messiah Jesus himself being the the gentiles the immeasurable wealth
of the Messiah 9and help everyone
cornerstone.a 21In union with him the
see how this secret that has been at
whole building is joined together and
work was hidden for ages by God,
rises into a holy sanctuary for the EPHESIANS
a 2:12 Or from the commonwealth of Israel b 3:5 Lit. the sons of men
b 2:14 Lit. flesh c 3:5 Lit. his
c 2:14 Lit. the dividing wall of hostility d 3:5 The Gk. lacks This is that secret:
d 2:18 I.e. both Jews and gentiles e 3:6 Lit. of the promise
a 2:20 Or capstone f 3:7 Lit. of it
337
20
who created all things. 10He did thisa Now to the one who can do
so that now, through the church, the infinitely more than all we can ask or
wisdom of God in all its variety might imagine according to the power that
be made known to the rulers and is working amonge us— 21to him be
authorities in the heavenly realm 11in glory in the church and in the
keeping with the eternal purpose that Messiah Jesus to all generations,
Godb carried out through the forever and ever! Amen.
Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have Chapter 4
The Messiah's Gifts to the Church

boldness and confident access
4
1
I, therefore, the prisoner of the
through his faithfulness.a 13So then, I
Lord, urge you to live in a way
ask you not to become discouraged
that is worthy of the calling to which
because of my troubles on your
you have been called, 2demonstrating
behalf, which work toward your
all expressions of humility,
glory.
gentleness, and patience, accepting
39
To Know the Messiah's Love one another in love. 3Do your best to
14
This is the reason I bow my maintain the unity of the Spirit by
knees before the Father of our Lord means of the bond of peace. 4There is
Jesus, the Messiah,b 15from whom one body and one Spirit. Likewise,
every familyc in heaven and on earth you were called to the one hope of
receives its name. 16I prayd that he your calling.
would give you, according to his 5
There is one Lord, one faith, one
glorious riches, strength in your inner baptism,
being and power through his Spirit, 6
one God and Father of all,
17
and that the Messiah would make who is above all, through all,
his home in your hearts through and in all.
faith. Then, having been rooted and 7
grounded in love, 18you will be able Now to each one of us grace has
to understand, along with all the been given proportionate to the
saints, what is wide, long, high, and measure of the Messiah's gift. 8That is
deep— 19that is, you will know the why Godf says,
love of the Messiah, which transcends “When he went up to the highest
knowledge, and will be filled with all place
the fullness of God. 3
he led captives into captivity

and gave gifts to people.”g
9
Now what does this “he went
a 3:10 The Gk. lacks He did this up” mean except that he also had
EPHESIANS
b 3:11 Lit. he
a 3:12 Or through faith in him
b 3:14 Other mss. lack of our Lord Jesus, the
Messiah e 3:20 Or in
c 3:15 Or all fatherhood f 4:8 Lit. he
d 3:16 The Gk. lacks I pray g 4:8 Ps 68:18
338
gonea down into the lower parts of darkened in their understanding and
the earth?a 10The one who went separated from the life of God
down is the same one who went up because of their ignorance and
above all the heavens so that all hardness of heart. 19Since they have
things would be fulfilled. 11And it is lost all sense of shame, they have
he who gifted some to be apostles, abandoned themselves to sensuality
others to be prophets, others to be and practice every kind of sexual
evangelists, and still others to be perversion without restraint.
20
pastors and teachers, 12to equipb the However, that is not the way you
saints, to do the work of ministry, came to know the Messiah. 21Surely
and to build up the body of the you have listened to him and have
Messiah 13until all of us are united in been taught by him, since truth is in
the faith and in the full knowledge of Jesus. 22Regarding your former way of
God's Son, and until we attain life, you were taughte to strip off your
mature adulthood and the full old nature, which is being ruined by
standard of development in the its deceptive desires, 23to be renewed
Messiah. 14Then we will no longer be in your mental attitude, 24and to
little children, tossed like waves and clothe yourselves with the new
blown about by every wind of nature, which was created according
doctrine, by people's trickery, or by to God’s imagef in righteousness and
clever strategies that would lead us true holiness.
25
astray. 15Instead, by speaking the Therefore, stripping off
truth in love, we will grow up falsehood, “let each of us speak the
completely and become one with the truth to his neighbor,”g for we belong
head, that is, one with the Messiah, to one another. 26“Be angry, yet do
16
in whom the whole body is united not sin.”h Do not let the sun set while
and held together by every ligament you are still angry, 27and do not give
with which it is supplied. As each the devil an opportunity to work.a
individual part does its job, the body 28
The thief must no longer steal but
builds itself up in love.14 must work hard and do what is good
The Old Life and the New with his own hands, so that he might
17
Therefore, I tell you and insist earn something to give to the
c
on in the Lord not to live any longer needy. 26
4
29
like the gentiles live, thinking Let no filthy talk be heard from
your mouths, but only what is good
worthless thoughts.d 18They are
for building up people and meeting EPHESIANS
a 4:9 Other mss. read had first gone e 4:22 The Gk. lacks you were taught
a 4:9 Or parts, that f 4:24 The Gk. lacks image
b 4:12 Or perfect g 4:25 Zech 8:16
c 4:17 Or testify h 4:26 Ps 4:4
d 4:17 Lit. in the worthlessness of their mind a 4:27 The Gk. lacks to work
339
the need of the moment.a This way that the lighte produces consists of
you will administer grace to those every form of goodness,
who hear you. 30Do not grieve the righteousness, and truth. 10Determine
Holy Spirit, by whom you were what pleases the Lord, 11and have
marked with a seal for the day of nothing to do with the unfruitful
redemption. 31Let all bitterness, actions that darkness produces.
wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander Instead, expose them for what they
be put away from you, along with all are. 12For it is shameful even to
hatred. 32And be kind to one another, mention what is done by these
compassionate, forgiving one another disobedient peoplef in secret. 13But
just as God has forgiven youb in the everything that is exposed to the light
Messiah. becomes visible, 14for the light is
5
429
Chapter 5
1
So be imitators of God, as his making everything visible. That is
dear children. 2Live lovingly, just why it says,
as the Messiah also loved usc and “Wake up, sleeper!
gave himself for us as an offering and Arise from the dead,
sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God. 3Do and the Messiah will shine on
not let sexual sin, impurity of any you.’’a
kind, or greed even be mentioned
among you, as is proper for saints. Wise Behavior
15
4
Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is So, then, be careful how you
totally inappropriate. Instead, let live. Do not be unwise but wise,
16
there be thanksgiving. 5For you know making the best use of your timeb
very well that no immoral or impure because the times are evil.
17
person, or anyone who is greedy Therefore, do not be foolish, but
(that is, an idolater), has an understand what the Lord's will is.
18
inheritance in the kingdom of the Stop gettingc drunk with wine,
Messiah and of God. which leads to wild living, but keep
on being filled with the Spirit. 19Then
Living in the Light
6 you will recite to one another psalms,
Do not let anyone deceive you
hymns, and spiritual songs; you will
with meaningless words, for it is
sing and make music to the Lord
because of these things that God
with your hearts; 20you will
becomes angry with those who
consistently give thanks to God the
disobey.d 7So do not be partners with
Father for everything in the name of
them. 8For once you were darkness,
our Lord Jesus, the Messiah; 21and
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light, 9for the fruit
EPHESIANS
e 5:9 Other mss. read fruit of the Spirit

a 4:29 Lit. up as the need may be f 5:12 Lit. by them
b 4:32 Other mss. read us a 5:14 The source of this quote is unknown.
c 5:2 Other mss. read you b 5:16 Or buying up the time
d 5:6 Lit. with the sons of disobedience c 5:18 Or Do not get
340
32
you will submit to one another out of This is a great secret, but I am
reverence fora the Messiah. talking about the Messiah and the
church. 33But each individual man
Wives and Husbands
22
among you must love his wife as he
Wives, submit yourselvesb to
lovesa himself; and may the wife fear
your husbands as to the Lord. 23For
her husband. 32
the husband is the head of his wife as
5
Chapter 6
the Messiah is the head of the church. Advice for Children and Parents
6
1
It is he who is the Savior of the body. Children, obey your parents in
24
Indeed, just as the church is the Lord,b for this is the right
submissive to the Messiah, so wives thing to do. 2“Honor your father and
must be submissivec to their mother…”c (This is a very important
husbands in everything. commandment with a promise.)
25
Husbands, love your wives as 3
“…so that it may go well for you,
the Messiah loved the church and and that you may have a long life on
gave himself for it, 26so that he might the earth.”d
make it holy by cleansing it, washing 4
Fathers, do not provoke your
it with water and the word, 27and children to anger, but bring them up
might present the church to himself by traininge and instructing them
in all its glory, without a spot or about the Lord.
wrinkle or anything of the kind, but
holy and without fault. 28In the same Advice for Slaves and Masters
5
way, husbands must love their wives Slaves, obey your earthly
as they loved their own bodies. A masters with fear, trembling, and
who loves his wife loves himself. sincerity, as when you obey the
29
For no one has ever hated his own Messiah.f 6Do not do this only while
body, but he nourishes and tenderly you’re being watched in order to
cares for it, as the Messiah doese the please them, but be like slaves of the
church. Messiah, who are determined to obey
30
For we are parts of his body— God's will. 7Serve willingly, as if you
were serving the Lord and not merely
of his flesh and of his bones.f 31“That
is why a man will leave his father and people,g 8because you know that
mother and be united with his wife, everyone will receive a reward from
the Lord for whatever good he has
and the two will become one flesh.”g
done, whether he is a slave or free.
a 5:21 Or in the fear of
b 5:22 Other mss. lack submit yourselves a 5:33 The Gk. lacks he loves
c 5:24 The Gk. lacks must be submissive b 6:1 Other mss. lack in the Lord
EPHESIANS
d 5:28 The Gk. lacks they love c 6:3 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
e 5:29 The Gk. lacks does d 6:3 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
f 5:30 Other mss. lack of his flesh and of his e 6:4 Or discipline
bones f 6:5 Lit. as to the Messiah
g 5:31 Gen 2:24 g 6:7 Lit. as to the Lord and not people
341
9
Masters, treat your slavesa the which is the word of God. 18Pray in
same way. Do not threaten them, for the Spirit at all times with every kind
you know that both of you have the of prayer and request. Likewise, be
same Master in heaven, and there is alert with your most diligent efforts
no favoritism with him. and pray for all the saints. 19Prayb
also for me, so that, when I begin to
Putting on the Whole Armor of God
10 speak, the right words will come to
Finally, be strong in the Lord,
me. Then I will boldly make known
relying on his mighty strength. 11Put
the secret of the gospel, 20for whose
on the whole armor of God so that
sake I am an ambassador in chains,
you may be able to stand firm against
desiring to declare the gospelc as
the devil's strategies.b 12For ourc
struggle is not against human boldly as I should.d
opponents,d but against rulers, Final Greeting
21
authorities, cosmic powers in the So that you may know what
darkness around us,e and evil has happened to me and how I am
spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. doing, Tychicus, our dear brother and
13
For this reason, take up the whole a faithful minister in service to the
armor of God so that you may be able Lord, will tell you everything. 22I am
to take a stand whenever evil comes. sending him to you for this very
And when you have done everything reason, so that you may know how
you could, you will be able to stand we are doing and that he may
firm. encourage your hearts.
14 23
Stand firm, therefore, having May peace and love, with faith,
fastened the belt of truth around your be with the brothers, from God the
waist, and having put on the Father and the Lord Jesus, the
breastplate of righteousness, 15and Messiah!
24
being firm-footed in the gospel of May grace be with all who
peace.a 16In addition to having sincerely love the Lord Jesus, the
clothed yourselves with these things, Messiah!e
having taken up the shield of faith,
with which you will be able to put
out all the flaming arrows of the evil
one, 17also take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit,
a 6:9 Lit. treat them

EPHESIANS
b 6:11 Or schemes
c 6:12 Other mss. read your
d 6:12 Lit. against flesh and blood b 6:19 The Gk. lacks Pray
e 6:12 Lit. powers of this darkness c 6:20 Lit. declare it
a 6:15 Or wear on your feet readiness for the d 6:20 Lit. as I should speak
gospel of peace e 6:24 Other mss. read Messiah! Amen.
342
PHILIPPIANS
PHILIPPIANS
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul and Timothy with me in this privilege.h 8For God is
1
1
From:a Paul and Timothy, my witness how much I long for all
servants of the Messiah Jesus. of you with the compassion that the
Messiah Jesus provides.
9
To: All the holy onesb in Philippi, And this is my prayer, that your
along with their overseersc and love will keep on growing more and
deacons,d who are in union with the more with full knowledge and
Messiah Jesus. insight, 10so that you may be able to
2
choose what is best and be pure and
May grace and peace from God blameless until the day when the
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah returns, 11having been filled
Messiah, be yours! with the fruit of righteousness that
Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the comes through Jesus the Messiah so
Philippians that God will be glorified and praised.
3
I thank my God every time I The Priority of the Gospel in
remember you,e 4always praying Everything
joyfully in every one of my prayers 12
Now I want you to know,
for all of you 5because of your brothers, that what has happened to
partnership in the gospel from the me has actually caused the gospel to
first day until now. 6I am convinced advance. 13As a result, it has become
of this, that the one who began a clear to the whole imperial guard and
good action amongf you will bring it to everyone else that I am in prison
to completion by the Day of the for preaching abouta the Messiah.
Messiah Jesus. 7For it is only right for 14
Moreover, because of my
me to think this way about all of you, imprisonment the Lord has caused
because you’re constantly on my most of the brothers to become
mind.g Both in my imprisonment and confident to speak God's word more
in the defense and confirmation of boldly and courageously than ever
the gospel, all of you are partners before. 15Some are preaching the
Messiah because of jealousy and
dissension, while others do sob
because of their good will. 16The latter
b 1:1 Or saints
c 1:1 Or bishops are motivatedc by love, because they
d 1:1 Or ministers
e 1:3 Or every time you remember me h 1:7 Or grace
f 1:6 Or in a 1:13 The Gk. lacks preaching about
g 1:7 Lit. because I have you in my heart; Or b 1:15 The Gk. lacks do so
you have me in your heart c 1:16 The Gk. lacks are motivated
343
Philippians 1:17 The Holy Bible
PHILIPPIANS
know that I have been appointed to Standing Firm in One Spirit
27
defend the gospel. 17The former The only thing that matters is
proclaim the Messiah because they that you continue to live as good
are selfishly ambitious and insincere, citizens in a manner worthy of the
thinking that they will stir up trouble gospel of the Messiah. Then, whether
for me during my imprisonment. I come to see you or whether I stay
18
But so what? Just this—that in away, I may hear all about you—that
every way, whether by false or true you are standing firm in one spirit,
motives, the Messiah is being struggling with one mind for the faith
proclaimed. Because of this, I rejoice of the gospel, 28and that you are not
and will continue to rejoice. 19I know intimidated by your opponents in
that this will result in my deliverance any way. This is evidence that they
through your prayers and the help will be destroyed and that you will be
that comes from the Spirit of Jesus the saved—and all because ofa God. 29For
Messiah. 20I rejoice because I eagerly you have been given the privilegeb
expect and hope that I will have for the Messiah's sake not only to
nothing to be ashamed of, because believe in him but also to suffer for
through mya boldness the Messiah him. 30You have the same struggle
will be exalted through me,b now as that you saw in me and now hear
always, whether I live or die.c that I am still having.c 27 1
21
For to me, to go on living is the Chapter 2
Unity through Humility

Messiah, and to die is gain. 22Now if I
2
1
Therefore, if there is any
continue living, fruitful labor is the
encouragement in the Messiah, if
result, so I do not know which I
there is any comfort of love, if there is
would prefer. 23Indeed, I cannot
any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is
decide between the two. I have the
any compassion and sympathy, 2then
desire to leave this life and be with
fill me with joy by having the same
the Messiah, for that is far better.
24 attitude, sharing the same love, being
But for your sake it is better that I
united in spirit, and keeping one
remain alive.d
25 purpose in mind. 3Do not act out of
Since I am convinced of this, I
selfish ambition or conceit, but with
know that I will continue to live and
humility think of others as being
be with all of you, so you will mature
better than yourselves. 4Do not be
in the faith and know joy in it. 26Then
concerned about your own interests,
your rejoicing in the Messiah Jesus
but also be concerned aboutd the
will increase along with minee when I
interests of others. 5Have the same
visit with you again.
a 1:20 Lit. with all

b 1:20 Lit. exalted in my body a 1:28 Lit. and that from
c 1:20 Lit. by life or by death b 1:29 Lit. it has been given you
d 1:24 Lit. remain in this body c 1:30 Lit. hear in me
e 1:26 Lit. in me d 2:4 The Gk. lacks be concerned about
344
International Standard Version 2.0 Philippians 2:26
PHILIPPIANS
attitude among yourselvesa that was crooked and perverse generation,
also in the Messiah Jesus:b among whom you shine like stars in
6
the world 16as you hold firmly to the
In God's own form existed he, word of life. Then I will be proud
and shared with God equality,
when the Messiah returnsa that I did
deemed nothing needed
not run in vain or work hard in vain.
grasping. 17
7 Yet even if I am being poured
Instead, poured out in emptiness,
out like an offering as part of the
a servant's form did he possess,
sacrifice and service I offerb for your
a mortal man becoming.
faith, I rejoice, and I share my joy
In human form he chose to be,
8 with all of you. 18In the same way,
and lived in all humility,
you also should rejoice and share
death on a cross obeying.
9 your joy with me.
Now lifted up by God to heaven,
a name above all others given, News about Paul's Companions
19
this matchless name possessing. Now I hope in the Lord Jesus
10
And so, when Jesus’ name is called, to send Timothy to you soon so that I
the knees of everyone should fallc can be encouraged when I learn of
wherever they’re residing.d your condition. 20I do not have
11
Then every tongue in one accord, anyone else like him who takes a
will say that Jesus the Messiah is genuine interest in your welfare. 21For
Lord, all the others look after their own
while God the Father praising. interests, not after those of Jesus the
Messiah. 22But you know his proven
Blameless Living worth—how like a son with his father
12
And so, my dear friends, just as he served with me in the gospel.
you have always obeyed, not only 23
Therefore, I hope to send him as
when I was with you but even more soon as I see how things are going to
now that I am absent, continue to turn out for me. 24Indeed, I am
work out your salvation with fear and confident in the Lord that I will come
trembling. 13For it is God who is
to visit youc soon.
producing in you both the desire and 25
Meanwhile, I thought it best to
the ability to do what pleases him.
14 send Epaphroditus—my brother,
Do everything without complaining
fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but
or arguing 15so that you may be
your messenger and minister to my
blameless and innocent, God's
need—back to you. 26For he has been
children without any faults among a
longing ford all of you and is troubled
because you heard that he was sick.
a 2:5 Or Have this mind in you
b 2:5 Verses 6-11 probably represent an early
Christian hymn. a 2:16 Lit. will boast in the day of the Messiah
c 2:10 Or every knee should bend b 2:17 The Gk. lacks I offer
d 2:10 Lit. in heaven, on earth, and under the c 2:24 The Gk. lacks to visit you
earth d 2:26 Other mss. read longing to see
345
PHILIPPIANS
27
Indeed, he was sick to the point of am of the nation of Israel, from the
death, but God had mercy on him, tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of
and not only on him but also on me, Hebrews. As far as the law is
so that I would not have one sorrow concerned, I was a Pharisee. 6As for
on top of another.a 28Therefore, I am my zeal, I was a persecutor of the
especially eager to send him so that church. As far as righteousness in the
you may have the joy of seeing him law is concerned, I was blameless.
7
again, and so that I may feel relieved. But whatever things were assets
29
So joyfully welcome him in the Lord to me, these I now consider a loss for
and make sure you honor such the sake of the Messiah. 8What is
people highly, 30because he came more, I continue to consider all these
close to death for the work of the things to be a loss for the sake of
Messiahb by risking his life to what is far more valuable, knowing
complete what remained unfinished the Messiah Jesus, my Lord. It is
in your service to me. 226
because of him that I have
Chapter 3
experienced the loss of all those
Warning Against Pride things. Indeed, I consider them
3
1
So then,a my brothers, keep on rubbishf in order to gain the Messiah
rejoicing in the Lord. It is no 9
and be found in him, not having a
trouble for me to write the same righteousness of my own that comes
things to you; indeed, it is for your from the law, but one that comes
safety. through the faithfulness of the
2
Beware of the dogs! Beware of Messiah,g the righteousness that
the evil workers! Beware of the comes from God and that depends on
mutilators!b 3For it is we who are the faith. 10I want to know the
circumcisionc—we who worship in Messiahh—what his resurrection
the Spirit of Godd and find our joy in power is like and what it means to
the Messiah Jesus. We have not share in his sufferings by becoming
placed any confidence in the flesh, like him in his death, 11though I hope
4
although I could have confidence in to experience the resurrection from
the flesh. If anyone thinks he can the dead.
place confidence in the flesh, I have
Pursuing the Goal
more reason to think so.e 5Having 12
It's not that I have already
been circumcised on the eighth day, I
reached this goal or have already
a 2:27 Lit. sorrow on sorrow become perfect. But I keep pursuing
b 2:30 Other mss. read Lord it, hoping somehow to embrace it just
a 3:1 Or Furthermore as I have been embraced by the
b 3:2 Lit. the mutilation; Lit. katatome (a
Messiah Jesus. 13Brothers, I do not
cutting off)
c 3:3 Lit. peritome (a cutting around)
d 3:3 Other mss. read worship God in the f 3:8 Or dung
Spirit g 3:9 Or through faith in the Messiah
e 3:4 Lit. I more h 3:10 Lit. To know him
346
International Standard Version 2.0 Philippians 4:10
PHILIPPIANS
consider myself to have embraced it victor's crown, this is how you must
yet.a But this one thing I do: stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2I
Forgetting what lies behind and urge Euodia and Syntyche to have
straining forward to what lies ahead, the same attitude in the Lord. 3Yes, I
14
I keep pursuing the goal to win the also ask you, my true partner,e to
prizea of God's heavenly call in the help these women. They have
Messiah Jesus. 3 worked hard with me to advancef the
15
Therefore, those of us who are gospel, along with Clement and the
matureb should think this way. And if rest of my fellow workers, whose
you think differently about anything, names are in the Book of Life.
4
God will show you how to think.c Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at
16
However, we should live up to what all times. I will say it again: Keep on
we have achieved so far. rejoicing! 5Let your gracious attitudeg
be known to all people. The Lord is
True and False Teachers
17 near: 6Never worry about anything.
Join together in imitating me,
Instead, in every situation let your
brothers, and pay close attention to
petitions be made known to God
those who live by the example we
through prayers and requests, with
have set for you.d 18For I have often thanksgiving. 7Then God's peace,
told you, and now tell you even with which goes far beyond anything we
tears, that many live as enemies of can imagine, will guard your hearts
the cross of the Messiah. 19Their and minds in union with the Messiah
destiny is destruction, their god is Jesus.
their belly, and their glory is in their 8
Finally, brothers, whatever is
shame. Their minds are set on true, whatever is honorable, whatever
worldly things. is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is
20
Our citizenship, however, is in acceptable, whatever is
heaven, and it is from there that we commendable, if there is anything of
eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord excellence and if there is anything
Jesus, the Messiah. 21He will change praiseworthy—keep thinking about
our unassuming bodies and make these things. 9
Likewise, keep
them like his glorious body through practicing these things: what you
the power that enables him to bring have learned, received, heard, and
everything under his authority. seen in me. Then the God of peace
will be with you.
Chapter 4
Closing Exhortations
4
1
Therefore, my dear brothers The Philippians’ Gifts
whom I long for, my joy and my 10
Now I rejoice in the Lord
greatly, because once again you have
a 3:13 Other mss. omit yet
a 3:14 Lit. the goal for the prize
b 3:15 Or perfect e 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus
c 3:15 Lit. show you this f 4:3 The Gk. lacks to advance
d 3:17 Lit. the example you have in us g 4:5 Lit. spirit
347
PHILIPPIANS
shown your concern for me. Of Final Greeting
21
course, you were concerned for me Greet every saint who is union
but you did not have an opportunity with the Messiah Jesus. The brothers
to show it.a 11I am not saying this who are with me send their greetings
because I am in any need, for I have to you. 22All the saints, especially
learned to be content in whatever those of the emperor'sd household,
situation I am in. 12I know how to be greet you.
23
humble, and I know how to prosper. May the grace of the Lord
In each and every situation I have Jesus, the Messiah, be with your
learned the secret of being full and of spirit! Amen.e
going hungry, of having too much
and of having too little. 13I can do all
things through himb who strengthens
me. 14Nevertheless, it was kind of you
to share my troubles. 10
15
You Philippians also know that
in the early daysc of the gospel, when
I left Macedonia, no church
participated with me in the matter of
giving and receiving except for you.
16
Even while I was in Thessalonica,
you provided for my needs not once,
but twice. 17It is not that I am looking
for a gift. No, I want to see that you
receive the fruit that increases to your
benefit. 18I have been paid in full and
have more than enough. I am fully
supplied, now that I have received
from Epaphroditus what you sent—a
fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable
and pleasing to God. 19And my God
will fully supply your every need
according to his glorious riches in the
Messiah Jesus. 20Glory belongs to our
God and Father forever and ever!
Amen.
a 4:10 The Gk. lacks to show it

b 4:13 Other mss. read the Messiah d 4:22 Or Caesar's
c 4:15 Lit. in the beginning e 4:23 Other mss. lack Amen
348
COLOSSIANS
Chapter 1
Greetings from Paul behalf. 8He has told us about your
1
1
From:a Paul, an apostle of the love in the Spirit.
Messiah Jesus by the will of God, The Messiah is Above All
and Timothy our brother. 9
For this reason, since the day
COLOSSIANS
2
To: The holyb and faithful brothers we heard about this, we have not
in Colossae who are in union with stopped praying for you and asking
the Messiah. that you may be filled with the full
knowledge of God'sh will with
respect to all spiritual wisdom and
our Fatherc be yours! understanding, 10so that you might
Paul's Prayer for the Colossians live in a manner worthy of the Lord
3
We give thanks to God, the and be fully pleasing to himi as you
Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, bear fruit while doing all kinds of
praying always for you, 4because we good things and growing in the full
have heard about your faith in the knowledge of God. 11You are being
Messiah Jesus and the love that you strengthened with all power
have for all the saints, 5based on the according to his glorious might, so
hope laid up for you in heaven. Some that you might patiently endure
time ago you heard about this hoped everything with joy 12and might
through the word of truth, the gospel thank the Father, who has enabled
6
that has come to you. Just as it is usj to share in the saints’ inheritance
bearing fruit and spreading all over in the light. 13Goda has rescued us
the world, so it has been doinge from the power of darkness and has
among you from the day you heard it brought us into the kingdom of the
and came to know the grace of God Son whom he loves, 14through whom
in truth. 7You learned about this we have redemption, the forgiveness
gospelf from Epaphras, our dear of sins.
fellow servant, who is a faithful The Centrality of Jesus
minister of the Messiah on yourg 15
The Sonb is the image of the
invisible God,
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From the firstborn over all creation.
b 1:2 Or to the saints
c 1:2 Other mss. read from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah h 1:9 Lit. his
d 1:5 Lit. about it i 1:10 Lit. to all pleasing
e 1:6 The Gk. lacks it has been doing j 1:12 Other mss. read you
f 1:7 Lit. Just as you learned a 1:13 Lit. He
g 1:7 Other mss. read our b 1:15 Lit. He
349
Colossians 1:16 The Holy Bible
16
For by him all things in heaven and gospel that you heard, which has
on earth were created, been proclaimed to every creature
things visible and invisible, under heaven and of which I, Paul,
whether they are kings,a lords, have become a servant.g
rulers, or powers.
Paul's Service in the Church
All things have been created 24
Now I am rejoicing while
through him and for him.
17 suffering for you as I complete in my
He himself existed before anything
flesh whatever remains of the
else did,
Messiah's sufferings on behalf of his
COLOSSIANS
and he holds all things together.

18 body, which is the church. 25I became
He is also the head of the body,
its servanth as God commissioned me
which is the church.
to work for you, so that I may
He is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, complete my ministry ofi the word of
so that he himself might have God. 26This secret was hidden
first place in everything. throughout the ages and generations
19 but has now been revealed to his
For Godb was pleased to have
saints, 27to whom God wanted to
all of his divine essencec inhabit
make known the glorious riches of
him.
20 this secret among the gentiles—which
Through the Son,d Gode also is the Messiah in you, our glorious
reconciled all things to hope. 28It is he whom we proclaim as
himself, we admonish and wisely teach
whether things on earth or things everyone, so that we may present
in heaven,
everyone maturej in the Messiah. 29I
thereby making peace
work hard and struggle to do this,
through the blood of his cross.
using the energy that he powerfully
21
You who were once alienated provides in me. 28
2
1
Chapter 2
with a hostile attitude, doing evil,f 1

For I want you to know how
22
he has now reconciled by the death much I struggle for you, for those
of his physical body, so that he may in Laodicea, and for all who have
present you holy, blameless, and never seen me face to face.a 2Because
without fault before him. 23However, they are united in love, I prayb that
you must remain firmly established their hearts may be encouraged by all
and steadfast in the faith, without the riches that come from a complete
being moved from the hope of the understanding of the full knowledge
a 1:16 Lit. thrones g 1:23 Or minister

b 1:19 Lit. he h 1:25 Or minister
c 1:19 Lit. all of the fullness i 1:25 The Gk. lacks the ministry of
d 1:20 Lit. Through him j 1:28 Or complete
e 1:20 Lit. he a 2:1 Lit. my face in the flesh
f 1:21 Lit. in evil deeds b 2:2 The Gk. lacks I pray
350
International Standard Version 2.0 Colossians 2:20
of the Messiah, who isa the mystery him from the dead. 13Even when you
of God. 3In him are stored all the were dead because of your offenses
treasures of wisdom and knowledge. and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
4
I say this so that no one will mislead Godf made you alive with him when
you with nice-sounding rhetoric. 5For he forgave us all of our offenses,
14
although I am physically absent, I am having erased the charges that were
with you in spirit, rejoicing to see brought against us, along with their
how stable you are and how firm obligations that were hostile to us. He
your faith in the Messiah is. took those charges away when he
COLOSSIANS
nailed them to the cross. 15And when
Fullness of Life
6 he had disarmed the rulers and the
So then, just as you have
authorities, he made a public
received the Messiah Jesus the Lord,
spectacle of them, triumphing over
continue to live dependent on him.
7
For you have been rooted in him them in the cross.g
16
and are being built up and Therefore, let no one judge you
strengthened in the faith, just as you in matters of food and drink or with
were taught, while you continue to respect to a festival, a new moon, or
be thankful. 8See to it that no one Sabbath days.h 17These are a shadow
enslaves you through philosophy and of the things to come, but the realityi
empty deceit according to human belongs to the Messiah. 18Let no one
tradition, according to the basic who delights in humility and the
principles of the world,b and not worship of angels cheat you out of
according to the Messiah, 9because all the prize by rejoicing about what he
the essencec of deity inhabits him in has seen.j Such a person is puffed up
bodily form. 10And you have been for no reason by his carnal mind. 19He
filled by him, who is the head of does not hold on to the head, from
every ruler and authority. 11In union whom the whole body, which is
with him you were also circumcised nourished and held together by its
with a circumcision performed joints and ligaments, grows as God
without humand hands by stripping enables it. 2
off the corrupt nature by the The New Life in the Messiah
20
circumcision performed by the If you have died with the
Messiah. 12When you were buried Messiah to the basic principles of the
with the Messiahe in baptism, you world,a why are you submitting to its
were also raised with him through decrees as though you still lived in
faith in the power of God, who raised
f 2:13 Lit. he
a 2:2 The Gk. lacks who is g 2:15 Lit. in it
b 2:8 Or the elemental spirits of the universe h 2:16 Lit. or Sabbaths
c 2:9 Lit. all of the fullness i 2:17 Or substance
d 2:11 The Gk. lacks human j 2:18 Other mss. read what he has not seen
e 2:12 Lit. with him a 2:20 Or the elemental spirits of the universe
351
the world? 21“Don't handle this! Don't the new nature, which is being
taste or touch that!” 22All of these renewed in full knowledge,
things will be destroyed as they are consistent with the image of the one
used, because they are based on who created it. 11In hime there is no
human commands and teachings. Greek or Jew, circumcised or
23
These things have the appearance of uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,f
wisdom in promoting self-made slave, or free person. Instead, the
religion, humility, and harsh Messiah is all and in all.
treatment of the body, but they have 12
Therefore, as God's chosen
COLOSSIANS
no value against self-indulgence. 220
ones, holy and loved, clothe

Chapter 3
yourselves with compassion,

Keep Focusing on the Messiah
3
1
Therefore, if you have been kindness, humility, meekness,g and
raised with the Messiah, keep patience. 13Be tolerant of one another
focusing on the things that are above, and forgive each other if anyone has
where the Messiah is seated at the a complaint against another. Just as
right hand of God. 2Keep your minds the Lordh has forgiven you, you also
on things that are above, not on should forgive.i 14Above all, clothe
things that are on the earth. 3For you yourselves withj love, which ties
have died, and your life has been everything together in unity. 15Let the
safely guarded by the Messiah in peace of the Messiah also rule in your
God. 4When the Messiah, who isa hearts, to which you were called in
yourb life, is revealed, then you, too, one body, and be thankful. 16Let the
will be revealed with him in glory. word of the Messiaha inhabit you
5
So put to death your worldly richly with wisdom, teaching and
impulses:c sexual sin, impurity, admonishing one another with
passion, evil desire, and greed (which psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
is idolatry). 6It is because of these and singing to God with thankfulness
things that the wrath of God is in your hearts. 17And whatever you
coming on those who are do, whether by speech or action, do
d 7
disobedient. You used to behave everything in the name of the Lord
like them as you lived among them. Jesus, giving thanks to God the
8
But now you must also get rid of Father through him.
anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene
speech, and all such sins. 9Do not lie
to one another, for you have stripped
off the old nature with its practices e 3:11 Lit. it, 11where
10 f 3:11 I.e. uncivilized person
and have clothed yourselves with g 3:12 Or gentleness
h 3:13 Other mss. read the Messiah
a 3:4 The Gk. lacks who is i 3:13 Lit. so you also
b 3:4 Other mss. read our j 3:14 The Gk. lacks clothe yourselves with
c 3:5 Lit. the parts that are on the earth a 3:16 Other mss. read of God; still other mss.
d 3:6 Lit. on the sons of disobedience read of the Lord
352
International Standard Version 2.0 Colossians 4:13
5
Family Duties Behave wisely toward outsiders,
18
Wives, submit yourselves to making the best use of your time. 6Let
your husbands, as is appropriate for your speech always be gracious,
those who belong to the Lord. seasoned with salt, so that you may
19
Husbands, love your wives, and do know how you ought to answer
not be harsh witha them. everyone.
20
Children, obey your parents in Greetings from Paul and His Fellow
everything, for this is pleasing to the Workers
Lord. 21Fathers, do not make your 7
Tychicus will tell you
COLOSSIANS
children resentful. Otherwise, they’ll everything that has happened to me.
become discouraged. He is a dear brother, a faithful
22
Slaves, obey your earthly minister, and a fellow servant in the
masters in everything, not only while Lord. 8I am sending him to you for
being watched in order to please this very reason, so that you may
them, but with a sincere heart, know how we are doing and that he
fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, may encourage your hearts. 9He is
work at it wholeheartedly as though coming with Onesimus, that faithful
you were doing itb for the Lord and and dear brother, who is one of you.
not merely for people. 24You know They will tell you everything that is
that it is from the Lord that you will happening here.
receive the inheritance as a reward. It 10
Aristarchus, my fellow
is the Lord Messiah whom you are prisoner, sends his greetings, as does
serving! 25For the person who does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You
what is wrong will be paid back for have received instructions about him.
what he has done without favoritism. If he comes to you, welcome him.
4
Chapter 4
1
Masters, treat your slaves justly 11
Jesus, who is called Justus, also
and fairly, because you know that greets you. These are the only ones of
you also have a Master in heaven. the circumcision who are fellow
Closing Exhortations workers for the kingdom of God.
2
Devote yourselves to prayer. Be They have been an encouragement to
c
alert and thankful when you pray. me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a
3
At the same time also pray for us— servanta of the Messiah Jesus, sends
that God would open before us a you his greetings. He is always
door for the word so that we may tell wrestling in his prayers for you, so
the secret about the Messiah, for that you may stand mature,b
which I have been imprisoned. 4May I completely convinced of the entire
reveal it as clearly as I should!d will of God. 13For I can testify on his
behalf that he has a deep concern for
a 3:19 Or bitter toward
you and for those in Laodicea and in
b 3:23 The Gk. lacks though you were doing it
c 4:2 Lit. Be alert in it a 4:12 Or slave
d 4:4 Lit. as I should speak b 4:12 Or complete
353
Hieropolis. 14Luke, the beloved

physician, and Demas greet you.
15
Give my greetings to the brothers in
Laodicea, especially to Nympha and
the church that is in her house.
16
When this letter has been read
among you, have it read also in the
church of the Laodiceans, and be sure
to read the one from Laodicea. 17Tell
COLOSSIANS
Archippus, “See that you complete

the ministry you have received from
the Lord.” 413
Final Greeting
18
This greeting is written with
my own signaturea—“Paul.”
Remember that I remain imprisoned.
May grace be with you! Amen.b
a 4:18 Lit. hand

b 4:18 Other mss. lack Amen
354
FIRST THESSALONIANS
Chapter 1
6
Greetings You became imitators of us and
1
1
From:a Paul, Silvanus,b and of the Lord. In spite of a great deal of
Timothy. suffering, you welcomed the word
with the joy that the Holy Spirit
To: The church of the Thessalonians
produces.i 7As a result, you became a
in union with God the Father and the
model for all the believers in
Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
Macedonia and Achaia. 8From you
May grace and peace from God the word of the Lord has spread out
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
Messiah,c be yours! but also in every place where your
faith in God has become known. As a
Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians
2 result, we do not need to say
We always thank God for all of
anything about it.
you when we mention you in our
1 THESSALONIANS
9
For peoplej keep telling us what
prayers. 3In the presence of our God
kind of welcome you gave us and
and Father, we constantly remember
how you turned away from idols to
how your faith is active,d your love is
serve a living and true God 10and to
hard at work,e and your hope in our wait for his Son whom he raised from
Lord Jesus the Messiah is
the dead to come backk from heaven.
enduring.f4Brothers whom God loves, This Jesus is the one who rescues us
we know that he has chosen you, 5for from the coming wrath.
the gospel we broughtg did not come Chapter 2
to you in words only, but also with Paul Recalls His Visit to the
power, with the Holy Spirit, and with Thessalonians
2
1
deep conviction. Indeed,h you know For you yourselves know,
what kind of people we proved to be brothers, that our visit to you was
while we were with you, acting on not a waste of time. 2As you know,
your behalf. we suffered persecution and were
mistreated in Philippi. Yet we were
encouraged by our God to tell you
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From hisl gospel in spite of strong
opposition. 3For our appeal to youm
b 1:1 I.e. Silas
c 1:1 Other mss. lack from God our Father
does not spring from deceit, impure
and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah
d Lit. your work of faith
e Lit. your labor of love i 1:6 Or the joy of the Holy Spirit
f Lit. the endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus, j 1:9 Lit. they
the Messiah k 1:10 The Gk. lacks to come back
g 1:5 Lit. our gospel l 2:2 Lit. God's
h 1:5 Lit. Just as m 2:3 The Gk. lacks to you
355
First Thessalonians 2:4 The Holy Bible
motives, or trickery. 4Rather, because heard from us, you did not accept it
we have been approved by God to be as the word of humans but for what
entrusted with the gospel, we speak it really is—the word of God, which is
as we do, not trying to please people at work in you who believe. 14For
but God, who tests our motives. 23 you, brothers, became imitators of the
5
As you know, we did not come churches of God in Judea that are in
with flattering words or with a union with the Messiah Jesus. You
scheme to make money. God is our suffered the same persecutions from
witness! 6We did not seek praise from the people of your own country as
people—from you or from anyone they did from those Jews 15who killed
else— 7even though as apostles of the the Lord Jesus and thed prophets,
Messiah we might have made such who have persecuted us, and who
demands. Instead, we were gentlea please neither God nor any group of
among you, like a nursing mother people, 16as they try to keep us from
tenderly caring for her own children. telling the gentiles how they can be
8
We cared so deeply for you that we saved. As a result, they are constantly
were determined to share with you adding to the number of sins they
not only the gospel of God but our have committed.e However, wrath
1 THESSALONIANS
very lives. That is how dear you were has overtaken them at last!
to us. 9Brothers, you remember our
Timothy’s Report to Paul
labor and toil. We worked night and 17
Brothers, although we have
day so that we would not become a
been separated from you for a little
burden to any of you while we
while—in person but not in heart—
proclaimed the gospel of God to you.
10 we eagerly desire to see you again
You and God are witnesses of how
face to face. 18That is why we wanted
pure, honest, and blameless our
to come to you. Certainly I, Paul,
conduct was among you who believe.
11
You know very well that we treated wanted to comef time and again, but
Satan blocked our way. 19After all,
each of you the way a father treatsb
his children. 12We comforted and who is our hope, joy, or reason forg
encouraged you, urging you to live in rejoicing in the presence of our Lord
Jesus at his coming? It is you, isn't it?
a manner worthy of God, who callsc 20
Yes, you are our glory and joy!
you into his kingdom and glory.
3
Chapter 3
1
Therefore, when we could stand
How the Thessalonians Welcomed the it no longer, we decided to
Gospel remain alone in Athens 2and send
13
Here is another reason why we Timothy, our brother who works
constantly give thanks to God: When with us for God in the gospel of the
you received God's word, which you
d 2:15 Other mss. read their own
a 2:7 Other mss. read infants e 2:16 The Gk. lacks they have committed
b 2:11 The Gk. lacks treats f 2:18 The Gk. lacks wanted to come
c 2:12 Other mss. read called g 2:19 Lit. or crown of
356
International Standard Version 2.0 First Thessalonians 4:10
Messiah,a to strengthen and for all people, just as we love you.f

13
encourage you in your faith, 3so that Then your hearts will be strong,
no one would be shaken by these blameless, and holy in the presence of
persecutions, for which you are God, who is our Father, when our
aware that we were destined. 4In fact, Lord Jesus appears with all his
when we were with you, we told you saints.g 3
ahead of time that we were going to

Chapter 4
Instructions on the Way Christians

suffer persecution. And as you know, Should Live
4
that is what happened. 5But when I 1
Now then, brothers, you learned
could stand it no longer, I sent from us how you ought to live
Timothyb to find out about your faith. and to please God, as in fact you are
I was afraid that the tempter had doing. We ask and encourage you in
tempted you in some way, and that the Lord to do so even more. 2You
our work had been a waste of time. know what instructions we gave you
6
But Timothy has just now through the Lord Jesus. 3For it is
returned from visitingc you and has God's will that you be sanctified: You
told us the good news about your must abstain from sexual immorality.
faith and love. He also told us that
1 THESSALONIANS
4
Each of you must know how to
you always have fond memories of us
control his own bodyh in a holy and
and want to see us, just as we want to
honorable manner, 5not with passion
see you. 7That's why, brothers, in all
and lust like the gentiles who do not
our distress and persecution we have
know God. 6Furthermore, you must
been encouraged about you by your
never take advantage of or exploit a
faith. 8For now we can go on living,
as long as you continue to stand firm brother in this regard, because the
in the Lord. 9How can we thank God Lord avenges all these things, just as
enough for you in return for all the we already told you and warned you.
7
joy that we have in God's presence For God did not call us to be impure,
because of you? 10We pray very hard but to be holy. 8Therefore, whoever
night and day that we may see you rejects this instructioni is not rejecting
again face to face, so that we may human authority but God, who gives
equip you withd whatever is lacking you his Holy Spirit.
9
in your faith. Now you do not need anyone
11
Now may our God and Father to write to you about brotherly love,
and our Lord Jesus provide a way for since you have been taught by God to
us to visit you. 12May the Lord greatly love each other. 10In fact, you are
increase your lovee for each other and showing love to all the brothers
a 3:2 Other mss. lack of the Messiah

b 3:5 The Gk lacks Timothy f 3:12 Lit. as we for you
c 3:6 The Gk. lacks visiting g 3:13 Or holy ones; other mss. read saints.
d 3:10 The Gk. lacks you with Amen
e 3:12 Lit. cause you to increase and abound h 4:4 Lit. vessel
in love i 4:8 The Gk. lacks instruction
357
First Thessalonians 4:11 The Holy Bible
throughout Macedonia, but we urge Day of the Lord will come like a thief
you, brothers, to keep on doing this in the night. 3When peopleb say,
even more. 11Also, make it your goal “There is peace and security,”
to live quietly, to mind your own destruction will strike them as
business, and to work with your own suddenly as labor pains comec to a
hands, as we instructed you, 12so that pregnant woman, and they will not
you may win the respect of outsiders, be able to escape.
and have need of nothing. 410
4
However, brothers, you are not
Comfort about Christians Who Have in the darkness, in order that the Day
Died of the Lordd might surprise you like a
13
But we do not want you to be thief. 5For all of you are children of
ignorant, brothers, about those who the light and children of the day. We
have died, so that you may not grieve do not belong to the night or to
like other people who have no hope. darkness. 6Therefore, let’s not fall
14
For if we believe that Jesus died and asleep like others do, but let’s stay
rose again, even so through Jesus awake and be sober. 7For people who
God will bring those who have died go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and
1 THESSALONIANS
with him. 15For we declare to you people who get drunk, get drunk at
what the Lord has told us to say:a We night. 8But since we belong to the
who are alive and remain until the day, let’s be sober. We must put on
coming of the Lord will by no means the breastplate of faith and love, and
precede those who have died. 16With the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For
a shout of command, with the God has not destined us to receivee
archangel's call, and with the sound wrath but to obtain salvation through
of God's trumpet, the Lord himself our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, 10who
will come down from heaven, and died for us in order that, whether we
the dead who belong to the Messiah are awake or asleep, we may live
will rise first. 17Then we who are alive together with him. 11So then,
and remain will be caught up in the encourage one another and build
clouds together with them to meet each other up, as you are doing.
the Lord in the air. And so we will be Paul Gives Final Instructions to the
with the Lord forever. 18So then, Church
encourage one another with these 12
Brothers, we ask you to show
words. your appreciation for those who work
among you, set an example for you in
Chapter 5
Be Ready for the Day of the Lord
5
1
Now you do not need to have the Lord, and instructa you. 13Hold
anything written to you about
times and dates, brothers, 2for you b 5:3 Lit. they
yourselves know very well that the c 5:3 The Gk. lacks come
d 5:4 The Gk. lacks of the Lord
e 5:9 The Gk. lacks receive
a 4:15 Lit. you by the word of the Lord: a 5:12 Or admonish
358
International Standard Version 2.0 First Thessalonians 5:28
them in the highest regard, loving

them because of their work. Live in
peace with each other. 14We urge you,
brothers, to admonisha those who are
idle,b cheer up those who are
discouraged, and help those who are
weak. Be patient with everyone.
15
Make sure that no one pays back
evil for evil. Instead, always pursue
what is good for each other and for
everyone else. 16Always be joyful.
17
Continually be prayerful. 18In
everything be thankful, because this
is God's will for you in the Messiah
Jesus. 19Do not put out the Spirit's
fire.c 20Do not despise prophecies.
21
Instead, test everything. Hold on to
what is good. 22Keep away from
1 THESSALONIANS
every kind of evil.14
Final Greeting
23
May the God of peace himself
make you holy in every way. And
may your whole being—spirit, soul,
and body—remain blameless when
our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, appears.
24
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will continue to be faithful.d
25
Brothers, praye for us. 26Greet all the
brothers with a holy kiss. 27I order
you by the Lord to have this letter
read to all the brothers. 28May the
grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
be with you! Amen.f
a 5:14 Or instruct
b 5:14 Or disorderly
c 5:19 I.e. stifle the Spirit's work
d 5:24 The Gk. lacks faithful
e 5:25 Other mss. read also pray
f 5:28 Other mss. lack Amen
359
The Last Supper
360
SECOND THESSALONIANS
Chapter 1
those who refuse to obey the gospel

Greetings
of our Lord Jesus. 9Such people will
1
1
From:a Paul, Silvanus,b and
suffer the punishment of eternal
Timothy.
destruction by being separated from
To: The church of the Thessalonians the Lord's presence and from his
in union with God our Father and the glorious power, 10when he comes to
Lord Jesus, the Messiah. be glorified by his saints and to be
2 regarded with wonder on that day by
all who have believed—including
you—because you believed our
Messiah, be yours!
testimony.
11
Endurance in Affliction With this in mind, we always
3
Brothers, at all times we are pray for you, askingd that our God
obligated to thank God for you. It is might make you worthy of his calling
right to do thisc because your faith is and that through his power he might
growing all the time and the love help you accomplish every good
every one of you has for each other is desire and faithful action. 12That way
increasing. 4As a result, we rejoice the name of our Lord Jesus will be
about you among God's churches— glorified by you, and you by him,
about your endurance and faith according to the grace of our God
through all the persecutions and and Lord, Jesus, the Messiah.
afflictions you are experiencing. 5This Chapter 2
The Lawless One

is evidence of God's righteous
2 THESSALONIANS
2
1
Now we ask you, brothers,
judgment and is intended to make
regarding the coming of our Lord
you worthy of God's kingdom, for
Jesus, the Messiah, and our gathering
which you are suffering. 6Certainly it
together to him, 2not to be so quickly
is right for God to pay back those
who afflict you with affliction 7and to upsete or alarmed when someone
give us who are afflicted relief when claims that we said,f either by some
the Lord Jesus is revealed from spirit, conversation, or letter that the
heaven with his mighty angels 8in Day of the Lord has already come.
3
blazing fire. He will take revenge on Do not let anyone deceive you in
those who do not know God and on any way, for it shall not come unless
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From d 1:11 The Gk. lacks asking
b 1:1 I.e. Silas e 2:2 Lit. shaken in mind
c 1:3 Lit. As is right f 2:2 Lit. as though by us
361
Second Thessalonians 2:4 The Holy Bible
the rebelliona takes place first and the not believed the truth but have taken
man of sin,b who is destined for pleasure in unrighteousness will be
destruction,c is revealed. 4He opposes condemned.
13
and exalts himself above every so- At all times we are obligated to
called god and object of worship. As a thank God for you, brothers who are
result, he seats himself in the loved by the Lord, because God chose
sanctuaryd of God and himself you to be the first fruitsj for salvation
declares that he is God. through sanctification by the Spirit
and through faith in the truth. 14With
2
5
Don't you remember that I
repeatedly told you about these this purpose in mind, he called you
things when I was still with you? through our proclamation of thek
6
You know what it is that is now gospel so that you would obtain the
holding him back, so that he will be glory of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
15
revealed when his time comes. 7For So then, brothers, stand firm, and
the secret of this lawlessness is cling to the traditions that you were
already at work, but only until the taught by us, either by word of
person now holding it back gets out mouthl or by our letter. 16May our
of the way. 8Then the lawless one will Lord Jesus, the Messiah himself, and
be revealed, whom the Lorde will may God our Father, who loved us
destroy with the breath of his mouth, and by his grace gave us eternal
rendering him powerless by the comfortm and good hope, 17encourage
manifestation of his coming. your hearts and strengthen you in
9
The coming of the lawless onef every good action and word.
will be accompanied by the power of Chapter 3
An Example to Follow
Satan. He will use every kindg of
3
1
Finally, brothers, pray for us—
power, including miraculous signs, that the word of the Lord may
2 THESSALONIANS
lying wonders, 10and every type of spread rapidly, and that it may be
evil to deceiveh those who are dying, honored the way it is among you.
those who refused to love the truth 2
Also prayn that we may be rescued
that would save them.i 11For this from worthless and evil people, since
reason, God will send them a not everyone holds to the faith.o 3But
powerful delusion so that they will the Lord is faithful and will
believe the lie. 12Then all who have strengthen you and protect you from
the evil one. 4We have confidence in
a 2:3 Or apostasy
b 2:3 Other mss. read man of lawlessness
c 2:3 Lit. the son of destruction
d 2:4 Or temple j 2:13 Other mss. read from the beginning
e 2:8 Some MSS read Lord Jesus k 2:14 The Gk. lacks proclamation of the
f 2:9 Lit. His coming l 2:15 Lit. by word
g 2:9 Lit. In every kind m 2:16 Or encouragement
h 2:10 Lit. every evil deception n 3:2 The Gk. lacks pray
i 2:10 Lit. so that they might be saved o 3:2 Or has faith
362
International Standard Version 2.0 Second Thessalonians 3:18
the Lorda that you are doing and will living. 13Brothers, do not get tired of
continue to do what we command. doing what is right.12
5 14
May the Lord direct your hearts to If anyone does not obey what
the love of God and to the endurance we sayj in this letter, take note of
of the Messiah. 4 him. Have nothing to do with him so
6
In the name of our Lord Jesus, that he will feel ashamed. 15Yet, don't
the Messiah, we command you, treat him like an enemy, but warnk
brothers, to keep away from every him like a brother. 16Now may the
brother who is living in idlenessb and Lord of peace give you his peace at
not livingc according to the tradition all times and in every way. May the
that they receivedd from us. 7For you Lord be with all of you.
yourselves know what you must do Final Greeting
to imitate us. We never lived in 17
I, Paul, am writing this greeting
idlenesse among you. 8We did not eat with my own hand. This is the mark
anyone's food without paying for it. in every letter of mine. It is the way I
Instead, with toil and labor we write. 18May the grace of our Lord
worked night and day in order not to Jesus, the Messiah, be with all of you.
be a burden to any of you. 9It is not as Amen.l
though we did not have that right,
but, we wantedf to give you an
example to follow. 10While we were
with you, we gave this order: “If
anyone doesn't want to work, he
shouldn't eat.”
11
We hear that some of you are
living in idleness.g You are not busy
2 THESSALONIANS
workingh—you are busy interferingi
in other people's lives! 12We order
and encourage such people by the
Lord Jesus, the Messiah, to do their
work quietly and to earn their own
a 3:4 Lit. in the Lord concerning you

b 3:6 Or is leading a disorderly life
c 3:6 The Gk. lacks living
d 3:6 Other mss. read you received
e 3:7 Or We did not lead a disorderly life
f 3:9 The Gk. lacks we wanted
g 3:11 Or living disorderly lives
h 3:11 Lit. ergazomenous (working) j 3:14 Lit. our word
i 3:11 Lit. periergazomenous (uselessly k 3:15 Or instruct
working) l 3:18 Other mss. lack Amen
363
The Day of Pentecost
364
FIRST TIMOTHY
Chapter 1
Greetings intended for righteousb people but
1
1
From:a Paul, an apostle of the for lawbreakers and rebels, for
Messiah Jesus, by the command ungodly people and sinners, for those
of God our Savior and the Messiah who are unholy and irreverent, for
Jesus, our hope. those who kill their fathers, their
2 mothers, or other people, 10for those
To: Timothy, my genuine child in
involved in sexual immorality, for
the faith.
homosexuals, for kidnappers,c for
May grace, mercy, and peace liars, for false witnesses, and for
from God the Father and the Messiah whatever else goes against the
Jesus, our Lord, be yours! healthy teaching 11that agrees with
A Warning Against False Teachers the glorious gospel of the blessed
3
When I was on my way to God, which he entrusted to me.
12
Macedonia, I urged you to stay in I thank the Messiah Jesus, our
Ephesus so that you could instruct Lord, who gives me strength, that he
certain people to stop teaching false has considered me faithful and has
doctrine 4and occupying themselves appointed me to his service. 13In the
with myths and endless genealogies. past I was a blasphemer, a persecutor,
These things promote controversies and a violentd man. But I received
rather than God's ongoing purpose, mercy because I acted ignorantly in
which involves faith. 5The goal of this my unbelief, 14and the grace of our
instruction is love that flows from a Lord overflowed toward me,e along
pure heart, from a clear conscience, with the faith and love that are in the
and from a sincere faith. 6Some Messiah Jesus. 15This is a trustworthy
people have left these qualities saying that deserves complete
behind and have turned to fruitless acceptance:f 1
discussion. 7They want to be teachers

To this world Messiahg came,
of the law, yet they do not
sinful people to reclaim.h
understand either what they are
talking about or the things about
which they speak so confidently. b 1:9 Or innocent
8
Of course, we know that the c 1:10 Or slave traders
law is good if a person uses it d 1:13 Or an arrogant
1 TIMOTHY
9 e 1:14 The Gk. lacks toward me

legitimately, that is, if he f 1:15 This formula accompanied early
understands that the law is not Christian sayings on which full reliance could
be placed.
g 1:15 Lit. Messiah Jesus
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From h 1:15 Or save
365
First Timothy 1:16 The Holy Bible
I am the worst of them. 16But for that mediator between God and human
very reason I received mercy, so that beings—a human, the Messiah Jesus.
6
in me, as the worst sinner,a the He gave himself as a ransom for
Messiah Jesus might demonstrate all everyone, the testimony at the proper
of his patience as an example for time. 7For this reason I was appointed
those who would believe in him for to be an announcer, an apostle, and a
eternal life. 17Now to the King faithful and true teacher of the
Eternal—the immortal, invisible, and gentiles. (I am telling you the truth.e I
only God—be honor and glory am not lying.) 8Therefore, I want the
forever and ever! Amen. 1 men to pray everywhere, lifting up
holy hands without being angry or
Guidelines for Behavior in the Church
18 argumentative. 9Women, for their
Timothy, my child, I am
part, should display their beauty by
instructing you in keeping with the
dressing modestly and decently in
prophecies made earlier about you, so
appropriate clothes, not by braiding
that by following them you may
their hair or by wearing gold, pearls,
continue to fight the good fight 19with
or expensive clothes, 10but through
faith and a good conscience. By
good actions. This is proper for
ignoring their consciences,b some
women who claim to revere God.
people have destroyed their faith like 11
A woman must learn quietly
a wrecked ship. 20These include
and submissively. 12Moreover, I do
Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I
not allowf a woman to teach or to
handed over to Satan so that they
may learn not to blaspheme. usurpg authority over a man. Instead,
Chapter 2
she is to be quiet. 13For Adam was
Prayer and Submission to Authority formed first, then Eve. 14And it was
2
1
First of all, then, I urge you to not Adam who was deceived. It was
offer to Godc petitions, prayers, the woman who was deceived and
intercessions, and expressions of became a lawbreaker. 15However,
thanks for all people, 2for kings, and womenh will be saved by having
for everyone who has authority, so children,i if they continue to have
that we might lead a quiet and faith, love, and holiness, along with
peaceful life with all godliness and good judgment.j
dignity.d 3This is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Savior, 4who
wants all people to be saved and to
come to know the truth fully. 5There
is one God. There is also one
1 TIMOTHY
e 2:7 Other mss. read the truth in the Messiah

f 2:12 Or I am not allowing
a 1:16 The Gk. lacks sinner g 2:12 Or have
b 1:19 Lit. By ignoring it h 2:15 Lit. she
c 2:1 The Gk. lacks to God i 2:15 Or saved through the birth of the Child
d 2:2 Or seriousness j 2:15 Or modesty
366
International Standard Version 2.0 First Timothy 4:1
Chapter 3
Qualifications for Leaders in the blameless, they may become deacons.

11
Church Their wivesg must also be serious.
3 They must not be gossips, but instead

1
This is a trustworthy saying:a
be stable and trustworthy in
The one who would an elder be, everything. 12Deacons must be
a noble task desires he. husbands of one wifeh and must
2 manage their children and their
Therefore, an elder must be
families well. 13Those deacons who
blameless, the husband of one wife,b
serve well gain an excellent
stable, sensible, respectable,
reputation for themselves and will
hospitable to strangers, and
have great assurance by their faith in
teachable.c 3He must not drink the Messiah Jesus. 9
excessively or be a violent person, but
3
14
I hope to come to you soon.
instead be gentle. He must not be However, I'm writing this to you 15in
argumentative or love money. 4He case I am delayed, so that you may
must manage his own family well know how to behave in God's
and have children who are household, which is the church of the
submissive and respectful in every living God, the pillar and foundation
way. 5For if a man does not know of the truth. 16By common confession,
how to manage his own family, how the secret of our godly worship is
can he take care of God's church? 6He
great:i
must not be a recent convert, so that
he won’t become arrogant and fall In flesh was hej revealed to sight,
into the devil’s condemnation. 7He kept righteous by the Spirit's
must be well thought of by outsiders, might,
so he doesn’td fall into disgrace and adored by angels singing.k
the trap set for him bye the devil. To nations was he manifest,
8
Deacons, too, must be serious. believing souls found peace and
They must not be two-faced,f rest,l
addicted to wine, or greedy for our Lord in heaven reigning!m
money. 9They must hold firmly to the Chapter 4
secret of the faith with clear A Prophecy about the Future
4
1
consciences. 10But they must first be Now the Spirit says clearly that
tested. Then, if they prove to be in the last times some people will
a 3:1 This formula accompanied early g 3:11 Or Women

Christian sayings on which full reliance could h 3:12 3:2 Or devoted to their wives; lit. men
1 TIMOTHY
be placed. of one woman
b 3:2 Or devoted to his wife; lit. a man of one i 3:16 What follows probably represents an
woman early Christian hymn or creed.
c 3:2 Or able to teach j 3:16 Other mss. read God
d 3:7 Lit. outsiders, lest he k 3:16 Lit. he was seen by angels
e 3:7 Lit. the trap of l 3:16 Lit. he was believed in the world
f 3:8 Lit. double-worded m 3:16 Lit. he was taken up in glory
367
11
abandon the faith by following These are the things you must
deceitful spirits, the teachings of insist on and teach. 12Do not let
demons, 2and the hypocrisy of liars, anyone look down on you because
whose consciences have been burned you are young, but be an example for
by a hot iron. 3They will try to stop other believers in your speech,
people from marrying and from behavior, love, faithfulness,c and
eating certain foods, which God purity. 13Until I arrive, give your full
created to be received with concentration to the public reading of
thanksgiving by those who believe Scripture,d to exhorting, and to
and know the truth. 4For everything teaching. 14Do not neglecte the gift
God created is good, and nothing that is in you, which was given to
should be rejected if it is received you through prophecy when the
with thanksgiving, 5because it is elders laid their hands on you.
sanctified by the word of God and 15
Think on these things. Devote your
prayer. 41
life to them so that everyone can see

How to be a Good Servant of the your progress. 16Pay close attention to
Messiah Jesus your life and your teaching.
6
If you continue to point these Persevere in these things, because if
things out to the brothers, you will be you do so, you will save both yourself
a good servant of the Messiah Jesus, and those who listen to you.
nourished by the words of the faith
Chapter 5
Treatment of Widows
5
and the healthy teaching that you 1
Never speak harshly to an older
have followed closely. 7Do not have man, but appeal to him as if he
anything to do with godless myths
were your father. Treatf younger men
and fables of old women. Instead,
like brothers, 2older women like
train yourself to be godly. 8Physical
mothers, and younger women like
exercise is of limited value, but
sisters, with absolute purity.
3
Godliness is very dear, Honor widows who have no
a pledge of life, both there and other family members to care for
here. them.g 4But if a widow has children
9 or grandchildren, they must first
This is a trustworthy saying that
learn to respect their own family by
deserves complete acceptance.a 10To
repaying their parents, for this is
this end we work hard and struggle,b pleasing in God's sight. 5A woman
because we have set our hope on the who has no other family members to
living God, who is the Savior of all
people, that is, of those who believe.
1 TIMOTHY
c 4:12 Or faith
a 4:9 This formula accompanied early d 4:13 Lit. on the reading
Christian sayings on which full reliance could e 4:14 Or Stop neglecting
be placed. f 5:1 The Gk. lacks Treat
b 4:10 Other mss. read suffer abuse g 5:3 Lit. who are really widows
368
14
care for hera and who is left all alone Therefore, I want younger
has placed her hope in God and widows to remarry, have children,
devotes herself to petitions and manage their homes, and not give the
prayers night and day. 6But the self- enemy any chance to ridicule them.
15
indulgent widowb is just as good as For some widowsg have already
dead.5 turned away to follow Satan. 16If any
7
Continue to give these womanh is a believer and has
instructions, so that they may be relatives who are widows, she should
blameless. 8If anyone does not take help them. The church should not be
care of his own relatives, especially burdened, so it can help those
his immediate family, he has denied widows who have no other family
the faith and is worse than an members to care for them.i
unbeliever. 9A widow may be put on Elders and Their Duties
the widows'c list if she is at least sixty 17
Elders who handle their dutiesj
years old and has been the wife of well should be considered worthy of
one husband.d 10She must be well double compensation,k especially
known for her good actions as a those who work hard at preaching
woman who has raised children, and teaching. 18For the Scripture says,
welcomed strangers, washed the “You must not muzzle an ox while it
saints’ feet, helped the suffering, and is treading out grain,”l and “A worker
devoted herself to doing good in deserves his pay.”m 19Do not accept
every way.8 an accusation against an elder unless
11
But do not include younger it is supported “by two or three
widows on your list.e For whenever witnesses.”n 20As for those who keep
their natural desires cause them to on sinning, rebuke them in front of
lose their devotion to the Messiah, everyone so that the rest will also be
they want to remarry. 12They receive afraid. 21With God as my witness, as
condemnation because they have set well as the Messiah Jesus and the
aside their prior commitment to the chosen angels, I solemnly call on you
Messiah.f 13At the same time, they to carry out these instructions
also learn how to be lazy while going without prejudice, doing nothing on
from house to house. Not only this, the basis of partiality. 22Do not
but they even become gossips and ordaina anyone hastily. Do not
keep busy by interfering in other participate in the sins of others. Keep
people's lives, saying things they
should not say.
g 5:15 The Gk. lacks widows
h 5:16 Other mss. read man or woman
a 5:5 Lit. who is really a widow i 5:16 Lit. who are really widows
1 TIMOTHY
b 5:6 Lit. the one j 5:17 Or who rule

c 5:9 The Gk. lacks widows' k 5:17 Or honor
d 5:9 Or devoted to her husband; lit. a woman l 5:18 Deut 25:4
of one man m 5:18 Luke 10:7
e 5:11 The Gk. lacks on your list n 5:19 Deut 17:6; 19:15
f 5:12 The Gk. lacks to the Messiah a 5:22 Lit. lay hands on
369
yourself pure. 23Stop drinking only deprived of truth. They think that
water, but use a little wine for your godliness is a way to make a profit.e
stomach because of your frequent 6
Of course, godliness with
illnesses. 522
contentment does bring a great profit.

24
The sins of some people are 7
obvious, leading them to judgment. Nothing to this world we bring;
The sinsa of others follow them there. from it take we nothing.
8
25
In the same way, good actions are With food to eat and clothes to
obvious, and those that are not wear;
cannot remain hidden. content we are in everything.
9
Chapter 6
But people who want to get rich

Duties of Servants and Masters
keep toppling into temptation and
6
1
All who are under the yoke of
are trapped by many stupid and
slavery should regard their own
harmful desires that plunge them into
masters as deserving of the highest
destruction and ruin. 10For the love of
respect,b so that the name of God and
money is a root of all kinds of evil.
our teaching may not be discredited.c Some people, in their eagerness to get
2
Moreover, those who have believing rich, have wandered away from the
masters should be respectful to them,
faith and causedf themselves a lot of
because they are fellow believers.d In pain.
fact, they must serve them even
better, because those who benefit Advice for Timothy
11
from their service are believers and But you, man of God, must flee
dear to them. These are the things from all these things.
you must teach and exhort. Instead, you must pursue
righteousness, godliness,
Rules for Godly Living
3 faithfulness,g
If anyone teaches false doctrine
love, endurance, and
and refuses to agree with the sound
gentleness.
words of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, 12
Fight the good fight for the faith.
and godly teaching, 4he is a conceited
Keep holding on to eternal life, to
person and does not understand
which you were called
anything. He has an unhealthy
and about which you gave a good
craving for arguments and debates.
testimony
This produces jealousy, rivalry,
5 in front of many witnesses.
slander, evil suspicions, and
13
incessant conflict between people Since you area in the presence
who are depraved in mind and of God, who gives life to everything,
1 TIMOTHY
e 6:5 Other mss. read make a profit. Stay away

a 5:24 Lit. Those from such people.
b 6:1 Or of full honor f 6:10 Lit. pierced
c 6:1 Or slandered g 6:11 Or faith
d 6:2 Lit. brothers a 6:13 The Gk. lacks Since you are
370
21
and in the presence of the Messiah Although some claim to have it,
Jesus, who gave a good testimony they have abandoned the faith. May
before Pontius Pilate, I solemnly grace be with all of you!
charge you 14to keep these commands
stainlessly and blamelessly until the
appearance of our Lord Jesus, the
Messiah. 15At the right time, he will
make him known.
Goda is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings
and Lord of lords.
16
He alone has endless life
and lives in inaccessible light.
No one has ever seen him,
nor can anyone see him.
Honor and eternal power belong to
him!
Amen.
Advice for the Wealthy
17
Tell those who are rich in this
age not to be arrogant and not to
place their confidence in anything as
uncertain as riches. Instead, let them
place their confidenceb in God, who
lavishly provides us with everything
for our enjoyment. 18They are to do
good, to be rich in good actions, to be
generous, and to share. 19By doing
this they store up a treasure for
themselves that is a good foundation
for the future, so that they can keep
their hold on the life that is real.
Final Greeting
20
Timothy, guard what has been
entrusted to you. Avoid the pointless
discussions and contradictions of
1 TIMOTHY
what is falsely called knowledge.
a 6:15 Lit. He
b 6:17 The Gk. lacks let them place their
confidence
371
Paul at Ephesus
372
2 TIMOTHY
SECOND TIMOTHY
Chapter 1
Greetings 9
He saved us
1
1
From:a Paul, an apostle of the and called us with a holy calling,
Messiah Jesus by God's will in not according to our own
keeping with the promise of life that accomplishments,
is in the Messiah Jesus. but according to his own purpose
2
To: Timothy, my dear child. and the grace
that was given to us in the Messiah
May grace, mercy, and peace
Jesus
from God the Father and the Messiah
before time began.e
Jesus our Lord be yours! 10
Now, however, that gracef has been
Paul's Advice for Timothy revealed
3
I constantly thank my God— through the coming of our Savior
whom I serveb with a clear the Messiah Jesus,
conscience, as my ancestors did— who has destroyed death
when I remember you in my prayers and through the gospel has
night and day, 4recalling your tears brought life
and longing to see you so that I can and release from death into full
be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of view.
your sincere faith, which first existed 11
in your grandmother Lois and your For the sake of this gospelg I was
mother Eunice, and I am convinced appointed to be a preacher, an
that this faithc also exists in you. 6For apostle, and a teacher of the gentiles.h
12
this reason, I am reminding you to That is why I suffer as I do.
fan into flames the gift of God that is However, I am not ashamed, for I
within you through the laying on of know the one in whom I have put
my hands. 7For God did not give us a my trust, and I'm convinced that he is
spirit of timidity but one of power, able to protect what he has entrusted
love, and self-discipline.d 8Therefore, to mei until the day that he comes.j
13
never be ashamed of the testimony Hold on to the pattern of healthy
about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. teachings that you have heard from
Instead, by God's power, join me in me, along with the faith and love that
suffering for the sake of the gospel.
e 1:9 Lit. before the times of the ages
f 1:10 Lit. however, it
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From g 1:11 Lit. For which
b 1:3 Or worship h 1:11 Other mss. lack of the gentiles
c 1:5 Lit. it i 1:12 Or what I have entrusted to him
d 1:7 Or good judgment j 1:12 Lit. until that day
373
Second Timothy 1:14 The Holy Bible
2 TIMOTHY
are in the Messiah Jesus. 14With the 8
Meditate onc Jesus, the Messiah,
help of the Holy Spirit who lives in who was raised from the dead and is
us, protect the good treasure that has a descendant of David. This is the
been entrusted to you. 1
gospel I tell others.d 9Because of it I

News about Paul's Helpers am experiencing trouble, even to the
15
You know that everyone in point of being chained like a criminal.
Asia has abandoned me, including However, God's word is not chained.
10
Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the For that reason, I endure everything
Lord grant mercy to the family of for the sake of those who have been
Onesiphorus, for he often took care chosen so that they, too, may receive
ofa me and was not ashamed that I the salvation that is in the Messiah
was a prisoner. 17Instead, when he Jesus, along with eternal glory. 11This
arrived in Rome he searched saying is trustworthy:e
diligently for me and found me. In dying with the Messiah,f
18
May the Lord grant that he finds true life we gain.g
mercy on the day he comes again.b 12
Enduring, we with him shall reign.
You know very well how much he Who him denies,
assisted me in Ephesus. he will disclaim.
13
Our faith may fail,
Chapter 2
Remain Committed to the Messiah

Jesus his never wanes—
2
1
As for you, my child, be strong That’s who he is,
by the grace that is in the Messiah he cannot change!h
Jesus. 2What you have heard from me 14
Remind others about these
through many witnesses entrust to things, and warn them before Godi
faithful people who will be able to
not to argue over words. Arguingj
teach others as well. 3Join me in
does not do any good but only
suffering like a good soldier of the
destroys those who are listening. 15Do
Messiah Jesus. 4No one serving in the
your best to present yourself to God
military gets mixed up in civilian
as an approved worker who has
matters, for his aim is to please his
nothing to be ashamed of, handling
commanding officer. 5Moreover, no
the word of truth with precision.
one who is an athlete wins a prize
unless he competes according to the
rules. 6Furthermore, it is the hard c 2:8 Or Remember
d 2:8 Lit. of David, according to my gospel
working farmer who should have the
e 2:11 This formula accompanied early
first share of the crops. 7Think about
Christian sayings on which full reliance could
what I am saying. The Lord will help be placed.
you to understand all these things. f 2:11 Lit. him
g 2:11 Lit. we will live with him
h 2:13 Lit. he cannot deny himself
a 1:16 Or refreshed i 2:14 Other mss. read of the Lord
b 1:18 Lit. mercy from the Lord on that day j 2:14 Lit. It
374
International Standard Version 2.0 Second Timothy 3:10
2 TIMOTHY
16
However, avoid pointless when refuting opponents. After all,
discussions. For people will become maybe God will allow them to repent
more and more ungodly, 17and what and to come to a full knowledge of
they say will spread everywhere like the truth, 26so that they might escape
gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus from the devil's snare, even though
are like that. 18They have abandoned they've been held captive by him to
the truth by claiming that the do his will. 24
2
resurrection has already taken place, Chapter 3
What People Will be Like in the Last

and so they destroy the faith of
Days
others.
3
1
19 You must realize, however, that
However, God's solid
in the last days difficult times will
foundation still stands. It has this
come. 2People will be lovers of
inscription on it: “The Lord knows
themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
those who belong to him,”a and
arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their
“Everyone who calls on the name of
parents, ungrateful, unholy,
the Lord must turn away from evil.”b 3
unfeeling, uncooperative,
20
In a large house there are not only slanderous, degenerate, brutal,
utensils made of gold and silver, but hateful of what is good, 4traitors,
also those made of wood and clay. reckless, conceited, and lovers of
Some are for special use, while others pleasure rather than lovers of God.
are for ordinary use. 21Therefore, if 5
They will hold to an outward form
anyone stops associating withc these of godliness but deny its power. Stay
people, he will become a special away from such people. 6For some of
utensil, set apart for the owner's use, these men go into homes and deceive
prepared for every good action. foolish women who are burdened
22
Flee from youthful passions. with sins and swayed by all kinds of
Instead, pursue righteousness, desires. 7These women are always
faithfulness, d love, and peace studying but are never able to arrive
together with those who call on the at a full knowledge of the truth. 8Just
Lord with a pure heart. 23Do not have as Jannes and Jambres opposed
anything to do with foolish and Moses, so these men oppose the
stupid discussions, because you know truth. They are depraved in mind
they breed arguments. 24A servante of and their faith is a counterfeit. 9But
the Lord must not argue. Instead, he they will not get very far because, as
must be kind to everyone, teachable,f in the case of those two men,a their
willing to suffer wrong, 25and gentle stupidity will be plain to everyone.
a 2:19 Num 16:5 Continue to Teach the Truth

10
b 2:19 Num 16:26 But you have observed my
c 2:21 Lit. cleanses himself from teaching, my way of life, my purpose,
d 2:22 Or faith
e 2:24 Or slave
f 2:24 Or able to teach a 3:9 The Gk. lacks two men
375
Second Timothy 3:11 The Holy Bible
2 TIMOTHY
my faith, my patience, my love, my healthy doctrine, but with itching
endurance, 11and how I was ears will surround themselves with
persecuted and suffered in Antioch, teachers who cater to their people’s
Iconium, and Lystra. What own desires. 4They will refuse to
persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord listen to the truth and will turn to
rescued me from all of them. myths. 5But you must be clear-headed
12
Indeed, all who want to live a godly about everything. Endure suffering.
life in union with the Messiah Jesus Do the work of an evangelist. Devote
will be persecuted. 13But evil people yourself completely to your ministry.
6
and impostors will go from bad to I am already being poured out
worse as they deceive others and are as an offering, and the time for my
themselves deceived. 10 3 departure has come. 7I have fought
14
But as for you, continue in the good fight. I have completed the
what you have learned and found to race. I have kept the faith. 8The
be true, because you know from victor's crown of righteousness is
whom you learned it. 15From infancy now waiting for me, which the Lord,
you have known the Holy Scriptures the righteous Judge, will give to me
that are able to give you the wisdom on the day that he comes,c and not
you need for salvation through faith only to me but also to all who eagerly
in the Messiah Jesus. 16All Scripture is wait for his appearing.
God-breatheda and is useful for
Final Instructions to Timothy
teaching, for reproof, for correction, 9
Do your best to come to me
and for training in righteousness, 17so
soon, 10because Demas, having fallen
that the man of God may be
in love with this present world, has
complete, thoroughly equipped for
abandoned me and has gone to
every good action.
Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to
Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only
Chapter 4
Complete the Task Entrusted to You
4 Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring

1
In the presence of God and the
Messiah Jesus, who is going to him with you, for he is useful in my
judge those who are living and those ministry. 12I have sent Tychicus to
who are dead, and in view of his Ephesus.
13
appearing and his kingdom, I When you come, bring the coat
solemnly appeal to you 2to proclaim I left with Carpus in Troas, as well as
the message. Be ready to do thisb the scrolls and especially the
14
whether or not the time is parchments.a Alexander the
convenient. Refute, warn, and metalworker did me a great deal of
encourage with the utmost patience harm. The Lord will pay him back for
when you teach. 3For the time will what he did. 15You, too, must watch
come when people will not tolerate
c 4:8 Lit. on that day
a 3:16 Or inspired by God a 4:13 Parchments were writing materials
b 4:2 The Gk. lacks to do this made from animal skins.
376
International Standard Version 2.0 Second Timothy 4:22
2 TIMOTHY
out for him, for he violently opposed
our message.
16
At my first trial no one came to
my defense. Everyone abandoned
me. May it not be held against them!
17
However, the Lord stood by me and
gave me strength so that through me
the message might be fully
proclaimed and all the gentiles could
hear it. I was rescued out of a lion's
mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me
from every evil attacka and will take
me safely tob his heavenly kingdom.
Glory belongs to him forever and
ever! Amen.
Final Greeting
19
Greet Priscac and Aquila and
the family of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus
stayed in Corinth, and I left
Trophimus in Miletus because he was
sick. 21Do your best to come to me
before winter. Eubulus sends you
greetings, as do Pudens, Linus,
Claudia, and all the brothers.
22
May the Lord be with your
spirit. Grace be with all of you!
Amen.d
a 4:18 Lit. evil work

b 4:18 Or will preserve me for
c 4:19 I.e. Priscilla
d 4:22 Other mss. lack Amen
377
The Rescue of Paul
378
THE LETTER OF PAUL TO
TITUS
Chapter 1
Greetings lifestyles or of being rebellious.
1
1 7
From:a Paul, a servant of God, Because an overseer is God's servant
and also an apostle of Jesus the manager, he must be blameless. He
Messiah, to bring the faith to those must not be arrogant or irritable. He
chosen by God, along with full must not drink too much, be a violent
knowledge of the truth that leads tob person, or make money in shameful
godliness, 2which is based on the ways. 8Instead, he must be hospitable
TITUS
hope of eternal life that God, who to strangers, must appreciate what is
cannot lie, promised before the good, and be sensible, honest, moral,
worldc began. 3At the right time he and self-controlled. 9He must be
revealed his message through the devoted to the trustworthy message
proclamation that was entrusted to that agrees with what we teach, so
me by the command of God our that he may be able to encourage
Savior. others with healthy doctrine and
4
refute those who oppose it.
To: Titus, a genuine child in the faith
that we share. Guard What is True
10
For there are many people who
May grace and peaced from God are rebellious, especially those who
the Father and the Messiah, Jesus our are converts from Judaism.g They
Savior, be yours! speak utter nonsense and deceive
Qualifications for Leaders in the people. 11They must be silenced,
Church because they are the kind of people
5
The reason I left you in Crete who ruin whole families by teaching
was to complete what still needed to what they should not teach in order
be done and to appoint elders in to make money in a shameful way.
12
every city, as I myself commanded One of their very own prophets
you. 6An elder must bee blameless. He said, 1
must be the husband of one wifef and “Liars ever, men of Crete,
have children who are believers and savage brutes that live to eat.”a
who are not accused of having wild 13
That statement is true. For this
reason, refute them sharply so that
b 1:1 Lit. that is according to
they may become healthy in the faith
14
c 1:2 Or the ages and not pay attention to Jewish
d 1:4 Other mss. read grace, mercy, and peace
e 1:6 Lit. If anyone is
f 1:6 Or devoted to his wife; lit. a man of one g 1:10 Lit. those of the circumcision
woman a 1:12 Epimenides (6th to 5th century BC)
379
Titus 1:15 The Holy Bible
10
myths or commands given by people or steal from them. Instead, they are
who reject the truth. 15Everything is to show complete and perfect loyalty,
clean to those who are clean, but so that in every way they may make
nothing is clean to those who are the teaching about God our Savior
corrupt and unbelieving. Indeed, more attractive.
11
their very way of thinking and their For the grace of God has
consciences have been corrupted. appeared, bringing salvation to all
16
They claim to know God, but they people. 12It trains us to renounce
deny him by their actions. They are ungodly living and worldly passions
detestable, disobedient, and so that we might live sensible, honest,
disqualified to do anything good. and godly lives in the present age 13as
TITUS
114
Chapter 2
we wait for the blessed hope and

Guidelines for Christian Living
glorious appearance of our great God
2
1
But as for you, teach what is
and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. 14He
consistent with healthy doctrine.
2 gave himself for us to set us free from
Older men are to be sober, serious,
every wrong and to cleanse us so that
sensible, and sound in faith, love, and
we could be his special people who
endurance. 3Likewise, older women
are enthusiastic about doing good
are to show their reverence for God
deeds.
by their behavior. They are not to be
2
15
These are the things you
gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to
should teach. Encourage and refute
be examplesa of goodness. 4They with full authority. Do not let anyone
should encourage the younger look down on you.
women to love their husbands, to Chapter 3
love their children, 5to be sensible and Concentrate on Doing What is Good
3
1
pure, to manage their households, to Remind believersc to submit to
be kind, and to submit themselves to rulers and authorities, to be
their husbands. Otherwise, the word obedient, and to be ready to do any
of God may be discredited.b honorable kind of work. 2They are
6
Likewise, encourage the not to insulta anyone or be
younger men to be sensible. 7Always argumentative. Instead, they are to be
set an example for others by doing gentle and perfectly courteous to
good actions. Teach with integrity everyone. 3After all, we ourselves
and dignity. 8Use wholesome speech were once foolish, disobedient, and
that cannot be condemned. Then any misled. We were slaves to many
opponent will be ashamed because he kinds of lusts and pleasures,
cannot say anything bad about us. spending our days in malice and
9
Slaves are to submit to their jealousy. We were despised, and we
masters in everything, aiming to hated one another.
please them and not argue with them
a 2:3 Or teachers c 3:1 Lit. them

b 2:5 Or blasphemed a 3:2 Or slander
380
International Standard Version 2.0 Titus 3:15
4
In grace our Savior God appeared, have decided to spend the winter
to make his love for mankind there. 13Do all you can to send Zenas
clear. the expert in the law and Apollos on
5
‘Twas not for deeds that we had their way, and see that they have
done, everything they need. 14Our own
but by his steadfast lovea alone, people should also learn to make
he saved us through a second birth, good deeds a priority when urgent
renewed us by the Spirit'sb work, needs arise, so they won’t be
6
and poured him out upon us, too, unproductive.
through Jesus the Messiah our Final Greeting
Savior true. 15
TITUS
7
All who are with me send you
And so, made heirs by his own greetings. Greet our fellow believers
grace, who love us. May grace be with all of
eternal life we now embrace.c you! Amen.e
8
This saying is trustworthy.d I want
you to insist on these things, so that
those who have put their faith in God
may devote themselves to good
actions. These things are good and
helpful to other people.
9
But avoid foolish controversies,
arguments about genealogies,
quarrels, and fights about the law.
These things are useless and
worthless. 10Have nothing to do with
a divisive person after you have
warned him once or twice. 11For you
know that a person like this is corrupt
and keeps on sinning, being self-
condemned.10
Final Instructions to Titus
12
As soon as I send Artemas to
you, or perhaps Tychicus, do your
best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I
a 3:5 Or his mercy

b 3:5 Lit. the Holy Spirit's
c 3:7 Lit. we have become heirs according to
the hope of eternal life
d 3:8 This formula accompanied early
Christian sayings on which full reliance could
be placed. e 3:15 Other mss. lack Amen
381
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
382
THE LETTER OF PAUL TO
PHILEMON
Greetings prefer to make my appeal on the
1
From:a Paul, a prisoner of the basis of love. I, Paul, as an old man
Messiah Jesus, and Timothy our and now a prisoner of the Messiah
brother. Jesus, 10appeal to you on behalf of my
child Onesimus, whose father I have
To: Philemon our dear friendb and become during my imprisonment.
fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, 11
Once he was useless to you, but
to Archippus our fellow soldier, and
now he is very usefulg both to you
to the church in your house.
and to me. 12As I send him back, it’s
3
May grace and peace from God like I’m coming along with him.h 13I
our Father and the Lord Jesus, the wanted to keep him with me so that
Messiah, be yours!c he could serve me in your place
during my imprisonment for the
Paul's Prayer for Philemon
4 gospel. 14Yet I did not want to do
I always thank my God when I
anything without your consent, so
PHILEMON
mention youd in my prayers, 5because that your good deed might not be
I keep hearing about your love for all something forced, but voluntary.
the saints and the faith that you have 15
Perhaps this is why he was
in the Lord Jesus. 6I praye that your separated from you for a while, so
partnership in the faith may become that you could have him back forever,
effective as you fully acknowledge 16
no longer as a slave but better than
every blessing that is oursf in the a slave—as a dear brother, especially
Messiah. 7For I have received to me, but even more so to you, both
considerable joy and encouragement as a person and as a believer.i
from your love, because the hearts of 17
So if you consider me a
the saints have been refreshed, partner, welcome him as you would
brother, through you. welcomej me. 18If he has wronged
Paul's Plea for Onesimus you in any way or owes you
8
For this reason, although in the anything, charge it to my account. 19I,
Messiah I have complete freedom to Paul, am writing this with my own
order you to do what is proper, 9I hand: I will repay it. (I will not
mention to you that you owe me
a 1 The Gk. lacks From your very life.) 20Yes, brother, I desire
b 1 Or our beloved Philemon
c 3 The Gk. yours is pl.
d 4 From verse 4 through verse 21, you and g 11 The name “Onesimus” means “useful.”
your are singular. h 12 Lit. back, it’s with my innards
e 6 The Gk. lacks I pray i 16 Or both in the flesh and in the Lord
f 6 Other mss. read yours (pl.) j 17 The Gk. lacks you would welcome
383
Philemon 21 The Holy Bible
this favor from you in the Lord.

Refresh my heart in the Messiah!
21
Confident of your obedience, I am
writing to you because I know that
you will do even more than I ask.
22
Meanwhile, prepare a guest room
for me, too, for I am hoping through
your prayers to be returned to you.
Greetings from Paul's Fellow Workers
23
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner
in the Messiah Jesus, sends youa
greetings, 24as do Mark, Aristarchus,
Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25
May the grace of ourb Lord Jesus,
the Messiah, be with your spirit!
Amen.c
PHILEMON
a 23 The Gk. you is sing.

b 25 Other mss. read the
c 25 Other mss. lack Amen.
384
THE LETTER TO THE
HEBREWS
Chapter 1
God Has Spoken to Us

“He makes his angels winds,
1
1
God, having spoken in former
and his servants flames of fire.”g
times in fragmentary and varied 8
But about the Son he says,
fashion to our forefathers by the
prophets, 2has in these last days “Your throne, O God,
spoken to us by a Son whom he is forever and ever,
appointed to be the heir of and the scepter of your kingdom
everything and through whom he is a righteous scepter.
also made the universe. 3He is the 9
You have loved righteousness
reflectiona of God's glory and the and hated wickedness.
exact likeness of his being, and he That is why God, your God,
holds everything together by his anointed you rather than your
powerful word. After he had companions
provided a cleansing from sins, he sat with the oil of gladness.”h
1
down at the right hand of the 10

And,
Highest Majesty 4and became as
1
much superior to the angels as the “In the beginning, Lord,

name he has inherited is better than you laid the foundation of the
theirs. earth,
and the heavens are the work
God's Son is Superior to the Angels
5 of your hands.
For to which of the angels did 11
b They will come to an end,
God ever say, “You are my Son.
but you will remain forever.
Today I have become your Father”?c They will all wear out like
Or again, “I will be his Father, and he
HEBREWS
clothes.
will be my Son”?d 6And again, when 12
You will roll them up like a robe,
he bringse his firstborn into the and they will be changed like
world, he says, “Let all God's angels clothes.
worship him.”f 7Now about the But you remain the same,
angels he says, and your lifei will never end.”j
13
But to which of the angels did he
ever say,
a 1:3 Or radiance
b 1:5 Lit. he
c 1:5 Ps 2:7 g 1:7 Ps 104:4
d 1:5 2 Sam 7:14 h 1:9 Ps 45:6-7
e 1:6 Or And when he again brings i 1:12 Lit. years
f 1:6 Deut 32:43 (LXX); Ps 97:7 j 1:12 Ps 102:25-27
385
Hebrews 1:14 The Holy Bible
“Sit at my right hand Now when Godc put everything

until I make your enemies a under him, he left nothing outside his
footstool for your feet”?a 1 control. However, at the present time
14 we do not yet see everything put
All of them are spirits on a divine
under him. 9But we do see someone
mission, sent to serve those who are
who was made a little lower than the
about to inherit salvation, aren't they?
Chapter 2
angels. He is Jesus, who is crowned
We Must Not Neglect Our Salvation with glory and honor because he
2
1
For this reason we must pay suffered death, so that by the grace
closer attention to the things we ofd God he might experiencee death
have heard, or we may drift away, for everyone.
2 10
because if the message spoken by It was fitting that God, for
angels was reliable, and every whom and through whom
violation and act of disobedience everything exists, should make the
received its just punishment, 3how pioneer of their salvation perfect
will we escape if we neglect a through suffering as part of his plan
salvation as great as this? It was first to glorify many children, 11because
proclaimed by the Lord himself, and both the one who sanctifies and those
then it was confirmed to us by those who are being sanctified all have the
who heard him, 4while God added same Father.f That is why Jesusg is
his testimony through signs, not ashamed to call them brothers
wonders, various miracles, and gifts 12
when he says, “I will announce your
of the Holy Spirit distributed name to my brothers. I will praise
according to his will. you within the congregation.”h 13And
Jesus is the Source of Our Salvation again, “I will trust him.”i And again,
5
For he did not put the coming “I am here with the children God has
world we are talking about under the given me.”a
14
control of angels. 6Instead, someone Therefore, since the children
HEBREWS
has declared somewhere, have flesh and blood, he himself also

shared the same things, so that by his
“What is man that you should
death he might destroy the one who
remember him, has the power of death (that is, the
or the son of man that you
devil) 15and might free those who
should care for him?
7
You made him a little lower than
the angels, b 2:8 Ps 8:5-7 (LXX)
c 2:8 Lit. he
yet you crowned him with glory d 2:9 Other mss. read so that apart from
and honor e 2:9 Lit. taste
8
and put everything under his f 2:11 Lit. are all of one
feet.”b g 2:11 Lit. he
h 2:12 Ps 22:22
i 2:13 Isa 8:17 (LXX)
a 1:13 Ps 110:1 a 2:13 Isa 8:18
386
International Standard Version 2.0 Hebrews 3:15
were slaves all their lives because A Rest for the People of God
7
they were terrified by death. 16For it is Therefore, as the Holy Spirit
clear that he did not come to help says,
angels. No, he came to help “Today, if you hear his voice,
Abraham's descendants, 17thereby
8
becoming like his brothers in every do not harden your hearts
way, so that he could be a merciful as they did when they provoked
and faithful high priest in service to me
God and could atone for the people's during the time of testing in the
sins. 18Because he himself suffered wilderness.
9
when he was tempted, he is able to There your ancestors tested me,
help those who are being tempted. even though they had seen my
Chapter 3
actions 10for 40 years.
The Messiah is Superior to Moses That is why I was indignant with
3
1
Therefore, holy brothers, that generation and said,
partners in a heavenly calling, ‘They are always going astray in
keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle their hearts,
and high priest of our confession. 2He and they have not known my
was faithful to the one who ways.’
11
appointed him, just as Moses was in So in my anger I swore a solemn
all God'sa household, 3because he is oath
worthy of greater glory than Moses in that they would never enter my
the same way that the builder of a rest.”f
house has greater honor than the 12
See to it, my brothers, that no
house itself. 4After all, every house is evil, unbelieving heart is found in
built by someone, but God is the any of you, as shown by your turning
builder of everything. 5Moses was away from the living God. 13Instead,
faithful in all God'sb household as a continue to encourage one another
servant who was to testify to what every day, as long as it is called
HEBREWS
would be said later, 6but the Messiah “Today,” so that none of you may be
was faithfulc as the Son in charge of hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,
14
because we are the Messiah's
God'sd household, and we are his
partners only if we hold on to our
household if we hold on to our
original confidence to the end.a 15As it
courage and the hope in which we
is said,
rejoice.e2
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as they did when they
provoked me.”b 3
a 3:2 Lit. his

b 3:5 Lit. his
c 3:6 The Gk. lacks was faithful f 3:11 Ps 95:7-11
d 3:6 Lit. his a 3:14 Other mss. lack to the end
e 3:6 Lit. the boast of our hope b 3:15 Ps 95:7-8
387
16
Now who heard him and passage,f “They will never enter my
provoked him? Was it not all those rest.”g 6Therefore, since it is still true
who came out of Egypt leda by that some will enter it, and since
Moses? 17And with whom was he those who once heard the good news
angry for 40 years? Was it not with failed to enter it because of their
those who sinned and whose bodies disobedience, 7he again fixes a
fell dead in the wilderness? 18And to definite day—“Today”—saying long
whom did he swear that they would afterward through David, as already
never enter his rest? It was to those quoted,
who disobeyed him, was it not? 19So
“Today, if you hear his voice,
we see that they were unable to enter
because of their unbelief. 3
do not harden your hearts.”h
8
For if Joshuai had given them rest,
Chapter 4
We Must Enter the Rest
4
1
Therefore, as long as the promise he would not have spoken later about
of entering his rest remains valid, another day.
9
let us be afraid! Otherwise, some of There remains, therefore, a
Sabbath rest for the people of God,
you will failb to reach it, 2because we 10
have had the good news told to us as because the one who enters God'sj
well as to them. But the message they rest has himself rested from his own
heard did not help them, because actions, just as God dida from his.
11
they were not united by faith with Let us, therefore, make every effort
those who listened to it. 3We who to enter that rest, so that no one may
have believed are entering that rest, fail by following their example of
just as he has said, disobedience. 12For the word of God
is living and active, sharper than any
“So in my anger I swore a solemn double-edged sword, piercing until it
oath divides soul and spirit, joints and
that they would never enter my marrow, as it judges the thoughts
HEBREWS
rest,”c and purposes of the heart. 13No

even though his actions had been creature can hide from him, but
everyone is exposed and helpless
finished since the creationd of the
before the eyes of the one to whom
world. 4Somewhere he has spoken
we must give a word of explanation. 10
about the seventh day as follows:
4
“On the seventh day God rested from

all his actions,”e 5and again in this
f 4:5 The Gk. lacks passage
g 4:5 Ps 95:11
a 3:16 The Gk. lacks led h 4:7 Ps 95:7-8
b 4:1 Lit. afraid lest someone among you fails i 4:8 The Gk. (Jesus) appears to be a word
c 4:3 Ps 95:11 play on the name Joshua.
d 4:4 Lit. foundation; or beginning j 4:10 Lit. his
e 4:4 Gen 2:2 a 4:10 The Gk. lacks did
388
Our Compassionate High Priest Today I have become your

14
Therefore, since we have a Father.”e
great high priest who has gone to 6
As he also says in another place,
heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us
live our lives consistent witha our “You are a priest forever
according to the order of
confession of faith.b 15For we do not
Melchizedek.”f
have a high priest who is unable to
7
sympathize with our weaknesses. As a mortal man,g he offered up
Instead, we have one who in every prayers and appeals with loud cries
respect has been tempted as we are, and tears to the one who was able to
yet he never sinned. 16So let us keep save him from death, and he was
on coming boldly to the throne of heard because of his devotion to God.
8
grace, so that we may obtain mercy Son though he was, he learned
obedience through his sufferings
and find grace to help us in our time 9
and, once made perfect, he became
of need.
the source of eternal salvation for all
who obey him, 10having been
Chapter 5
Qualifications for the Priesthood
5 designated by God to be a high priest

1
For every high priest selected
from among men is appointed to according to the order of
officiate on their behalfc in matters Melchizedek.
relating to God, that is, to offer gifts You Still Need Someone to Teach You
and sacrifices for sins. 2He can deal 11
We have much to say about
gently with people who are ignorant a
this, but it is difficult to explain
and easily deceived, since he himself because you have become too lazy to
is subject to weakness. 3For that understand. 12In fact, though by now
reason he is obligated to offer you should be teachers, you still need
sacrifices for his own sins as well as someone to teach you the basic truths
for those of the people. 4No one takes of God's word.b You have become
this honor upon himself but he is people who need milk instead of
HEBREWS
called to it by God, just as Aaron was. solid food. 13For everyone who lives
on milk is still a baby and does not
The Messiah's Qualifications as High yet know the difference between
Priest right and wrong.c 14But solid food is
5
In the same way, the Messiah for mature people, whose minds are
did not take upon himself the glory trained by practice to distinguish
of being a high priest. No, it was God good from evil.
who saidd to him,
“You are my Son. e 5:5 Ps 2:7
f 5:6 Ps 110:4
g 5:7 Lit. During the days of his flesh
a 4:14 Lit. us hold tightly to a 5:11 Or about him
b 4:14 The Heb. lacks of faith b 5:12 Or oracles
c 5:1 Lit. on behalf of men c 5:13 Lit. and is inexperienced in the message
d 5:5 Lit. He said of righteousnes
389
Chapter 6
The Peril of Immaturity have ministered to the saints and
6 continue to minister to them. 11But we

1
Therefore, leaving behind the
elementary teachings about the want each of you to continue to be
Messiah, let us continue to be carried diligent to the very end, in order to
along to maturity, not laying again a give full assurance to your hope.
12
foundation of repentance from dead Then, instead of being lazy, you will
actions, faith toward God, 2instruction imitate those who are inheriting the
about baptisms, the laying on of promises through faith and patience. 6
hands, the resurrection of the dead, God's Promise is Reliable

and eternal judgment. 3And this we 13
For when God made his
will do,a if God permits. promise to Abraham, he swore an
4
For it is impossible to keep on oath by himself, since he had no one
restoring to repentance time and greater to swear by. 14He said, “I will
again people who have once been certainly bless you and give you
enlightened, who have tasted the many descendants.”c 15And so he
heavenly gift, who have become obtained what he had been promised,
partners with the Holy Spirit, 5who because he patiently waited for it.
have tasted the goodness of God's 16
For people swear by someone
word and the powers of the coming greater than themselves, and an oath
age, 6and who have fallen away, as given as confirmation puts an end to
long as they continue to crucify the all argument. 17In the same way,
Son of God to their own detriment by when God wanted to make the
exposing him to public ridicule. 7For unchangeable character of his
when the ground soaks up rain that purpose perfectly clear to the heirs of
often falls on it and continues his promise, he guaranteed it with an
producing vegetation useful to those oath, 18so that by these two
for whom it is cultivated, it receives a unchangeable things, in which it is
blessing from God. 8However, if it impossible for God to prove false, we
HEBREWS
continues to produce thorns and who have taken refuge in him might
thistles, it is worthless and in danger be encouraged to seize the hope set
of being cursed, and in the end will
before us. 19That hope,a firm and
be burned.
secure like an anchor for our souls,
Be Diligent reaches behind the curtain 20where
9
Even though we speak like this, Jesus, our forerunner, has gone on
dear friends, we are convinced of our behalf, having become a high
better things in your case, things that priest forever according to the order
point to salvation. 10For God is not so of Melchizedek.
unjust as to forget your work and the
love you have shown himb as you
a 6:3 Other mss. read Let us do this c 6:14 Gen 22:17

b 6:10 Lit. shown for his name a 6:19 The Gk. lacks hope
390
Chapter 7
The Messiah is Superior to Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the
Melchizedek tenth through Abraham, 10because
7
1
Now this man Melchizedek, king Levig was still inside his ancestor
of Salem and priest of the Most when Melchizedek met him.
11
High God, met Abraham and blessed Now if perfection could have
him when he was returning from been attained through the Levitical
defeating the kings. 2Abraham gave priesthood—for on this basis the
Melchizedeka a tenth of everything.b people received the law—what
In the first place, his name means further need would there be to speak
“king of righteousness,” and then he of appointing another kind of priest
is also king of Salem, that is, “king of according to the order of
peace.” 3He has no father, mother, or Melchizedek, not one according to
genealogy, no birth date recorded for the order of Aaron? 12When a change
him, nor a date of death.c Like the in the priesthood takes place, there
Son of God, he continues to be a must also be a change in the law.
13
priest forever. For the person we are talking about
4
Just look at how great this man belonged to a different tribe, and no
was! Even Abraham—the patriarch one from that tribe has ever serveda
himself—gave him a tenth of what he at the altar. 14Furthermore, it is
had captured! 5The descendants of obvious that our Lord was a
Levi who accept the priesthood have descendant of Judah, and Moses said
a commandment in the law to collect nothing about priests coming from
a tenth from the people, that is, from that tribe. 15This point is even more
their own brothers, even though they obvious in that another priest who is
are also descendants of Abraham. like Melchizedek has appeared 16who
6
But this man, whose descent is not was appointed to be a priest,b not on
traced from them, collected a tenth the basis of a genealogical registry,
from Abraham and blessed the man but rather on the power of an
HEBREWS
who had received the promises. 7It is indestructible life. 17For it is declared
beyond dispute that the less about him,
important person is blessed by the
“You are a priest forever
more important person. 8Mortal men
according to the order of
collect tithes, but we are informed by
Melchizedek.”c
Scriptured thate Melchizedekf keeps
18
on living. 9One might even say that Indeed, because it was weak and
ineffective, the former commandment
a 7:2 Lit. him has been annulled, 19since the law
b 7:2 Gen 14:18-20 made nothing perfect, and a better
c 7:3 Lit. had neither beginning of days nor
end of life g 7:10 Lit. he
d 7:8 The Gk. lacks by Scripture a 7:13 Lit. from which no one has served
e 7:8 Or it is declared that b 7:16 The Gk. lacks to be a priest
f 7:7 Lit. he c 7:17 Ps 110:4
391
Chapter 8
hope is presented, by which we The Messiah Has a Better Ministry

approach God.
8
1
Now the main point in what we
20
Now none of this happened are saying is this: we do have this
without an oath. Others became kind of high priest, who sat down at
priests without any oath, 21but Jesusa the right hand of the throne of the
became a priestb with an oath when Majesty in heaven 2and who serves in
Godc said to him, the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set
up by the Lord and not by any
“The Lord has taken an oath 7
human. 3For every high priest is

and will not change his mind. appointed to offer both gifts and
You are a priest forever.”d sacrifices. Therefore, this high priesta
22
In this way, Jesus has become the had to offer something, too. 4Now if
guarantor of a better covenant. he were on earth, he would not even
23
There have been many priests, be a priest, because other men offer
since each one of them had to stop the gifts prescribed by the law. 5They
serving in office when he died. 24But serve in a sanctuary that is a copy, a
because Jesuse lives forever, he has a shadow of the heavenly one. This is
permanent priesthood. 25Therefore, why Moses was warned when he was
because he always lives to intercede about to build the tabernacle: “See to
for them, he is able to save it that you make everything
completelyf those who come to God according to the pattern that was
through him. shown you on the mountain.”b
6
26
We need such a high priest— However, Jesusc has now obtained a
one who is holy, innocent, pure, set more superior ministry, since the
apart from sinners, exalted above the covenant he mediates is founded on
heavens. 27He has no need to offer better promises.
sacrifices every day like high priests The New Covenant is Better Than the
do, first for his own sins and then for Old
HEBREWS
those of the people, since he did this 7

If the first covenant had been
once for all when he sacrificed faultless, there would have been no
himself. 28For the law appoints as need to look for a second one, 8but
high priests men who are weak, but
Godd found something wrong with
the promised oath, which came after
his peoplee when he said,
the law, results in a Son who is
eternally perfect. “Look! The days are coming,
declares the Lord,
a 7:21 Lit. he
b 7:21 The Gk. lacks became a priest a 8:3 Lit. this one
c 7:21 Lit. he b 8:5 Exod 25:40
d 7:21 Ps 110:4 c 8:6 Lit. he
e 7:24 Lit. he d 8:8 Lit. he
f 7:25 Or thoroughly e 8:8 Lit. with them
392
when I will establish a new an earthly sanctuary. 2For a

covenant tabernacle was set up, and in the first
with the house of Israel part were the lamp stand, the table,
and with the house of Judah. and the bread of the Presence.c This
9
It will not be like the covenant that was called the Holy Place. 3Behind
I made with their ancestors at the second curtain was the part of the
the time tabernacle called the Holy of Holies,
when I took them by the hand 4
which had the gold altar for incense
and brought them out of the and the ark of the covenant
land of Egypt. completely covered with gold. In it
Because they did not remain loyal were the gold jar holding the manna,
to my covenant, Aaron's staff that had budded, and
I ignored them, declares the Lord. the tablets of the covenant. 5Above it
10
For this is the covenant that I will were the cherubim of glory
make with the house of Israel overshadowing the place of
after that time, declares the Lord: atonement. (We cannot discuss these
I will put my laws in their minds things in detail now.)2
and write them on their hearts. 6
When everything had been
I will be their God, arranged like this, the priests always
and they will be my people. went into the first part of the
11
Never again will everyone teach his tabernacle to perform their duties.
neighbor 7
But only the high priest wenta into
or his brother by saying, ‘Know the second part, and then only once a
the Lord,’ year, and never without blood, which
because all of them will know me, he offered for himself and for the sins
from the least important to the committed by the people in
most important. ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit was
12
For I will be merciful regarding indicating by this that the way into
their wrong deeds,
HEBREWS
the Holy of Holies had not yet been
and I will never again remember disclosed as long as the first part of
their sins.”a the tabernacle was still standing. 9This
13
In speaking of a “new” covenant, he illustration for today indicates that
has made the first one obsolete, and the gifts and sacrifices being offered
what is obsolete and aging will soon could not clear the conscience of a
disappear. worshiper, 10since they deal only with
Chapter 9
food, drink, and various washings,
The Earthly Sanctuary and Its Ritual which are required for the body until
9
1
Now even the first covenantb the time when things would be set
had regulations for worship and right.
a 8:12 Jer 31:31-34 c 9:2 Lit. the presentation of the bread

b 9:1 The Gk. lacks covenant a 9:7 The Gk. lacks went
393
The Messiah Has Offered a Superior it never takes effect as long as the one
Sacrifice who made it is alive. 18This is why
11
But when the Messiah came as even the first covenant was not put
a high priest of the good things that into effect without blood. 19For after
have come,a he wentb through the every commandment in the law had
greater and more perfect tabernacle been spoken to all the people by
that was not made by humanc hands Moses, he took the blood of calves
and that is not a part of this creation. and goats,a together with some water,
12
Not with the blood of goats and scarlet wool, and branches of hyssop,
calves, but with his own blood he and sprinkled the scroll and all the
went into the Holy of Holies once for people, 20saying, “This is the blood of
all and secured our eternal the covenant that God ordained for
redemption. 13For if the blood of goats you.”b 21In the same way, he
and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled with the blood both the
sprinkled on those who are unclean tabernacle and everything used in
purifies them physically, 14how much worship. 22In fact, under the law
more will the blood of the Messiah, almost everything is cleansed with
who through the eternal Spiritd blood, and without the shedding of
offered himself unblemished to God, the blood there is no forgiveness.
cleanse oure consciences from dead The Messiah's Perfect Sacrifice
actions so that we may serve the 23
Thus it was necessary for these
living God! earthlyc copies of the things in
The Messiah is the Mediator of a New heaven to be cleansed by these
Covenant sacrifices,d but the heavenly things
15
This is why the Messiahf is the themselves are made cleane with
mediator of a new covenant; so that better sacrifices than these. 24For the
those who are called may receive the Messiah did not go into a sanctuary
eternal inheritance promised them, made by humanf hands that is merely
HEBREWS
since a death has occurred that a copy of the true one, but into
redeems them from the offenses heaven itself, to appear now in God's
committed under the first covenant. presence on our behalf. 25Nor did he
16
For where there is a will, the death go into heaveng to sacrifice himself
of the one who made it must be again and again, the way the high
established. 17For a will is in force priest goes into the Holy Place every
only when somebody has died, since
a 9:19 Other mss. lack and goats
a 9:11 Other mss. read that are to come b 9:20 Exod 24:8
b 9:11 The Gk. lacks went c 9:23 The Gk. lacks earthly
c 9:11 The Gk. lacks human d 9:23 Lit. by these things
d 9:14 Other mss. read through the Holy Spirit e 9:23 The Gk. lacks are made clean
e 9:14 Other mss. read your f 9:24 The Gk. lacks human
f 9:15 Lit. why he g 9:25 The Gk. lacks did he go into heaven
394
year with blood that is not his own. “You did not want sacrifices and
26
Then he would have had to suffer offerings,
repeatedly since the creation of the but you prepared a body for me.
6
world. But now, at the end of the In burnt offerings and sin offerings
ages, he has appeared once for all to you never took delight.
remove sin by his sacrifice. 27Indeed, 7
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do
just as people are destined to die your will, O God’
once and after that to be judged,a 28so In the volume of the scroll this is
the Messiah was sacrificed once to written about me.”c
take away the sins of many people. 8
In this passage he says, “You never
And he will appear a second time, not
wanted or took delight in sacrifices,
to deal with sin,b but to bring offerings, burnt offerings, and sin
salvation to those who eagerly wait
offerings,”d which are offered
for him.
Chapter 10
according to the law. 9Then he says,
The Law is a Reflection “See, I have come to do your will.”e
10 He takes away the first in order to

1
For the Law, being onlyc a
reflectiond of the blessings to establish the second. 10By God’s will
come and not their substance, can we have been sanctified once and for
never make perfect those who come all through the sacrifice of the body
near by the same sacrifices repeatedly of Jesus, the Messiah.
11
offered year after year. 2Otherwise, Day after day every priest
would they not have stopped offering stands and repeatedly offers the same
them, because the worshipers, sacrifices that can never take away
cleansed once for all, would no sins. 12But when this priestf had
longer be aware of any sins? 3Instead, offered for all time one sacrifice for
through those sacrifices there is a sins, “he sat down at the right hand
reminder of sins year after year, 4for it of God.”g 13Since that time, he has
is impossible for the blood of bulls been waiting for his enemies to be
HEBREWS
and goats to take away sins.1 made a footstool for his feet. 14For by
a single offering he has perfected for
The Messiah Offered One Sacrifice
5 all time those who are being
For this reason, the Scripturesa
sanctified.
say, when the Messiahb was about to 15
The Holy Spirit also assures us
come into the world: of this, for he said:
16
“This is the covenant that I will
make with them
a 9:27 Lit. after that the judgment
b 9:28 Lit. a second time without sin c 10:7 Ps 40:6-8
c 10:1 The Gk. lacks only d 10:8 Ps 40:6
d 10:1 Or shadow e 10:9 Ps 40:7
a 10:5 The Gk. lacks the Scriptures f 10:12 Lit. this one
b 10:5 Lit. when he g 10:12 Ps 110:1
395
26
after those days, declares the For if we choose to go on
Lord: sinning after we have learned the full
I will put my laws in their hearts truth, there no longer remains a
and will write them on their sacrifice for sins, 27but only a
minds, terrifying prospect of judgment and a
17
and I will never again remember raging fire that will consume the
their sins enemies of God.b 28Anyone who
and their lawless deeds.”a violates the law of Moses dies
18 without mercy “on the testimony of
Now where there is forgiveness of
two or three witnesses.”c 29How
these sins,b there is no longer any
much more severe a punishment do
offering for sin.
you think that person deserves who
How We Should Live tramples on God's Son, treats as
19
Therefore, my brothers, since common the blood of the covenant
we have confidence to enter the by which itd was sanctified, and
sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20the insults the Spirit of grace? 30For we
new and living way that he opened know the one who said, “Vengeance
for us through the curtain (that is, belongs to me; I will pay them back,”e
through his flesh), 21and since we and again, “The Lord will judge his
have a great high priest over the people.”f 31It is a terrifying thing to
household of God, 22let us continue to fall into the hands of the living God!30
come near with sincere hearts in the 32
But you must continue to
full assurance that faith provides, remember those earlier days, how
because our hearts have been after you were enlightened you
sprinkled clean from a guilty endured a hard and painful struggle.
conscience, and our bodies have been 33
At times you were made a public
washed with pure water. 23Let us spectacle by means of insults and
continue to hold firmly to the hope persecutions, while at other times you
HEBREWS
that we confess without wavering, for associated with people who were
the one who made the promise is treated this way. 34
For you
faithful. 24And let us continue to g
sympathized with the prisoners and
consider how to motivate one cheerfully submitted to the violent
another to love and good deeds, 25not seizure of your property, because you
neglecting to meet together, as is the know that you have a better and
habit of some, but encouraging one more permanent possession. 33
another even more as you see the day
10
of the Lorda coming nearer.

b 10:27 The Gk. lacks of God
c 10:28 Deut 17:6
d 10:29 Or he
a 10:17 Jer 31:34 e 10:30 Deut 32:35
b 10:18 Lit. of these things f 10:30 Deut 32:36; Ps 135:14
a 10:25 The Gk. lacks of the Lord g 10:34 Or suffered
396
35
So don’t lose your confidence, continues to speak, even though he is
since it holds a great reward for you. dead.
36 5
For you need endurance, so that By faith Enoch was taken away
after you have done God's will you without experiencing death. He could
can receive what he has promised. not be found, because God had taken
37
For him away. For before he was taken,
he won approval as one who pleased
“in a very little while
God. 6Now without faith it is
the one who is coming will
impossible to please God, for
return—
whoever comes to him must believe
he will not delay;
38 that he exists and that he rewards
but my righteous one will live by
those who diligently search for him.
faith, 7
By faith Noah, when warned
and if he turns back,
about things not yet seen, reverently
my soul will take no pleasure in
prepared an ark to save his family,
him.”a
and by faithf he condemned the
39
Now, we do not belong to those world and inherited the
who turn back and are destroyed, but righteousness that comes by faith.
8
to those who have faith and are By faith Abraham, when called
saved. to go to a place he would later receive
Chapter 11
as his inheritance, obeyed and went,

The Meaning of Faith even though he did not know where
11
1
Now faith is the assurance he was going.
that what we hope for will 9
By faith he made his home in
come abouta and the certainty that the promised land like a stranger,
what we cannot see exists.b 2By faith living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob,
our ancestors won approval. who also inherited the same promise,
3 10
By faith we understand that because he was waiting for the city
time was created by the word of God, with permanent foundations, whose
so that what is seen was made from architect and builder is God.
HEBREWS
11
things that are invisible. By faith Sarah, even though
4
By faith Abel offered to God a she was old and barren, received the
better sacrifice than Cain did,c and by strength to conceive, because she was
faithd he was declared to be convinced that the one who had
righteous, since God himself accepted made the promise was faithful.
his offerings. And by faithe he 12
Abrahamg was as good as dead, yet
from this one man came descendants
as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sand on the
a 10:38 Isa 26:20 (LXX); Hab 2:3-4 (LXX)
seashore.
a 11:1 The Gk. lacks will come about
b 11:1 The Gk. lacks exist
c 11:4 The Gk. lacks did
d 11:4 Lit. it f 11:7 Lit. it
e 11:4 Lit. it g 11:12 Lit. He
397
13
All these people died having the Israelites and gave them
faith. They did not receive the things instructions about buryingf his bones.
that were promised, yet they saw 23
By faith Moses was hidden by
them in the distant future and his parents for three months after he
welcomed them, acknowledging that was born, because they saw that he
they were strangers and foreigners on was a beautiful child and were not
earth. 14For people who say such afraid of the king's order.
things make it clear that they are 24
By faith Moses, when he had
looking for a country of their own. 15If grown up, refused to be called a son
they had been thinking about what of Pharaoh's daughter, 25because he
they had left behind, they would preferred being mistreated with
have had an opportunity to go back. God's people to enjoying the
16
Instead, they were longing for a pleasures of sin for a short time. 26He
better country, that is, a heavenly thought that being insulted for the
one. That is why God is not ashamed sake of the Messiah was of greater
to be called their God, because he has value than the treasures of Egypt,
prepared a city for them. because he was looking ahead to his
17
By faith Abraham, when he reward.
was tested, offered Isaac—he who 27
By faith he left Egypt, without
had received the promises was about being afraid of the king's anger, and
to offer his unique sona in sacrifice, he persevered because he saw the
18
about whom it had been said, “It is one who is invisible.
28
through Isaac that descendants will By faith he established the
be named for you.”b 19Abrahamc was Passover and the sprinkling of blood
certain that God could raise the dead, to keep the destroyer of the firstborn
and figuratively speaking, he did get from touching the people.g
29
Isaacd back in this way. By faith they went through the
20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Red Sea as if it were dry land. When
HEBREWS
Esau in regard to their future. the Egyptians tried to do this, they

21
By faith Jacob, when he was were drowned.
30
dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons By faith the walls of Jericho fell
“and worshiped while leaninge on down after they had been encircled
the top of his staff.” for seven days.
31
22
By faith Joseph, when his end By faith Rahab the prostitute
was near, spoke about the exodus of did not die with those who were
disobedient, because she had
welcomed the spies with a greeting
ofh peace.
a 11:17 Lit. unique one
b 11:18 Gen 21:12
c 11:19 Lit. He f 11:22 The Gk. lacks burying
d 11:19 Lit. him g 11:28 Lit. them
e 11:21 The Gk. lacks while leaning h 11:31 The Gk. lacks a greeting of
398
32
And what more should I say? entanglesa us, let us keep running
For time would fail me to tell you with endurance the race set before us,
about Gideon, Barak, Samson, 2
fixing our attention on Jesus, the
Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the pioneer and perfecter of the faith,
prophets. 33Through faith they who, in view ofb the joy set before
conquered kingdoms, administered him, endured the cross, disregarding
justice, received promises, shut the its shame, and has sat down at the
mouths of lions, 34put out raging fires, right hand of the throne of God.
escaped death bya the sword, found
The Father Disciplines Us
strength in weakness, became 3
Think about the one who
powerful in battle, and routed foreign
endured such hostility from sinners,
armies. 35Women received their dead
so that you may not become tired and
raised back to life. Other people were
give up. 4In your struggle against sin
brutally tortured, but refused to be
you have not yet resisted to the point
ransomed, so that they might gain a
better resurrection. 36Still others of shedding yourc blood. 5You have
endured taunts and floggings, and forgotten the encouragement that is
even chains and imprisonment. addressed to you as sons:
37
They were stoned to death, sawed “My son, do not think lightly of the
in half, and killed with swords. They Lord's discipline
went around in sheepskins and or give up when you are
goatskins. They were needy, corrected by him.
oppressed, and mistreated. 38The 6
For the Lord disciplines the one he
world wasn’t worthy of them. They loves,
wandered in deserts and mountains, and he punishesd every son he
and from caves to holes in the accepts.”e
ground.
7
39
All these people won approval What you endure disciplines you:
for their faith but they did not receive God is treating you as sons. Is there a
HEBREWS
what was promised, 40since God had son whom his father does not
planned something better for us, so discipline? 8Now if you are without
that they would not be perfected any discipline, in which all sons
without us. share, then you are illegitimate and
Chapter 12
not God’sf sons. 9Furthermore, we
We Must Look Off to Jesus had earthly fathers who disciplined
12
1
Therefore, having so vast a
cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, and throwing off a 12:1 Other mss. read distracts
everything that hinders us and b 12:2 Or instead
c 12:4 The Gk. lacks the point of shedding
especially the sin that so easily
your
d 12:6 Or whips
e 12:6 Prov 3:11-12
a 11:34 Lit. by the edge of f 12:8 Lit. his
399
19
us, and we respected them for it. We to a trumpet's blast, or to a voice
should submit even more to the that made the hearers beg that not
Father of our spirits and live, another word be spoken to them.
shouldn't we? 10For a short time they 20
For they could not endure the
disciplined us as they thought best, command that was given: “If even an
but Goda does it for our good, so that animal touches the mountain, it must
we may share in his holiness. 11No be stoned to death.”d 21Indeed, the
discipline seems pleasant at the time, sight was so terrifying that Moses
but painful. Later on, however, for said, “I am trembling with fear.”e
those who have been trained by it, it 22
Instead, you have come to Mount
produces a harvest of righteousness Zion, to the city of the living God, to
and peace. 9
the heavenly Jerusalem, to tens of
Live as God's People thousands of angels joyfully gathered
12
Therefore, strengthen your together, 23to the assemblyf of the
tired arms and your weak knees, firstborn who are enrolled in heaven,
13
and straighten the paths of your to a judge who is the God of all, to
life,a so that your lameness may not the spirits of righteous people who
become worse, but instead may be have been made perfect, 24to Jesus,
healed. the mediator of a new covenant, and
14
Pursue peace with everyone, as to the sprinkled blood that speaks a
well as holiness, without which no better message than Abel's.
25
one will see the Lord. 15See to it that See to it that you do not ignore
no one fails to obtain the grace of the one who is speaking. For if the
God and that no bitter root grows up hearersg did not escape when they
and causes you trouble, or many of ignored the one who warned them
you will become defiled. 16No one on earth, how much less will we
should be immoral or godless like escapeh if we turn away from the one
Esau, who sold his birthright for a who is from heaven! 26At that time his
HEBREWS
single meal. 17For you know that voice shook the earth, but now he has
afterwards, when he wanted to promised, “Once more I will shake
inherit the blessing, he was rejected not only the earth but also heaven.”i
27
because he could not find any The expression “once more”j
opportunity to repent, even though signifies the removal of what can be
he begged to repentb with tears. shaken, that is, what he has made, so
18
You have not come to that what cannot be shaken may
somethingc that can be touched, to a
d 12:20 Exod 19:12-13
blazing fire, to darkness, to gloom,
e 12:21 Deut 9:19
f 12:23 Or church
a 12:10 Lit. he g 12:25 Lit. if they
a 12:12 Lit. feet h 12:25 The Gk. lacks escape
b 12:17 Lit. begged for it i 12:26 Hag 2:6
c 12:18 Other mss. read to a mountain j 12:27 Hag 2:6
400
remain. 28Therefore, since we are 9

Stop beingf carried away by all
receiving a kingdom that cannot be kinds of unusual teachings, for it is
shaken, let us be thankful and good that the heart be strengthened
worship God in reverence and fear in by grace, not by food lawsg that have
a way that pleases him. 29For our God never helped those who follow them.
is an all-consuming fire. 10
We have an altar, and those
Chapter 13
who serve in the tabernacle have no

Concluding Words
right to eat at it. 11For the bodies of
13
1
Let brotherly love continue.
2 animals, whose blood is taken into
Stop neglecting to show
the sanctuary by the high priest as an
hospitality to strangers, for by
offering for sin, are burned outside
showing hospitalitya some have had
the camp. 12That is why Jesus, in
angels as their guests without being
order to sanctify the people by his
aware of it. 3Continue to remember
own blood, also suffered outside the
those in prison as if you were in
city gate. 13Therefore go to him
prison with them, as well as those
outside the camp and endure the
who are mistreated, since they also
insults he endured. 14For here we
are only mortal.b
4 have no permanent city but are
Let marriage be kept honorable
looking for the one that is coming.
in every way, and the marriage bed 15
Therefore, through him let us
undefiled. For God will judge those
always bring God a sacrifice of praise,
who commit sexual sins, especially
that is, the fruit of our lips that
those who commit adultery.
5 confess his name. 16Do not neglect to
Keep your lives free from the
do good and to be generous, for God
love of money, and be content with
is pleased with such sacrifices.15
what you have, for Godc has said, “I 17
Continue to obey your leaders
will never leave you or abandon and to be submissive to them, for
you.”d 6Hence we can confidently they watch over your souls as those
say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not
HEBREWS
who will have to give a word of
be afraid. What can anyone do to explanation. By doing this, you will
me?”e be letting them carry out their duties
7
Remember your leaders, those joyfully, and not with grief, for that
who have spoken God's word to you. would be harmful for you.
Think about the impact of their lives, 18
Pray for us, for we are sure that
and imitate their faith. 8Jesus, the we have a clear conscience and desire
Messiah, is the same yesterday and to live honorably in every way. 19I
today—and forever! especially ask you to do this so that I
may be brought back to you sooner.
a 13:2 Lit. by this
b 13:3 Lit. are in the body
c 13:5 Lit. he
d 13:5 Deut 31:6 f 13:9 Or Do not be
e 13:6 Ps 118:6 g 13:9 Lit. by foods
401
20
Now may the God of peace,
who by the blood of the eternal
covenant brought back from the dead
our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of
the sheep, 21equip you with
everything gooda to do his will,
accomplishing in usb what pleases
him through Jesus, the Messiah. To
him be glory forever and ever!c
Amen.
Final Greeting
22
I urge you, brothers, to listen
patiently to my encouraging
d
message, for I have written you a
short letter.e 23You should know that
our brother Timothy has been set
free. If he comes soon, he will be with
me when I see you.
24
Greet all your leaders and all
the saints. Those who are from Italy
greet you.
25
May grace be with all of you!f
HEBREWS
a 13:21 Other mss. read for every good work

b 13:21 Other mss. read you
c 13:21 Other mss. lack and ever
d 13:22 Or word of exhortation
e 13:22 Lit. written you briefly
f 13:25 Other mss. read with all of you! Amen
402
THE LETTER OF
JAMES
Chapter 1
Greetings will fade away like a wild flower.
1
1 11
From:a James, a servant of God For the sun comes up with its
and of the Lord Jesus, the scorching heat and dries up the grass.
Messiah. The flower in it drops off, and its
beauty is gone. That is how the rich
To: The twelve tribes in the
person will fade away in his pursuits.
Dispersion.b
Trial and Temptation
Greetings. 12
How blessed is the man who
Responding Wisely to Life endures temptation! When he has
2
Consider it pure joy, my passed the test, he will receive the
brothers, when you are involved in victor's crown of life that Godd has
various trials, 3because you know that promised to those who keep on
the testing of your faith produces loving him. 13When someone is
endurance. 4But you must let tempted, he should not say, “I am
endurance have its full effect, so that being tempted by God,” because God
you may be mature and complete, cannot be tempted by evil, nor does
lacking nothing. he tempt anyone. 14Instead, each
5
Now if any of you lacks person is tempted by his own desire,
wisdom, he should ask God, who being lured and trapped by it.
15
gives to everyone generously without When that desire becomes
a rebuke, and it will be given to him. pregnant, it gives birth to sin; and
6
But he must ask in faith, without any when that sin grows up, it gives birth
doubts, for the one who has doubts is to death.
like a wave of the sea that is driven
Practical Christian Living
and tossed by the wind. 7Such a 16
Do not bee deceived, my dear
person should not expect to receive
brothers. 17Every generous act of
anything from the Lord. 8He is a
giving and every perfect gift is from
double-minded man, unstable in all
above and comes down from the
he undertakes.c
9 Father who made the heavenly
A brother of humble means
lights,f in whom there is no
should rejoice in his having been
inconsistency or shifting shadow. 18In
exalted, 10and a rich person in his
accordance with his will he made us
having been humbled, because he
JAMES
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From d 1:12 Lit. he; other mss. read God; still other
b 1:1 I.e. the Jewish communities outside the mss. read the Lord
land of Israel e 1:16 Or Don't be
c 1:8 Lit. in all his ways f 1:17 Lit. the Father of lights
403
James 1:19 The Holy Bible
his children by the word of truth, so suffering, and to keep oneself

that we might become the most unstained by the world.
important of his creatures.a Chapter 2
Do Not Show Partiality

1
19
You must understand this, my
2
1
My brothers, do not let your
dear brothers. Everyone should be
faith in our glorious Lord Jesus,
quick to listen, slow to speak, and
the Messiah, be tainted by favoritism.
slow to get angry. 20For human anger 2
Suppose a man wearing gold rings
does not produce the righteousness
and fine clothes comes into your
that God desires. 21Therefore, rid
assembly,f and a poor man in dirty
yourselves of everything impure and
clothes also comes in. 3If you give
every expression of wickedness, and
special attention to the man wearing
with a gentle spirit welcome the word
fine clothes and say, “Please take this
planted in you that can save your
seat,” but you say to the poor man,
souls.
22 “Stand over there” or “Sit on the floor
Keep on being obedient tob the
at my feet,”g 4then you will have
word, and not merely being hearers
made false distinctions among
who deceive themselves. 23For if
yourselves and will have judged from
anyone hears the word but is not
evil motives, will you not?
obedient to it, he is like a man who 5
Listen, my dear brothers! God
looks at himself in a mirror 24and
has chosen the poor in the world to
studies himself carefully, and then
become rich in faith and to be heirs of
goes off and immediately forgets
the kingdom that he promised to
what he looks like. 25But the one who
those who love him, has he not? 6But
looks at the perfect law of freedom
you have humiliated the man who is
and remains committed to it—
poor. Are not rich people the ones
thereby demonstrating that he is not
who oppress you and drag you into
a forgetful hearer but a doer of what
court? 7Are not they the ones who
that lawc requires—will be blessed in
blaspheme the noble Namea by
what he does.
26 which you have been called?
If anyone thinks that he is 8
Nevertheless, you are doing the
religious and does not bridle his
right thing if you obey the royal law
tongue, but instead deceives himself,d
in keeping with the Scripture, “You
his religion is worthless. 27A religion
must love your neighbor as
that is pure and stainless according
yourself.”b 9But if you show partiality,
toe God the Father is this: to take care
you are committing sin and will be
of orphans and widows who are
convicted by the law as violators.
10
a 1:18 Lit. a kind of first fruits among his
For whoever keeps the whole law
JAMES
creatures
b 1:22 Or being doers of f 2:2 Or synagogue
c 1:22 Lit. what it g 2:3 Lit. Sit at my footstool
d 1:26 Lit. deceives his own heart a 2:7 I.e. God
e 1:27 Lit. stainless in the sight of b 2:8 Lev 19:18
404
International Standard Version 2.0 James 3:4
but fails in one point is guilty of wasn't he? 22Youc see that his faith
breaking all of it. 11For the one who worked together with what he did,
said, “Never commit adultery,”a also and by his actions his faith was made
said, “Never murder.”b Now if you complete. 23And so the Scripture was
do not commit adultery, but you fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed
murder, you become a violator of the God, and it was credited to him as
law. 12You must make it your habit to righteousness.”d And so he was called
speak and act like people who are God's friend. 24Youe observe that a
going to be judged by the law of person is justified through actions
liberty. 13For the one who has shown and not through faith alone.
no mercy will be judged without 25
Likewise, Rahab the prostitute was
mercy. Mercy triumphs over justified through actions when she
judgment. welcomed the messengersf and sent
Faith is Shown by Actions them away on a different road,
14
What good does it do, my wasn't she? 26For just as the body
brothers, if someone claims to have without the spiritg is dead, so faith
faith but does not prove it with without actions is also dead. 18 2
actions? This kind of faith cannot

Chapter 3
Speak Wisely
save him, can it? 15Suppose a brother
3
1
Not many of you should become
or sister does not have any clothes or teachers, my brothers, because
daily food 16and one of you tells
you know that we who teacha will be
them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and
judged more severely than others.b
eat heartily.” If you do not provide 2
For all of us make many mistakes. If
for their bodily needs, what good
someone does not make any mistakes
does it do? 17In the same way, faith by
when he speaks, he is perfect and
itself, if it does not prove itself with
able to control his whole body. 3Now
actions, is dead.
18 if we put bits into horses’ mouths to
But someone may say, “You
make them obey us, we can guide
have faith, and I have actions.” Show
their whole bodies as well. 4And look
me your faith without any actions,
at ships! They are so big that it takes
and I will show you my faith by my
strong winds to drive them, yet they
actions. 19You believe that there is one
are steered by a tiny rudder wherever
God. That's fine! Even the demons
the helmsman directs.
believe that and tremble with fear.
20
Do you want proof, you foolish
person, that faith without actions is
worthless? 21Our ancestor Abraham c 2:22 The Gk. you is singular
was justified by his actions when he d 2:23 Gen 15:6
JAMES
e 2:24 The Gk. you is plural

offered his son Isaac on the altar, f 2:25 Other mss. read spies
g 2:26 Or without breath
a 2:11 Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18 a 3:1 The Gk. lacks who teach
b 2:11 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17 b 3:1 The Gk. lacks than others
405
5 17
In the same way, the tongue is a However, the wisdom that
small part of the body, yet it can comes from above is first of all pure,
boast of great achievements. A huge then peace-loving, gentle, willing to
forest can be set on fire by a little yield, full of compassion and good
flame. 6The tongue is a fire, a world of deeds,b and without a trace of
evil. Placed among the parts of our partiality or hypocrisy. 18And a
bodies, the tongue contaminates the harvest of righteousness is grown
whole body and sets on fire the from the seed of peacec planted by
course of life, and is itself set on fire peacemakers.
by hell.a 7For all kinds of animals, Chapter 4
birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can Stop Fighting with Each Other
4
1
be or have been tamed by humans, Where do those fights and
8
but no one can tame the tongue. It is quarrels among you come from?
an uncontrollable evil filled with They come from your selfish desires
deadly poison. 9With it we bless the that are at war in your bodies, don't
Lord and Father, and with it we curse they? 2You want something but do
those who are made in God's not get it, so you commit murder.
likeness. 10From the same mouth You covet something but cannot
come blessing and cursing. It should obtain it, so you quarrel and fight.
not be like this, my brothers! 11A You do not get things because you do
spring cannot pour both fresh and not ask for them! 3You ask for
brackish water from the same something but do not get it because
opening, can it? 12My brothers, a fig you ask for it for the wrong reason—
tree cannot produce olives, nor a for your own pleasure.
4
grapevine figs, can it? Neither can a You adulterers! Don't you know
salt spring produce fresh water. that friendship with the world means
hostility with God? So whoever
35
Live Wisely wants to be a friend of this world is

13
Who among you is wise and an enemy of God. 5Or do you think
understanding? Let him show by his the Scripture means nothing when it
noble conduct that his actions are says that the Spirit that Goda caused
done humbly and wisely. 14But if you to live in us jealously yearns for us?b
have bitter jealousy and rivalry in 6
But he gives all the more grace. And
your hearts, stop boasting and so he says,
slandering the truth. 15That kind of
wisdom does not come from above. “God opposes the arrogant
No, it is worldly, self-centered, and but gives grace to the humble.”c
demonic. 16For wherever jealousy and
rivalry exist, there is disorder and
JAMES
b 3:17 Lit. fruit

every kind of evil. c 3:18 Lit. is grown in peace
a 4:5 Lit. he
a 3:6 Gk. Gehenna; a Gk. transliteration of the b 4:5 Exod 20:5; Num 11:29
Heb. for Valley of Hinnom c 4:6 Prov 3:34 (LXX)
406
International Standard Version 2.0 James 5:11
7
Therefore, submit yourselves to God. are overtaking you. 2Your riches are
Resist the devil, and he will run away rotten, your clothes have been eaten
from you. 8Come close to God, and he by moths, 3your gold and silver are
will come close to you. Cleanse your corroded, and their corrosion will be
hands, you sinners, and purify your used as evidence against you and will
hearts, you double-minded. 9Be eat your flesh like fire. You have
miserable, mourn, and cry. Let your stored up treasures in these last days.
4
laughter be turned into mourning, Look! The wages that you kept back
and your joy into gloom. 10Humble from the workers who harvested
yourselves in the Lord’s presence, your fields are shouting out against
and he will exalt you. 8 4 you, and the cries of the reapers have
reached the ears of the Lord of the
Do Not Criticize Each Other
11 Heavenly Armies. 5You have lived in
Do not criticize each other,
luxury and pleasure on earth. You
brothers. Whoever makes it his habit
to criticize his brother or to judge his have fattened yourselvesa for the day
brother is judging the law and of slaughter. 6You have condemned
condemning the law. But if you and murdered the one who is
condemn the law, you are not a doer righteous, even though he did not
of the law but its judge. 12There is rebel against you.
only one Lawgiver and Judge—the Be Patient
7
one who can save and destroy. So So be patient, brothers, until the
who are you to judge your neighbor? coming of the Lord. See how the
Do Not Boast about Future Plans farmer waits for the precious crop
13
Now listen, you who say, from his land, being patient with it
“Today or tomorrow we will go to until it receives the fall and the spring
such and such a town, stay there a rains. 8You, too, must be patient.
year, conduct business, and make Strengthen your hearts, because the
money.” 14You do not know what coming of the Lord is near. 9Do not
tomorrow will bring. What is your complain about each other, brothers,
life? You are a mist that appears for a or you will be condemned. Look! The
little while and then vanishes. Judge is standing at the door! 10As an
15
Instead you should say, “If the Lord example of suffering and patience,
wants us to, we will live—and do this brothers, take the prophets, who
or that.” 16But you boast about your spoke in the name of the Lord. 11We
proud intentions. All such boasting is consider those who endured to be
evil. blessed. You have heard about Job's
endurance and have seen the
4
17
Therefore, anyone who knows
what is right but fails to do it is guilty purpose of the Lord—that the Lord is
JAMES
of sin. compassionate and merciful.

Chapter 5
Advice for Rich People
5
1
Now listen, you rich people! Cry a 5:5 Lit. fattened your hearts
and moan over the miseries that
407
Do Not Swear Oaths save his soul from death and cover a
12
Above all, brothers, do not multitude of sins.
swear oaths by heaven, by earth, or
by any other object.a Instead, let your
“Yes” mean yes and your “No” mean
no! Otherwise,b you may fall under
condemnation.
The Power of Prayer
13
Is anyone among you
suffering? He should keep on
praying. Is anyone cheerful? He
should keep reciting psalms. 14Is
anyone among you sick? He should
call for the elders of the church, and
they should pray for him and anoint
him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15
And the prayer offered in faithc will
save the person who is sick. The Lord
will raise him up, and if he has
committed any sins, he will be
forgiven.
16
Therefore, make it your habit
to confess your sins to one another
and to pray for one another, so that
you may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous person is powerful and
effective. 17Elijah was a person just
like us, and he prayed earnestly for it
not to rain, and rain never came to
the land for three years and six
months. 18Then he prayed again, and
the skies poured out rain, and the
ground produced its crops.
19
My brothers, if one of you
wanders away from the truth and
somebody brings him back, 20you
may be sure that whoever brings a
sinner back from his wrong path will
JAMES
a 5:12 Lit. oath

b 5:12 Lit. no, lest
c 5:15 Lit. the prayer of faith
408
THE LETTER CALLED
1 PETER
FIRST PETER
Chapter 1
Greetings honor when Jesus, the Messiah, is
1
1
From:a Peter, an apostle of Jesus, revealed.
8
the Messiah. Though you have not seenc
him, you love him. And even though
To: The exiles of the Dispersionb in
you do not see him now, you believe
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
in him and rejoice with an
and Bithynia, 2the people chosen
indescribable and glorious joy,
according to the foreknowledge of 9
because you are receiving the goal of
God the Father through the
your faith, the salvation of your souls.
sanctifying action of the Spirit to be 10
Even the prophets, who
obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to
prophesied about the grace that was
be sprinkled with his blood.
to be yours, carefully researched and
May grace and peace be yours in investigated this salvation. 11They
abundance! tried to find out what era or specific
time the Spirit of the Messiah in them
Our Hope and Joy are in the Messiah
3 kept referring to when he predicted
Blessed be the God and Father
the sufferings of the Messiah and the
of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah!
glories that would follow. 12It was
Because of his great mercy he has
revealed to them that they were not
granted us a new birth, resulting in
serving themselves but you in regard
an immortal hope through the
to the things that have now been
resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah,
announced to you by those who
from the dead 4and to an inheritance
brought you the good news through
kept in heaven for you that can't be
the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
destroyed, corrupted, or changed.
5 These are things that even the angels
Through faith you are being
desire to look into.
protected by God's power for a
salvation that is ready to be revealed Be Holy
13
at the end of this era. 6You greatly Therefore, prepare your minds
rejoice in this, even though you have for action, keep a clear head, and set
to suffer various kinds of trial for a your hope completely on the grace to
little while, 7so that your genuine be given you when Jesus, the
faith, which is more valuable than Messiah, is revealed. 14As obedient
gold that perishes when tested by children, do not be shaped by the
fire, may result in praise, glory, and desires that used to influence you
when you were ignorant. 15Instead,
b 1:1 I.e. the Jewish communities outside of
Israel c 1:8 Other mss. read known
409
First Peter 1:16 The Holy Bible
be holy in every aspect of your life, “All human lifee is like grass,
1 PETER
just as the one who called you is holy. and all its glory is like a flower in
16
For it is written, “You must be holy, the grass.
because I am holy.”a 1 The grass dries up and the flower
17
If you call “Father” the one drops off,
25
who judges everyone impartially but the word of the Lord lasts
according to what they have done, forever.”f
you must live in reverent fear as long
Now this word is the good news that
as you are strangers in a strange land.
18 was announced to you.
For you know that it was not with
perishable things like silver or gold
Chapter 2
Live as God's Chosen People
2
that you have been ransomed from 1
Therefore, rid yourselves of
the worthless way of life handed every kind of evil and deception,
down to you by your ancestors, 19but hypocrisy, jealousy, and every kind
with the precious blood of the of slander. 2Like newborn babies,
Messiah, like that of a lamb without thirst for the pure milk of the word so
blemish or defect. 20On the one hand, that by it you may grow in your
he was foreknown before the salvation. 3Surely you have tasted
creationb of the world, but on the that the Lord is good!2
4
other hand, he was revealed at the As you come to him, the living
end of time for your sake. 21Through stone who was rejected by people but
him you believe in God, who raised was chosen and precious in God's
him from the dead and gave him sight, 5you, too, as living stones, are
glory, so that your faith and hope building yourselves up into a spiritual
might be in God. house and a holy priesthood, so that
you may offer spiritual sacrifices that
Love One Another
22 are acceptable to God through Jesus,
Now that you have obeyed the
the Messiah. 6This is why it says in
truthc and have purified your souls to
Scripture:
love your brothers sincerely, you
must love one another intensely and “Look! I am laying a chosen,
with a pure heart. 23For you have precious cornerstonea in
been born again, not by a seed that Zion.
perishes but by one that cannot The one who believes in him will
perish—by the living and everlasting never be ashamed.”b
word of God.d 24For
a 1:16 Lev 11:44-45; Lev 19:2

b 1:20 Or foundation
c 1:22 Other mss. read the truth through the e 1:24 Lit. all flesh
Spirit f 1:25 Isa 40:6-8
d 1:23 Or by the word of the living and a 2:6 Or capstone
everlasting God b 2:6 Isa 28:16
410
International Standard Version 2.0 First Peter 2:23
7
Therefore he is precious to you who to governors who are sent by him to
1 PETER
believe, but to those who do not punish those who do wrong and to
believe, praise those who do right. 15For it is
God's will that by doing right you
“The stone that the builders
rejected should silence the ignorant talke of
foolish people. 16Live like free people,
has become the cornerstone,a
8 and do not use your freedom as an
a stone they stumble over
excuse for doing evil. Instead, be
and a rock they trip on.”b
God's servants. 17Honor everyone.
They keep on stumbling because they Keep on loving the community of
disobey the word, as they were believers,f fearing God, and honoring
destined to do. the king.
9
But you are a chosen people, a
Suffer Patiently
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a 18
You household servants must
people to be his very own and to
submit yourselves to your masters
proclaim the wonderful deedsc of the
out of respect, not only to those who
one who called you out of darkness
are kind and fair, but also to those
into his marvelous light.
who are unjust. 19For it is a fine thing
10
Once you were not a people, if, when moved by your conscience to
but now you are the people of please God, you suffer patiently
God. when wronged. 20What good does it
Once you had not received mercy, do if, when you sin, you patiently
but now you have received receive punishment for it? But if you
mercy. suffer for doing good and receive it
patiently, you have God's approval.
Live as God's Servants 21
11 This is, in fact, what you were called
Dear friends, I urge you as
to do, because:
aliens and exiles to keep on
abstaining from the desires of the The Messiah also suffered for you
flesh that wage war against the soul. and left an example for you
12
Continue to live such upright lives to follow in his steps.
22
among the gentiles that, when they “He never sinned,
slander you as evildoers, they may and he never told a lie.”a
23
see your good actions and glorify When he was insulted,
God when he visits them.d he did not retaliate.
13
For the Lord's sake submit When he suffered,
yourselves to every human authority: he did not threaten.
whether to the king as supreme, 14or
a 2:7 Or capstone e 2:15 Lit. the ignorance

b 2:8 Ps 118:22; Isa 8:14 f 2:17 Lit. the brotherhood
c 2:9 Or the excellence; Cf. Isa 43:21 a 2:22 Lit. and no deceit was found in his
d 2:12 Lit. God on the day of visitation mouth; cf. Isa 53:9
411
It was his habit have become her daughters by doing
1 PETER
to commit the matter to the one good and by not letting anything
who judges fairly. terrify you.4
24 7
“He himself bore our sins”a in his In a similar way, you husbands
body on the tree, 2
must live with your wives in an
so that we might die to those sins understanding manner, as with a
and live righteously. most delicate partner.e Honor them
“By his wounds as heirs with you of the gracious gift
you have been healed.”b of life, so that nothing may interfere
25
You were “like sheep that kept with your prayers.
going astray,”c When You are Wronged
8
but now you have returned to Finally, all of you must live in
the shepherd harmony, be sympathetic, love as
and overseer of your souls. brothers, and be compassionate and
Chapter 3
humble. 9Do not pay others back evil
Wives and Husbands for evil or insult for insult. Instead,
3
1
In a similar way, you wives must keep blessing them, because you
submit yourselves to your were called to inherit a blessing.
husbands so that, even if some of 10
them refuse to obey the word, they “For the person who wants to love
may be won over without a word life
and see good days
through your conduct as wives
2 must keep his tongue from evil
when they see your pure and
and his lips from speaking deceit.
reverent lives. 11
3 He must turn away from evil and
Your beauty should not be an
do good.
external one, consisting of braided
He must seek peace and pursue
hair or the wearing of gold
it.
ornaments and dresses. 4Instead, it 12
For the Lord watches the
should be the inner disposition of the righteous,a
heart, consisting in the imperishable and he pays attention to their
quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, prayers.b
which God values greatly.d 5After all, But the Lord opposes thosec who
this is how holy women who set their do wrong.”d
hope on God used to make 13
Who will harm you if you are
themselves beautiful in the past. They
devoted to doing what is good? 14But
submitted themselves to their
husbands, 6just as Sarah obeyed
e 3:7 Lit. with the weaker vessel
Abraham and called him lord. You a 3:12 Lit. the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous
a 2:24 Isa 53:4,12 b 3:12 Lit. and his ears are attentive to their
b 2:24 Isa 53:5 prayer
c 2:25 Isa 53:6 c 3:12 Lit. the face of the Lord is against
d 3:4 Lit. which is of great value before God d 3:12 Ps 34:12-16
412
even if you should suffer for doing based on the resurrection of Jesus, the
1 PETER
what is right, you are blessed. “Never Messiah, 22who has gone to heaven
be afraid of their threats, and never and is at the right hand of God,
get upset. 15Instead, exalta the where angels, authorities, and powers
Messiah”b as Lord in your lives.c have been made subject to him.
Always be prepared to give a defense Chapter 4
Good Managers of God's Grace

to everyone who asks you to explain
4
1
Therefore, since the Messiah
the hope you have. 16But do thisd
suffered in a mortal body,a you,
gently and respectfully, keeping a
too, must arm yourselves with the
clear conscience, so that those who
same determination, because the
speak evil of your good conduct in
person who has suffered in a mortal
the Messiah will be ashamed of
body has stopped sinning, 2so that he
slandering you. 17After all, if it is the
can live the rest of his mortal lifeb
will of God, it is better to suffer for
guided, not by human desires, but by
doing right than for doing wrong.
the will of God. 3For you spent
18
For the Messiah also sufferede for enough time in the past doing what
sins once for all, the gentiles like to do, living in
an innocent person for the guilty, sensuality, sinful desires,
so that he could bring youf to drunkenness, wild celebrations,
God. drinking parties, and detestable
He was put to death in a mortal idolatry. 4They insult you now
body because they are surprised that you
but was brought to life by the are no longer joining them in the
Spirit, same excesses of wild living. 5They
19
will give an account to the one who is
in which he went and made a ready to judge the living and the
proclamation to those imprisoned dead. 6Indeed, this is why the gospel
spirits 20who disobeyed long ago in was proclaimed even to those who
the days of Noah, when God waited have died, so that they could be
patiently while the ark was being judged in their mortal flesh like all
built. In it a few, that is, eight humans and live in the spiritual
persons, were saved by water. realm like God.
21
Baptism, which is symbolized by 7
Because everything will soon
that water, now saves you also, not come to an end, be sensible and clear-
by removing dirt from the body, but headed, so you can pray. 8Above all,
by asking God for a clear conscience continue to love each other deeply,
because love covers a multitude of
a 3:15 Or set apart
sins. 9Show hospitality to one another
b 3:15 Cf. Isa 8:12
c 3:15 Lit. hearts
d 3:16 The Gk. lacks do this a 4:1 Other mss. read suffered for us; still
e 3:18 Other mss. read died other mss. read suffered for you
f 3:18 Other mss. read us b 4:2 Lit. time
413
without complaining. 10As good those who refuse to obey the gospel
1 PETER
servant managers of God's grace in its of God?
various forms, serve one another with 18
“If it is hard for the righteous
the gift each of you has received.
11 person to be saved,
Whoever speaks must speak God's
what will happen to the ungodly
words.a Whoever serves must serve
and sinful person?”a
with the strengthb that God supplies,
19
so that in every way God may be So then, those who suffer according
glorified through Jesus, the Messiah. to God's will should entrust their
Glory and power belong to him souls to their faithful Creator and
forever and ever! Amen. 9 4
continue to do what is good.
Chapter 5
Suffering as a Christian Be Shepherds of God's Flock
5
12 1
Dear friends, do not be Therefore, as a fellow elder, a
surprised by the fiery ordeal that is witness of the Messiah's
taking place among you to test you, sufferings, and one who shares in the
as though something strange were glory to be revealed, I appeal to the
happening to you. 13Instead, because elders among you: 2Be shepherds of
you are participating in the sufferings God's flock that is among you,
of the Messiah, keep on rejoicing, so watching over it, not because you
that you may be glad and shout for must but because you want to, and
joy when his glory is revealed. 14If not greedily but eagerly, as God
you are insulted because of the name desires. 3Do not lord it over the
of the Messiah, you are blessed, for people entrusted to you, but be
the glorious Spirit of God is resting examples to the flock. 4Then, when
on you.c the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
15
Of course, none of you should receive the victor's crown of glory
suffer for being a murderer, thief, that will never fade away.
criminal, or troublemaker. 16But if you Be Humble and Alert
suffer for being a Christian, do not 5
In a similar way, you young
feel ashamed, but glorify God with
people must submit to the elders.b All
that name. 17For the time has come
of you must clothe yourselves with
for judgment to begin with the
humility for the sake of each other,
household of God. And if it begins
because:
with us, what will be the outcome for
“God opposes the arrogant,
but gives grace to the humble.”c
a 4:11 Lit. If anyone speaks as the words of
God
b 4:11 Lit. Whoever serves as with the
strength
c 4:14 Other mss. read on you. For their sake a 4:18 Prov 11:31 (LXX)
he is being blasphemed, but for your sake he is b 5:5 Or to those who are older
being glorified. c 5:5 Prov 3:34 (LXX)
414
6
Therefore, humble yourselves under
1 PETER
the mighty hand of God, so that at
the proper time he may exalt you.
7
Throw all your worry on him,
because he cares for you. 8Be clear-
minded and alert. Your opponent,
the devil, is prowling around like a
roaring lion, looking for someone to
devour. 9Resist him and be firm in the
faith, because you know that your
brothers throughout the world are
undergoing the same kinds of
suffering. 10After you have suffered
for a little while, the God of all grace,
who called you by the Messiah Jesusa
to his eternal glory, will restore you,
establish you, strengthen you, and
support you. 11Power belongsb to him
forever and ever! Amen.
Final Greeting
12
Through Silvanus, whom I
regard as a faithful brother, I have
written this short letter to encourage
you and to testify that this is to be the
true grace of God in which you are to
stand firm! 13Your sister churchc in
Babylon, chosen along with you,
sends you greetings, as does Mark,
whom I regard as a son. 14Greet one
another with a loving kiss. Peace be
to all of you who are in the Messiah!d
a 5:10 Other mss. lack Jesus

b 5:11 Other mss. read Glory and power
belong
c 5:13 Lit. She who is
d 5:14 Other mss. read the Messiah Jesus!
Amen
415
The Temptation of Messiah
416
THE LETTER CALLED
SECOND PETER
Chapter 1
Greetings they will keep you from being
1
1
From:a Simeonb Peter, a servantc ineffective and unproductive in
and apostle of Jesus, the Messiah. attaining a full knowledge of our
Lord Jesus, the Messiah. 9For the
To: Those who have received faith
person who lacks these qualities is
that is as valuable as ours through the
blind and shortsighted, and has
righteousness of our God and Savior,
2 PETER
forgotten the cleansing that he has
Jesus the Messiah.
received from his past sins.
2 10
May grace and peace be yours So then, my brothers, be all the
in abundance through full knowledge more eager to make your calling and
of God and of Jesus our Lord! election certain, for if you keep on
doing this you will never fail. 11For in
We are Called to Holy Living
3 this way you will be generously
His divine power has given us
granted entry into the eternal
everything we need for life and
kingdom of our Lord and Savior
godliness through the full knowledge
Jesus, the Messiah.
of the one who called us by his own 12
Therefore, I intend to keep on
glory and excellence. 4Through these
reminding you about these things,
he has given us his precious and
even though you already know them
wonderful promises, so that through
and are firmly established in the truth
them you may participate in the
that you now have. 13Yet I think it is
divine nature, seeing that you have
right to refresh your memory as long
escaped the corruption that is in the
as I am living in this bodily tent,
world caused by evil desires. 5For this 14
because I know that the removal of
very reason, you must make every
my bodily tent will come soon, as
effort to supplement your faith with
indeed our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
moral character, your moral character
has shown me. 15And I will make
with knowledge, 6your knowledge
every effort to see that you will
with self-control, your self-control
always remember these things after I
with endurance, your endurance with
am gone.
godliness, 7your godliness with
brotherly kindness, and your Pay Attention to God's Word
16
brotherly kindness with love. 8For if When we told you about the
you possess these qualities, and if power and coming of our Lord Jesus,
they continue to increase among you, the Messiah, we did not follow any
clever myths. Rather, we were
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks From eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he
b 1:1 Other mss. read Simon
received honor and glory from God
c 1:1 Or slave
the Father when these words from
417
Second Peter 1:18 The Holy Bible
the Majestic Glory were spoken about into the lowest hellc and imprisoned
him: “This is my Son, whom I love. I them in chainsd of deepest darkness,
am pleased with him.” 18We ourselves holding them for judgment; 5and if
heard this voice that came from he did not spare the ancient world
heaven when we were with him on but protected Noah, a righteous
the holy mountain. 19Therefore we preacher, along with seven others
regard the message of the prophets as when he brought the flood on the
confirmed beyond doubt, and you world of ungodly people; 6and if he
will do well to pay attention to it, as condemned the cities of Sodom and
to a lamp that is shining in a gloomy Gomorrah and destroyed them by
2 PETER
place, until the day dawns and the burning them to ashes, making them
morning star rises in your hearts. an example to ungodly people of
20
First of all, you must understand what is going to happen to them;
this: No prophecy in Scripture is a 7
and if he rescued Lot, a righteous
matter of one's own interpretation, man who was greatly distressed by
21
because no prophecy ever the immoral conduct of lawless
originated through a human decision. people— 8for as long as that
Instead, men spoke from God as they righteous man lived among them,
were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 1
day after day he was being tortured

Chapter 2
in his righteous soul by what he saw

Warning Against False Teachers
and heard in their lawless actions—
2
1
Now there were false prophets 9
then the Lord knows how to rescue
among the people, just as there
godly people from their trials and to
also will be false teachers among you,
hold unrighteous people for
who will secretly introduce
punishment on the day of judgment,
destructive heresies and even deny 10
especially those who satisfy their
the Master who bought them,
flesh by indulging in its passions and
bringing swift destruction on
who despise authority.7
themselves. 2Many people will follow
Being bold and arrogant, they
their immoral ways, and because of
are not afraid to slander glorious
them the way of truth will be
beings. 11Yet even angels, although
maligned.a 3In their greed they will
they are greater in strength and
exploit you with deceptive words.
power, do not bring a slanderous
The ancient verdict against them is
accusation against them from the
still in force, and their destruction is
Lord. 12These people, like irrational
not delayed.b
4 animals, are mere creatures of instinct
For if God did not spare angels
that are born to be caught and killed.
when they sinned, but threw them
They insult what they don't
c 2:4 Gk. Tartarus; a reference to the realm of

a 2:2 Or blasphemed the dead
b 2:3 Lit. asleep d 2:4 Other mss. read pits
418
International Standard Version 2.0 Second Peter 3:6
understand, and like animals they, is worse than their former one. 21It
too, will be destroyed, 13suffering would have been better for them not
harm as punishment for their to have known the way of
wrongdoing. They take pleasure in righteousness than to know it and
wild parties in broad daylight. They turn their backs on the holy
are stains and blemishes, reveling in commandment that was committed
their deceitful pleasuresa while they to them. 22The proverb is true that
eat with you. 14With eyes full of describes what has happened to
adultery, they cannot get enough of them: “A dog returns to its vomit,”e
sin. They seduce unsteady souls and and “A pig that is washed goes back
2 PETER
have had their hearts expertly trained to wallow in the mud.”f
in greed. They are doomed to a Chapter 3
Be Ready for the Day of the Lord

curse.b 15They have left the straight
3
1
Dear friends, this is now the
path and wandered off to follow the
second of two lettersg I am
path of Bosor’sc son Balaam, who
writing to you, in which I have been
loved the reward he got for doing
trying to stimulate your pure minds
wrong. 16But he was rebuked for his
by reminding you 2to recall the words
offense. A donkey that normally
spoken in the past by the holy
cannot talk spoke with a human voice
prophets and the commandment of
and restrained the prophet's insanity.
17
These men are dried-up our Lord and Savior spokenh through
springs, mere clouds driven by a your apostles.
3
storm. Gloomy darkness is reserved First of all you must understand
for them. 18By talking high-sounding this: In the last days mockers will
nonsense and using sinful cravings of come and, following their own
the flesh, they entice people who desires, will ridicule us 4by saying,
have just escaped from those who “What happened to the Messiah’sa
live in error. 19Promising them promise to return? Ever since our
freedom, they themselves are slaves ancestors died,b everything continues
to depravity, for a person is a slave to as it did from the beginning of
whatever conquers him. creation.” 5But they deliberately
20
For if, after escaping the ignore the fact that long ago the
world's corruptions through a full heavens existed and the earth was
knowledge of our Lord and Savior formed by God's word out of water
Jesus, the Messiah, they are again and with water, 6by which the world
entangled and conquered by those
corruptions,d then their last condition e 2:22 Prov 26:11
f 2:22 The source of this quotation appears to
be the Syrian Story of Ahikar.
a 2:13 Other mss. read in their love feasts g 3:1 Lit. second letter
b 2:14 Lit. children of a curse h 3:2 The Gk. lacks spoken
c 2:15 Other mss. read Beor’s a 3:4 Lit. to his
d 2:20 Lit. by them b 3:4 Lit. fell asleep
419
Second Peter 3:7 The Holy Bible
at that time was deluged with water as facilitating salvation, just as our
and destroyed. 7Now by that same dear brother Paul also wrote to you
word, the present heavens and earth according to the wisdom given him.
16
have been reserved for fire and are He speaks about this subject in all
being kept for the day when ungodly his letters. Some things in them are
people will be judged and destroyed. 6 hard to understand, which ignorant
8
Don't forget this fact, dear and unstable people distort, leading
friends: With the Lord a single day is to their own destruction, as they do
like a thousand years, and a thousand the rest of the Scriptures.
years are like a single day. 9The Lord 17
And so, dear friends, since you
2 PETER
is not slow about his promise, as already know these things,

some people understand slowness, continually be on your guard not to
but is being patient with you. He be carried away by the deception of
does not want anyone to perish, but lawless people. Otherwise, you mayd
wantsa everyone to repent. 10But the fall from your secure position.
18
Day of the Lord will come like a thief. Instead, continue to grow in the
On that dayb the heavens will grace and knowledge of our Lord and
disappear with a roaring sound, the Savior Jesus, the Messiah. Glory
elements will be destroyed by fire, belongs to him both now and on that
and the earth and everything done eternal day! Amen.e
on it will be exposed.
11
Since everything will be
destroyed in this way, think of the
kind of holy and godly people you
ought to be 12as you look forward to
and hasten the coming of the day of
God, when the heavens will be set
ablaze and dissolved and the
elements will melt with fire. 13But in
keeping with his promise, we are
looking forward to new heavens and
a new earth, where righteousness is
at home.
14
So then, dear friends, since you
are looking forward to this, make
every effort to have the Lordc find
you at peace and without spot or
fault. 15Think of our Lord's patience
a 3:9 The Gk. lacks wants

b 3:10 Lit. On it d 3:17 Lit. people, lest you
c 3:14 Lit. have him e 3:18 Other mss. lack Amen
420
THE LETTER CALLED
FIRST JOHN
Chapter 1
Jesus, the Word of Life faithful righteousness he forgives us
1
1
What existed from the for those sins and cleanses us from all
beginning, what we have heard, unrighteousness. 10If we say that we
what we have seen with our eyes, have never sinned, we make him a
what we observed and touched with liar and his word has no place in us.
our own hands—this is thea Word of Chapter 2
The Messiah is Our Advocate

life! 2This life was revealed to us, and
2
1
My little children, I'm writing
we have seen it and testify about it.
these things to you so that you
We declare to you this eternal life
might not sin. Yet if anyone does sin,
that was with the Father and was
we have an advocate with the
revealed to us. 3What we have seen
Father—Jesus, the Messiah, one who
and heard we declare to you so that
is righteous. 2It is he who is the
you, too, can have fellowship with us.
atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not
Now this fellowship of ours is with
for ours only, but also for the whole
the Father and with his Son, Jesus,
world's.
the Messiah. 4We are writing these
1 JOHN
3
This is how we can be sure that
thingsb so that ourc joy may be full.
we have come to know him: if we
Living in the Light continually keep his commandments.
5 4
This is the message that we The person who says, “I have come
have heard from him and declare to to know him,” but does not
you: God is light, and in him there is continually keep his commandments
no darkness—none at all! 6If we claim is a liar, and the truth has no place in
that we have fellowship with him but that person. 5But whoever continually
keep living in darkness, we are lying keeps his commandments is the kind
and not practicing the truth. 7But if of person in whom God's love has
we keep living in the light as he truly been perfected. This is how we
himself is in the light, we have can be sure that we are in union with
fellowship with one another, and the God:d 6The one who says that he
blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us abides in him must live the same way
from all sin. 8If we say that we do not he himself lived.
have any sin, we are deceiving
We Must Obey God's
ourselves and we’re not being
Commandments
truthful to ourselves. 9If we make it 7
Dear friends, I am not writing to
our habit to confess our sins, in his
you a new commandment, but an old
a 1:1 Lit. about the commandment that you have had
b 1:4 Other mss. read these things to you
c 1:4 Other mss. read your d 2:5 Lit. him
421
First John 2:8 The Holy Bible
from the beginning. This old 15

Stop lovinga the world and the
commandment is the word you have things that are in the world. If
heard. 8On the other hand, I am anyone persists in loving the world,
writing to you a new commandment the Father's love is not in him. 16For
that is truly in him and in you. For everything that is in the world—the
the darkness is fading away, and the desire for fleshly gratification,b the
true light is already shining. desire for possessions,c and worldly
9
The person who says that he is arrogance—is not from the Father but
in the light but hates his brother is is from the world. 17And the world
still in the darkness. 10The person and its desires are fading away, but
who loves his brother abides in the the person who does God's will
light, and there is no reason for him remains forever.
to stumble. 11But the person who
hates his brother is in the darkness Live in the Messiah
18
and lives in the darkness. He does Little children, it is the last
not know where he is going, because hour. Just as you heard that an
the darkness has blinded his eyes. antichrist is coming, so now many
12
antichrists have appeared. This is
I am writing to you, little children, how we know it is the last hour.
because your sins have been 19
They left us, but they were not part
1 JOHN
forgiven of us, for if they had been part of us,

on account of his name. they would have stayed with us.
13
I am writing to you, fathers, Their leaving made it clear that none
because you have known the one of them was really part of us.
who 20
You have an anointing from
has existed from the beginning. the Holy One and know all things.d
I am writing to you, young people, 21
I have not written to you because
because you have overcome the you do not know the truth, but
evil one. because you do know it and because
14
I have written to you, little lies don’t come from truth. 22Who is a
children, liar but the person who denies that
because you have known the Jesus is the Messiah? The person who
Father. denies the Father and the Son is an
I have written to you, fathers, antichrist. 23No one who denies the
because you have known the one Son has the Father. The person who
who acknowledges the Son also has the
has existed from the beginning. Father.
I have written to you, young
people,
because you are strong
a 2:15 Or Don't love
and because God's word remains b 2:16 Lit. for the flesh
in you c 2:16 Lit. of the eyes
and you have overcome the d 2:20 Other mss. read and all of you know
evil one.
422
International Standard Version 2.0 First John 3:10
24
What you have heard from the not been revealed yet. We know that
beginning must abide in you. If what when the Messiahi is revealed, we
you have heard from the beginning will be like him, because we will see
abides in you, you will also abide in him as he is. 3And everyone who has
the Son and in the Father. 25The this hope based on him keeps himself
message that the Sona himself pure, just as the Messiahj is pure.
declared to us is eternal life. 26I have 4
Everyone who keeps living in sin
writtenb to you about those who are also practices disobedience. In fact,
trying to deceive you. 27The anointing sin is disobedience. 5You know that
you received from Godc abides in the Messiahk was revealed to take
you, and you do not need anyone to away sins,l and there is not any sin in
teach you this.d Instead, because him. 6No one who remains in union
God’se anointing teaches you about with him keeps on sinning. The one
everything and is true and not a lie, who keeps on sinning hasn't seen
abide in him, as he taught you to do.f him or known him.
7
Little children, don't let anyone
Abide in Him deceive you. The person who
28
Even now, little children, abide practices righteousness is righteous,
in him. Then, when he appears, we
just as the Messiaha is righteous. 8The
will have confidence and will not
person who practices sin belongs to
1 JOHN
turn away from him in shame when
the evil one, because the devil has
he comes. 29Since you know that he is
been sinning from the beginning. The
righteous, you also know that
reason that the Son of God was
everyone who practices righteousness
revealed was to destroy what the
has been fathered by God.g devil has been doing. 9No one who
has been born from God practices sin,
Chapter 3
We are God's Children
3
1
See what kind of love the Father because God'sb seed abides in him.
has given us: We are called God's Indeed, he cannot go on sinning,
children—and that is what we are!h because he has been born from God.
10
For this reason the world does not This is how God's children and the
recognize us, because it did not devil's children are distinguished.c
recognize him, either. No person who fails to practice
2
Dear friends, we are now God's righteousness and to love his brother
children, but what we will be like has is from God.
a 2:25 Lit. that he

b 2:26 Lit. written these things i 3:2 Lit. he
c 2:27 Lit. him j 3:3 Lit. as he
d 2:27 The Gk. lacks this k 3:5 Lit. that he
e 2:27 Lit. his l 3:5 Other mss. read our sins
f 2:27 The Gk. lacks to do a 3:7 Lir. as he
g 2:29 Lit. by him b 3:9 Lit. his
h 3:1 Other mss. lack And that is what we are! c 3:10 Lit. are revealed
423
20
Love One Another If our hearts condemn us, God
11
This is the message that you is greater than our hearts and knows
have heard from the beginning: We everything. 21Dear friends, if our
should love one another. 12Do not be hearts do not condemn us, we have
like Cain,a who was from the evil one confidence in the presence of God.
22
and murdered his brother. And why Whatever we request we receive
did he murder him? Because what he from him, because we keep his
was doing was evil and his brother's commandments and do what pleases
actionsb were righteous. 13So do not him. 23And this is his commandment:
be surprised, brothers, if the world to believe in the name of his Son,
hates you. 3
Jesus the Messiah, and to love one
14
We know that we have passed another as he commanded us. 24The
from death to life, because we love person who keeps his
commandments abides in God, and a
one another. The person who does
not lovec remains spirituallyd dead. God abides in him.b This is how we
15
Everyone who hates his brother is a can be sure that he remains in us: he
murderer, and you know that no has given us his Spirit.
murderer has eternal life present in Chapter 4
Test What People Say

him. 16This is how we have come to
4
1
Dear friends, stop believingc
know love: the Messiahe gave his life
1 JOHN
every spirit. Instead, test the

for us. We, too, ought to give our
spirits to see whether they are from
lives for our brothers. 17Whoever has
God, because many false prophets
earthly possessions and notices a
have gone out into the world.
brother in need and yet withholds his 2
This is how you can recognize
compassion from him, how can the
God's Spirit: Every spirit who
love of God be present in him? 18Little
acknowledges that Jesus the Messiah
children, we must stop expressing
has become human—and remains
love merely by our words and
so—is from God. 3But every spirit
manner of speech; we must lovef also
who does not acknowledge Jesus is
in actiong and in truth. 19This is how not from God. This is the spirit of the
we will know that we belong to the antichrist. You have heard that he is
truth and how we will be able to keep coming, and now he is already in the
ourselvesh strong in his presence. world. 4Little children, you belong to
God and have overcome them,
because the one who is in you is
a 3:12 Lit. Not like Cain greater than the one who is in the
b 3:12 The Gk. lacks actions
world. 5These people belong to the
c 3:14 Other mss. read doesn't love his brother
d 3:14 The Gk. lacks spiritually world. That is why they speak from
e 3:16 Lit. he
f 3:18 The Gk. lacks love a 3:24 Lit. in him
g 3:18 Or work b 3:24 Lit. and he in him
h 3:19 Lit. keep our hearts c 4:1 Or do not believe
424
International Standard Version 2.0 First John 5:5
the world's perspective,a and the abides in God, and God abides in
world listens to them. 6We belong to him. 17This is how love has been
God. The person who knows God perfected among us: we will have
listens to us. Whoever does not confidence on the day of judgment
belong to God does not listen to us. because, during our time in this
This is how we know the Spirit of world, we are just like him. 18There is
truth and the spirit of deceit. 4 no fear where love exists.b Rather,
perfect love banishes fear, for fear
God's Love Lives in Us
7 involves punishment, and the person
Dear friends, let us continually
who lives in fear has not been
love one another, because love comes
perfected in love.
from God. Everyone who loves has 19
been born from God and knows God. We lovec because Godd first
8
The person who does not love does loved us. 20Whoever says, “I love
not know God, because God is love. God,” but hates his brother is a liar.
9
This is how God's love was revealed The one who does not love his
among us: God sent his unique Son brother whom he has seen cannot
into the world so that we might live love the God whom he has not seen.
21
through him. 10This is love: not that And this is the commandment that
we have from him: the person who
we have lovedb God, but that he
loves God must also love his brother.
1 JOHN
loved us and sent his Son to be the
atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear
Chapter 5
Faith Overcomes the World

friends, if this is the way God loved
5
1
Everyone who believes that Jesus
us, we must also love one another. is the Messiah has been born
12
No one has ever seen God. If we from God, and everyone who loves
love one another, God lives in us, and the parent also loves the child. 2This
his love is perfected in us. 13This is is how we know that we love God's
how we know that we abide in him children: we love God and keep his
and he in us: he has given us his commandments. 3
For this
Spirit. demonstrates our love for God: We
14
We have seen for ourselves and keep his commandments, and his
can testify that the Father has sent his commandments are not difficult,
Son to be the Savior of the world. 4
because everyone who is born from
15
God abides in the one who God has overcome the world. Our
acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of faith is the victory that overcomes the
God, and he abides in God. 16We world. 5Who overcomes the world? Is
have come to know and rely ona the it not the person who believes that
love that God has for us. God is love, Jesus is the Son of God?
and the person who abides in love
b 4:18 Lit. in love
a 4:5 Lit. from the world c 4:19 Other mss. read love him; still other
b 4:10 Other mss. read we loved mss. read love God
a 4:16 Lit. believe in d 4:19 Lit. he
425
6
This man, Jesus the Messiah, is requests, we can be sure that we have
the one who came by water and what we ask him for.
16
blood—not with water only, but with If anyone sees his brother
water and with blood. The Spirit is committing a sin that does not lead to
the one who verifies this, because the death, he should pray that Goda
Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three would give him life. This applies to
witnessesa— 8the Spirit, the water, those who commit sins that do not
and the blood—and these three are lead to death. There is a sin that leads
one. to death. I am not telling you to pray
9 17
If we accept human testimony, about that. Every kind of
God's testimony is greater, because it wrongdoing is sin, yet there are sins
is the testimony of God and because that do not lead to death.
he has testified about his Son. 10The 18
We know that the person who
person who believes in the Son of has been born from God does not go
God believes this testimony on sinning. Rather, the Sonb of God
personally.b The person who does protects them, and the evil one
believe Godc has made him a liar by cannot harm them. 19We know that
not believing the testimony that hed we are from God and that the whole
has given about his Son. world lies under the control of the
11
This is the testimony: God has evil one. 20We also know that the Son
1 JOHN
given us eternal life, and this life is of God has come and has given us
found in his Son. 12The person who understanding so that we may know
has the Son has this life. The person the true God.c We are in union with
who does not have the Son of God the one who is true, his Son Jesus the
does not have this life. Messiah, who is the true God and
eternal life.
Conclusion 21
13 Little children, keep yourselves
I have written these things to
away from idols.d
you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that you may know
that you have eternal life. 14And this
is the confidence that we have in
him: if we ask for anything according
to his will, he listens to us. 15And if
we know that he listens to our
a 5:7 Other mss. read witnesses in heaven—the

Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and
these three are one. 8And there are three
witnesses on earth— a 5:16 Lit. he
b 5:10 Lit. God has this testimony in himself b 5:18 Lit. the one who has been born
c 5:10 Other mss. read the Son c 5:20 Other mss. read the true one
d 5:10 Lit. God d 5:21 Other mss. read idols. Amen
426
THE LETTER CALLED
SECOND JOHN
acknowledge Jesus the Messiah as
Greetings from John
1 having become human. Any such
From:a The Elder
person is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8
To: The chosen lady and her children, Seej to it that youk don't destroy
whom I genuinely love, and not only what we havel worked for, but that
I but also all who know the truth, youm receive yourn full reward.
2 9
that is present in us and will be with Everyone who does not remain true
us forever. to the teaching of the Messiah, but
3 goes beyond it, does not have God.
Grace, mercy, and peace will be
The person who remains true to the
with us from God the Father and
teaching of the Messiah has both the
from Jesusb the Messiah, the Father's
Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes
Son, in truth and love.
to youo but does not present his
Living in the Truth teachings,p do not receivea him into
4
I was overjoyed to find some of your house or even welcomeb him,
c
your children living truthfully, just 11
because the one who welcomes him
as the Father has commanded us. shares in his evil deeds.
5
Dear lady, I am now requesting of
Final Greeting
youd that we all continue to love one 12
Although I have a great deal to
another. It is not as though I am
write to you,c I would prefer not to
writing to give youe a new
use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to
commandment, but one that we have
come to you and talk face to face, so
had from the beginning. 6And this is
that our joy may be complete. 13The
what demonstratesf love: that we live
children of yourd chosen sister greet
according to God’sg commandments.
you.e
Just as youh have heard from the
beginning what he commanded, youi
2 JOHN
must live by it.
Reject False Teachers
7
For many deceivers have gone
j 8 The Gk. verb is plural
out into the world. They refuse to k 8 Lit. you (plural)
l 8 Other mss. read you have
a 1 The Gk. lacks From m 8 Lit. you (plural)
b 3 Other mss. read the Lord Jesus n 8 Lit. your (plural)
c 4 Lit. your (singular) o 10 Lit. you (plural)
d 5 Lit. you (singular) p 10 Lit. this teaching
e 5 Lit. you (singular) a 10 The Gk. verb is plural
f 6 The Gk. lacks what demonstrates b 10 The Gk. verb is plural
g 6 Lit. his c 12 Lit. you (plural)
h 6 Lit. you (plural) d 13 Lit. you (singular)
i 6 Lit. you (plural) e 13 Other mss. read you. Amen
427
Jesus Calms the Storm
428
THE LETTER CALLED
THIRD JOHN
come I will call attention to what he is
Greetings from John
1 doing in spreading false charges
From:a The Elder
against us. And not content with that,
To: My dear friend Gaius, whom I he refuses to receive the brothers. He
genuinely love. even tries to stop those who want to
accept theme and throws them out of
Encouragement for Gaius
2 the church.
Dear friend, I pray that you are
doing well in every way and that you Praise for Demetrius
11
are healthy, just as your soul is Dear friend, do not imitate
healthy. 3I was overjoyed when some what is evil, but what is good. The
brothers arrived and testified about person who does what is good is
your truthfulness and how you live from God. The person who does
according to the truth. 4I have no what is evil has never seen God.
12
greater joy than to hear that my Demetrius has received a good
children are living according to the report from everyone, including the
truth. truth itself. We, too, can testify to this
5
Dear friend, you are faithful in report, and you know that our
whatever you do for the brothers, testimony is true.
especially when they are strangers.
6 Final Greeting
They have testified before the church 13
Although I have a great deal to
about your love. You will do well to
send them on their way in a manner write to you,f I would rather not
worthy of God. 7After all, they went write with pen and ink. 14Instead, I
on their trip for the sake of the hope to see youg soon and speak face
Name,b accepting no support from to face.
gentiles. 8Therefore, we ought to May peace be with you!a Your
support such people so that we can friends greet you.b Greetc each of our
become genuine helpers with them. friends by name.
Criticism of Diotrephes
9
I wrote a letterc to the church,
but Diotrephes, who loves to be in
charge, will not recognize our
authority.d 10For this reason, when I e 10 The Gk. lacks accept them
3 JOHN
f 13 Lit. you (singular)

a 1 The Gk. lacks From g 13 Lit. you (singular)
b 7 I.e. God a 13 Lit. you (singular)
c 9 Lit. wrote something b 13 Lit. you (singular)
d 9 The Gk. lacks authority c 13 The Gk. verb is singular
429
Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus
430
THE LETTER OF
JUDE
JUDE
Greetings judgment on the great day.b
1
From: Jude, a servant of Jesus the 7
Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and
Messiah, and yet a brother of James. the cities near them, which like them
To: Those who have been called, who committed sexual sins and pursued
are loveda by God the Father and homosexual activities,c serve as an
kept safe by Jesus, the Messiah. example of the punishment of eternal
fire.
2
May mercy, peace, and love be 8
In a similar way, these dreamers
yours in abundance! also defile their flesh, reject the Lord's
Warning about False Teachers authority,d and slander his glorious
3
Dear friends, although I was beings. 9Even the archangel Michael,
eager to write to you about the when he argued with the devil and
salvation we share, I found it fought over the body of Moses, did
necessary to write to you and urge not dare to bring a slanderous
you to continue your vigorous accusation against him. Instead, he
defense of the faith that was passed said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”e
10
down to the saints once and for all. Whatever these people do not
4
For some people have slipped in understand, they slander. Like
among you unnoticed. They were irrational animals, they are destroyed
written about long ago as being by the very things they know by
deserving of this condemnation instinct. 11How terrible it will be for
because they are ungodly. They turn them! For they lived like Cain dida,
the grace of our God into rushed headlong into Balaam's error
uncontrollable lust and deny our only to make a profit, and destroyed
Master and Lord, Jesus the Messiah. themselves, as happenedb in Korah's
5
Now I want to remind you, rebellion. 12These people are stains on
even though you are fully aware of your love feasts.c They feast with you
these things, that the Lord who once
saved his people from the land of
Egypt later destroyed those who did b 6 I.e. the day of judgment
not believe. 6He has also held in c 7 Lit. pursued other flesh
eternal chains those angels who did d 8 Lit. reject dominions
e 9 This incident is possibly based on The
not keep their own position but
abandoned their assigned place. They Assumption of Moses, an apocryphal Jewish
writing.
are held in deepest darkness for a 11 Lit. they followed Cain’s path
b 11 The Gk. lacks as happened
c 12 Some early Christians had a meal along
a 1 Other mss. read sanctified with the Lord's Supper.
431
Jude 13 The Holy Bible
without any sense of awe.a They are people who cause divisions. They are
shepherds who care only for worldly, devoid of the Spirit.
JUDE
20
themselves. They are waterless clouds But you, dear friends, must
blown about by the winds. They are continue to build your most holy
autumn trees that are fruitless, faith for your own benefit.
totallyb dead, and uprooted. 13They Furthermore, continue to pray in the
are wild waves of the sea, churning Holy Spirit. 21Remain in God's love as
up the foam of their own shame. you look for the mercy of our Lord
They are wandering stars for whom Jesus the Messiah, which brings
the deepest darkness has been eternal life. 22Show mercy to those
reserved forever. who have doubts. 23Save others by
14
Enoch, in the seventh snatching them from the fire. To
generation from Adam, prophesied others, show mercy with fear, hating
about these people when he said, even the clothes stained by their
sinful lives.d
“Look! The Lord has come with
countless thousands of his holy Final Prayer
24
ones. 15He will judge all people Now to the one who is able to
and convict everyone of all the keep you from falling and to make
ungodly things that they have you stand joyful and faultless in his
done in such an ungodly way, glorious presence, 25to the only God,
including all the harsh things our Savior, through Jesus the
that these ungodly sinners have Messiah, our Lord, be glory, majesty,
said about him.”c power, and authority before all time
16
and for all eternity! Amen.
These people are complainers and
faultfinders, following their own
desires. They say arrogant things and
flatter people in order to take
advantage of them.
Advice to the Readers
17
But you, dear friends, must
remember the statements and
predictions of the apostles of our
Lord Jesus, the Messiah. 18They kept
telling you, “In the last times mockers
will appear, following their own
ungodly desires.” 19These are the
a 12 Or without fear
b 12 Lit. twice
c 15 1 Enoch 1:9 (The Apocrypha) d 23 Lit. by their flesh
432
THE BOOK OF
REVELATION
Chapter 1
The Revelation of Jesus the Messiah even those who pierced him,
to the Seven Churches and all the tribes of the earth will
1
1
This isa the revelation of Jesus mourn
the Messiah, which God gave him because of him.
to show his servants the things that
REVELATION
So be it! Amen.
must happen soon. He made it 8
“I am the Alpha and the
known by sending his messengerb to Omega,” declares the Lord God, “the
his servant John, 2who testified about one who is, who was, and who is
this message from God and the coming, the Almighty.”
testimony about Jesus the Messiah.
3
How blessed is the one who reads John's Vision of the Messiah
9
aloud and those who hear the words I am John, your brother and
of this prophecy and obey what is partner in the oppression, kingdom,
written in it, for the time is near! and patience that comes because of
4
Fromc John to the seven Jesus. I was on the island called
churches in Asia. May grace and Patmos because of the word of God
peace be yours from the one who is, and the testimony about Jesus. 10I
who was, and who is coming, from came to be in the Spirit on the Day of
the seven spirits who are in front of the Lord, when I heard a loud voice
his throne, 5and from Jesus the behind me like a trumpet, 11saying,
Messiah, the witness, the faithful “Write on a scroll what you see, and
one,d the firstborn from the dead, send it to the seven churches:
and the ruler over the kings of the Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum,
earth. To the one who loves us and Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and
Laodicea.”
has freede us from our sins by his 12
blood 6and has made us a kingdom, Then I turned to see whof was
priests for his God and Father, be talking to me, and when I turned I
glory and power forever and ever! saw seven gold lamp stands. 13Among
Amen. the lamp stands there was someone
like the Son of Man. He was wearing
7
Look! He is coming in the clouds. a long robe with a gold sash around
Every eye will see him, his chest.a 14His head and his hair
were white like wool, in fact, as white
a 1:1 The Gk. lacks This is as snow. His eyes were like flames of
fire, 15his feet were like glowing
b 1:1 Or angel
c 1:4 The Gk. lacks From
d 1:5 Or Jesus the Messiah, the faithful
witness f 1:12 Lit. see the voice that
e 1:5 Other mss. read has washed a 1:13 Or waist
433
Revelation 1:16 The Holy Bible
3
bronze refined in a furnace, and his You have endured and suffered
voice was like the sound of raging because of my name, yet you
waters. 16In his right hand he held have not grown weary.
4
seven stars, and out of his mouth However, I have this against
came a sharp, two-edged sword. His you: You have abandoned the
face was like the sun when it shines love you had at first. 5Therefore,
with full force. 1 remember how far you have
17
When I saw him, I fell down at fallen. Repent and go back to
his feet like a dead man. But he what you were doing at first. If
REVELATION
placed his right hand on me and said, you don't, I will come to you and
“Stop being afraid! I am the first and remove your lamp stand from its
the last, 18the living one. I was dead, place—unless you repent. 6But
but look—I am alive forever and ever! this is to your credit: You hate
I have the keys of Death and Hades.a the actions of the Nicolaitans,
19
Therefore, write down what you which I also hate.
7
have seen, what is, and what is going ‘Let everyoned listen to
to happen after this. 20The secret what the Spirit says to the
meaning of the seven stars that you churches. To everyone who
saw in my right hand and the seven conquers I will give the privilege
gold lamp stands is this: the seven of eating from the tree of life that
stars are the messengersb of the seven is in God’s paradise.’”
churches, and the seven lamp stands The Letter to the Church in Smyrna
are the seven churches.” 8
“To the messengere of the
church in Smyrna, write:
Chapter 2
The Letter to the Church in Ephesus
2
1
“To the messengerc of the church ‘The first and the last, who
in Ephesus, write: was dead and became alive, says
this:
‘The one who holds the 9
‘I know your suffering and
seven stars in his right hand, the
your poverty—though you are
one who walks among the seven
rich—and the slander committed
gold lamp stands, says this:
2 by those who claim to be Jews
‘I know what you’ve been
but are not. They are the
doing, your toil, and your
synagogue of Satan. 10Don't be
endurance. I also know that you
afraid of what you are going to
cannot tolerate evil people. You
suffer. Look! The devil is going
have tested those who call
to throw some of you into prison
themselves apostles, but are not,
so that you may be tested. For
and have found them to be false.
ten days you will undergo
a 1:18 I.e. the realm of the dead
b 1:20 Or angels d 2:7 Lit. Let the one who has an ear
c 2:1 Or angel e 2:8 Or angel
434
International Standard Version 2.0 Revelation 2:23
suffering. Be faithful until death, churches. To the one who

and I will give you the victor's conquers I will give some of the
crown of life. hidden manna. I will also give
11
‘Let everyonea listen to him a white stone. On the white
what the Spirit says to the stone is written a new name that
churches. The one who conquers no one knows except the person
will never be hurt by the second who receives it.’” 2
death.’” The Letter to the Church in Thyatira

18
The Letter to the Church in Pergamum “To the messengere of the
REVELATION
12
“To the messengerb of the church in Thyatira, write:
church in Pergamum, write: ‘The Son of God, whose eyes
‘The one who holds the are like flaming fire and whose
sharp, two-edged sword, says feet are like glowing bronze, says
this: this:
13 19
‘I know where you live. ‘I know what you’ve been
Satan's throne is there. Yet you doing—your love, faithfulness,a
hold on to my name and have service, and endurance—and
not denied your faith in me,c that your last actions are greater
even in the days of Antipas, my than the first. 20But I have this
faithful witness, who was killed against you: You tolerate that
in your presence, where Satan woman Jezebel, who calls herself
lives. 14But I have a few things a prophet and who teaches and
against you: You have there leads my servants to practice
some who hold to the teaching immorality and to eat food
of Balaam, the one who taught sacrificed to idols. 21I gave her
Balak to put a stumbling block time to repent, but she refused to
before the people of Israel so that repent of her immorality. 22Look!
they would eat food sacrificed to I am going to strike her with
idols and practice immorality. illness.b Those who commit
15
You also have some who hold adultery with her will also suffer
to the teaching of the greatly, unless they repent from
Nicolaitans. 16So repent. If you acting like her. 23I will strike her
don't, I will come to you quickly children dead. Then all the
and wage war against them with churches will know that I am the
the sword of my mouth. one who searches minds and
17
‘Let everyoned listen to hearts. I will reward each of you
what the Spirit says to the as your actions deserve.
a 2:11 Lit. Let the one who has an ear

b 2:12 Or angel e 2:18 Or angel
c 2:13 Or my faith a 2:19 Or faith
d 2:17 Lit. Let the one who has an ear b 2:22 Lit. to throw her into a bed
435
24
‘But as for the rest of you in and heard. Obey it, and repent.
Thyatira—you who do not hold If you are not alert, I will come
to this teaching and who have like a thief, and you won't know
not learned what some people the time when I will come to
call the deep things of Satan—I you. 4But you have a few people
won't burden you with anything in Sardis who have not soiled
else. 25Just hold on to what you their clothes. They will walk with
have until I come. 26To the me in white clothes because they
person who conquers and are worthy. 5The person who
REVELATION
continues to do what I’ve conquers in this way will wear

commandeda to the end, I will white clothes, and I will never
give authority over the nations. 224
erase his name from the Book of
27 Life. I will acknowledge his
‘He will rule them with an iron
name in the presence of my
scepter;
Father and his angels.
shattering them like clay 6
‘Let everyonea listen to
pots.’b
28 what the Spirit says to the
Just as I have received
churches.’”
authority from my Father, I will
also give him the morning star. The Letter to the Church in
29
‘Let everyonec listen to Philadelphia
7
what the Spirit says to the “To the messengerb of the
churches.’” church in Philadelphia, write:
‘The one who is holy, who is
Chapter 3
The Letter to the Church in Sardis
3
1
“To the messengerd of the true,
church in Sardis, write: who has the key of David,
who opens a door thatc no one can
‘The one who has the seven shut,
spirits of God and the seven stars and who shuts a door thatd
says this: no one can open,
doing. You are known for being says this:
alive, but you are dead. 2Be alert, 8
and strengthen the things that doing. Look! I have put in front
are left, which are about to die. I of you an open door that no one
note that your actions are can shut. You have only a little
incomplete before my God. 3So strength, but you have obeyed
remember what you received
a 2:26 Lit. do my works a 3:6 Lit. Let the one who has an ear
b 2:27 Cf. Isa 30:14; Jer 19:11 b 3:7 Or angel
c 2:29 Lit. Let the one who has an ear c 3:7 Lit. who opens and
d 3:1 Or angel d 3:7 Lit. who shuts and
436
16
my word and have not denied Since you are lukewarm and
my name. 9I will make those who neither hot nor cold, I am going
belong to the synagogue of to spit you out of my mouth.
17
Satan—those who claim to be You say, “I am rich. I have
Jews and aren't, but are lying— become wealthy. I don't need
come and bow down at your anything.” Yet you don't realize
feet. Then they will realize that I that you are miserable, pitiful,
have loved you. 10Because you poor, blind, and naked.
18
have obeyed my command to Therefore, I advise you to buy
REVELATION
endure,a I will keep you from the from me gold purified in fire so
hour of testing that is coming to you may be rich, white clothes to
the whole world to test those wear so your shameful
living on the earth. 11I am nakedness won’t show, and
coming soon! Hold on to what ointment to put on your eyes so
you have so that no one takes you may see. 19I correct and
your victor's crown. 12I will make discipline those whom I love, so
the one who conquers to become be serious and repent! 20Look! I
a pillar in the sanctuary of my am standing at the door and
God, and he will never go out of knocking. If anyone listens to my
it again. I will write on him the voice and opens the door, I will
name of my God, the name of come in to him and eat with him,
the city of my God (the new and he will eata with me. 21To
Jerusalem coming down out of the one who conquers I will give
heaven from God), and my own a place to sit with me on my
new name. 3 throne, just as I have conquered
13
‘Let everyoneb listen to and have sat down with my
what the Spirit says to the Father on his throne.
22
churches.’” ‘Let everyoneb listen to
what the Spirit says to the
The Letter to the Church in Laodicea
14 churches.’”
“To the messengerc of the Chapter 4
church in Laodicea, write: The Vision of God's Throne
4
1
After these things I saw a door
‘The Amen, the witness who standing open in heaven. The
is faithful and true, the originator first voice that I had heard speaking
of God's creation, says this: to me like a trumpet said, “Come up
15
‘I know your actions, that here, and I will show you what must
you are neither cold nor hot. I happen after this.” 2Instantly I was in
wish you were cold or hot. the Spirit, and I saw a throne in
heaven with a person seated on the
a 3:10 Lit. my word of endurance
b 3:13 Lit. Let the one who has an ear a 3:20 The Gk. lacks will eat
c 3:14 Or angel b 3:22 Lit. Let the one who has an ear
437
throne. 3The person sitting there 11

“You are worthy, our Lord and
looked like jasper and carnelian, and God,
there was a rainbow around the to receive glory, honor, and
throne that looked like an emerald. power,
4
Around the throne were 24 other because you created all things;
thrones, and on these thrones sat 24 they came into existence
elders wearing white robes and gold and were created because of your
victor's crowns on their heads. will.”
5
Flashes of lightning, noises, and Chapter 5
The Vision of the Scroll with Seven

REVELATION
peals of thunder came from the

Seals
throne. Burning in front of the throne
5
1
Then I saw in the right hand of
were seven flaming torches, which
the one who sits on the throne a
are the seven spirits of God. 2
scroll written on the inside and on
4
6
In front of the throne was
the outside, sealed with seven seals. 2I
something like a sea of glass as clear
also saw a powerful angel
as crystal. In the center of the throne
proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who
and on each side of the throne were
is worthy to open the scroll and break
four living creatures full of eyes in
its seals?” 3No one in heaven, on
front and in back. 7The first living
earth, or under the earth could open
creature was like a lion, the second
the scroll or look inside it. 4I began to
living creature was like an ox, the
cry bitterly because no one was found
third living creature had a face like a
worthy to open the scroll or look
human, and the fourth living creature
inside it.
was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the 5
Then one of the elders said to
four living creatures had six wings
me, “Stop crying. Look! The Lion
and were full of eyes inside and out.
from the tribe of Judah, the Root of
Without stopping day or night they
David, has conquered. He can open
were saying,
the scroll and its seven seals.”
“Holy, holy, holy
The Vision of the Lamb Taking the
is the Lord God Almighty,
Scroll
who was, who is, and who is 6
Then I saw a lamb standing in
coming.”
the middle of the throne, the four
9
Whenever the living creatures give living creatures, and the elders. He
glory, honor, and thanks to the one lookeda like he had been slaughtered.
who sits on the throne, who lives He had seven horns and seven eyes,
forever and ever, 10the 24 elders bow which are the seven spirits of God
down and worship in front of the one sent into all the earth. 7He went and
who sits on the throne, the one who took the scroll from the right hand of
lives forever and ever. They throw the one who sits on the throne.
their victor's crowns in front of the
throne and say, a 5:6 The Gk. lacks He looked
438
8 14
When the lamb had taken the Then the four living creatures said,
scroll, the four living creatures and “Amen!”, and the elders bowed down
the twenty-four elders bowed down and worshiped.
in front of him. Each held a harp and Chapter 6
The Vision of the First Seal Opened

a gold bowl full of incense, the
6
1
Then I saw the lamb open the
prayers of the saints. 9They sang a
first of the seven seals. I heard
new song:
one of the four living creatures say
“You are worthy to take the scroll with a voice like thunder, “Go!”
and open its seals, 2
Then I looked, and there was a white
REVELATION
because you were slaughtered. horse! Its rider had a bow, and a
With your blood you purchased victor's crown had been given to him.
peoplea for God He went out as a conqueror to
from every tribe, language, conquer.
people, and nation.
10 The Vision of the Second Seal Opened
You made them a kingdom and 3
When the lamba opened the
priests for our God,
second seal, I heard the second living
and they will reign on the earth.”
creature say, “Go!” 4A second horse
The Vision of the Song of the Lamb went out. It was fiery red, and its
11
Then I looked, and I heard the rider was given permission to take
voices of many angels, the living peace away from the earth and to
creatures, and the elders surrounding make people slaughter one another.
the throne. They numbered 10,000’s So he was given a large sword.
times 10,000 and thousands times
The Vision of the Third Seal Opened
thousands. 12They sang with a loud 5
voice, When the lambb opened the
third seal, I heard the third living
“Worthy is the lamb who was creature say, “Go!” I looked, and
slaughtered there was a black horse! Its rider held
to receive power, wealth, a scale in his hand. 6I heard what
wisdom, strength, honor, sounded like a voice from among the
glory, and praise!” four living creatures, saying, “A quart
13
I heard every creature in heaven, on of wheat for a denarius, or three
earth, under the earth, and on the quarts of barley for a denarius.c But
sea, and everything that is in them, don't damage the olive oil or the
saying, wine!”
“To the one who sits on the throne

and to the lamb
be praise, honor, glory, and
a 6:3 Lit. he
power forever and ever!” b 6:5 Lit. he
c 6:6 A denarius was equivalent to a day's
a 5:9 Some MSS read us; the Gk. lacks people wage for a laborer.
439
The Vision of the Fourth Seal Opened earthquake. The sun turned as black
7
When the lamba opened the as sackcloth made of hair, and the full
fourth seal, I heard the voice of the moon turned as red as blood.c 13The
fourth living creature say, “Go!” 8I stars in the sky fell to the earth like a
looked, and there was a greenb horse! fig tree drops its fruit when it is
Its rider's name was Death, and shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky
Hadesc followed him. They were vanished like a scroll being rolled up,
given authority over one-fourth of and every mountain and island was
the earth to kill people using wars, moved from its place. 15Then the
REVELATION
famines, plagues, and the wild kings of the earth, the important
animals of the earth. people, the generals, the rich, the
powerful, and all the slaves and free
The Vision of the Fifth Seal Opened people concealed themselves in caves
9
When the lambd opened the and among the rocks in the
fifth seal, I saw under the altar the mountains. 16They said to the
souls of those who had been mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and
slaughtered because of the word of hide us from the face of the one who
God and the testimony they had sits on the throne and from the wrath
given. 10They cried out in a loud of the lamb. 17For the great day of
voice, their wrath has come, and who is able
“Holy and true Sovereign, 6
to endure it?”
how long will it be before you
Chapter 7
The Vision of the Sealing of 144,000

judge People
7
and take revenge on those living on 1
After this I saw four angels
the earth standing at the four corners of the
who shed our blood?” earth. They were holding back the
11
Each of them was given a white four winds of the earth so that no
robe. They were told to rest a little wind could blow on the land, on the
longer until the number ofa their sea, or on any tree. 2I saw another
fellow servants and their brothers angel coming from the east having
was completed, who would be killed the seal of the living God. He cried
as they themselves had been. 6
out in a loud voice to the four angels
who had been permitted to harm the
The Vision of the Sixth Seal Opened land and sea, 3“Don't harm the land,
12
Then I saw the lambb open the the sea, or the trees until we have
sixth seal. There was a powerful marked the servants of our God with
a seal on their foreheads.”
a 6:7 Lit. he 4
I heard the number of those
b 6:8 Or pale; cf. Mk 6:39; Rev 9:4
c 6:8 I.e. the realm of the dead who were sealed: 144,000. Those who
d 6:9 Lit. he were sealed were from every tribe of
a 6:11 The Gk. lacks the number of
b 6:12 Lit. him c 6:12 Lit. became like blood
440
Israel: 512,000 from the tribe of Judah Then he told me, “These are the
were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of people who are coming out of the
Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, terrible suffering.a They have washed
6
12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 their robes and made them white in
from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 the blood of the lamb. 15That is why:
from the tribe of Manasseh, 712,000
“They are in front of the throne of
from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from
God
the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe
of Issachar, 812,000 from the tribe of and worshipb him night and day
in his temple.
REVELATION
Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of
Joseph, and 12,000 from the tribe of The one who sits on the throne will
Benjamin were sealed. shelter them.
16
They will never be hungry or
The Vision of Tribulation Saints thirsty again.
9
After these things I looked, and Neither the sun nor its heat will
there was a crowd so large that no ever beat down on them,
one was able to count it! They were 17
because the lamb in the center of
from every nation, tribe, people, and the throne will be their
language. They were standing in shepherd.
front of the throne and the lamb and He will lead them to springs filled
were wearing white robes, with palm with the water of life, 7
branches in their hands. 10They cried and God will wipe every tear
out in a loud voice, from their eyes.”c
“Salvation belongs to our God,
Chapter 8
The Vision of the Seventh Seal

who sits on the throne, Opened
8
and to the lamb!” 1
When the lambd opened the
11
All the angels stood around the seventh seal, there was silence in
throne and around the elders and the heaven for about half an hour.
four living creatures. They fell on
The Vision of Seven Angels Given
their faces in front of the throne and
Seven Trumpets
worshiped God, 12saying, 2
Then I saw the seven angels
“Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, who stand in God's presence, and
thanks, honor, power, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3
strength Another angel came with a gold
be to our God forever and ever! censer and stood at the altar. He was
Amen!” given a large quantity of incense to
13 offer on the gold altar before the
Then one of the elders said to
me, “Who are these people wearing
a 7:14 Or great tribulation
white robes, and where did they b 7:15 Or serve
come from?” c 7:17 Isa 25:8
14
I said to him, “Sir, you know.” d 8:1 Lit. he
441
throne, along with the prayers of all The Vision of the Eagle Flying
13
the saints. 4The smoke from the Then I looked, and I heard an
incense and the prayers of the saints eagle flying overhead say in a loud
went up from the angel's hand to voice,
God. 5The angel took the censer, filled
“How terrible, how terrible, how
it with fire from the altar, and threw
terrible
it on the earth. Then there were peals
for those living on the earth,
of thunder, noises, flashes of
because of the blasts of the
lightning, and an earthquake. 6The
remaining trumpets
REVELATION
seven angels who had the seven

that the three angels are about to
trumpets got ready to blow them.
blow!”
83
The Vision of the First Four Trumpets Chapter 9
7 The Vision of the Fifth Trumpet

When the first angel blew his
9
1
When the fifth angel blew his
trumpet, hail and fire were mixed
trumpet, I saw a star that had
with blood and thrown on the earth.
One-third of the earth was burned fallen to earth from the sky.a The
up, one-third of the trees was burned starb was given the key to the shaft of
up, and all the green grass was the bottomless pit. 2It opened the
burned up. shaft of the bottomless pit, and smoke
8
When the second angel blew his came out of the shaft like the smoke
trumpet, something like a huge from a large furnace. The sun and the
mountain burning with fire was air were darkened with the smoke
thrown into the sea. One-third of the from the shaft. 3Locusts came out of
sea turned into blood, 9one-third of the smoke onto the earth, and they
the creatures that were living in the were given power like that of earthly
sea died, and one-third of the ships scorpions. 4They were told not to
was destroyed. harm the grass on the earth, any
10
When the third angel blew his green plant, or any tree. They could
trumpet, a huge star blazing like a harmc only the people who do not
torch fell from heaven. It fell on one- have the seal of God on their
third of the rivers and on the springs foreheads. 5They were not allowed to
of water. 11The name of the star is kill them, but were only alloweda to
Wormwood. One-third of the water torture them for five months. Their
turned into wormwood, and many torture was like the pain of a scorpion
people died from the water because it when it stings someone. 6In those
had turned bitter. days people will seek death, but
12
When the fourth angel blew his
trumpet, one-third of the sun, one-
third of the moon, and one-third of
a 9:1 Or from heaven
the stars were struck so that one-third b 9:1 Lit. It
of them turned dark. One-third of the c 9:4 The Gk. lacks They could harm
day was kept from having light, as a 9:5 The Gk. lacks were only allowed
was the night.
442
17
never find it. They will long to die, This was how I saw the horses
but death will escape them. in my vision: The riders wore
7
The locusts looked like horses breastplates that had the color of fire,
prepared for battle. On their heads sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the
were victor's crowns that looked like horses were like lions’ heads, and fire,
gold, and their faces were like human smoke, and sulfur came out of their
faces. 8They had hair like women's mouths. 18By these three plagues—the
hair and teeth like lions’ teeth. 9They fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that
had breastplates like iron, and the came out of their mouths—one-third
REVELATION
noise of their wings was like the roar of humanity was killed. 19For the
of chariots with many horses rushing power of these horses is in their
into battle. 10They had tails and mouths and their tails. Their tails
stingers like scorpions, and they had have heads like snakes, which they
the power to hurt people with their use to inflict pain.
tails for five months. 11They had the 20
The rest of the people who
angel of the bottomless pit ruling survived these plagues did not repent
over them as king. In Hebrew he is from their evil actionse or stop
called Abaddon,a and in Greek he is worshiping demons and idols made
called Apollyon.b of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and
12
The first catastrophe is over. wood, which cannot see, hear, or
After these things there are still two walk. 21They did not repent from
more catastrophes to come. their murders, their witchcraft, their
sexual immorality, or their thefts.
The Vision of the Sixth Trumpet
13
Chapter 10
When the sixth angel blew his The Vision of the Powerful Angel
10
1
trumpet, I heard a voice from the Then I saw another powerful
fourc horns of the gold altar in front angel come down from
of God. 14It said to the sixth angel heaven. He was dressed in a cloud,
who had the trumpet, “Release the and there was a rainbow over his
four angels who are held at the great head. His face was like the sun, and
Euphrates River.” 15So the four angels his legs were like columns of fire. 2He
who were ready for that hour, day, held a small, opened scroll in his
month, and year were released to kill hand. Setting his right foot on the sea
one-third of humanity. 16The number and his left foot on the land, 3he
of cavalry troops was 200,000,000. I shouted in a loud voice as a lion
heard how many there were.d 9
roars. When he shouted, the seven
thunders spoke with voices of their
own. 4When the seven thunders
spoke, I was going to write, but I
a 9:11 I.e. the realm of destruction in the
heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal
afterlife
b 9:11 I.e. Destroyer
c 9:13 Other mss. lack four
d 9:16 Lit. heard their number e 9:20 Lit. from the works of their hands
443
up what the seven thunders have “Stand up and measure the temple of
said, and don't write it down.” God and the altar, and countd those
5
Then the angel whom I saw who worship there. 2But don't
standing on the sea and on the land measure the courtyard outside the
raised his right hand to heaven. 6He temple. Leave that out, because it is
swore an oath by the one who lives given to the nations, and they will
forever and ever, who created heaven trample the Holy Citye for 42 months.
and everything in it, the earth and 3
I will give my two witnesses who
everything in it, and the sea and wear sackcloth the authority to
REVELATION
everything in it: “There will be no prophesy for 1,260 days.”

more delay. 7When the time 4
These witnessesf are the two
approachesa for the seventh angel to olive trees and the two lamp stands
blow his trumpet, God’s secret planb standing in the presence of the Lord
will be fulfilled, as he had announced of the earth. 5And if anyone should
to his servants, the prophets.” 106
want to hurt them, fire comes out of
8
Then the voice that I had heard their mouths and burns up their
from heaven spoke to me again, enemies. If anyone wants to hurt
saying, “Go and take the opened them, he must be killed in this
scroll from the hand of the angel who manner. 6These witnessesa have
is standing on the sea and on the authority to close the heavens in
land.” order to keep rain from falling while
9
So I went to the angel and they areb prophesying. They also
asked him to give me the small scroll. have authority to turn bodies of
He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It water into blood and to strike the
will turn bitter in your stomach, but it earth with any plague, as often as
will be as sweet as honey in your they desire.
mouth.” 7
When they have finished their
10
So I took the small scroll from testimony, the beast that comes up
the angel's hand and ate it. It was as from the bottomless pit will wage war
sweet as honey in my mouth, but against them, conquer them, and kill
when I had eaten it, it turned bitter in them. 8Their dead bodies will lie in
my stomach. 11Then the seven the street of the great city that is
thundersc told me, “You must spiritually called Sodom and Egypt,
prophesy again about many peoples, where their Lord was crucified. 9For
nations, languages, and kings.” three and a half days some members
Chapter 11
of the peoples, tribes, languages, and

The Vision of the Two Witnesses
nations will look at their dead bodies
11
1
Then I was given a stick like a
measuring rod. I was told, d 11:1 The Gk. lacks count
e 11:2 I.e. Jerusalem
a 10:7 Lit. days approach f 11:4 Lit. These ones
b 10:7 The Gk. lacks plan a 11:6 Lit. They
c 10:11 Lit. they b 11:7 Lit. falling during the days of their
444
and will not allow them to be placed “We give thanks to you, Lord God
in a tomb. 10Those living on earth will Almighty,
gloat over them, celebrate, and send who is and who was,
gifts to each other, because these two because you have taken your great
prophets had tormented those living power
on earth.9 and have begun to rule.
18
The nations were angry,
The Resurrection of the Witnesses
11
But after the three and a half but the time forb your wrath has
days, the breath of life from God come.
REVELATION
entered them, and they stood on It is time for the dead to be
their feet. Those who watched them judged—
were terrified. 12Then the witnessesa to reward your servants, the
heard a loud voice from heaven prophets, the saints, and all
calling to them, “Come up here!” So who fear your name,
they went up to heaven in a cloud, both unimportant and
and their enemies watched them. 13At important,
that moment a powerful earthquake and to destroy those who destroy
struck. One-tenth of the city the earth.”
collapsed, 7,000 people were killed by 19
Then the temple of God in
the earthquake, and the rest were
heaven was opened, and the ark of
terrified and gave glory to the God of
his covenant was seen inside his
heaven. 11
temple. There were flashes of
11
14
The second catastrophe is over.
The third catastrophe is coming very lightning, noises, peals of thunder, an
soon. earthquake, and heavy hail.
Chapter 12
The Vision of the Seventh Angel The Vision of a Woman Dressed with
Blowing His Trumpet the Sun
12
1
15
When the seventh angel blew A spectacular sign appeared
his trumpet, there were loud voices in in the sky: a woman dressed
heaven, saying, with the sun, who had the moon
under her feet and a victor's crown of
“The world’s kingdom has become
twelve stars on her head. 2She was
the kingdom of our Lord and of
pregnant and was crying out from
his Messiah,
her labor pains, the agony of giving
and he will rule forever and
birth.
ever.”
16
Then the twenty-four elders The Vision of the Red Dragon
3
who were sitting on their thrones in Then another sign appeared in
God's presence fell on their faces and the sky: a huge red dragon with
worshiped God. 17They said, seven heads, ten horns, and seven
royal crowns on its heads. 4Its tail
a 11:12 Lit. they; other mss. read I b 11:18 The Gk. lacks the time for
445
swept away one-third of the stars in 11

Our brothersa conquered him by
the sky and knocked them down to the blood of the lamb
the earth. Then the dragon stood in and by the word of their
front of the woman who was about to testimony,
give birth so that it could devour her for they did not cling to their lives
child when it was born. 5She gave even in the face of death. 12
12
birth to a son, a boy, who is to rulea So be glad, heavens, and those who
all the nations with an iron scepter. live in them! 12
But her child was snatched away and How terrible it is for the earth and
REVELATION
taken to God and to his throne. 6Then the sea,

the woman fled into the wilderness, because the Devil has come down
where a place had been prepared for to you, filled with rage,
her by God so that she might be knowing that his time is short!”
taken care of for 1,260 days.
The Vision of Persecution of the
4
The Vision of War in Heaven Woman and Her Children

7 13
Then a war broke out in When the dragon saw that it
heaven. Michael and his angels had been thrown down to the earth,
fought with the dragon, and the it pursuedb the woman who had
dragon and its angels fought back. given birth to the boy. 14However, the
8
But it was not strong enough, and woman was given the two wings of a
there was no longer any place for large eagle so that she could fly away
them in heaven. 9The huge dragon from the serpent to her place in the
was hurled down. That ancient wilderness, where she could be taken
serpent, called the Devil and Satan, care of for a time, times, and half a
the deceiver of the whole world, was time. 15From its mouth the serpent
hurled down to the earth, along with spewed water like a river behind the
its angels. woman in order to sweep her away
The Vision of the Cry of Victory with the flood. 16But the earth helped
10
Then I heard a loud voice in the woman by opening its mouth and
heaven say, swallowing the river that the dragon
had spewed from its mouth. 17The
“Now the salvation, the power, dragon became angry with the
the kingdom of our God, woman and went away to do battle
and the authority of his against the rest of her children, the
Messiah have come. ones who keep God's
For the one who accuses our commandments and hold on to the
brothers, testimony about Jesus. 18Then the
who accuses them day and night
in the presence of our God,
has been thrown out.
a 12:11 Lit. They
a 12:5 Or shepherd b 12:13 Or persecuted
446
dragona stood on the sand of the over every tribe, people, languages,
seashore.b 12
and nation. 8All those living on earth
Chapter 13
will worship it, everyone whose
The Vision of the Beast from the Sea name is not written in the Book of
13
1
I saw a beast coming out of Life belonging to the lamb that was
the sea. It had ten horns, slaughtered from the foundation of
seven heads, and ten royal crowns on the world.
its horns. On its heads were
9
blasphemous names. 2The beast that I Let everyone listen: d
10
saw was like a leopard. Its feet were If anyone is to be taken captive,
REVELATION
like bear's feet, and its mouth was into captivity he will go.
like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave If anyone is to be killed with a
it his power, his throne, and complete sword,
authority. with a sword he will be killed.
3
One of the beast'sc heads The Vision of the Beast from the Earth
looked like it had sustained a mortal Here is a call for endurance and
wound, but its fatal wound was faith of the saints:
healed. Rapt with amazement, the 11
I saw another beast coming up
whole world followed the beast 4They out of the earth. It had two horns like
worshiped the dragon because it had a lamb and it talked like a dragon. 12It
given authority to the beast. They uses all the authority of the first beast
also worshiped the beast, saying, on its behalf,e and it makes the earth
“Who is like the beast, and who can and those living on it worship the
fight a war with it?” 5The beast was first beast, whose mortal wound was
allowedd to speak arrogant and healed. 13It performs spectacular
blasphemous things, and it was given signs, even making fire come down
authority for 42 months. 6It uttereda from heaven to earth in front of
blasphemies against God, against his people. 14It deceives those living on
name, and against his residence,b that earth with the signs that it is allowed
is, against those who are living in to do on behalf off the firstg beast,
heaven. 7It was allowed to wage war telling them to make an image for the
against the saints and to conquer beast who was wounded by a sword
them.c It was also given authority and yet lived. 15The second beasth
was allowed to impart life to the
a 12:18 Lit. Then it; other mss. read Then I image of the firsti beast so that the
b 12:18 Some translations include this
image of the beast could talk and
sentence within 12:17; other translations
include this sentence as part of 13:1.
c 13:3 Lit. its d 13:9 Lit. Let the one who has an ear
d 13:5 Lit. was given a mouth e 13:12 Or in its presence
a 13:6 Lit. It opened its mouth to utter f 13:14 Or in the presence of
b 13:6 Lit. tent g 13:14 The Gk. lacks first
c 13:7 Other mss. lack It was allowed to wage h 13:15 Lit. It
war against the saints and to conquer them. i 13:15 The Gk. lacks first
447
order the execution of those who among humanity as the first fruits for
would not worship the image of the God and the lamb. 5In their mouth no
beast. 16The second beasta forces all lie was found. They are blameless.
people—important and unimportant, The Vision of Angels Sounding a
rich and poor, free and slaves—to be Warning
marked on their right hands or on 6
Then I saw another angel flying
their foreheads, 17so that no one may overhead with the eternal gospel to
buy or sell unless he has the mark,
proclaim to those who livec on
which is the beast's name or the
earth—to every nation, tribe,
REVELATION
number of its name.

language, and people. 7He said in a
1315
18
In this case wisdom is needed:
loud voice,
Let the person who has
b
understanding calculate the total “Fear God and give him glory,
number of the beast, because it is a because the time for him to judge
human total number,a and the sum of has arrived.
the number is 666.b Worship the one who made heaven
Chapter 14
and earth,
The Vision of the New Song on Mount the sea and springs of water.”
Zion 8
14
1
Then I looked, and there was Then another angel, a second
the lamb, standing on Mount one, followed him, saying,
Zion! With him were 144,000 people “Fallen! Babylon the Great has
who had his name and his Father's fallen!
name written on their foreheads. She has made all nations drink
2
Then I heard a sound from the wine,
heaven like that of many waters and the wrath earned for her sexual
like the sound of loud thunder. The sins.”
sound I heard was like harpists 9
Then another angel, a third one,
playing on their harps. 3They were
followed them, saying in a loud voice,
singing a new song in front of the
“Whoever worships the beast and its
throne, the four living creatures, and
image and receives a mark on his
the elders. No one could learn the
forehead or his hand 10will drink the
song except the 144,000 who had
wine of God's wrath, which has been
been redeemed from the earth. 4They
poured undiluted into the cup of his
have not defiled themselves with
anger. He will be tortured with fire
women, for they are virgins, and they
and sulfur in the presence of the holy
follow the lamb wherever he goes.
angels and the lamb. 11The smoke
They have been redeemed from
from their torture goes up forever
a 13:16 Lit. It
and ever. There is no rest day or
b 13:18 Lit. has a mind night for those who worship the
a 13:18 Or is the number of a human being
b 13:18 Other mss. read 616 c 14:6 Lit. sit
448
beast and its image or for anyone voice to the angela who had the sharp
who receives the mark of its name.” sickle,
A Call for Endurance “Swing your sharp sickle,
12
Here is a call fora the and gather the bunches of grapes
endurance of the saints, who keep from the vine of the earth,
the commandments of God and hold because those grapes are ripe.”
fast to their faithfulness in Jesus: 19
13 So the angel swung his sickle in the
I heard a voice from heaven
earth, gathered the grapes from the
say, “Write this:
earth, and threw them into the great
REVELATION
How blessed are the dead, winepress of God's wrath. 20The wine
that is, those who die in the Lord press was trampled outside the city,
from now on!” and blood flowed from the wine
“Yes,” says the Spirit. press as high as a horse's bridle for
“Let them rest from their labors, about 183 miles.b
for their actions follow them.” Chapter 15
The Vision of Seven Angels with Seven

The Vision of Earth Harvested Plagues
15
14
Then I looked, and there was a 1
I saw another sign in heaven.
white cloud! On the cloud sat It was both spectacular and
someone who was like the Son of amazing. There were seven angels
Man, with a gold victor's crown on with the seven last plagues, with
his head and a sharp sickle in his which God's wrath is completed.
hand. 15Another angel came out of
the temple, crying out in a loud voice The Vision of the Sea of Glass
2
to the one who sat on the cloud, Then I saw what looked like a
sea of glass mixed with fire. Those
“Swing your sickle, who had conquered the beast, its
and gather the harvest, image, and the number of its name
for the hour has come to gather it,
were standing on the sea of glass
because the harvest of the earth is
holding God's harps in their hands.
fully ripe.” 3
They sang the song of God's servant
16
The one who sat on the cloud Moses and the song of the lamb: 15
swung his sickle across the earth, and

“Your deeds are both spectacular
the earth was harvested.
17 and amazing,
Then another angel came out
of the temple in heaven. He, too, had Lord God Almighty.
a sharp sickle. 18From the altar came Your ways are just and true,
another angel who had authority King of the nations.c
over fire. He called out in a loud
a 14:18 Lit. to the one
b 14:20 Lit. 1,600 stadia; The Roman mile
contained eight stadia, one stadion was about
604.5 feet long.
a 14:12 The Gk. lacks a call for c 15:3 Other mss. read ages
449
4 4
Lord, who won't fear and praise The third angel poured his bowl
your name? 15 into the rivers and the springs of
For you alone are holy, water, and they turned into blood.
and all the nations will come 5
Then I heard the angel in chargeb of
and worship you the water say,
because your judgments have
“You are just. You are the one who
been revealed.”
is
The Vision of the Temple Opened and who was, the Holy One,
5
After these things I looked, and because you have judged these
REVELATION
the temple which is tent of testimony things.

in heaven was open! 6The seven 6
You have given them blood to
angels with the seven plagues came drink
out of the temple wearing clean, because they spilled the blood of
shining linen with gold sashes saints and prophets.
around their chests.a 7One of the four This is what they deserve.”
living creatures gave to the seven 7
Then I heard the altar reply,
angels seven gold bowls full of the
wrath of God, who lives forever and “Yes, Lord God Almighty,
ever. 8The temple was filled with your judgments are true and
smoke from the glory of God and his just.”
power, and no one could enter the 8
The fourth angel poured his
temple until the seven plagues of the
bowl on the sun, which then was
seven angels came to an end.
allowed to burn people with fire, 9and
they were burned by the fierce heat.
Chapter 16
The Vision of the Seven Angels

Pouring Out Their Bowls They cursed the name of God, who
16 has the authority over these plagues.

1
Then I heard a loud voice
from the temple saying to the They did not repent and give him
seven angels, “Go and pour the seven glory.
10
bowls of God's wrath on the earth.” The fifth angel poured his bowl
2
So the first angel went and poured on the throne of the beast. Its
his bowl on the earth. A horrible, kingdom was plunged into darkness.
painful sore appeared on the people Peoplec gnawed on their tongues in
who had the mark of the beast and anguish 11and cursed the God of
worshiped the image. heaven because of their pain-filled
3
The second angel poured his sores. But they did not repent of their
bowl into the sea. It became like the behavior.
12
blood of a dead body, and every The sixth angel poured his
living thing in the sea died. bowl on the great Euphrates River. Its
b 16:5 The Gk. lacks in charge

a 15:6 Or waists c 16:10 Lit. They
450
water was dried up to prepare the about 100 pounds,e fell from the sky
way for the kings from the east. on people, who cursed God because
13
Then I saw three disgusting spirits the plague of hail was so terrible.
like frogs come out of the mouth of Chapter 17
the dragon, out of the mouth of the The Vision of Babylon the Great
17
1
beast, and out of the mouth of the Then one of the seven angels
false prophet. 14They are demonic who held the seven bowls
spirits that perform signs. They go to came and said to me, “Come, I will
the kings of the whole earth and show you how the notorious
REVELATION
gather them for the war of the great prostitute who sits on many waters
Day of God Almighty. will be judged. 2The kings of the earth
15
committed sexual immorality with
“See, I am coming like a thief. her, and those living on earth became
How blessed is the person who drunk with the wine of her
remains alert immorality.”
and keeps his clothes on! 3
Then the angelf carried me
He won't have to go naked away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I
and let others see his shame.” saw a woman sitting on a scarlet
16
The spiritsa gathered the kingsb to beast that was controlled by
the place that is called Armageddon blasphemy.g It had seven heads and
in Hebrew. ten horns. 4The woman wore purple
17
The seventh angel threw the and scarlet clothes and was adorned
contents ofc his bowl across the sky. A with gold, gems, and pearls. In her
loud voice came from the throne in hand she was holding a gold cup
the temple and said, “It has filled with detestable things and the
happened!” 18There were flashes of impurities of her immorality. 5On her
lightning, noises, peals of thunder, forehead was written a secret name:
and a powerful earthquake. There
has never been such a powerful BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
earthquake since people have been
on the earth. 19The great city was split AND DETESTABLE THINGS OF THE
into three parts, and the cities of the EARTH
6
nations fell. God remembered to give I saw that the woman was drunk
Babylon the Great the cup of wine with the blood of the saints and the
filled with the fury of his wrath. blood of the witnesses to Jesus. I was
20
Every island vanished,d and the very surprised when I saw her.
mountains could no longer be found. 7
The angel said to me, “Why are
21
Huge hailstones, each weighing you surprised? I will tell you the
a 16:16 Lit. They

b 16:16 Lit. them e 16:21 Lit. Huge hailstones about a talent
c 16:17 The Gk. lacks the contents f 17:3 Lit. he
d 16:20 Or fled g 17:3 Lit. was filled with blasphemous names
451
secret of the woman and the beast which the prostitute is sitting, are
with the seven heads and the ten peoples, multitudes, nations, and
horns that carries her. 8The beast that languages. 16The ten horns and the
you saw existed once, but is no beast you saw will hate the prostitute.
longer, and is going to crawl out of They will leave her abandoned and
the bottomless pit and then proceed naked. They will eat her flesh and
to its destruction. Those living on burn her up with fire, 17for God has
earth, whose names were not written placed within them a desire to carry
in the Book of Life from the out his purpose by uniting to give
REVELATION
foundation of the world, will be their kingdom to the beast until

surprised when they see the beast God's words are fulfilled. 18The
because it was, is no longer, and will woman you saw is the great city that
come again. 9This calls for a mind that rules over the kings of the earth.” 17
has wisdom. The seven heads are Chapter 18
The Vision of the Fall of Babylon

seven mountains on which the
18
1
After these things I saw
woman is sitting. They are also seven
another angel coming down
kings. 10Five of them have fallen, one
is living, and the other has not yet from heaven. He had great authority,f
come. When he comes, he must and the earth was made bright by his
splendor. 2He cried out in a powerful
remain in powera for a little while.
11 voice,
The beast that was and is no longer
is the eighth king,b but it belongs “Fallen! Babylon the Great has
with the seven kingsc and goes to its fallen!
destruction. 12The ten horns that you She has become a home for
saw are ten kings who have not yet demons.
received a kingdom. They will receive She is a prison for every unclean
authority to ruled as kings with the spirit,
beast for one hour. 13They have one a prison for every unclean bird,
purpose: to give their power and and a prison for every unclean
authority to the beast. 14They will and hated beast.
wage war against the lamb, but the 3
For all the nations have drunk
lamb will conquer them because he is from the wine of her sexual
Lord of lords and King of kings. immorality,
Those who are called, chosen, and and the kings of the earth have
faithful are with him.” 7
committed sexual immorality

15
The angele also said to me, with her.
“The bodies of water you saw, on The world’s businesses have
become rich
a 17:10 The Gk. lacks in power
b 17:11 The Gk. lacks king from her luxurious excesses.”
c 17:11 The Gk. lacks kings
d 17:12 The Gk. lacks to rule
e 17:15 Lit. He f 18:1 Or tremendous power
452
The Warning to Leave Babylon “How terrible, how terrible it is for

4
Then I heard another voice that great city,
from heaven saying, the powerful city Babylon,
“Come out of her, my people, because your judgment arrived
so that you don't participate in in a single hour!”
her sins 11
The world’s businesses cry and
and also suffer from her mourn over her, because no one buys
diseases. their cargo anymore— 12cargo of
5
For her sins are piled as high as gold, silver, gems, pearls, fine linen,
REVELATION
heaven, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all
and God has remembered her kinds of scented wood, all articles
crimes. made of ivory, all articles made of
6
Do to her as she herself has done, very costly wood, bronze, iron,
and give her double for her marble, 13cinnamon, spice, incense,
deeds. myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil,
Mix a double drink for her in the flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses,
cup she mixed. chariots, and slaves (that is, human
7
Just as she glorified herself and souls)—
lived in luxury, 14
inflict on her just as much torture “The fruit that you crafted has
and misery. abandoned you.
All your dainties and your
In her heart she says,
splendor are lost,a
‘I am a queen on a throne, not a
and no one will ever find them
widow.
again.”
I will never see misery.’
8 15
For this reason, her diseases that Frightened by the severity of her
result in death, misery, and punishment, businesses that had
famine become rich because of her will stand
will come in a single day. at a distance, crying and mourning:
She will be burned up in a fire, 16
“How terrible, how terrible it is for
because powerful is the Lord God
the great city
who judges her.”
9
that was clothed in fine linen,
The kings of the earth, who purple, and scarlet
committed sexual immorality with and was adorned with gold,
her and lived in luxury with her, will gems, and pearls,
cry and mourn over her when they 17
because all this wealth has been
see the smoke rising from the fire that destroyed in a single hour!”
consumes her.a 10Frightened by the
torture that she experiences,b they Every ship's captain, everyone
will stand far away and cry out, who traveled by ship, sailors, and
everyone who made a living from the
a 18:9 Lit. from her fire
b 18:10 Lit. by her torture a 18:14 Lit. lost to you
453
sea stood far away. 18When they saw The voice of a bridegroom and
the smoke rising from the fire that bride
consumed her,a they began to cry will never be heard within you
out, “What city was like that great again.
city?” 19Then they threw dust on their For your merchants were the
heads and shouted while crying and important people of the
mourning: 17
world,
and all the nations were deceived
“How terrible, how terrible it is for
by your witchcraft.
the great city,
REVELATION
24
The blood of the world’s prophets,
where all who had ships at sea
saints,
became rich from her wealth,
and all who had been murdered
because it has been destroyed
was found within her.”
in a single hour!
18
Chapter 19
20
Be happy about her, heaven, saints, The Vision of Worship
19
1
apostles, and prophets, After these things I heard
for God has condemned her for what sounded like the loud
you!” voice of a large crowd in heaven,
saying,
The Vision of the Powerful Angel with
the Millstone “Hallelujah!
21
Then a powerful angel picked Salvation, glory, and power
up a stone that was like a large belong to our God.
2
millstone and threw it into the sea, His judgments are true and just.
saying, He has condemned the notorious
prostitute
“The great city Babylon will be
who corrupted the world with
thrown down violently—
her immorality.
and will never be found again.
He has taken revenge on her
18
22
The sound of harpists, musicians,
for the blood of his servants.”
flutists, and trumpeters
3
will never be heard within you A second time they said,
again.
“Hallelujah!
No artisan of any trade
The smoke goes up from her
will ever be found within you
forever and ever.”
again.
4
The sound of a millstone The twenty-four elders and the four
will never be heard within you living creatures bowed down and
again. worshiped God, who was sitting on
23
The light from a lamp the throne. They said, “Amen!
will never shine within you Hallelujah!” 5A voice came from the
again. throne, saying,
a 18:18 Lit. from her fire “Praise our God,

all who serve and fear him,
454
from the least important He administers justice and wages war

to the most important.” righteously. 12His eyes are like a flame
of fire, and on his head are many
The Vision of the Marriage Supper of
royal crowns. He has a name written
the Lamb
6 on him that nobody knows except
Then I heard what sounded like
himself. 13He is dressed in a robe
the voice of a large crowd, like the
dipped inb blood, and his name is
sound of raging waters, and like the
called the Word of God. 14The armies
sound of powerful thunderclaps,
of heaven, wearing fine linen, white
saying,
and pure, follow him on white
REVELATION
“Hallelujah! horses. 15A sharp sword comes out of
The Lord our God, the Almighty, his mouth to strike down the nations.
is reigning. He will rulea them with an iron rod
7
Let us rejoice, be glad, and give and tread the winepress of the fury of
him glory, the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his
because the marriage of the lamb robe and his thigh he has a name
has come written:
and his bride has made herself
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
ready.
8
She has been given the privilege of The Vision of the Angel’s Invitation
17
wearing fine linen, Then I saw an angel standing
dazzling and pure.” in the sun. He cried out in a loud
voice to all the birds flying overhead,
(The fine linen represents the
“Come! Gather for the great supper
righteous deeds of the saints.)
9 of God. 18Eat the flesh of kings, the
Then the angela said to me,
flesh of commanders, the flesh of
“Write this: ‘How blessed are those
warriors,b the flesh of horses and
who are invited to the marriage
their riders, and the flesh of all
supper of the lamb!’” He also told me,
people, both free and slaves, both
“These are the true words of God.” 10I
unimportant and important.”
bowed down at his feet to worship
19
him, but he told me, “Don't do that! I The Vision of the Judgment of the
am a fellow servant with you and Beast and False Prophet
19
with your brothers who rely on what Then I saw the beast, the kings
Jesus is saying. Worship God, because of the earth, and their armies
what Jesus is saying is the spirit of gathered to wage war against the
prophecy!” rider on the horse and his army. 20The
The Vision of the Coming of the beast was captured, along with the
Messiah false prophet who had performed
11
Then I saw heaven standing
open, and there was a white horse!
Its rider is named Faithful and True. b 19:13 Other mss. read sprinkled with
a 19:15 Or shepherd
a 19:9 Lit. he b 19:18 Lit. of the powerful
455
signs on its behalf.a By these signsb thousand years. 5The rest of the dead
the false prophetc had deceived those did not come back to life until the
who had received the mark of the thousand years were over. This is the
beast and worshiped its image. Both first resurrection. 6How blessed and
of them were thrown alive into the holy are those who participate in the
lake of fire that burns with sulfur. first resurrection! The second death
21
The rest were killed by the sword has no power over them. They will be
that belonged to the rider on the priests of God and the Messiah, and
horse and that came from his mouth, will rule with him for a thousand
REVELATION
and all the birds gorged themselves years.

with their flesh. 1920
The Vision of the Final Judgment

7
When the thousand years are
Chapter 20
The Vision of the Millennial Reign
20
1
Then I saw an angel coming over, Satan will be freed from his
down from heaven, holding prison. 8He will go out to deceive Gog
the key to the bottomless pit, with a and Magog, the nations at the four
large chain in his hand. 2He captured corners of the earth, and gather them
the dragon, that ancient serpent, also for war. They are as numerous as the
known as the devil and Satan, and sands of the seashore. 9They marched
tied him up for a thousand years. 3He over the broad expanse of the earth
threw him into the bottomless pit, and surrounded the camp of the
locked it, and sealed it over him to saints and the beloved city. Fire came
keep him from deceiving the nations from Goda out of heaven and burned
anymore until the thousand years them up, 10and the devil who
were over. After that he must be set deceived them was thrown into the
free for a little while. lake of fire and sulfur, where the
beast and the false prophet were.
The Vision of the First Resurrection They will be tortured day and night
4
Then I saw thrones, and those forever and ever.
who sat on them were given
authority to judge. I also saw the The Vision of the White Throne
souls of those who had been Judgment
11
beheaded because of their testimony Then I saw a large, white
about Jesus and because of the word throne and the one who was sitting
of God. They had not worshiped the on it. The earth and the heavens fled
beast or its image and had not from his presence, and no place was
received its mark on their foreheads found for them. 12I saw the dead,
or hands. They came back to life and both unimportant and important,
ruled with the Messiah for a standing in front of the throne, and
books were open. Another book was
opened—the Book of Life. The dead
a 19:20 Or in its presence
b 19:20 Lit. By which
c 19:20 Lit. he a 20:9 Other mss. lack from God
456
were judged according to their because the first things have

actions, as recorded in the books. disappeared.”
13
The sea gave up the dead that were 5
The one sitting on the throne said,
in it, and Death and Hadesa gave up “See, I am making all things new!”
the dead that were in them, and all He said, “Write this: ‘These
were judged according to their words are trustworthy and true.’”
actions. 14Death and Hadesb were 6
Then he said to me, “It has
thrown into the lake of fire. (This is happened! I am the Alpha and the
the second death—the lake of fire.) Omega, the beginning and the end. I
REVELATION
15
Anyone whose name was not found will freely give a drink from the
written in the Book of Life was spring of the water of life to the one
thrown into the lake of fire. who is thirsty. 7The person who
Chapter 21
conquers will inherit these things. I
The Vision of the New Heaven and will be his God, and he will be my
the New Earth son. 8But people who are cowardly,
21
1
Then I saw a new heaven and unfaithful, detestable, murderers,
a new earth, because the first sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters,
heaven and the first earth had and all liars will find themselvesa in
disappeared, and the sea was gone. 2I the lake that burns with fire and
also saw the holy city, New sulfur. This is the second death.”
Jerusalem, coming down from God
The Vision of the New Jerusalem
out of heaven, prepared like a bride 9
Then one of the seven angels
adorned for her husband.
3 who had the seven bowls full of the
I heard a loud voice from the
seven last plagues came to me and
throne say,
said, “Come! I will show you the
“See, the tabernacle of God is bride, the wife of the lamb.” 10He
among humans! carried me away in the Spirit to a
He will make his home with large, high mountain and showed me
them, the holy city, Jerusalem, coming
and they will be his people. down from God out of heaven. 11The
God himself will be with them, glory of God was its radiance, and its
and he will be their God.c light was like a valuable gem, like
4
He will wipe every tear from their jasper, as clear as crystal. 12It had a
eyes. large, high wall with twelve gates.
There won't be death anymore. Twelve angels were at the gates, and
There won't be any grief, crying, or the names of the twelve tribes of
pain, Israel were written on the gates.
13
There were three gates on the east,
three gates on the north, three gates
a 20:13 I.e. the realm of the dead on the south, and three gates on the
b 20:14 I.e. the realm of the dead west. 14The wall of the city had twelve
c 21:3 Other mss. lack and he will be their
God a 21:8 Lit. will have their part
457
foundations, and the twelve names of and the lamb was its lamp. 24The
the twelve apostles of the lamb were nations will walk in its light, and the
written on them. 21 kings of the earth will bring their
15
The angel whoa was talking to glory into it. 25Its gates will never be
me had a gold measuring rod to shut at the end of thea day—because
measure the city, its gates, and its there will be no night there. 26Peopleb
walls. 16The city was square: its length will bring the glory and wealthc of
was the same as its width. He the nations into it. 27Nothing unclean,
measured the city with his rod, and it or anyone who does anything
was about 1,374 miles long.b Its detestable, and no one who tells lies
REVELATION
length, width, and height were the will ever enter it. Only those whose
same. 17He also measured its wall. namesd are written in the lamb's
According to the human Book of Life will enter it.e
measurement that the angel was Chapter 22
using, it was 252 feet.c 18Its wall was The Vision of the River of the Water of
made of jasper. The city was made of Life
22
1
pure gold, as clear as glass. 19The Then the angelf showed me
foundations of the city wall were the river of the water of life, as
decorated with all kinds of gems: The clear as crystal. It was flowing from
first foundationd was jasper, the the throne of God and the lamb.
2
second sapphire, the third agate, the Between the city street and the river,
fourth emerald, 20the fifth onyx, the the tree of life was visible from each
sixth carnelian, the seventh side. It produced twelve kinds of
chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth fruit, each month having its own
topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the fruit. The leaves of the tree are for the
eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth healing of the nations. 3There will no
amethyst. 21The twelve gates were longer be any curse. The throne of
twelve pearls, and each gate was God and the lamb will be in the city.g
made of a single pearl. The street of His servants will worship him 4and
the city was made of pure gold, as see his face, and his name will be on
clear as glass. their foreheads. 5There will be no
22
I saw no temple in it, because more night, and they will not need
the Lord God Almighty and the lamb any light from lamps or the sun
are its temple. 23The city doesn't need because the Lord God will shine on
any sun or moon to give it light,
them. They will rule forever and ever.
because the glory of God gave it light,
a 21:15 Lit. The one who a 21:25 Lit. shut by

b 21:16 Lit. was 12,000 stadia; The Roman b 21:26 Lit. They
mile contained eight stadia, one stadion was c 21:26 Or honor
about 604.5 feet long. d 21:27 Lit. those who
c 21:17 Lit. was 144 cubits; The royal cubit e 21:27 The Gk. lacks will enter it
was about 21 inches long. f 22:1 Lit. he
d 21:19 The Gk. lacks foundation g 22:3 Lit. in it
458
6
He said to me, “These words are have the right to the tree of life and
trustworthy and true. The Lord God may go through the gates into the
of the spirits and of the prophets has city! 15Outside are dogs, sorcerers,
sent his messengera to show his immoral people, murderers, idolaters,
servants the things that must happen and everyone who loves and
soon.” practices falsehood.
7 16
“See! I am coming soon! How “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to
blessed is the person who keeps the give this testimony to you for the
words of the prophecy in this book!” churches. I am the root and
descendent of David, the bright
REVELATION
The Vision of an Exhortation to
morning star.”
Worship God
8
I, John, heard and saw these Concluding Invitation
17
things. When I had heard and seen The Spirit and the bride say,
them, I bowed down to worship at “Come!”
the feet of the angel who had been Let everyone who hears this say,
showing me these things. 9But he told “Come!”
me, “Don't do that! I am a fellow Let everyone who is thirsty
servant with you, your brothers the come!
prophets, and those who keep the Let anyone who wants the water
words in this book. Worship God!” of life take it as a gift!
10
Then he said to me, “Don't seal
Concluding Warning
up the words of the prophecy in this 18
I warn everyone who hears the
book, because the time is near. 11Let
words of the prophecy in this book: If
the one who does what is evil
anyone adds anything to them, God
continue to do evil, and let the filthy
will strike him with the plagues that
person continue to be filthy, and the
are written in this book. 19If anyone
righteous person continue to do what
takes away any words from the book
is right, and the holy person continue
of this prophecy, God will take away
to be holy.”
his portion of the tree of life and the
Concluding Benediction holy city that are described in this
12
“See! I am coming soon! My book.
reward is with me to repay everyone
Epilogue
according to his action. 13I am the 20
The one who is testifying to
Alpha and the Omega, the first and
these things says, “Yes, I am coming
the last, the beginning and the end.a
14 soon!”
“How blessed are those who
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
wash their robesb so that they may 21
May the grace of the Lord Jesus
be with all the saints.
a 22:6 Or angel Amen.c
a 22:13 The speaker possibly concludes his
quotation here rather than at the end of vs. 16.
b 22:14 Other mss. read who do his
commandments c 22:21 Other mss. lack Amen
459
The Rich Man and Lazarus
460
THE BOOK OF
PSALMS
Psalm 1
BOOK I (Psalms 1-41) 4

Psalm 1
But this is not the case with the
Psalm 1 wicked.
They are like chaff that the wind
The Righteous and the Wicked
1 blows away.
How blessed is the person, 5
Therefore the wicked will not
who does not takea the advice of
escaped judgment,
the wicked,
nor will sinners have a placee in
who does not stand on the path
the assembly of the righteous.
with sinners, 6
For the LORD knows the way of the
and who does not sit in the seat
righteous,
of mockers.
2 but the way of the wicked will be
But he delights in the LORD’s
destroyed.
instruction,b Psalm 2
and meditates in his instructionc Psalm 2

day and night.
The Nations and God’s Anointed
PSALMS
3
He will be like a tree planted by 1
Why are the nations in an uproar,
streams of water,
and their people involved in a
yielding its fruit in its season,
vain plot?
and whose leaf does not wither. 2
As the kings of the earth take their
He will prosper in everything he
stand
does.
and the rulers conspire together
against the LORD and his
Note: (1) Verse numbers may be different anointed one, they say,a
from the MT because the titles of many 3
”Let us tear off their shackles from
psalms in the MT are part of the first verse. (2)
The phrase A song of, which appears in many us,b
psalm titles, may also be translated A song by, and cast off their chains.”
A song for, or A song to. (3) Psalm title 4
terminologies “a psalm of David,” “a song of He who sits in the heavens laughs;
David,” etc., may connote—but do not the Lord scoffs at them.
5
necessarily connote—authorship by Israel’s In his anger he rebukes them,
King David. They are rendered herein as “a
Davidic psalm,” “a Davidic song,” etc. (4) The
and in his wrath he terrifies
traditionally unpronounced literary term Selah, them:
which may indicate that the oral reader or
cantor is to pause briefly after reading the line
in which the term appears, is rendered herein
as Interlude. d 1:5 Lit. stand in the
a 1:1 Lit. not walk by e 1:5 The MT lacks have a place in
b 1:2 Or Law a 2:2 The MT lacks say
c 1:2 Or Law b 2:3 The MT lacks from us
463
Psalm 2:6 The Holy Bible
6 3
“I have set my king on Zion, But you, LORD, are a shield around
my holy mountain.” me,
my glory, and the one who lifts
The Anointed King Speaks
7
Let me announce the decree of the up my head.
4
LORD I cry aloudd to the LORD,
that he said to me: and he answers me from his holy
mountain. Interlude
“You are my son, 5
I lie down and sleep,
today I have become your father.
8 I wake up, because the LORD
Ask of me, and I will give you
sustains me.
the nations as your inheritance, 6
the ends of the earth as your I will not fear multitudes ofa
possession. people,
9
You will break them with an iron who set themselves against me
rod, on every side.
you will shatter them like 7
Arise, LORD!
pottery.”
Deliver me, my God!
10
Therefore, kings, act wisely! For you strike the jaw of all my
Earthly rulers, be warned! enemies,
11
Serve the LORD with fear, and you break the teeth of the
PSALMS
and rejoice with trembling. wicked.

12
Kissa the son before he becomesb 8
Deliverance comes from the LORD!
angry, 2
May your blessing be on your

and you die where you stand.c people. Interlude
Indeed, his wrath can flare up Psalm 4
quickly. Psalm 4
To the Director: With stringed
How blessed are those who take
instruments. A Davidic Psalm
refuge in him.
Trust God under Adversity
1
When I call, answer me,
Psalm 3
Psalm 3
A Davidic Psalm, when he fled from my righteous God!b
his son Absalom. When I was in distress, you set me
free.
God Delivers His Servants
1 Be gracious to me and hear my
LORD, I have so many persecutors!
prayer.
Many are rising up against me!
2
Many are saying about me, 2
You people,
“God will never deliver him!” how long will you malign my
Interlude reputation?
a 2:12 Or Worship d 3:4 Lit. with my voice

b 2:12 Or son lest he become a 3:6 Or ten thousand
c 2:12 Lit. you perish in the way b 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
464
International Standard Version 2.0 Psalm 5:10
3
How long will you love what is LORD, in the morning you will hear
vaina my voice;
and what is false? Interlude
4
in the morning I will prayb to
3
But understand this:b you,
the LORD has set apart the godly and I will watch for your
for himself! answer.c
The LORD will hear me when I 4
cry out to him! Indeed, you aren’t a God who
4
delights in wickedness;
Be angry, yet do not sin.c evil will never dwell with you.
Think about thisd when upon 5
Boastful ones will not stand before
your beds, you;
and be silent. Interlude you hate all those who practice
5
Offer sacrifices that are righteous, wickedness.
and put your confidence in the 6
You will destroy those who speak
LORD. lies.
6
Many are asking, “Who will help us The LORD abhors the person of
to see better days?”e bloodshed and deceit.
7
LORD, may the light of your But I, because of the abundance of
favorf shine upon us. your gracious love,
PSALMS
7
You have given me more joy in my may come into your house.
heart than at harvest times, In awe of you, I will worship in
when grain and wine abound. your holy temple.
8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, 8
LORD, lead me in your
for you alone, LORD, enable me righteousness because of my
to live securely. enemies.
Make your path straight before
Psalm 5
Psalm 5
To the Director: For flutes. me.
9
A Davidic Psalm But as for the wicked,d
they do not speak truth at all.
A Prayer for God’s Help
1 Inside them there is only
LORD, listen to my words,
wickedness.
consider my groaning.
2 Their throat is an open grave,
Pay attention to my cry for help,a
on their tongue is deceitful
my king and my God,
flattery.
for unto you will I pray.
5
10
Declare them guilty, God!
a 4:2 I.e. what has no substance Let them fall by their own
b 4:3 The MT lacks this
schemes.
c 4:4 Cf. Eph 4:26
d 4:4 The MT lacks this
e 4:6 Lit. cause us to see good b 5:3 Lit. arrange my prayer
f 4:6 Lit. face c 5:3 The MT lacks for your answer
a 5:2 Lit. the sound of my cry for help d 5:9 The MT lacks as for the wicked
465
Drive them away because of their Who will give you thanks where
many transgressions, the dead are?e
for they have rebelled against 6
I am weary from my groaning.
you.
Every night my couch is
5
11
Let all those who take refuge in you drenched with tears,
rejoice! my bed is soaked through.
Let them shout for joy forever, 7
My eyesight has faded because of
and may you protect them. grief,
Let those who love your name it has dimmed because of all my
exult in you. enemies.
12
Indeed, you will bless the righteous 8
Get away from me, all of you who
one, LORD,
practice evil,
like a large shield, you will
for the LORD has heard the
surround him with favor.
Psalm 6
sound of my weeping.
9
Psalm 6 The LORD has heard my plea;
To the Director: With stringed the LORD receives my prayer.
instruments. On an eight-stringed 10
As for all my enemies, they will be
harp.a A Davidic Psalm put to shame;
they will be greatly frightened
PSALMS
A Prayer in Times of Trouble

1
LORD, in your anger, do not rebuke and suddenly turn away
me, ashamed.
in your wrath, do not discipline
Psalm 7
Psalm 7
me. A Davidic psalm,f which he sang to
2
Be gracious to me, LORD, 6
the LORD, because of the words of

because I am fading away. Cush the Benjaminite.
Heal me,
A Prayer for Vindication
because my bodyb is distressed. 1
3 LORD, my God,
And my soulc is deeply distressed. 6
I seek refuge in you.

But you, LORD, how long do I Deliver me from those who
wait?d persecute me!
4
Return, LORD, Rescue me!
2
save my life! Otherwise, they will rip me to
Deliver me, because of your shreds like a lion,
gracious love. tearing meg apart with no one to
5
In death, there is no memory of rescue me.h
you.
e 6:5 Lit. thanks in Sheol; a reference to the
a 6:T Or On a lower octave realm of the dead
b 6:2 Or bones f 7:T Heb. Shiggaion
c 6:3 Or And I am g 7:2 The MT lacks me
d 6:3 The MT lacks do I wait h 7:2 The MT lacks me
466
3 11
LORD, my God, if I have done this God is a righteous judge,
thing, a God who is angry with sinnersd
if there is injustice on my hands, every day.
4
if I have rewarded those who did 12
me good with evil, If the ungodly onee doesn’t repent,
if I have plundered my enemy God will sharpen his sword;
without justification, he will string his bow and
5
then, let my enemy pursue me, prepare it.
13
let him overtake me, He prepares weapons of death for
and let him trample my life to himself, 7
the ground. Interlude he makes his arrows into fiery

Let him put my honor into the shafts.
dust. 14
But the wicked onef travails with
6
Get up, LORD, in your anger! evil,
Rise up, because of the fury of he conceives malice and gives
my enemies; birth to lies.
15
Arouse yourself for me; He digs a pit, even excavates it; 147
you have ordained justice. then he fell into the hole that he
7
Let the assembly of the peoples had made.
16
The troubleg he planned will return
PSALMS
gather around you,
and you will sita high above on his own head,
them. and his violence will descend on
8
For the LORD will judge the his skull.
17
peoples. But as for me,
Judge me according to my I will praise the LORD for his
righteousness, LORD, righteousness,
and according to my integrity, and I will sing to the name of
Exalted One. the LORD Most High.
Psalm 8
9
Let the evil of the wicked come to Psalm 8
an end, To the Director: On a stringed
but establish the righteous. instrument.a A Davidic Psalm
For you are the righteous God Divine Glory and Human Dignity
who discerns the inner 1
LORD, our Lord,
thoughts.b how excellent is your name in all
10
God is my shield,c the earth!
the one who delivers the upright
in heart.
d 7:11 The MT lacks sinners
e 7:12 Lit. If he
a 7:7 Lit. return f 7:14 Lit. But he
b 7:9 Lit. hearts and innards g 7:16 Lit. His trouble
c 7:10 Lit. My shield is on God a 8:T Or according to a Gittite melody
467
Psalm 9
You set your glory above the Psalm 9

heavens! To the Director: Accompanied by
2
Out of the mouths of infants and female voices.d A Davidic Psalm
nursing babies
A Cry for God’s Justice
you have established strengtha 1e
I will give thanks to the LORD with
on account of your adversaries,
all my heart,
in order to silence the enemy and
I will declare all your wonderful
vengeful foe.
deeds.
3 2
When I look at the heavens, 8 I will be glad and exult in you;
the work of your fingers, I will sing praises to your name,
the moon and the stars that Most High!
you established— 3
4 When my enemies turn back,
what is man that you take notice of
they will stumble and perish
him,
before you.
or the son of manb that you pay 4
For you have brought about justice
attention to him?
5 for me and my cause;
You made him a little less than
you sit on the throne judging
divine,c righteously.
but you crowned him with glory 5
You rebuked the nations,
PSALMS
and honor. you destroyed the wicked,

6
You gave him dominion over the you wiped out their name
work of your hands, forever and ever.
you put all things under his feet: 6
The enemy has perished,
7
Sheep and cattle—all of them, reduced to ruins forever.
wild creatures of the field, You uprooted their cities,
8
birds in the sky, the very memory of them
fish in the sea— vanished.
whatever moves through the
7
currents of the oceans. But the LORD sits on his thronea
9 forever;
LORD, our Lord,
his throne is established for
how excellent is your name in all
judgment.
the earth! 8
He will judge the world righteously
and make just decisions for the
people.
a 8:2 The LXX reads praise

b 8:4 A title of Messiah (cf. Dan 7:13-14) or a d 9:T Or according to the tune ‘Death of a Son’
Hebrew synonym for a human being (cf. Dan e 9:1 Psalms 9 & 10 constitute a single psalm
8:17) in the LXX.
c 8:5 Or God; or gods; or than heavenly beings a 9:7 The MT lacks on his throne
468
9 17
The LORD is a refuge for the The wicked will turn back to where
oppressed, the dead aree—
a refuge in times of distress. all the nations that have forgotten
10
Those who know your name will God.
trust you, 18
For he will not always overlook the
for you have not forsaken those plight of the poor,
who seek you, LORD. nor will the hope of the afflicted
11
Sing praises to the LORD who perish forever.
19
dwells in Zion; Rise up, LORD, 9
declare his mighty deeds among do not let man prevail!

the peoples. The nations will be judged in
12
As an avenger of blood, he your presence.
20
remembers them; Make them afraid, LORD,
he has not forgotten the cry of Let the nations know that they
the afflicted. are only human.a Interlude
Psalm 10
13
Be gracious to me, LORD, Psalm 10
take note of my affliction, A Prayer for Judging the Wicked
because of those who hate me. 1b
Why do you stand far away, LORD?
You snatch me away from the gates
PSALMS
Why do you hide in times of
of death, distress?
14
so I may declare everything for 2
The wicked one arrogantly pursues
which you should be praiseda the afflicted,c
in the gates of the daughter of who are trapped in the schemes
Zion,b he devises.
so I will rejoice in your 3
For the wicked one boasts about his
deliverance. own desire;
15
The nations have sunk down into he blesses the greedy
the pit they made, and despises the LORD.
4
their feet are ensnared in the With haughty arrogance, the
trapc they set. wicked thinks,
16
The LORD has made himself “God will not seek justice.”d
known, He always presumes “There is
executing judgment. no God.”
The wicked are ensnared
by what their hands have made.
Interluded e 9:17 Lit. to Sheol; a reference to the realm of
the dead
a 9:20 Or men
a 9:14 Lit. declare all your praise b 10:1 Psalms 9 & 10 constitute a single psalm
b 9:14 I.e. Jerusalem in the LXX.
c 9:15 Lit. net c 10:2 Or the poor
d 9:16 Heb. Higgaion Selah d 10:4 The MT lacks justice
469
5 13
Their ways always seem Why do the wicked despise God
prosperous. and say to themselves, “Godd will
Your judgments are on high, not seek justice.”e
far away from them. 14
But you do see!
They scoff at all their enemies. You take note of trouble and grief
6
They say to themselves, in order to take the matter into
“We will not be moved your own hand.
throughout all time, The helpless one commits himselff
and we will not experience to you;
adversity.” you have been the orphan’s
7
Their mouth is full of curses, lies, helper.
and oppression, 15
Break the arm of the wicked and
their tonguesa spread trouble and evil man;
iniquity. so that when you seek out his
8
They waitb in ambush in the wickedness
villages, you will find it no more.
they kill the innocent in secret. 16
The LORD is king forever and ever;
9
Their eyes secretly watch the nations will perish from his land.
helpless,
PSALMS
17
LORD, you heard the desire of the
lying in wait like a lion in his den.
afflicted;
They lie in wait to catch the
afflicted. you will strengthen them,a
They catch the afflicted when you will listen carefully,
18
they pull him into their net. to do justice for the orphanb and
the oppressed,
10
The victimc is crushed, so that men of the earth may
and he sinks down; cause terror no more.
the helpless fall by their might. Psalm 11
11
The wicked say to themselves, Psalm 11
“God has forgotten, To the Director: A Davidic songc
he has hidden his face, Confident Trust in God
he will never see it.” 1
I take refuge in the LORD.
12
Rise up, LORD! So how can you say to me,
Raise your hand, God. “Flee like a bird to the
Don’t forget the afflicted!
10
mountains.”?
d 10:13 Lit. He
e 10:13 The MT lacks justice
f 10:14 The MT lacks himself
a 10:7 Lit. under his tongue a 10:17 Lit. strengthen their heart
b 10:8 Lit. sits b 10:18 Or fatherless
c 10:10 Lit. He c 11:T The MT lacks A song
470
2
Look, the wicked have bent their trustworthy people have
bow disappeared from humanity.h
2
and placed their arrowa on the Everyone speaks lies to his
string,b neighbor;
to shoot from the darknessc at they speak with flattering lips
the upright in heart. and hidden motives.i
3 3
When the foundations are The LORD will cut off all slippery
destroyed, lips,
what can the righteous do? and the tongue that boasts great
4 things,
The LORD is in his holy temple; 4
those who say,
the LORD’s throne is in the
“By our tongues we will prevail;
heavens.
our lips belong to us.
His eyes see,
Who is mastera over us?”
his glanced examines humanity.e 5
5 “Because the poor are being
The LORD examines the righteous,
oppressed,
but the wicked and those who
because the needy are sighing,
love violence, he hates.
6 I will now arise,” says the LORD,
He rains on the wicked burning
“I will establish in safety those
coals and sulfur;
who yearn for it.”
PSALMS
a scorching wind is their destiny.f 6
The words of the LORD are pure,
7
Indeed, the LORD is righteous; like silver refined in an earthen
he loves righteousness; furnace,
the upright will see him face-to- purified seven times over.
face. 7
You, LORD, will keep themb safe,
you will guard themc from this
Psalm 12
Psalm 12
To the Director: On an eight stringed generation forever.
harp.g A Davidic Psalm 8
The wicked, however,d keep
Human and Divine Words Contrasted walking around,
1
Help, LORD, for godly people no exalting the vileness of human
longer exist; beings.e 12
a So MT and DSS 5/6HevPs; DSS 4QCatena

A and LXX read arrows h 12:1 Lit. from among the children of men
b 11:2 So MT; the LXX reads arrows for the i 12:2 Lit. with slippery lips and a double heart
quiver a 12:4 Or lord
c 11:2 So MT and DSS; the LXX reads shoot b 12:7 So MT, DSS 5/6HevPs and 11QPsc; the
on a moonless night LXX reads us
d 11:4 Lit. eyelids c 12:7 So MT, DSS 5/6HevPs and 11QPsc; the
e 11:4 Lit. examines the children of men LXX reads us
f 11:6 Lit. the portion of their cup d 12:8 The MT lacks however
g 12:T Or on a lower octave e 12:8 Lit. of children of men
471
2
Psalm 13
Psalm 13 The LORD looks down from the

To the Director: A Davidic Psalm heavens upon humanityb
A Prayer for Deliverance to see if anyone shows
1
How long? LORD, will you forget discernment as he searches
for God.
me forever?a 3
All have turned away,
13
How long will you hide your face

together they have become
from me?
2 corrupt;
How long must I struggle in my
no one practices what is good,
soul at night
not even one.
and have sorrow in my heart
4
during the day? Will those who do evil ever learn?
How long shall my enemy rise They devour my people like they
up against me? devour bread,
3
Look at me! and never call on the LORD.
5
Answer me, LORD, my God! There they are seized with terror,
Give light to my eyes! because God is with those who
Otherwise, I will sleep in death; area righteous.
4
Otherwise, my enemy will say, 6
“I have overcome him;” You would frustrate the plans of
the oppressed,b
PSALMS
Otherwise, my persecutor will

rejoice but the LORD is their refuge.
7
when I am shaken. May Israel’s deliverance come from
5
As for me, I have trusted in your Zion!
gracious love, When the LORD restores the
my heart will rejoice in your fortunes of his people,
deliverance. Jacob will rejoice, and Israel
6
I will sing to the LORD, will be glad.c
for he has dealt bountifully with
Psalm 15
Psalm 15
me. A Davidic Psalm
Psalm 14
Psalm 14 Welcomed into God’s Presence

To the Director: A Davidic Psalm 1
LORD, who may stay in your
The Fool and God’s Response tabernacle?
1
Fools say to themselves, “There is Who may dwell on your holy
no God.” mountain?
2
They are corrupt and commit evil The one who lives with integrity,
deeds; who does righteous deeds,
not one of them practices what
is good.
b 14:2 Lit. upon the sons of Adam
a 14:5 Lit. with the generation of the
a 13:1 Or How long, LORD, will you forget me? b 14:6 Or the poor
Forever? c 14:7 Cf. Ps 53:1-6
472
and who speaks truth to I will not presente their drink

himself. offerings of blood,
3
The one who does not slander with nor will my lips speakf their
his tongue, names.
who does no evil to his neighbor, 5
The LORD is my inheritance and
and who does not destroy his my cup;
friend’s reputation. you support my lot.
4
The one who despises those who 6
The boundary lines have fallen in
are utterly wicked, pleasant places for me;
but who honors the one who truly, I have a beautiful heritage.
fears the LORD, 7
I will bless the LORD who has
who keeps his word even when it counseled me;
hurts and does not change, indeed, my conscience instructsa
5
who does not loan his money me during the night.
with interest, 8
I have set the LORD before me
and who does not take a bribe continually;
against those who are because he stands at my right
innocent. hand, I will stand firm.b
9
The one who does these things will Therefore, my heart is glad,
PSALMS
stand firma forever. my whole beingc rejoices,
Psalm 16
and my body will dwell
Psalm 16 securely.
A special Davidic psalmb 10
For you will not leave my soul in
Trust in the Face of Death Sheol,d
1
Keep me safe, God, you will not allow your holy one
for I take refuge in you. to experience corruption.e
2
I said to the LORD, 11
You cause me to know the path of
“You are my master,c life;
I have nothing good apart from
16
in your presence is joyful

you.” abundance,
3
As for the saints that are in the at your right hand there are
land, pleasures forever.
they are noble, and all my delight
is in them.
4
Those who hurry after another
godd will have many e 16:4 Lit. pour out
f 16:4 Lit. lift up on my lips
a 16:7 Lit. thoughts instruct
b 16:8 Lit. not be shaken
a 15:5 Lit. won’t be shaken c 16:9 Lit. glory
b 16:T Heb. miktam d 16:10 I.e. the realm of the dead
c 16:2 Heb. Adonai e 16:10 Lit. to see the Pit; i.e. the realm of
d 16:4 The MT lacks god punishment in the afterlife
473
Psalm 17
Psalm 17 hide me under the shadow of

A Davidic prayer your wings
9
A Cry for Justice from the wickedd who have
1
LORD, hear my just plea! afflicted me,
Pay attention to my cry! from my enemies who have
Listen to my prayer, surrounded me.
10
since it does not come from lying They are imprisoned by their own
lips. prosperity,a
2
Justice for me will come from your they have boasted proudly with
presence; their mouth.
11
your eyes see what is right. Now they have encircled our
3
pathsb
When you probe my heart,
17
and are determinedc to cast us

and examine me at night;
down to the ground.
when you refine me, 12
Like a lion they desire to rip us to
you will find nothing wrong,a pieces,
for I have determined that I like a young lion waiting in
will not transgress with my ambush.
mouth.
13
4
As for the ways of mankind, Arise, LORD,
PSALMS
I have, according to the words of confront them,

your lips, bring them to their knees!
avoided the ways of the Deliver me from the wicked by
violent. your sword—
14
5
Because my steps have held fast to from men, LORD, by your hand—
your paths, from men who belong to this
my footsteps have not faltered. world,
6 whose reward is onlyd in thise
I call upon you, for you will answer
life.
me, God.
Listen closely to me But as for your treasured ones,
and hear my prayer. may their stomachs be full,
7
Show forth your gracious love, may their children have an
save those who take refuge in abundance,
you
from those who rebel against c 17:8 Lit. as the pupil of the daughter of the eye
your sovereign power.b d 17:9 Lit. face of the wicked
8 a 17:10 Lit. fat
Protect me as the most precious b 17:11 So MT; DSS 11QPsc and LXX read
part of the eye;c have expelled me
c 17:11 Lit. and have set their eyes
d 17:14 The MT lacks only
a 17:3 The MT lacks wrong e 17:14 So MT; DSS 11QPsc and LXX read
b 17:7 Lit. against your right hand their
474
and may they leave wealth to From his temple he heard my

their offspring. voice;
15 my cry reached his ears.
But as for me, justified, I will
7
behold your face; The world shook and trembled;
when I awake, your presencea the foundations of the mountains
will satisfy me. quaked,
Psalm 18
they shook because he was
Psalm 18 angry.
8
To the Director: By the servant of the In his anger smoke poured out of
LORD, David, who spoke the words of his nostrils,
this song to the LORD on the day and consuming fire from his
when the LORD delivered him from mouth;
the hands of all his enemies and from coals were lit from it.
the hand of Saul. 18 9
He bent the sky and descended,
Gratitude for Victory and darkness was under his feet.
10
1
He said: He rode upon a cherub and flew;
“I love you, Lord, my strength. he soared upon the wings of the
2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, wind.
11
my deliverer, my God, He made darkness his hiding place,
his canopy surrounding him was
my strongholdb in whom I take
PSALMS
dark waters and thick clouds.
refuge, my shield, the gloryc 12
The brightness before him scattered
of my salvation, and my high the thick clouds,
tower.” with hail stones and flashes of
3
I cried out to the LORD, who is fire.
13
worthy to be praised, Then the LORD thundered ina the
and I was delivered from my heavens,
enemies. and the Most High sounded
4 aloud,
The cords of death entangled me; calling for hail stones and
the rivers of Beliald made me flashes of fire.b
afraid. 14
He shot his arrows and scattered
5
The cords of Sheole surrounded them;
me; with many lightening bolts he
the snares of death confronted frightened them.
me.
6
In my distress I cried to the LORD;
to my God I cried for help.
a 17:15 Lit. form, likeness

b 18:2 Lit. rock a 18:13 So MT, DSS 4QPsc; the LXX, Targ,
c 18:2 Lit. horn Vg (cf. 2 Sam 22:14) reads from
d 18:4 I.e. the forces of death and destruction b 18:13 So MT, DSS 4QPsc; the LXX lacks
e 18:5 I.e. the realm of the dead calling for hail stones and flashes of fire
475
15 25
Then the channels of the sea could To the holy, you show your
be seen, gracious love,
and the foundations of the earth to the upright, you show yourself
were uncovered upright;
26
because of your rebuke, LORD, to the pure, you show yourself
because of the blast from the pure,
breath of your nostrils. and to the morally corrupt, you
16 appear to be perverse.
He reached down and took me; 27
he drew me from many waters. Indeed, you deliver the oppressed,a
17
He delivered me from my strong but you bring down those who
enemies, exalt themselves
from those who hate me because in their own eyes.
28
they were stronger than I. For you, LORD, make my lamp
18
They confronted me in the day of shine;
my calamity, my God enlightens my darkness.
29
but the LORD was my support. With your helpb I will run through
19
He brought me out to a spacious an army,
place; with help fromc my God I leap
he delivered me, for in me he over walls.
30
As for God, his way is upright;d
PSALMS
takes delight.
the word of God is pure;
God’s Reward to the Righteous he is a shield to all those who
20
The LORD will reward me because I take refuge in him.
am righteous;
because my hands are clean he The Acts of God for the Righteous
31
will restore me; For who is God but the LORD,
21
because I have kept the ways of the and who is a Rock other than our
LORD, God?—
32
and I have not wickedly departed the God who clothes me with
from my God; strength,
22
because all his judgments were and who makes my way
always before me, upright;e
33
and I did not cast off his statutes. who makes my feet swift as the
23
I was uprighta before him, deer;
and I kept myself from iniquity. who makes me stand on high
24
So the LORD restored me according places;
to my righteousness,
because my hands were clean in
his sight. a 18:27 Or poor
b 18:29 The MT lacks help
c 18:29 The MT lacks help from
d 18:30 Or blameless
a 18:23 Or blameless e 18:32 Or blameless
476
34
who teaches my hands to make People who did not know me
war, will serve me.
and my arms to bend a bronze 44
When they hear of me,d they will
bow. obey me;
35
You have given to me the shield of foreigners will submit to me.
your deliverance, 45
Foreigners will wilt away;
and your right hand holds me they will come trembling out of
up; their stronghold.
your gentleness made me great. 46
36 The LORD lives!
You make a broad place for my
18
Blessed be my Rock!
steps,
May the God of my deliverance
so my feeta would not slip.
be exalted!
37
I pursued my enemies and 47
He is the God who executes
overtook them; vengeance on my behalf;
I did not turn around until they who destroys peoples under me;
were utterly defeated. 48
who delivers me from my enemies.
38
I struck them down, Truly you will exalt me above
so they are not able to rise up; those who oppose me;
they fell under my feet. you will deliver me from the
39
You clothed me with strength for violent person.
PSALMS
war; 49
Therefore, I will give thanks to you
you will subdue under me those among the nations, LORD;
who rise up against me. I will sing praises to your name.
40
You have made my enemies turn 50
He is the one who gives victories to
their back to me, his king; 18
and I will destroy those who hate who shows gracious love to his
me. anointed,
41
They cried out for deliverance, to David and his seed forever. 19
but there was no one to deliver; Psalm 19
they cried outb to the LORD, Psalm 19

but he did not answer them. To the Director: A Davidic Psalm
42
I ground them like wind-swept God’s Revelation in the Heavens
dust; 1
The heavens are declaring the glory
I emptied them outc like dirt in
of God,
the street.
and their expanse shows the
43
You rescued me from conflict with work of his hands.
the people; 2
Day after day they pour forth
you made me head of the speech,
nations. night after night they reveal
knowledge.
a 18:36 Lit. ankle
b 18:41 The MT lacks they cried out
c 18:42 So MT, DSS 5/6HevPs; the LXX
reads I will grind them down d 18:44 Lit. At the hearing of the ear
477
3
There is no speech nor are there They are sweeter than honey,
words— even the drippings from a
their voice is not heard— honeycomb.
4 11
yet their messagea goes out into all Moreover your servant is warned
the world, by them;
and their words to the ends of and there is great reward in
the earth. keeping them.
12
He has set up a tent for the sun in Who can detect his owna mistake?
the heavens,b 9
Cleanse me from hidden sin.
5 13
which is like a bridegroom Preserve your servant from
coming out of his chamber, arrogant people;b
or like a champion who rejoices do not let them rule over me.
at the beginning of a race. Then I will be uprightc
6
Its circuit is from one end of the sky and acquitted of great
to the other, wickedness.
and nothing is hidden from its 14
May the words of my mouth and
heat. the meditations of my heart
God’s Revelation in the Law be acceptable in your sight,
7
The law of the LORD is perfect, LORD, my Rock and my
PSALMS
restoring life. Redeemer.

The testimony of the LORD is
Psalm 20
Psalm 20
steadfast, To the Director: A Davidic Psalm
making foolish people wise.
8 A Prayer for Victory
The precepts of the LORD are 1
May the LORD answer you in the
upright,
day of distress;
making the heart rejoice.
may the name of the God of
The commandment of the LORD is
Jacobd protect you.
pure, 2
May he send you help from the
giving light to the eyes.
9 sanctuary,
The fear of the LORD is clean,
and may he sustain you from
standing forever.
Zion.
The judgments of the LORD are 3
May he remember all your gifts,
true;
and may he accept your burnt
they are altogether righteous.
10 offerings. Interlude
They are more desirable than gold,
even much fine gold.
a 19:12 The MT lacks his own

a 19:4 Or sound; so with the LXX; the MT, b 19:13 Or from presumptuous sins
DSS 11QPsc, Syr read line c 19:13 Or perfect, or blameless
b 19:4 Lit. them d 20:1 I.e. Israel
478
4 3
May he give you what your heart You go before him with wonderful
desires, blessings, 21
and may he fulfill all your plans. and put a crown of fine gold on
5
May we shout for joy at your his head.
4
deliverance 20 He asked life from you, and you
and unfurl our banners in the gave it to him—
name of our God. a long life for ever and ever.
5
May the LORD fulfill all your His glory is great because of your
petitions. deliverance,
6 you have given him honor and
Now I know that the LORD has
majesty.
delivered his anointed; 6
Indeed, you have given him eternal
he has answered him from his
blessings;
sanctuary
you will make him glad with the
with the strength of his right
joy of your presence.
hand of deliverance. 7
7 The king trusts in the LORD;
Some boasta in chariots,
because of the gracious love of
others in horses;
the Most High,
but we will boast inb the name
he will stand firm.a
of the LORD our God.
8 8
PSALMS
While they bowed down and fell, Your hand will find all your
we arose and stood upright. enemies, 21
9 your right hand will find those

Deliver us, LORD!
who hate you.
Answer us, our King,c on the day 9
When you appear,
we cry out! you will set them ablaze like a
fire furnace.
Psalm 21
Psalm 21 21
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm 21

In his wrath, the LORD will
consume them,
Praise for The LORD’s Deliverance and the fire will devour them.
1
The king rejoices in your strength, 10
You will destroy their descendantsb
LORD. from the earth,
How greatly he rejoices in your even their offspring from the
deliverance.
2 ranksc of mankind.
You have granted him the desire of 11
Though they plot evil against you
his heart,
and devise schemes,
and have not withheld what his
they will not succeed.
lips requested. Interlude
a 20:7 The MT lacks Some boast a 21:7 Lit. will not be shaken
b 20:7 Or remember b 21:10 Lit. his fruit
c 20:9 I.e. God c 21:10 Lit. children
479
12 7
Indeed, you will make them Everyone who sees me mocks me;
retreat,a 21 they gape at me with open
when you aim your bowb at their mouths
faces. and shake their heads at me.
8
13
Rise up, LORD, because you are They say,a “Commit yourself to the
strong; LORD;
we will sing and praise your perhaps the LORDb will deliver
power. him,
Psalm 22
perhaps he will cause him to

Psalm 22 escape,
To the Director: To the tune ofc “Doe since he delights in him.”
of the Dawn”.
9
A Davidic Psalm Yet, you are the one who took me
from the womb,
God Delivers His Suffering Servant
1 and kept me safe on my mother’s
My God! My God!
breasts.
Why have you abandoned me? 10
I was dependent on you from birth;
Why are you so far from delivering
from my mother’s womb you
me—
have been my God.
from my groaning words? 11
2 Do not be so distant from me,
My God, I cry out to you
PSALMS
for trouble is at hand;

throughout the day,
indeed, there is no deliverer.
but you do not answer;
12
and throughout the night, Many bulls have surrounded me;
but I have no rest.d the vicious bulls of Bashan have
3 encircled me.
You are holy, 13
Their mouths are opened wide
enthroned on the praises of
toward me,
Israel.
4 like roaring and attacking lions.
Our ancestors trusted in you;
14
they trusted and you delivered I am poured out like water;
them. all my bones are out of joint.
5
They cried out to you and escaped; My heart is like wax, melting
they trusted in you and were not within me.
15
put to shame. 22
My strength is dried up like broken
6 pottery;
But as for me, my tongue sticks to the roof of
I am only a worm and not a man,
my mouth,c
scorned by mankind and
and you have brought me
despised by people.
down to the dust of death.
a 21:12 Lit. will turn the shoulder

b 21:12 Lit. when your bow string is ready a 22:8 The MT lacks They say
c 22:T Lit. According to b 22:8 Lit. he
d 22:2 Lit. but there is no silence for me c 22:15 Lit. to my jaws
480
16
For dogs have surrounded me; I will pay my vows before those
a gang of evil-doers has encircled who fear you.d
me. 26
The afflicted shall eat and be
They gougeda my hands and satisfied;
myb feet. those who seek the LORD shall
17
I can count all my bones. praise him,
They look at me; “May youa live forever!”
they stare at me. 27
18 All the ends of the earth will
They divide my clothing among
remember and turn to the
themselves;
LORD;
they cast lots for my clothing!
all the families of the nations will
19
But as for you, LORD, do not be far bow in submission to the
away from me; LORD.
28
My Strength, come quickly to Indeed, the kingdom belongs to the
help me. LORD;
20
Deliver me from the sword; he rules over the nations.
29
my precious life from the power All the prosperous people will eat
of the dog. and bow down in
21
Deliver me from the mouth of the submission.
PSALMS
22
lion, All those who are about to go

from the horns of the wild oxen. down to the graveb
You have answered me. will bow down in submission,
along with the one who can no
22
I will declare your name to my longer keep himself alive.
brothers; 30
Ourc descendants will serve him,
in the midst of the congregation I and that generation will be told
will praise you, saying,c about the Lord.
23
“All who fear the LORD, praise him! They will come and declare his
All the seed of Jacob, glorify him! righteousness
All the seed of Israel, fear him! to a people yet to be born;
24
For he does not despise nor indeed, he has accomplished it!
detest the afflicted person; Psalm 23
he does not hide his face from him, Psalm 23

A Davidic Psalm
but he hears him when he cries
23
out to him.” The LORD Shepherds His People

1
25 The LORD is the one who is
My praise in the great congregation
shepherding me;
is because of you;
a 22:16 So LXX, Syr, DSS 5/6 HevPS, d 22:25 Lit. him

XHev/Se4; the MT reads Like a lion a 22:26 Lit. your heart
b 22:16 So MT; the LXX lacks my b 22:29 Lit. dust
c 22:22 The MT lacks saying c 22:30 The MT lacks our
481
3
I lack nothing. Who may ascend the mountain of
2
He causes me to lie down in the LORD?a
pastures of green grass; Who may stand in his holy place?
4
he guides me beside quiet waters. The one who has innocent hands
3
He revives my life; and a pure heart;
he leads me in pathways that are the person who does not delight
righteous in what is false
for the sake of his name.a and does not swear an oath
4
deceitfully.
Even when I walk through a valley 5
This personb will receive blessing
of deep darkness,b from the LORD
I will not be afraid and righteousness from the God
because you are with me. of his salvation.
Your rod and your staff—they 6
This is the generation that seeks
comfort me. him.
5
You prepare a table before me, Those who seek your face
even in the presence of my are the true seed ofc Jacob.
enemies; Interlude
You anoint my head with oil; 7
Lift up your heads,d gates!
23
my cup overflows.
PSALMS
6
Truly, goodness and gracious love Be lifted up, ancient doors,
will pursue me so the King of Glory may come
all the days of my life, in.
8
Who is the King of Glory?
and I will remain inc the
The LORD strong and mighty,
LORD’s temple forever.d
the LORD, mighty in battle.
9
Lift up your heads,e gates!
Psalm 24
Psalm 24
A Davidic Psalm Be lifted up, ancient doors,
so the King of Glory may come
A Song for the King of Glory
1 in.
The earth and everything in it 10
Who is he, this King of Glory?
exists for the LORD—
The LORD of the heavenly
the world and those who live in
armies—
it.
2 He is the King of Glory.
Indeed, he founded it upon the
seas, Interlude
he established it upon deep
waters.e
e 24:2 Lit. rivers; i.e. the subterranean waters
a 23:3 I.e. his reputation a 24:3 I.e. the temple mount
b 23:4 Or valley of the shadow of death b 24:5 Lit. he
c 23:6 The MT and DSS 5/6HevPs read will c 24:6 The MT lacks the true seed of
return to; the LXX reads and my residing will be d 24:7 I.e. Open
d 23:6 Lit. for the length of days e 24:9 I.e. Open
482
Psalm 25
9
Psalm 25 He will guide the humblea to
Davidica 25
justice;
he will teach the humbleb his
A Prayer for Help and Forgiveness
1 way.
I will lift up my soul to you, LORD. 10
2 All the paths of the LORD lead to
I trust in you, my God,
gracious love and truth
do not let me be ashamed;
for those who keep his covenant
do not let my enemies triumph
over me. and his decrees.c
3
Indeed, no one who waits on you 11
For the sake of your name,d LORD,
will be ashamed, forgive my sin, for it is great.
but those who offend for no 12
Who is the man who fears the
reason will be put to shame. LORD?
4
Cause me to understand your Gode will teach him the path he
ways, LORD; should choose.
teach me your paths. 13
Hef will experience good things;
5
Guide me in your truth and teach his descendants will inherit the
me; earth.
for you are the God who delivers
25
14
The intimate counsel of the LORD is
me.
PSALMS
for those who fear him
All day long I have waited for so they may know his covenant.
you. 15
My eyes look to the LORD
6
Remember, LORD, your tender continually,
mercies and your gracious because he’s the one who releases
love; my feet from the trap.g
indeed, they are eternal! 16
7 Turn toward me and have mercy
Do not remember my youthful sins
on me,
and transgressions;
for I am lonely and oppressed.
but remember me in light of your 17
The troubles of my heart have
gracious love,
increased;
in light of your goodness,
bring me out of my distress!
LORD. 18
Look upon my distress and
8
The LORD is good and just; affliction;
therefore he will teach sinners forgive all my sins.
concerning the way.
a 25:9 Or afflicted
b 25:9 Or afflicted
c 25:10 Or testimonies
d 25:11 I.e. reputation
a 25:T This acrostic psalm begins each verse e 25:12 Lit. He
with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew f 25:13 Lit. His soul
alphabet g 25:15 Lit. net
483
19 8
Look how many enemies I have LORD, I love the dwelling place
gained! 25 that is your house,
They hate me with a vicious the place where your glory
hatred. resides.
20
Preserve my life and deliver me; 9
Do not group mea with sinners,
do not let me be ashamed, nor include meb with men who
because I take refuge in you. shed blood.
21
Integrity and justice will preserve 10
Their hands are filled with wicked
me, schemes, 26
because I wait on you. and their right hands with bribes.

22
Redeem Israel, God, from all its 11
But as for me,
troubles. I walk in my integrity.
Psalm 26
Psalm 26 Redeem me and be gracious to

Davidic me!
12
My feet stand on level ground;
A Man of Integrity Pleads for Justice among the worshipping
1
Vindicate me, LORD, congregations
because I have walked in I will bless the LORD.
integrity; Psalm 27
Psalm 27
PSALMS
I have trusted in the LORD

without wavering. Davidic 27
2
Examine me, LORD, and inspect Confidence in the LORD
me! 1
The LORD is my light and my
Test my heart and mind.a salvation—
3
For your gracious love precedes whom will I fear?
me, The LORD is the strength of my life;
and I continually walk according of whom will I be afraid?
to your truth. 2
When evil doers, my enemies, and
4
I do not sit with those committed to my oppressors
what is false, come near me to devour my
nor do I travel with hypocrites. flesh,
5
I hate the company of evil doers, 26
they stumble and fall.
nor do I sit with the wicked. 3
If an army encamps against me,
6
I wash my hands innocently. my heart will not fear.
I go around your altar, LORD, If a war is launched against me,
7
so I may praise you loudly with I will even trust in that situation.
thanksgiving 4
I have asked one thing from the
and declare all your wondrous LORD; 27
acts.
a 26:9 Lit. my soul
a 26:2 Lit. kidneys; i.e. the center of emotions b 26:9 The MT lacks include me
484
12
it is what I really seek: Do not hand me over to the desires
that I may remain in the LORD’s of my enemies;
temple for false witnesses have risen up
all the days of my life, against me;
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD; even the one who breathes out
and to inquire in his temple. violence.
13
5 I believe that I will see the LORD‘s
For he will conceal me in his shelter
goodness
on the day of evil;
in the land of the living.
He will hide me in a secluded 14
Wait on the LORD.
chamber within his tent;
Be courageous, and he will
He will place me on a high
strengthen your heart.
rock.
6 Wait on the LORD!
Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies,
Psalm 28
Psalm 28
even those who surround me. Davidic
I will sacrifice in his tent with
A Prayer for Help
shouts of joy; 1
I will sing and make melodies to To you, LORD, I cry out! 28
the LORD. My Rock, do not refuse to answer

me.a
PSALMS
7
28
Hear my voice, LORD, when I cry If you remain silent,

out! I will become like those who
Be gracious to me and answer
descend into the Pit.b
me. 2
8 Hear the sound of my supplications
My mind recalls your word,a
when I cry to you for help,
“Seek my face,”
as I lift up my hands toward your
so your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 most holy sanctuary.
Do not hide your face from me;
3
do not turn away in anger from Do not drag me away with the
your servant. wicked,
You have been my help, with those who practice iniquity,
therefore do not abandon or who speak peace to their neighbors
forsake me, while harboring evil in their
God of my salvation. hearts.
10
Though my father and my mother 4
Reward them according to their
abandoned me, deeds;
the LORD gathers me up. according to the evil of their
11
Teach me your way, LORD, actions.
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
a 28:1 Lit. do not be silent to me
b 28:1 I.e. the place of punishment in the
a 27:8 The MT lacks your word afterlife
485
Reward them based on what they 3

The voice of the LORD was hearda
do;a 28 above the waters;
give them what they deserve. the God of glory thundered;
5
Because they do not understand the LORD was heardb over
the deeds of the LORD many waters.
or the work of his hands, 4
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
He will tear them down and the voice of the LORD is majestic.
never build them up. 5
The voice of the LORD snaps the
6
Blessed be the LORD! cedars;
For he has heard the sound of my the LORD snaps the cedars of
supplications. Lebanon.
6
7
The LORD is my strength and my He makes them stagger like a calf,
shield; even Lebanon and Serionc like a
my heart trusts in him, young wild ox. 30
and I received help. 7

The voice of the LORD shoots out
My heart rejoices, flashes of fire.
and I give thanks to him with my 8
The voice of the LORD shakes the
song. wilderness;
8
The LORD is the strength of his the voice of the LORD shakesd
PSALMS
people;b the wilderness of Kadesh.

9
he is a refuge of deliverance for The voice of the LORD causes deer
his anointed. to give birth,
9
Deliver your people and strips the forest bare.
and bless your inheritance! In his temple all of them shout,
Shepherd them “Glory!”
and lift them up forever! 10
The LORD sat enthroned over the
Psalm 29
Psalm 29 flood,
A Davidic Psalm and the LORD sits as king
forever.
Praise to the Majestic LORD 11
The LORD will give strength to his
1
Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly people;
beings; 29
the LORD will bless his people

ascribe to the LORD glory and with peace.
strength.
2
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due
his name;
worship the LORD wearing holy
attire.
a 29:3 The MT lacks heard
b 29:3 The MT lacks heard
a 28:4 Lit. them according to work of their hands c 29:6 I.e. Mount Hermon; Deut 3:9
b 28:8 Lit. of them d 29:8 Heb. lacks shakes
486
Psalm 30
9
Psalm 30 “What profit is there in my deatha
A Davidic Psalm for the dedication of if I go down to the Pit?b
the temple Can dust worship you?
Thanksgiving for Deliverance Can it proclaim your
1
I exalt you, LORD, faithfulness?”
10
for you have lifted me up, Hear me, LORD,
and my enemies could not and have mercy on me!
gloat over me. LORD, help me!
2
LORD, my God! 11
You have turned my mourning into
I cried out to you for help dancing;
and you healed me.
30
3
you took off my sackcloth
LORD, you brought me from and clothed me with a garment
death;a of joy,
you kept me alive so that I did 12
so that I may sing praise to you
not descend into the Pit.b and not remain silent.
4
You, his godly ones, LORD, my God,
sing to the LORD, I will give you thanks forever!
give thanks at the mention of
Psalm 31
Psalm 31
his holiness. To the Director: A Davidic Psalm
PSALMS
5
For his wrath is only momentary;
Prayer and Thanksgiving
yet his favor is for a lifetime. 1
In you, LORD, I have taken refuge.
Weeping may lodge for the night,
Let me never be ashamed.
but shouts of joy will come in the
Because you are righteous,
morning.
deliver me!
6
As for me, 2
Listen to me,
I said in my prosperity, and deliver me quickly.
“I shall never be moved.” Become a rock of safety for me,
7
By your favor, LORD, a fortified citadel to deliver me;
you established me as a strong 3
For you are my rock and my
mountain;
fortress;
Then you hid your face,
for the sake of your name guide
and I was dismayed.
me and lead me.
8
I cried out to you, LORD, 4
Rescue me from the net that they
and I make supplication to the concealed to trap me;
Lord: for you are my strength.
5
Into your hands I commit my spirit; 31
for you have redeemed me,

a 30:3 Heb. Sheol, a reference to the realm of
the dead a 30:9 Lit. my blood
b 30:3 I.e. the place of punishment in the b 30:9 I.e. the place of punishment in the
afterlife afterlife
487
15
LORD God of truth. My times are in your hands.
6 Deliver me from the hands of my
I despise those who trust vain idols; enemies
but I have trusted in the LORD.
7 and from those who pursue
I will rejoice and be glad in your
me.
gracious love, 16
May your face shine on your
for you see my affliction
servant;
and take note that my soul is
in your gracious love, deliver me.
distressed. 17
8 Let me not be ashamed, LORD,
You have not delivered me into the for I have called upon you.
hand of the enemy, Let the wicked be put to shame,
but you have set my feet in a let them be silent in the next life.a
sturdya place. 18
Let the lying lips be made still,
9
Be gracious to me, LORD, especially those who speak
for I am in distress. arrogantly
My eyes have been consumed by against the righteous with
my grief pride and contempt.
along with my soul and my body. 19
10 How great is your goodness
My life is consumed by sorrow,
that you have reserved for those
my years with groaning.
who fear you,
My strength has faltered because of
PSALMS
that you have set in place for those

my iniquity;b
who take refuge in you,
my bones have been consumed.
in the presence of the children of
11
I have become an object of men.
20
reproach to all my enemies, You will hide them in the secret
especially to my neighbors. place of your presence,
I have become an object of fear to away from the conspiracies of
my friends, men.
and whoever sees me outside You will hide them in your tent,
runs away from me. away from their contentious
12
Like a dead man, I am forgotten in tongues.
their thoughtsc— 21
like broken pottery. Blessed be the LORD!
13
I have heard the slander of many; In a marvelous way he
it is like terror all around me, demonstrated his gracious
as they conspire together and love to me,
plot to take my life. when I was in a city under
14
siege.
But I trust in you, LORD. 22
When I said in my panic,
I say, “You are my God.” “I have been cut off in your
sight,”
a 31:8 Lit. broad
b 31:10 So MT and DSS 5/6HevPs; the LXX
reads strength grew weak in poverty
c 31:12 Lit. hearts a 31:17 Lit. in Sheol; the realm of the dead
488
6
then you surely heard the voice of Therefore every godly person
my prayer should pray to you at such a
in my plea to you for help. time.a
23
Love the LORD, all his godly Surely a flood of great waters will
ones! 31 not reach him.
7
The LORD preserves the faithful You are my hiding place;
and repays those who act with you will deliver me from trouble
proud motives. and surround me with shouts
24
Be strong, of deliverance. Interlude
and let your heart be courageous, 8
I will instruct you and teach you
all you who put your hope in
32
concerning the path you should

the LORD.
Psalm 32
walk;
Psalm 32 I will direct you with my eye.
9
A Davidic instructiona Don’t be like a horse or mule,
without understanding.
The Blessings of Forgiveness They are held in check by a bit and
1
How blessed is the one whose bridle in their mouths;
transgression is forgiven, otherwise they will not remain
whose sin is covered. near you.
2
How blessed is the person against
PSALMS
10
whom the LORD does not The wicked have many sorrows,
charge iniquity, 32
but gracious love surrounds those
and in whose spirit there is no who trust in the LORD.
11
deceit. Righteous ones, be glad in the
LORD and rejoice!
3
When I kept silent about my sin,b Shout for joy, all of you who are
my bodyc wasted away upright in heart!
by my groaning all day long. Psalm 33
4 Psalm 33
For your hand was heavy upon me
day and night; Praise to the Creator and Deliverer
1
my strength was exhausted Rejoice in the LORD, righteous
as in a summer drought. ones;
Interlude for the praise of the upright is
5 beautiful.
My sin I acknowledged to you; 2
my iniquity I did not hide. With the lyre, give thanks to the
I said, “I will confess my LORD;
transgressions to the LORD.” with the ten stringed harp, play
And you forgave the guilt of my music to him; 33
3
sin! Interlude with a new song, sing to him;
with shouts of joy, play skillfully.
a 32:T Heb. maskil
b 32:3 The MT lacks about my sin
c 32:3 Lit. bones a 32:6 Lit. at a time of finding
489
4 15
For the word of the LORD is He formed the hearts of them all;
upright; he understands everything they
and all his works are done in do.
faithfulness. 16
5 A king is not saved by a large army;
He loves righteousness and justice;
a mighty soldier is not delivered
the world is filled with the
by his great strength.
gracious love of the LORD.
34
17
It is vain to trust in a horse for
6
By the word of the LORD the deliverance,
heavens were made; even with its great strength, it
all the heavenly bodiesa by the cannot deliver.
18
breath of his mouth. Indeed, the LORD watches those
7
He gathered the oceans into a who fear him;
single place; those who trust in his gracious
he put the deep water into love
19
storehouses. to deliver them from death;
8 to keep them alive in times of
Let all the world fear the LORD;
famine.
let all the inhabitants of the world
20
stand in awe of him; We wait on the LORD;
9
because he spoke and it came to be, he is our help and our shield.
PSALMS
21
because he commanded, it stood Indeed, our heart will rejoice in
firm. him,
10 because we have placed our trust
The LORD makes void the counsel
in his holy name.
of nations; 22
LORD, may your gracious love be
33
he frustrates the plans of peoples.

11 upon us,
But the LORD’s counsel stands firm
even as we hope in you.
forever, Psalm 34
the plans in his mind for all Psalm 34

generations. By David, when he pretended to be
12 insane before Abimelech, who drove
How blessed is the nation whose
him away. So Davida left.
God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen as his Learning about God’s Deliverance
1b
own inheritance. I will bless the LORD at all times;
13
When the LORD looks down from his praise will be in my mouth
heaven, continually.
2
he observes every human being. My soul will glorify the LORD;
14
From his dwelling place, the humble will hear about it
he looks down on all the and rejoice.
inhabitants of the earth.
a 34:T Lit. he
a 33:6 Lit. all their host b 34:1 This Psalm is an acrostic poem.
490
3
Magnify the LORD with me! 15
Theb LORD looks on the righteous,
Let us lift up his name together! and he listens to their cries.
16
4
I sought the LORD and he The face of the LORD is set against
answered me; those who do evil,
he delivered me from all of my and he will remove people’s
fears. recollection of them from the
5
Look to him and be radiant; earth.
17
and youa will not be ashamed. The LORD hears those who cry out,
6 and he delivers them from all
This poor man cried out, and the
their distress.
LORD heard 18
The LORD is close to the
and delivered him from all of his
brokenhearted,
distress.
34
7 and he delivers those whose

The angel of the LORD surrounds
spirit has been crushed.
those who fear him, 19
A righteous person will have many
and he delivers them.
troubles,
8
Taste and see that the LORD is but the LORD will deliver him
good! from them all.
How blessed is the person who 20 c
God protects all his bones;
PSALMS
trusts in him! not one of them will be broken.
9
Fear the LORD, you holy ones of 21
his; Evil will kill the wicked;
for those who fear him lack those who hate the righteous will
nothing. be held guilty.
22
10
Young lions lack and go hungry, The LORD redeems the lives of his
but those who seek the LORD will servants;
never lack any good thing. and none of those who trust in
him will be held guilty.
11
Come, children, listen to me, Psalm 35
and I will teach you the fear of Psalm 35

Davidic
the LORD.
12
Who among youa desires life, A Prayer for Deliverance
1
and wants long life in order to Argue my case,d LORD, 35
see good? against those who argue against

13
Then keep your tongue from doing me.
evil Fight against those who fight
and your lips from spreading lies. against me.
14
Avoid evil and do good!
Seek peace and pursue it!
b 34:15 Lit. The eyes of the

a 34:5 Lit. their faces c 34:20 Lit. He
a 34:12 Lit. Who is the person who d 35:1 The MT lacks my case
491
2 11
Take up the bucklera and the False witnesses stepped forward
shield, and questioned me concerning
and rise up to help me. things
3
Take out the spear and the ax to about which I knew nothing.
12
confront the one who They paid me back evil for good;
pursues me; my soul mourns.
13
say to me, “I am your deliverer!” But when they were sick,
4 I wore sack cloth, humbled
Let those who seek my life be
myself with fasting,
ashamed and disgraced;
and prayed from my heart
let those who plot evil against me
repeatedly for them.b
be driven back and 14
I paced about as for my friend or
confounded.
5 my brother,
Make them like the chaff before the
and fell down mourning as one
wind,
weeps for one’s mother.
as the messenger of the LORD
15
pushes them aside. But when I stumbled,
6
May their path be dark and they rejoiced and gathered
slippery, together.
as the messenger of the LORD They gathered together against
PSALMS
tracks them down. me—

7 attackers whom I did not know.
Without justification they laid a
They tore me apart and would
snare for me;
not stop.
without justification they dug a 16
pit to trap me. Malicious mockersc—
8
Let destruction come upon thema they gnashedd their teeth against
unawares, me.
and let the net that he hid catch 17
Lord, how long will you just
him; watch?
let him fall into destruction. Rescue me from their destruction,
9
My soul will rejoice in the LORD my precious life from these
and be glad in his deliverance. young lions.
10
All my bones will say, 18
Then I will give you thanks in front
“LORD, who is like you? of the great congregation;
Who delivers the weak from the in the midst of the mighty throng
one who is stronger than he, I will praise you.
and the weak and the needy
from the one who wants to b 35:13 The MT lacks for them
rob him?” c 35:16 So LXX; DSS 4QPsa reads They
mocked me viciously; the MT reads Mockers of
cake
a 35:1 I.e. a small shield d 35:16 So DSS 4QPsa and LXX; the MT
a 35:8 Lit. him reads gnashing
492
19
Do not let my deceitful enemies Let them continually say,
gloat over me, “Magnify the LORD, who delights
nor let those who hate me in giving peace toa his
without justification mock me servant.” 35
with their eyes. 28

My tongue will declare your
20
For they do not speak peace; righteousness
they devise clever lies against the and praise you all day long.
peaceful people of the land. Psalm 36
21
They open their mouth wide Psalm 36
To the Director: By the servant of the
against me,
LORD, David
35
claiming, “Yes! Yes! We saw him

doa it with our own eyes!” An Oracle from the LORD
1
22 An oracle that came to meb about
You see this, LORD,
the transgressions of the
so do not be silent.
wicked:
Lord, do not be far from me!
23
Wake up! Arouse yourself to There is no fear of God before his
vindicate me eyes.
2
and argue my case, my God and He flatters himselfc too muchd to
my Lord. discover his transgression
PSALMS
24
Judge me according to your and hate it.
3
righteousness, LORD my The words from his mouth are vain
God! and deceptive.
But do not let them gloat over He has abandoned behaving
me. wisely and doing good.
25 4
Don’t let them say in their hearts, He devises iniquity on his bed
“Yes! We got what we wanted.” and is determined to follow a
Don’t let them say, path that is not good.
“We have swallowed him up.” He does not resist evil.
26
Instead, let those who gloat over
Praise to the LORD
the evil directed against me 5
Your gracious love, LORD, reaches
be ashamed and confounded
to the heavens;
together;
your truthe extends to the skies.f
Let those who exalt themselves
over me
be clothed with shame and a 35:27 So MT; DSS 4QPsa and LXX read
dishonor.
27 LORD, you who delight in the welfare of
Let those who delight in my b 36:1 So MT and DSS 4QPsa; lit. oracle in the
vindication 35 midst of my heart; Syr and Origen read of his
shout for joy and rejoice! heart
c 36:2 Lit. himself in his own eyes
d 36:2 The MT lacks too much
e 36:5 Or faithfulness
a 35:21 The MT lacks him do f 36:5 Or clouds
493
6
Your righteousness is like the do not be jealous because of those
mountains of God; 36 who commit iniquity.
2
your justice is like the great Indeed, they soon will wither like
depths of the sea.a grass,
You deliver bothb people and and like green herbs they will
animals, LORD. fade away.
7
How precious is your gracious love, 3
Trust in the LORD and do good.
God! Dwell in the land and feed on
The children of men take refuge faithfulness.
in the shadow of your wings. 4
Delight yourself in the LORD,
8
They are refreshed from the and he will give you the desires
abundance of your house; of your heart.
You cause them to drink from the 5
Commit your way to the LORD;
river of your pleasures. Trust him, and he will act.
9
For with you is a fountain of life, 6
He will bring forth your
and in your light we will see righteousness as a light,
light. and your justice as the noonday
10
Send forth your gracious love to sun.b
those who know you, 7
Be silent in the the LORD’s
PSALMS
and your righteousness to those presence

who are upright in heart. and wait patiently for him.
11
Do not let the foot of the proud Don’t be angry because of the one
crush me; whose way prospers
and do not let the hand of the or the one who implements evil
wicked dissuade me. schemes.
12
There, those who do evil have
37
8
Calm your anger and abandon
fallen; wrath.
They have been thrown down, Don’t be angry—
and they cannot get up. it only leads to evil.
9
Those who do evil will perish.
Psalm 37
Psalm 37
Davidica But those who waitc on the LORD
will inherit the land.
Patiently Trust in God
10
1
Don’t be angry because of those Yet a little while longer,
who do evil, and the wicked will be no more.
You will search for his place,
but he will not be there.
11
The humble will inherit the land;
a 36:6 The MT lacks of the sea
b 36:6 The MT lacks both they will take in abundant peace.
a 37:T This acrostic psalm begins each verse
with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew b 37:6 The MT lacks sun
alphabet c 37:9 I.e. trust
494
12 21
The wicked person plots against the The wicked borrow but never pay
righteous, back;
and grinds his teeth at him. but the righteous are generous
13
But the Lord laughs at him and give.
because he sees that his day is 22
For those blessed by Godc will
coming! inherit the land,
14
The wicked take out a sword and but those cursed by him will be
bend the bow, cut off.
to bring down the humble and 23
A man’s steps are established by the
the poor LORD,
to slay those who are righteous and the LORDd delights in his
in conduct. way.
15
But their sword will pierce their 24
Though he stumbles,
own heart, he will not fall down flat,
and their bows will be broken! for the LORD will hold up his
16
Better is the little that the righteous hand.
have 25
I once was young and now I am
than the abundance of many old,
wicked people. but I have not seen a righteous
PSALMS
17
For the arms of the wicked will be person forsaken
broken, or his descendants begging for
but the LORD upholds the bread.
righteous. 26
Every day he is generous, lending
18
The LORD knows the day of the freely,
blameless, and his descendants are blessed.
and their inheritance will last 27
Depart from evil, and do good,
forever. and you will live in the lande
19
They will not experience shame in forever.
times of trouble; 28
Indeed, the LORD loves justice,
in times of famine they will have and he will not abandon his
plenty. godly ones.
20
Indeed, the wicked will perish. They are kept safe forever,
The LORD’s enemies will be but the lawless will be chased
consumed like flowersa in the away,f
fields.
They will vanish likeb smoke.
c 37:22 Lit. him
d 37:23 Lit. he
a 37:20 Lit. like glorious things e 37:27 The MT lacks in the land
b 37:20 So LXX and DSS 4QpPsa; the MT f 37:28 So LXX and DSS 4QpPsa; the MT
reads in lacks this line
495
38
and the descendants of the Sinners will be destroyed together;
wicked will be cut off. the future of the wicked will be
29 cut off.
The righteous will inherit the land, 39
But deliverance for the righteous
and they will dwell in it forever.
30 one comes from the LORD;
The mouth of the righteous one
he is their strength in times of
produces wisdom;
distress.
his tongue speaks justice. 40
31 The LORD helps and delivers them;
The instructiona of his God is in his
he will deliver them from the
heart;
wicked,
37
his steps will not slip.

and he will save them because
32
The wicked stalks the righteous they have sought refuge in
person, seeking to kill him, him.
33
but the LORD will not let him fall Psalm 38
Psalm 38
into his hands.
A Davidic Psalm: As a Reminder
He will not be condemned
when he is put on trial. The Outcast Cries Out
1
34
Wait on the LORD, LORD! Do not rebuke me in your
Keep faithful to his way, anger; 38
and he will exalt you to possess do not correct me in your wrath,

PSALMS
2
the land. because your arrows have sunk
You will see the wicked cut off. deep into me,
35 and your hand has come down
I once observed a wicked and hard on me.
oppressive person,
3
flourishing like a green tree in My body is unhealthy due to your
native soil. anger,
36
But then heb passed away;c and my bones have no rest due
in fact, he simply was not there. to my sin.
4
When I looked for him, My iniquities loom over my head;
he could not be found. like a cumbersome burden, they
37
are too heavy for me.
Observe the blameless!
5
Take note of the upright! My wounds have putrefied and
Indeed, the future of that man festered
is peace. because of my foolishness.
6
I am bent over and walk about
greatly bowed down;
a 37:31 Or law
all day long I go around
b 37:36 So MT; the LXX and and 4QpPsa mourning.
reads I
c 37:36 So MT; the LXX reads I passed by;
Syr, Hieronymus, DSS 4QpPsa read I passed by
in front of him
496
7 17
My insidesa are burning Indeed, I am being set up for a fall,
and my body is unhealthy. and I am continually reminded of
8
I am weak and utterly crushed; my pain.
18
I cry out in distress because of my I confess my iniquity, 38
heart’s anguish. and my sin troubles me.

9 19
Lord, all my longings are before But my enemies are alive and
you, well;a 38
and my groaning is not hidden those who hate meb for no reason
from you. are numerous.c
10
My heart pounds, 20
Theyd reward my good with evil,
my strength fails me, opposing me because I seek to do
even the gleam in my eye is good.e
gone.
21
11
As for my friends and my Don’t forsake me, LORD.
neighbors, My God, do not be so distant
they stand aloof from my distress; from me.
22
even my close relatives stand at Come quickly and help me,
a distance. Lord, my deliverer.
12
Those who seek my life lay snares Psalm 39
Psalm 39
PSALMS
for me; To the Director: To Jeduthun. A
those who seek to do me harm Davidic Psalm
brag all day long about their
wicked planning. A Prayer about Life’s Priorities
1
I told myself, “I will keep watch
13
I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, over my tongue to keep from
and like the mute, who cannot sinning. 39
open his mouth. I will muzzle my mouth when

14
Indeed, I have become like a man the wicked are around.”
who hears nothing, 2
I was as silent as a mute person;
and in whose mouth there is no I said nothing, not even
rebuke. something good,
15
Because I have placed my hope in and my distress deepened.
you, LORD,
you will answer, Lord, my God. a 38:19 So MT and LXX; DSS 4QPsa lacks
16
For I said, “Do not let them gloat this line
b 38:19 So MT and LXX; DSS 4QPsa reads
over me,
Those who are my enemies
as they congratulate themselves c 38:19 DSS 4QPsa reads numerous, and many
when my foot slips.” are those who hate me by deceiving me; cf. Ps
35:19; 69:5
d 38:20 So LXX and DSS 4QPsa; the MT
reads And they
e 38:20 So MT; DSS 4QPsa reads evil plunder
a 38:7 Lit. loins me instead of a good thing
497
3 11
My heart within me became You rebuke by chastening a man
incensed;a with the consequence of
as I thought about it, the fire iniquities;
burned. you destroy what is attractive to
him, as one would treat a
Then Ia spoke out: moth.
4
“LORD, let me know how my life Indeed, every person is a puff
ends,b of wind. Interlude
and the standard by which you 12
will measurec my days, Hear my prayer, LORD,
whatever it is! pay attention to my cry,
Then I will know how transient and do not ignore my tears.
my life is. I am an alien in your presence,
5
Look, you have made my life span a stranger just like my ancestors
fit in your hand; were.
13
It is nothing compared to yours. Stop looking at me with
Surely every person at their chastisement,d so I can smile
best is a puff of wind.Interlude again,
6
In fact, people walk around as before I depart and am no more.
shadows.
Psalm 40
Psalm 40
PSALMS
Surely, they busy themselves for To the Director: A Davidic Psalm

nothing,
heaping up possessions but not Prayer for Help and Praise to God
1
knowing who will get them. I waited expectantlye for the LORD,
7
How long, LORD, will I wait and he took notice of me
expectantly? and heard my cry.
2
I have placed my hope in you. He plucked me out of a pit of
8
Deliver me from all my confusion,f
transgressions, even out of the quicksand;
and do not let fools scorn me.” he placed my feet on a rock
9
and established my steps.
I remain silent; 3
He put a new song in my mouth,
I do not open my mouth, praise to our God!
for you are the one who acted Many will watch and be in awe,
10
Stop scourging me, and they will place their trust in
since I have been crushed by the LORD.
your heavy hand.
4
How blessed is that strong person
who places his trust in the LORD,
a 39:3 Lit. hot

a 39:3 Lit. Then my mouth d 39:13 The MT lacks with chastisement
b 39:4 Lit. my end e 40:1 Or eagerly
c 39:4 Lit. the measure of f 40:2 Or destruction
498
11
and who has not acknowledged LORD, do not withhold your
the proud mercyd from me,
nor resorted to lies. for your gracious love and
5
LORD, my God, truthfulness will keep me safe
You have done great things: continuously.
marvelous works and your 12
Innumerable evils have surrounded
thoughts toward us. me;
There is no one who compares to my iniquities have overtaken me
you! so that I cannot see.
I will try to recite your actions,a They are more in number than the
even though there are too hair on my head,
many to number. and my couragee has forsaken
6
You take no delight in sacrifices me.
and offerings— 13
Be pleased, LORD, to deliver me;
you have prepared my ears to LORD, hurry up and help me!
14
listen—b May those who seek to destroy my
you require no burnt offerings life be ashamed and
or sacrifices for sin. confounded;
7
Then I said, “Here I am! I have let them be driven backwards
PSALMS
come! 40 and humiliated,
In the scroll of the book it is particularly those who wish me
written about me. evil.
8 15
I delight to do your will, my God. Let shame be the reward for those
Your law is part of my inner who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
being.” 16
Let all who seek you shout for joy
9
In the great congregation I have and be glad in you.
proclaimed the righteous May those who love your
good news. deliverance say,
Behold, I did not seal my lips, “The LORD be magnified!”
LORD, as you know. continuously.
10 17
I have not ignoredc your But I am poor and needy; 40
righteousness in my heart; may the Lord think about me.

instead, I have proclaimed your You are my help and deliverer.
faithfulness and deliverance. My God, do not tarry too long!
I have not concealed your gracious
love and truthfulness
from the great congregation.
a 40:5 Lit. recite them

b 40:6 The MT lacks to listen d 40:11 Lit. mercies
c 40:10 Lit. not covered over e 40:12 Lit. heart
499
9
Psalm 41
Psalm 41 As for my best friend,

To the Director: A Davidic Psalm the one in whom I trusted,
the one who ate my bread,
When Things Go Wrong
41
1
Blessed is the one who is even he has insultedc me!
considerate of the destitute;a 41
10
But you, LORD, be gracious to me
the LORD will deliver him when and raise me up
the times are evil. so that I may pay them back!
2 11
The LORD will protect him and In this way I will know that you are
keep him alive; pleased with me,
he will be blessed in the land; and that my enemies will not
and he will not be handed over shout in triumph over me.
12
to the desires of his enemies. As for me, you will maintain my
3
The LORD will uphold him even on just cause,
his sickbed; and you will cause me to stand in
you will transform his bed of your presence forever.
illness into health. 13
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,
4
As for me, I said, from eternity to eternity.
“LORD, be gracious to me! Amen and amen!
Heal me, for I have sinned
PSALMS
against you!” BOOK II (Psalms 42-72)

5
As for my enemies, with malice Psalm 42
Psalm 42
they said,
“When will he die and memory To the Director: An instructiond of the
Sons of Korah
ofb his name perish?”
6
The one who comes to visit me Hope in God When Times of Trouble
speaks lies; Come
1
in his heart he thinks slanderous As an antelope pants for streams of
things about me water,
and goes around spreading so my soul pants for you, God.
2
them. My soul thirsts for God, for the
7
As for all who hate me, living God.
they whisper together against When may I come and appear in
me; God’s presence?
3
they desire to do me harm. My tears have been my food day
8 and night,
They say, “Wickedness is
while peoplea keep asking me all
entrenched in him.
day long,
Once he is brought low,
he will not rise again.”
c 41:9 Lit. has lifted up his heel against
a 41:1 Or poor d 42:T Heb. maskil
b 41:5 The MT lacks memory of a 42:3 The MT lacks people
500
10
“Where is your God?” Like the shattering of my bones are
4 the taunts of my oppressors,
These things I will recall as I pour
saying to me all day long,
out my troublesa within me:
“Where is your God?”
I used to go with the crowd in a
42
11
procession to the house of Why are you in despair, my soul?
God, Why are you disturbed within
accompanied with shouts of joy me?
and thanksgiving. Hope in God,
5 for I once again I will praise him,
Why are you in despair, my soul?
since his presence saves me
Why are you disturbed within
and he is my God.
me? Psalm 43
Hope in God, Psalm 43

for once again I will praise him,
God is my Hope during Times of
since his presence saves me.
6 Trouble
My God, my soul feels depressedb 1e
You be my judge,f God,
within me;
and plead my case against an
therefore I will remember you
unholy nation;
from the land of Jordan,
rescue me from the deceitful
from the heights of Hermon,
PSALMS
and unjust man.
even from the foothills.c 2
Since you are the God who
7
Deep waters call out to what is strengthens me,
deeper still;d 42
why have you forsaken me?

at the roar of your waterfalls Why do I go around mourning
all your breakers and your under the enemy’s
waves swirled over me. oppression?”
8
By day the LORD will command his 3
Send forth your light and your
gracious love, truth
and by night his song is with so they may guide me.
me— Let them bring me to your holy
a prayer to the God of my life. mountain and to your
9
I will ask God, my Rock, “Why dwelling places.a
have you forsaken me? 4
Then I will approach the altar of
Why do I go around mourning God,
under the enemy’s
43
even to God in whom my joy

oppression?”
finds its source.b
e 43:1 Some Heb. MSS constitute Psalms 42

a 42:4 Lit. soul and 43 as a single psalm.
b 42:6 Lit. soul is bowed down f 43:1 Lit. Judge me
c 42:6 Or Mt. Mizar a 43:3 Or tabernacles
d 42:7 Lit. Deep calls to deep b 43:4 Lit. God who is the gladness of my joy
501
5
Then I will praise you with the lyre, Through you we will knock down
God, my God, 43 our oppressors;
5 through your name we will tread
Why are you in despair, my soul?
down those who rise up
Why are you disturbed within
against us.
me?
6
Hope in God, For I place no confidence in my
because I will praise him once bow,
again, nor will my sword deliver me.
7
since his presence saves me For you delivered us from our
and he is my God. oppressors
Psalm 44
and put to shame those who hate

Psalm 44
us.
To the Director: An instructiona of the 8
We will praise God all day long;
Sons of Korah
and to your name we will give
A Prayer in Times of Defeat thanks forever. Interlude
1
God, we heard it with our ears; 9
However, you cast us off and made
44
our ancestors told us about what

us ashamed!
you did in their day—
You did not even march with our
a long time ago.
armies!
PSALMS
2
With your hand you expelled the 10
You made us retreat from our
nations
oppressors.
and established our ancestors.b Our enemies ransacked us.
You afflicted nations 11
You handed us over to be
and cast them out. slaughtered like sheep
3
It was not with their sword that and you scattered us among the
they inherited the land, nations.
nor did their own arm deliver 12
You sold out your people for
them. nothing,
But it was by your power,c your and made no profit at that price.
strength, 13
You made us a laughing stock to
and by the light of your face; our neighbors,
because you were pleased with a source of mockery and derision
them. to those around us.
14
4
You are my king, God, You made us an object lesson
commandd victoriese for Jacob. among the nations;
people shake their heads at us.a
a 44:T Heb. maskil
b 44:1 Lit. them
c 44:3 Lit. right hand
d 44:4 So MT and DSS 11QPsc; the LXX
reads truly my king and my God, who commands
e 44:4 Lit. deliverances a 44:14 The MT lacks at us
502
15 25
My dishonor torturesa me For wee have collapsed in the dust; 44
continuously;b our bodies cling to the ground.

26
the shame on my face Arise! Deliver us!
overwhelmsc me Redeem us according to your
16
because of the voice of the one who gracious love!
mocks and reviles, Psalm 45
Psalm 45
because of the enemy and the
To the Director: An instructionf by the
avenger. Sons of Korah. A love song to the tune
17
All this came upon us, ofg “Lilies”
yet we did not forsake you,
A Royal Wedding Song
and we have not dealt falsely 1
My heart is overflowing with good
with your covenant; news;
18
Our hearts have not turned away;
45
I speak what I have composed to

our steps have not swerved from the king;
your path.
19 my tongue is like the pen of an
Nevertheless, you crushed us in the articulate scribe.
lair of jackals,
2
and covered us in deep You are the most handsome of
darkness.d Adam’s descendants;
PSALMS
20
grace has anointed your lips;
If we had forgotten the name of our therefore God has blessed you
God forever.
or lifted our hands to a foreign 3
Strap your sword to your side,
god, mighty warrior, along with your
21
wouldn’t God find out honor and majesty.
since he knows the secrets of the 4
In your majesty ride forth for the
heart? cause of truth, humility, and
22
For your sake we are being killed righteousness;
all day long. and your strong right hand will
We are thought of as sheep to be teach you awesome things.
slaughtered. 5
Your arrows are sharpened
23
Wake up! Why are you asleep, to penetrate the hearts of the
Lord? 44
king’s enemies.
Get up! Don’t cast us off forever! People will fall under you.
24
Why are you hiding your face? 6
Your throne, God, exists forever
Why are you ignoring our and ever,
affliction and oppression? and the scepter of your kingdom
is a righteous scepter.
a 44:15 Lit. dishonor remains before
b 44:15 Lit. all the day e 44:25 Lit. our souls
c 44:15 Lit. covers f 45:T Heb. maskil
d 44:19 Or in the shadow of death g 45:T The MT lacks the tune of
503
7
You love justice and hate Her virgin companions who follow
wickedness. her train
That is why God, even your God, will be presented to you.
15
has anointed you Filled with joy and gladness, they
rather than your companions are presented
with the oil of gladness. when they enter the king’s
8
All your clothes are scented witha palace.
myrrh, aloes, and cassia. 45 16
Your sons will take the place of
From ivory palaces stringed your ancestors,
instruments have made you and you will set them up as
glad. princes in all the earth.
9
The king’s daughters are among 17
From generation to generation,
your honorable women; 46
I will cause your name to be

the queen, dressed in gold from remembered.
Ophir, has taken her place at Therefore people will thank
your right hand.” you forever and ever.
10
Listen, daughter! Consider and pay Psalm 46
Psalm 46
attention. To the Director: A song by the Sons of
Forget your people and your Korah,
PSALMS
father's house, to the tune ofa “The Maidens”

11
and the king will greatly desire
your beauty. God is the Refuge of His People
1
Because he is your lord, you God is our refuge and strength,
should bow in respect before a great help in times of distress.
2
him. Therefore we will not be frightened
12
The daughterb of Tyre will come when the earth roars,
withc a wedding gift; when the mountains shake in the
wealthy people will entreat your depths of the seas,
3
favor. when its waters roar and rage,
13 when the mountains tremble
In her chamber,d the king's
daughter is glorious; despite their pride.b Interlude
her clothing is embroidered with 4
Look! There is a river
gold thread. whose streams make the city of
14
In embroidered garments God rejoice,
she is presented to the king. even the holy place of the Most
High.
5
Since God is in her midst,
she will not be shaken.
a 45:8 The MT lacks are scented with
b 45:12 I.e. The people
c 45:12 The MT lacks will come with a 46:T Lit. according to
d 45:13 The MT lacks her chamber b 46:3 Or tumult
504
3
God will help her He subdued peoples under us, 47
at the break of dawn. and nations under our feet.

6 4
The nations roared; 46 He chose our inheritance for us, 48
the kingdoms were shaken. even the pride of Jacob whom he

His voice boomed; loved. Interlude
the earth melts. 5
7 God has ascended on high with a
The LORD of the heavenly armies is
shout,
with us;
the LORD has ascendedb with the
our refuge is the God of Jacob.
blast of a trumpet.
Interlude 6
Sing songs to God!
8
Come, observe the mighty works of Sing songs!
the LORD, Sing songs to our King!
who causes desolation in the Sing songs!
earth. 7
9 Indeed, God is king over all the
He causes wars to cease all overa
earth;
the earth,
sing a song of praise.
he causes the bow to break, the 8
God is king over the nations;
spear to snap,
God is seated on his holy throne.
the chariots to ignite and burn.
PSALMS
9
10 The nobles among the nations
Be in awe and know that I am God.
have joined the people of the
I will be exalted among the
God of Abraham.
nations.
For the shields of the earth belong
I will be exalted throughout the
to God;
earth.
he is greatly exalted.
11
The LORD of the heavenly armies is Psalm 47
Psalm 48
with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. A song: Lyricsa by the Sons of Korah
Interlude Zion, City of God
1
Psalm 47
Great is the LORD!

Psalm 47
To the Director: A song by the Sons of
For he is to be praised greatly,
Korah even in the city of our God,
his holy mountain.
The Ruler Over the Nations 2
Beautifully situated,
1
Clap your hands, all you peoples! 47
the joy of all the earth,

Shout to God with a loud cry of Mount Zion towards the north,b
joy! the city of the great King.
2
For the LORD, the Most High, is to
be feared,
a great king over all the earth.
b 47:5 The MT lacks has ascended
a 48:T Or A song: A song
a 46:9 Lit. cease to the end of b 48:2 Or on the northern side
505
3 14
Within her citadels For this God is our God forever and
God is known as a place of ever.
refuge. He will guide us until death.
4
Psalm 49
Behold, when the kings assembled Psalm 49

together,48 To the Director: A song by the Sons of
when they traveled together, Korah
5
they looked and were awestruck; The Destiny of the Wicked and the
they became afraid and ran away. Upright
6
Trembling seized them there, 1
Listen to this, all you people!
pains like those of a woman in
49
Pay attention, all you who live in

labor, the world,
7
as when an east wind 2
both average people and those of
destroyed the ships of
means,a
Tarshish.
8 the rich and the poor together.
Just as we have heard, 3
My mouth will speak wisely,
so have we seen;
and I will understand what I
in the city of the LORD of the
think about.
heavenly armies— 4
I will focus my attention onb a
even in the city of our God—
proverb;
PSALMS
God will establish her forever.

I will use the harp to expound
Interlude
my riddle.
9 5
God, we have meditated on your Why should I be afraid when evil
gracious love days come my way,
in the midst of your temple. when the wickedness of those
10
God, according to your name, who deceive me surrounds
so is your praise to the ends of me—
6
the earth. those who put confidence in their
Your right hand is filled with wealth
righteousness. and boast about their great
11
Mount Zion will be glad; riches?
7
the townsa of Judah will rejoice No man can redeem the life of
because of your judgments. another,c
12 nor can he give to God a
March around Zion;
sufficient payment for him—
encircle her; 8
for it would cost too much to
count her towers.
13 redeem his life,
Take note of her ramparts;
investigate her citadels;
that you may speak about them
to the next generation. a 49:2 Lit. both sons of Adam and sons of men
b 49:4 Lit. will incline my ear to
a 48:11 Lit. daughters c 49:7 Lit. of a brother
506
15
and the payments would go on God will truly redeem me from the
forever— powera of Sheol.b
9
that he should go on living He will surely receive me! 49
and not see corruption. Interlude

10
Indeed, he will see wise people die; 16
Don't be afraid when someone gets
the stupid and the senseless will rich,
meet their doom when the glory of his household
and leave their wealth to increases.
others. 17
When he dies, he will not be able to
11
Their inner thoughts are ona their take it all with himc—
homes forever; his possessionsd will not follow
their dwellings from generation him to the grave,e
to generation. 18
although he considers himself
They even name their lands blessed while he’s alive.
after themselves.
12
But humanity cannot last, despite Though people praise you for
its conceit;b doing well,
19
it shall pass away just like the you will end up like yourf
animals.c ancestors’ generation,
PSALMS
13
This is the fate of those who are never again to see the light of
foolish day!
and of those who correct their 20
Humanity, despite its conceit, does
words after they speak. not understand
Interlude that it will perish, just like the
14
Like sheep, they are destined for animals.
the realm of the dead,d
Psalm 50
Psalm 50
with death as their shepherd. A song of Asaph
The upright will have dominion
The Acceptable Sacrifice
over them in the morning; 1
God, the LORD,g has spoken.
their strength will be consumed
He has summoned the earth
in the afterlife,e
from the rising of the sun to its
so that they have no home.
setting place.
a 49:11 So MT, DSS 4QPsc, and 4QPsj; the

LXX reads Their graves are
b 49:12 So MT; DSS 4QPsc, Syr, and LXX a 49:15 Lit. hand
read Humans, held in honor, had no understanding; b 49:15 I.e. the realm of the dead
c 49:12 So MT; the LXX reads they resembled c 49:17 The MT lacks with him
senseless animals, and became like them; DSS d 49:17 Or glory
4QPsc reads they are like animals that perish e 49:17 The MT lacks to the grave
d 49:14 Lit. for Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead f 49:19 Lit. his
e 49:14 Lit. in Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead g 50:1 Or The mighty God
507
2
From Zion, the perfection of indeed, everything that moves in
beauty, the field is mine.
12
God has shined forth. “If I were hungry, I would not tell
3
Our God has appeared and he has you;
not been silent; for the world is mine along with
a devouring fire blazed before everything in it.
13
him, Why should I eat the flesh of oxen
and a mighty storm swirled or drink the blood of goats?
14
around him. Offer to God a thanksgiving praise;
4
He summoned the heavens above pay your vows to the Most High.
15
and the earth below,a Call on me in the day of distress;
to sit in judgment on his I will deliver you, and you will
people. glorify me.”
5 16
“Assemble before me, my saints, As for the wicked, God says,
who have entered into my “How dare you recite my statutes
covenant by sacrifice.” or speak about my covenant with
6
The heavens revealed his justice, your lips!
17
for God is himself the judge. You hate instruction
Interlude and toss my words behind you.
PSALMS
18
7 When you see a thief, you befriend
“Listen, my people,
him,
for I am making a
and you keep company with
pronouncement:
adulterers.
Israel, I, God, your God, am 19
You give your mouth free reign for
testifying against you.
8 evil,
I do not rebuke you because of
and your tongue devises deceit.
your sacrifices; 20
You sit and speak against your
indeed, your burnt offerings are
brother;
continually before me.
9
you slander your own mother’s
I will no longer accept a sacrificialb son.
bull from your household; 21
These things you did, and I kept
nor goats from your pens. silent,
10
Indeed, every animal of the forest is because you assumed that I was
mine, like you.
even the cattle on a thousand But now I am going to rebuke you,
hills. and I will set forth my case before
11
I know all the birds in the your very own eyes.”
mountains;
22
Consider this, you who have
forgotten God—
a 50:4 The MT lacks below Otherwise, I will tear you in
b 50:9 The MT lacks sacrificial pieces
and there will be no deliverer: 50
508
23 7
Whoever offers a sacrifice of Purge me with hyssop,
thanksgiving glorifies me, and I will be clean.
and I will reveal the salvation of Wash me,
God and I will be whiter than snow.
to whomever continues in my 8
Let me knowb joy and gladness;
way.”a let the bones that you have
Psalm 51
broken rejoice.
Psalm 51 9
Hide your countenance from my
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
When the prophet Nathan came to
sins
him, after he had gone in to and erase the record of my
Bathsheba. iniquities.
10
A Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon God, create a pure heart in me,
1
Have mercy, God, according to and renew a right attitude within
your gracious love, 51
me.
11
according to your unlimited Do not cast me from your presence; 51
compassion, do not take your Holy Spirit from

erase my transgressions. me.
12
2
Wash me from my iniquity, Restore to me the joy of your
cleanse me from my sin. salvation,
PSALMS
3
For I acknowledge my and let a willing attitude control
transgression; me.
13
my sin remains continually before Then I will teach transgressors
me. about your ways,
4
and sinners will turn to you.
Against you, you only, have I
14
sinned, Deliver me from the guilt of
and done what was evil in your shedding blood,c
sight. God, God of my salvation.
As a result, you are just in your Then my tongue will sing about
pronouncement your righteousness.
15
and clear in your judgment. Lord, open my lips,
5 and my mouth will declare your
Indeed, in iniquity I was brought
praise.
forth;
16
in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you do not delight in
6
Indeed, you are pleased with truth sacrifices,
in the inner person, or I would give them,
and you will teach me wisdom in nor do you desire burnt
mya innermost parts. offerings.
a 50:23 Lit. sets a way b 51:8 Lit. hear

a 51:6 The MT lacks my c 51:14 Lit. from bloods
509
17 5
True sacrifice to Goda is a broken But God will tear you down
spirit.51
forever;
A broken and chastened heart, he will take you away,
God, even snatching you out of your
you will not despise. tent!
18 He will uproot you from the land of
Show favor to Zion in your good
the living. Interlude
pleasure;
6
and rebuild the walls of The righteous will fear when they
Jerusalem. see this,
19
Then you will be pleased with right but then they will laugh at him,
sacrifices, saying,
7
with burnt offerings, and with “Look, here is a young man who
whole burnt offerings. refused to make God his
Then they will offer bulls on strength;
your altar. instead, he trusted in his great
Psalm 52
wealth
Psalm 52 and made his wickedness his
To the Director: A Davidic
strength.
about Doeg, the Edomite, when he
went to Saul and said to him, “David 8
But I am like a green olive tree in
PSALMS
went to the house of Abimelech.” the house of God;

I trust in the gracious love of God
A Rebuke to the Deceitful
1
Why do you make evil forever and ever.
9
the foundation of your boasting, Therefore I will praise you forever
because of what you did;
mighty one?c
I will proclaim that your name is
God’s gracious love never
good
ceases.d
in the midst of your faithful ones.
2
Your tongue, like a sharp razor, Psalm 53
Psalm 53
devises wicked things
To the Director: Upon machalat.a A
and crafts treachery.
3
You love evil rather than good, Davidic instruction.b
falsehood rather than speaking The Fool and God’s Response
uprightly. 52 Interlude 1
Fools say to themselves “There is
4
You love all words that destroy, no God.”
you deceitful tongue! They are corrupt and commit
iniquity;
not one of them practices what
is good.
a 51:17 Lit. The sacrifice of God
b 52:T Heb. maskil
c 52:1 Or O warrior a 53:T A Heb. musical term
d 52:1 Lit. love is all the day b 53:T Heb. maskil
510
2
Psalm 42
God looks down from the heavens Psalm 54

upon humanitya To the Director: With stringed
to see if anyone shows instruments. A Davidic instruction,d
discernment as he searches when the Ziphites came and told Saul,
for God. “David is hiding among us, is he not?”
3
All of themb have fallen away; A Prayer in Times of Trouble
together they have become 1
God, by your name deliver me,
corrupt; and by your power vindicate me.
no one does what is good, not 2
God, listen to my prayer,
even one. and pay attention to the words of
4
Will those who do evil ever learn? my mouth.
3
They devour my people like they For the arrogant have arisen against
devour bread, me;
oppressors have sought to take
54
and never call on God.

5 my life.
There the Israelitesc were seized
with terror, They do not keep God in mind!e
when there was nothing to fear. Interlude
For God scattered the bones of 4
Look, God is my helper;
those who laid siege against the Lord is with those who are
PSALMS
youa— guarding my life.
5
you put them to shame,b He will turn the evil upon those
for God rejected them. who lie in wait for me.
6 Cut them off with your truth.
Would that Israel’s deliverance
6
come out of Zion! With a free will offering I will
When God restores the fortunes sacrifice to you;
of his people, I will give thanks to your name,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will LORD,
be glad.c because it is good,
7
for he has delivered me from every
trouble,
and my eyes have seen the end
off my enemies. 54
a 53:2 Lit. upon the sons of Adam

b 53:3 So MT; DSS 4QPsa lacks of them
c 53:5 Lit. they
a 53:5 So MT and DSS 4QPsa; the LXX reads
of men pleasers
b 53:5 So MT and DSS 4QPsa; the LXX reads d 54:T Heb. maskil
they were put to shame e 54:3 Lit. before them
c 53:6 Cf. Ps 14:1-7 f 54:7 The MT lacks the end of
511
10
Psalm 55
Psalm 55 Day and night they prowl around

To the Director: With stringed its walls;
instruments. evil and iniquity are within it.
11
A Davidic instruction.a Wickedness is at the center of it;
fraud and lies never leave its
Betrayal by a Friend
1 streets.
Pay attention to my prayer, God,
12
and do not hide yourself from my For it is not an enemy who insults
appeal. me—
2
Pay attention to me and answer I could have handled that—
me. nor is it someone who hates me
I moan and groan in my and who now arises against
thoughts, 55
me—
3
because of the voice of the enemy, I could have hidden myself from
and because of the oppression of him—
13
the wicked. but it is you—
They bring down evil upon me, a man whom I treated as my
and in anger they hate me. equal—
4 my personal confidant,
My heart is trembling within me,
my close friend!
and the terrors of death have
PSALMS
14
assaulted me. We had good fellowship together;
5
Fear and trembling have and we even walked together in
overwhelmed me, the house of God!
and horror has covered me. 15
Let death seize them!
6
I said, “O, who will give me the May they be plunged alive into
wings of a dove, the afterlife,a
so that I could fly away and live for wicked things are in their
somewhere else? homes
7
Look, I want to flee far away; and among them.
I want to settle down in the 16
I call upon God,
wilderness. Interlude
and the LORD will deliver me.
8 17
I want to deliver myself quickly Morning, noon, and night,
from this windstorm and I mulled over these things
tempest.” and cried out in my distress,
9 and he heard my voice.
Confound them, Lord, 18
He calmly ransomed my soul from
and confuse their speech,
the war waged against me,
because I have seen violence
for there was a vast crowd who
and strife in the city. stood against me.
a 55:15 Lit. into Sheol; a reference to the realm

a 55:T Heb. maskil of the dead
512
19
God, who is enthroned from long because men have harassed me.
ago, Those who oppress me have
will hear me and humble them. fought against me all day
Interlude long.
Because they do not repent, 2
Those who watch me all day have
they do not fear God. harassed me,
20
Each of my friendsa raises his hand for there are many who fight
against his allies; against me out of conceit.
each of my friendsb breaks his 3
On days when I am afraid,
word.c I put my trust in you.
21
His mouth is as smooth as butter, 4
In God, whose word I praise,
while war is in his heart. in God I put my trust.
His words were as smooth as olive I will not fear what mortal
oil,
mand can do to me.
while his sword is drawn.
5
22
Cast on the LORD whatever he All day long peoplee distort what I
sends your way, say;
and he will sustain you. all their schemes against me are
He will never allow the for evil purposes.
6
They gather together
PSALMS
righteous to be shaken.
23
and hide in ambush. 56
But you, God, bring them down to They watch my every step
the Pit of corruption;a as they lie in wait for my life.
bloodthirsty and deceitful people 7
Cast them away because of their
will not live out half their wickedness.
days.
In wrath, God, cast down thesef
But I put my full confidence in
people!
you.
8
Psalm 56
You have kept count of my

Psalm 56
wanderings.
To the Director: A special Davidic
Put my tears in your bottle—
psalmb to the tune ofc “A Silent Dove
have not you recorded them in
Far Away,” when the Philistines
seized him in Gath. your book?
9
A Prayer about Trust in God My enemies will retreat when I call
1
Have mercy on me, God, 56
on you.g
This has been my experience,
a 55:20 Lit. Each one because God is with me.
b 55:20 Lit. Each one
c 55:20 Lit. covenant
a 55:23 I.e. the place of punishment in the d 56:4 Lit. what flesh
afterlife e 56:5 Lit. they
b 56:T Heb. miktam f 56:7 The MT lacks these
c 56:T Lit. David according to g 56:9 The MT lacks on you
513
10
In God, whose word I praise, from those who harass and
in the LORD, whose word I despise me. Interlude
praise, 56 God will send his gracious love
11
in God I will put my trust. and truth.
I will not fear what mortal man 4
I ame surrounded by lions.
can do to me.
I lie down with those who burn
12
God, I have taken vows before with fire—
you;a that is, with people whose teeth are
therefore I will offer thanksgiving like spears and arrows—
sacrifices to you. whose tongues are like sharp
13
For you have delivered meb from swords.
death 5
Be exalted above the heavens, God!
and my feet from stumbling, May your glory cover the earth!
so that I may walk before God
57
6
in the light of the living! They have set a snare for my feet,
Psalm 57
which makes mef depressed.

Psalm 57
They dug a pit in front of me,
To the Director: A special Davidic
but they are the ones who fell
psalma to the tune ofb “Do Not
into it! Interlude
Destroy,” when he fled from Saul into
PSALMS
a cave. 7
My heart is committed, God,
A Prayer for Deliverance my heart is committed,
1
Have mercy on me, God, have so I will sing and play music.
8
mercy, Wake up, my soul,g
for in you Ic have placed my wake up, lyre and harp!
trust. I will awaken at dawn.
9
Even in the shadow of your wings I will exalt you among the peoples,
will I find my refuge until this Lord.
calamity passes. I will play music among the
nations.
2
I call upon the God Most High; 10
For your gracious love is great,
to the God who completes what extending even to the heavens,
he begand in me. and your truth even to the
3
He will send help from heaven to skies.
deliver me 11
Be exalted above the heavens, God!
May your glory cover the earth! 57
a 56:12 Lit. your vows are upon me

b 56:13 Or my soul
a 57:T Heb. miktam
b 57:T Lit. David according to e 57:4 Or My soul is
c 57:1 Or my soul f 57:6 Lit. my soul
d 57:2 The MT lacks what he began g 57:8 Lit. glory
514
Psalm 58
Psalm 58 whether green or ablaze—

To the Director: A special Davidic wrath will sweep them away
psalma to the tune ofb “Do Not like a storm. 58
Destroy” 10
The righteous person will rejoice
A Prayer for Justice when he sees yourb
1
How is it that by remaining silent vengeance;
you can speak righteously? 58
when he washes his feet in the
How can you judge people fairly? blood of the wicked.
2
As a matter of fact, in your heart 11
A person will say,
you plan iniquities! “Certainly, the righteous are
In the land your hands are rewarded;
violent! certainly there is a God who
3
The wicked go astray from the judges the earth.”
womb;
Psalm 59
Psalm 59
they go astray, telling lies even To the Director: A special Davidic
from birth. psalmc to the tune ofd “Do Not
4
Their venom is like a poisonous Destroy,” when Saul sent men to
snake; watch the house in order to kill him.
even like a deaf serpent that
PSALMS
A Prayer for Deliverance and Justice
shuts its ears, 1
5 Save me from my enemies, my
refusing to hear the voice of the
God!
snake charmer,
Keep me safe from those who rise
the cunning enchanter.
up against me.
6 2
God, shatter their teeth in their Save me from evildoers;
mouths; deliver me from bloodthirsty
LORD, break the fangs of the men.
3
young lions! Look, they lie in ambush for my
7
May they flow away like rain water life;
that runs off, these violent men gather together
may they become like someone against me,
who shoots broken arrows. but not because of any
8
May they be like a snail that dries transgression or sin of mine,
up as it crawls; LORD. 59
4
like a woman’s stillborn baby, Without any fault on my part,
who never saw the sun. they rush together and prepare
9
Before your clay pots are placed on themselves.
a fire of burninga thorns— Get up!
a 58:T Heb. miktam b 58:10 The MT lacks your

b 58:T Lit. David according to c 59:T Heb. miktam
a 58:8 The MT lacks a fire of burning d 59:T Lit. David according to
515
Come help me! and they will know to the ends of

Pay attention! the earth
5 that God rules over Jacob.c
You, LORD God of the Heavenly
Interlude
Armies, God of Israel,
14
stir yourself up to punish all the At night they return like howling
nations. 59 dogs;
Show no mercy to those wicked they prowl around the city.
15
transgressors. Interlude They scavenge for food.
6 If they find nothing,
At night they return like howling they become hungry and
dogs;
growl.
59
they prowl around the city.

7 16
Look what pours out of their But I will sing of your power
mouths! and in the morning I will shout
They use their lips like swords, for joy about your gracious
sayinga “Who will hear us?” love.
8
For you have been a fortress for
But you, LORD, will laugh at them; me;
you will mock all the nations. and a refuge when I am
9
My Strength, I will watch for you, distressed.d
for God is my fortress.
PSALMS
17
10
My Strength, I will sing praises to
My God of Gracious Love will meet you,
me; for you, God of Gracious Love,
God will enable me to see what are my fortress.
happensb to my enemies.
60
Psalm 60
11 Psalm 60
Don’t kill them! To the Director: A special Davidic
Otherwise, my people may
psalm to the tune ofe “Lily of The
forget. Covenant,” for teaching about his
By your power make them stumble battle with Aram-naharaim and Aram-
around; zobah, when Joab returned and
bring them down low, attacked 12,000 Edomites in the Salt
Lord, our Shield. Valley.f
12
The sin of their mouth is the word A Prayer for God’s Help Against
on their lips. Adversaries
They will be caught in their own 1
God, you have cast us off;
conceit; you have breached our defenses
for they speak curses and lies.
13
Go ahead and destroy them in
anger!
c 59:13 Or know that God rules over Jacob to the
Wipe them out,
ends of the earth
d 59:16 Lit. refuge in the day of my distress
a 59:7 The MT lacks saying e 60:T Lit. David according to
b 59:10 The MT lacks what happens f 60:T I.e. Dead Sea region
516
and you have become enraged. Didn’t you refuse, God, to

Return to us! accompany our armies? 60
2
You made the earth quake; 11
Help us in our distress,
you broke it open.
for human help is worthless.
Repair its fractures, 12
Through God we will fightc
because it has shifted.
3 valiantly;
You made your people go through
and it is he who will crush our
hard times;
you had us drink wine that enemies.d
makes us stagger.
Psalm 61
Psalm 61
4
But you have given a banner to To the Director: A compositione by
those who fear you, David for stringed instruments
so they may display it in honor of A Prayer for God’s Protection
truth.a Interlude 1
God, hear my cry; 61
5
So your loved ones may be pay attention to my prayer.
delivered, 2
From the end of the earth I will cry
save us by your powerb to you
and answer us quickly! whenever my heart is
6 overwhelmed.
Then God spoke in his holiness,
PSALMS
Place me on the rock that’s too
“I will rejoice— high for me.
3
I will divide Shechem; For you have been a refuge for me,
I will portion out the Succoth a tower of strength before the
Valley. enemy.
7 4
Gilead belongs to me, Let me make my home in your
and Manasseh is mine. tabernacle forever;
Ephraim is my helmet, let me hide under the shelter of
and Judah my scepter. your wings. Interlude
8
Moab is my wash basin; 5
For you, God, have heard my
over Edom I will throw my shoes;
promises;
over Philistia I will celebrate my
triumph.” you have assigned to mef the
heritage of those who fear
60
9
Who will lead me to the fortified your name.
city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
10
Aren’t you the one, God, who has
cast us off?
c 60:12 Lit. will do
d 60:12 vv.5-12 is the same as Psalm 108:6-
13.
a 60:4 Or display it because of the archer e 61:T The MT lacks A composition
b 60:5 Lit. right hand f 61:5 The MT lacks to me
517
6 6
Add day after day to the king’s life; He alone is my rock, my
may his years continuea for many deliverance, and my high
generations. tower;
7
May he be enthroned before God nothing will shake me.
forever; 7
I rely on God who is my
Appoint youra gracious love and deliverance and my glory;
truth to guard him. he is my strong rock,
8
So I will sing songs to your name and my refuge is in God.
8
forever; People, in every situation put your
trust in God;c
I will fulfill my promises day by
pour out your heart before him;
day.
Psalm 62
for God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62 Interlude
To the Director: According to 9
Jeduthun’s style. A Davidic Psalm.
Human beingsd are a mere vapor,
while people in high positionse
A Psalm of Trust in God are not what they appear.
1
My soul rests quietly only when it When they are placed on the
looksb to God; scales,
from him comes my deliverance. they weigh nothing;
PSALMS
2
He alone is my rock, my even when weighed together,
deliverance, and my high they are less than nothing.
tower; 10
Don't trust in oppression
nothing will shake me. or put false hope in stealing;
3
How long will you rage against if you become wealthy,
someone? do not set your heart on it.
Would you attack him 11
God spoke once,
as if he were a leaning wall or a but I heard it twice,
tottering fence? “Power belongs to God.”
4
They plan to cast him down from 12
Also to you, Lord, belongs gracious
his exalted position. love,
They delight in lies; because you reward each person
their mouth utters blessings, according to what he does.
while their heart is cursing. Psalm 63
Interlude Psalm 63
A Davidic Psalm, while he was in the
5
My soul, be quiet before God, Judean wilderness.
for from him comes my hope.
Joyful Trust in God
1
God, you are my God!
a 61:6 The MT lacks continue c 62:8 Lit. in him

a 61:7 The MT lacks your d 62:9 Lit. sons of Adam
b 62:1 The MT lacks when it looks e 62:9 Lit. sons of man
518
I will fervently seek you. because the mouths of liars will

My soul thirsts for you; be silenced.
my flesh longs for you in a dry, Psalm 64
Psalm 64
weary, and parched land.
2 To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
So I have looked for you in the
sanctuary, A Prayer for Protection
1
to behold your power and glory. Hear, God, as I express my concern;
3
Because your gracious love is better protect med from fear of the
than life itself, enemy.
2
my lips shall praise you. Hide me from the secret plots of
4
So I will bless you as long as I live; the wicked,
I will lift up my hands in your from the mob of evildoers,
3
name. who sharpen their tongues like
5 swords,
Just as I am satisfied with the
and aim their bitter words like
choicest of foods,a
arrows,
so my lips will praise you 4
shooting at the innocent from
joyfully.
6 concealment.
When I think of you in bed,
I will meditate on you in the Suddenly they shoot, fearing
PSALMS
night watches. nothing.
7 5
For you have been my strength, They concoct an evil scheme for
and in the shadow of your wings themselves;
I will shout for joy. they enumerate their hidden
8 snares;
My soul clings to you,
they say, “Who will see them?”e
even as your right hand supports 6
They devise wicked schemes,
me.
saying,
9
But as for those seek to destroy me, “We have completed our plans,
they will go down to the depths hiding them deep in our
of the earth; 64
hearts.”
10
May they be given over to the 7
But God shot an arrow at them,
power ofb the sword;
and they were wounded
may they become carrion for
immediately.
jackals. 8
They tripped over their own
11
But as for the king, tongues,
he will rejoice in God. and everyone who was watching
Indeed, everyone who swears by ran away.
Godc will exult,
c 63:11 Lit. him
a 63:5 Lit. with marrow and fatness d 64:1 Lit. my life
b 63:10 The MT lacks to the power of e 64:5 Lit. see him; or see it
519
9 6
Everyone was gripped with fear The One who established the
and acknowledged God’s deeds, mountains by his strength
understanding what he had is clothed with omnipotence.
7
done. 64 He calmed the roar of seas,
10
The righteous rejoiced in the LORD, the roaring of the waves,
because they had fled to him for and the turmoil of the peoples.
refuge. 8
Those living at the furthest ends of
64
Let all the upright in heart

the earthd are seized by fear
exult.
Psalm 65
because of your miraculous
Psalm 65 deeds.
To the Director: A song. Lyricsa by You make the going forth of the
David. morning and the evening
shout for joy.
A Song of Praise to God 9
1 You take care of the earth,
In Zion, God, praise silently awaits
you water it,
you,
and you enrich it greatly with
and vows will be paid to you.
2 the river of God that
Since you hear prayer,
overflows with water.
everybody will come to you.
3 You provide grain for them,
My acts of iniquity—they
65
PSALMS
for you have ordained it this way.

overwhelm me! 10
You fill the furrows of the field
Our transgressions—you blot
with water
them out!
so that their ridges overflow.
4
How blessed is the one you choose, You soften them with rain showers;
the one you cause to live in your their sprouts you have blessed.
courts. 11
You crown the year with your
We will be satisfied with the goodness;
goodness of your house, your footsteps drop prosperity
yes, even with the holiness of behind them.
your temple. 12
The wilderness pastures drip with
5
With awesome deeds of justiceb dew,e
you will answer us, God our and the hills wrap themselves
Deliverer; with joy.
13
you arec the confidence for The meadows are clothed with
everyone at the ends of the flocks of sheep,
earth, and the valleys are covered with
even for those far away overseas. grain.
a 65:T Lit. A song. A song

b 65:5 Or righteousness d 65:8 The MT lacks of the earth
c 65:5 The MT lacks you are e 65:12 The MT lacks with dew
520
They shout for joy; 11

You have led us into a trapc
yes, they burst out in song! and set burdens on our backs.
12
Psalm 66
Psalm 66 You caused men to ride over us.d

To the Director: A song. A Psalm. You brought us through fire and
water,
A Song of Praise but you led us to abundance.
1
Shout praise to God all the earth! 13
2
Sing praise about the glory of his I will come to your house with
name.a burnt offerings.
Make his praise glorious. I will fulfill my vows to you
14
3
Say to God: “How awesome are that my lips uttered and that my
your works! mouth spoke
Because of your great strength when I was in trouble.
15
your enemies cringe before I will offer to you burnt offerings of
you.” fat,
4
The whole earth worships you. along with the smoke of the
They sing praise to you. sacrifice of rams.
They sing praise to your name. I will offer bulls along with
Interlude goats. Interlude
16
Come and listen, all of you who
PSALMS
5
Come and see the awesome works
of God fear God,
on behalf of human beings: and I will tell you what he did for
6
He turned the sea into dry land. me.
17
I called aloud to him
Israelb crossed the river on foot;
and praised him with my tongue.
let us rejoice in him. 18
7 Were I to cherish iniquity in my
He rules by his power forever,
heart,
his eyes watching over the
the Lord would not listen to me.
nations. 19
Surely God has heard,
Do not the rebellious exalt
themselves. Interlude and he paid attention to mye
prayers.
8
Bless our God, people, 20
Blessed be God, who did not turn
and let the sound of his praise be away my prayers 66
heard. nor his gracious love from me.

9
He gives us life
and does not permit our feet to
slip.
10
For you, God, tested us,
to purify us like fine silver.
a 66:2 I.e. reputation; and so throughout the c 66:11 Or net

Psalms d 66:12 Lit. over our head
b 66:6 Lit. He e 66:19 Lit. to the voice of my
521
2
Psalm 67
Psalm 67 As smoke is driven away, so you

To the Director of music: drive them away.
Accompanied by stringed instruments. As wax melts in the presence of
A Psalm. A song. fire,
A Call to Thanksgiving so the wicked die in the
1
May God show us favor and bless presence of God.
3
us; But the righteous rejoice and exult
may he truly show us his favor.a before God;
Interlude they are overwhelmed with joy.
4
2
Let your ways be known by all the Sing to God!
nations of the earth, Sing praise to his name!
along with your deliverance. Exalt the one who rides on the
3
Let the people thank you, God. clouds.
Let all the people thank you. The LORD is his name.
4
Let the nations rejoice and sing for Be jubilant in his presence.
5
joy, A father to orphans and an
because you judge people with advocate for widows
fairness is God in his holy dwelling place.
6
and you govern the people of God causes the lonely to dwell in
PSALMS
the earth. Interlude families.d

5
He leads prisoners into
Let the people thank you, God; prosperity,
let all the people thank you. but rebels live on parched land.
6
May the earth yield its produce. 7
May God, our God, bless us. God, when you led out your
7
May God truly bless us people,
so that all the peoplesb of the when you marched through the
earth will fear him. desert, Interlude
8
Psalm 68
the land quaked.
Psalm 68 Indeed, the heavens poured down
To the Director of music: A Psalm. A rain
song. from the presence of God,
A Song of Praise to God this God of Sinai,
1
God arises, from the presence of God,
and his enemies are scattered. the God of Israel.
9
Those who hate him flee from God, you poured out abundant rain
his presence.c on your inheritance.
When Israele was weary, you
sustained her.
a 67:1 Lit. he cause his face to shine on us
b 67:7 Lit. ends d 68:6 Lit. in a house
c 68:1 Lit. face e 68:9 Lit. it
522
10
Your peoplea lives there; so the LORD God may live
you sustain the needyb with your there.d
19
goodness, God. Blessed be the Lord who daily
11 carries us.
The Lord issues a command.
God is our deliverer.
Numerous are the women who
20
announce the news: God is for us the God of our
12
“Kings of armies retreat and flee, deliverance.
while the lady of the house The Lord GOD rescues us from
divides the spoil. death.
13 21
When you men lie down among God surely strikes the heads of his
the sheepfolds, enemies,
you are likec the wings of the even the hairy heads of those
dove covered with silver, who continue in their guilt.
22
with its feathers in glittering The Lord says, “From Bashan I will
gold.” bring them,
14
I will bring them from the depths
When the Almighty scattered the of the sea,
kings there, 23
that your feet may wade
there was snow on Mt. Zalmon. through blood.
PSALMS
15
The mountain of God is as the The tongues of your dogs shall
mountain of Bashan; have their portions
a mountain of many peaks is from your enemies.”
Mount Bashan. 24
They have observed your
16
You mountains of many peaks, processions, God,
why do you watch with envy the processions of my God,
the mountain in which God has my king, in the sanctuary.
25
chosen to dwell? The singers are in front,
Indeed, the LORD will live there the musicians follow,
forever. strumming their stringed
17
God’s chariots were many instruments
thousands. among the maidens who are
The Lord was there with them at playing their tambourines.
Sinai in holiness. 26
Bless God in the great
18
You ascended to the heights, congregation,
you took captives. the LORD who is the fountain of
You received gifts among mankind, Israel.
even the rebellious, 27
Little Benjamin is there, leading
them,
a 68:10 Or tribe
b 68:10 Or afflicted
c 68:13 The MT lacks you are like d 68:18 The MT lacks there
523
Psalm 69
and the princes of Judah all Psalm 69

together28 To the Director: To the tune ofb “The
with the princes of Zebulun Lilies”. Davidic
and the princes of Naphtali.
When God Seems Distant
28 1
Summon the power of your God, Deliver me, God,
the power, God, that you have because the waters are up to my
shown us. neck.c
29
Because of your temple in 2
I am sinking in deep mire,
Jerusalem, and there is no solid ground.d
kings bring tribute to you. I have come into deep water,
30
Rebuke the wildlife that lives and the flood overwhelms me.
among the reeds, 3
I am exhausted from calling for
the nations that congregate like help.
bulls and cows, My throat is parched.
humbling themselves with pieces of My eyes are strained from
silver, looking for God.
for Goda scatters the nations that 4
delight in battle. Those who hate me without cause
31
Envoys will come from Egypt. are more than the hairs of my
head.
PSALMS
Let the Ethiopians stretch out

their hands to God. My persecutors are mighty,
and they want to destroy me.
32
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to Must I be forced to return what
God! I did not steal?
Sing praises to the Lord, Interlude 5
God, you know my sins,
33
to the one who rides the heavens, and my guilt is not hidden from
the ancient heavens. you.
Behold! He thunders with a 6
Do not let those who look up to
mighty voice. you be ashamed
34
Ascribe power to God, whose glory because of me,
is over Israel, Lord God of the Heavenly
whose power is in the skies. Armies.
35
You are awesome, God, from your Let not those who seek you be
sanctuaries. humiliated
The God of Israel is the one because of me,
who gives strength and power God of Israel.
to the people. 7
I am being mocked because of you.
Blessed be God! 68
Dishonor overwhelms me.
b 69:T Lit. According to

c 69:1 Lit. soul
a 68:30 Lit. he d 69:2 Or foothold
524
8 19
I am a stranger to my brothers, Truly you know my reproach,
a foreigner to my mother’s sons. shame, and disgrace.
9
Zeal for your house consumes me, All my enemies are known tob
and the mockeries of those who you.
insult you fall on me. 20
Insults broke my heart.
10
I weep and fast, I despaired and looked for
and I am mocked for it. sympathy,
11
When I dressed in sackcloth, but there was none,
I became an object of gossip for comforters, but I found none.
21
among them. They put poison in my food,
12
The prominent people mock me, in my thirst they forced me to
composing drinking songs. drink vinegar.
22
Seeking God for Deliverance May their diningc tables entrap
13
As for me, LORD, may my prayer to them,
you come at a favorable time. and become a snare for their
God, in the abundance of your allies.
gracious love, May their eyes be blinded
answer me with your sure and may their bodies tremble
deliverance. continually.
PSALMS
24
14
Rescue me from the mud May you pour out your fury on
and do not let me sink. them.
Rescue me from those who hate May your burning anger overtake
me, them.
25
and from the deep waters. May their camp become desolate
15
Let neither the floodwaters and their tents remain
overwhelm me unoccupied.
26
nor let the deep swallow me up, For they persecute those whom you
nor the mouth of the well close have struck,
over me. and they brag about the pain of
those you have wounded.
16
Answer me, LORD, for your 27
gracious love is good; May you punish them for their
Turn to me in keeping with your crimes;
great compassion, may they receive no verdict of
17
anda do not ignore your servant, innocencea from you.
28
because I am in distress. May they be erased from the Book
Hurry to answer me! of Life,
18
Draw near and redeem me;
ransom me because of my
enemies. b 69:19 Lit. are before
c 69:22 The MT lacks dining
a 69:17 So MT; DSS 4QPsa lacks and a 69:27 Lit. no righteousness
525
2
and their names not be written May those who seek to kill me be
with the righteous. publicly humiliated.
29 May those who take pleasure in
As for me, I am afflicted and
my harm
hurting;
be turned back in humiliation.
may your deliverance, God, 3
May those who say “Aha! Aha!”
establish me on high.
30 be turned back because of their
Let me praise the name of God
with a song shameful deeds.b
that I may magnify him with 4
Let those who seek you greatly
thanksgiving. rejoice in you.
31
That will please the LORD Let those who love your
more than oxen and bulls with deliverance say,
horns and hooves. “May God be continually
32
The afflicted will watch and rejoice. exalted.”
5
As for me, I am poor and needy.
69
May you who seek God take

courage. God, come quickly to me.
33
For the LORD listens to the needy You are my helper and my
and doesn’t despise those in deliverer.
bondage. LORD, please do not delay.
PSALMS
34
Let the heavens and earth praise
Psalm 71
Psalm 71
him,
along with the sea and its A Prayer for Deliverance
1
In you, LORD, I take refuge;
swarming creatures.a
35 let me never be humiliated.
For God will deliver Zion 2
and will rebuild the cities of Rescue and deliver me,a because
Judah you are righteous.
so they may live there and Turn your ear to me and save me.
3
possess them. Be my sheltering refuge where I
36
The descendants of his servants will may go continually;
inherit it, command my deliverance
and those who cherish his name for you are my rock and
will live there. fortress.
4
Psalm 70
My God, deliver me from the

Psalm 70
To the Music director. Davidic. As a power of the wicked
memorial. and the grasp of ruthless
evildoers.
A Call for Help
1
God, come to my rescue.
LORD, hurry to help me. b 70:3 The MT lacks deeds
a 71:2 So LXX and DSS 4QPsa; the MT reads
In your righteousness you are delivering me and
a 69:33 The MT lacks creatures rescuing me
526
5
For you are my hope, Lord GOD, 15
Id will declare your righteousness
my security since I was young. and your salvation every day,
6
I depended on you since birth,a though I do not fully understand
when you brought meb from my what the outcome will be.e
16
mother’s womb; Lord GOD, I will come in the power
I praise you continually. off your mighty acts,
7
I have become an example to many remembering your
that you are my strong refuge. righteousness—yours alone. 71
8
My mouth is filled with your praise 17
God, you taught me from my
and your splendor daily. youth,
9
Don’t throw me away when I am so I am still declaring your
old; awesome deeds.
do not abandon me when my 18
Also, when I reach old age and
strength fails.
have gray hair,
10
For my enemies talk against me; God, do not forsake me,
those who seek to kill me plot until I have declared your power
together to this generation
11
and say, “God has abandoned him. and your might to the next one.
Run after him and seize him, 19
Your many righteous deeds,a God,
PSALMS
because there’s no deliverer.” are great,
12
God, do not be distant from me. 20
God, who can compare to you,
My God, come quickly to help who caused me to experience
me. many distresses and evil?
13
Let my adversaries be ashamed and You will return to revive me
consumed;c and lift me up from the depths of
let those who seek my the earth.
destruction 21
You will increase my honor
be covered with scorn and and comfort me once again.
disgrace. 22
I also will praise you with the harp;
14
As for me, I will hope continually because of your faithfulness, my
and will praise you more and God,
more. I will praise you with the lyre—
Holy One of Israel.
23
My lips will shout for joy when I
sing praise to you,
a 71:6 Lit. you from the womb whose life you have redeemed.
b 71:6 So MT; the LXX reads birth, it was you
a
who sheltered me; DSS 4QPs reads birth, you are
my protector d 71:14 Lit. My mouth
c 71:13 So MT; the LXX reads and let them e 71:15 Lit. understand the sum
a
expire; DSS 4QPs reads and let them be f 71:16 The MT lacks the power of
consumed a 71:19 Lit. righteous deeds as far as the height
527
24 9
Moreover, my tongue will speak all May the nomads bow down
day about your justice; before him,
for those who seek my and his enemies lick the dust.
10
destruction will be utterly May the kings of Tarshish and of
humiliated. 71
distant shores bring gifts,
Psalm 72
and may the kings of Sheba and
Psalm 72 Seba offer tribute.
Solomonic 11
May all kings bow down to him,
A Prayer for the King and all nations serve him.
1
God, endow the king with ability to 12
For he will deliver the needy when
rendera your justice, they cry out for help,
and the king’s son to render your and the poor when there is no
right decisions. deliverer.
2
May he rule your people with right 13
He will have compassion on the
decisions poor and the needy,
and your oppressed ones with and he will save the lives of the
justice. needy.
3
May the mountains bring 14
He will redeem thema from
prosperity to the people oppression and violence,
and the hills bring righteousness. since their lives areb precious in
PSALMS
4
May he defend the afflicted of the his sight.
people
and deliver the children of the Prayer for the King
15
poor, May he live long and be given gold
but crush the oppressor. from Sheba,
5
and may prayer be offered for
May they fear you as long as the him continually,
sun and moon shineb— and may he be blessed every
from generation to generation. day.
6
May he be like the rain that 16
May grain be abundant in the land
descends on mown grass, all the wayc to the mountain
like showers sprinkling on the tops;
ground. may its fruits flourish
7
The righteous will flourish at the like the forests of Lebanon,
proper time and may the cities sprout
and peace will prevail until the like the grass of the earth.
moon is no more.
8
May he rule from sea to sea,
from the Euphrates Riverc to the
ends of the earth.
a 72:1 The MT lacks to render a 72:14 Lit. redeem their souls

b 72:5 The MT lacks shine b 72:14 Lit. their blood is
c 72:8 The MT lacks Euphrates c 72:16 The MT lacks all the way
528
6
Praising the God of Israel Therefore pride is their necklace
17
May his famee be eternal— and violence covers them like a
as long as the sun garment. 73
may his name endure 7

Their eyes bulge from obesity
and may they be blessed through and the imaginations of their
him mind cross the border into
and may all nations call him
sin.b
blessed.
73
8
18 In their mockery they speak evil;
Blessed be the LORD God, the God
from their arrogant position they
of Israel,
speak oppression.
who alone does awesome deeds. 9
19 They choose to speakc against
And blessed be his glorious name
heaven;
forever,
while they talk about things on
and may the whole earth be filled
earth.
with his glory. 10
Amen and amen! Therefore God’sa people return
there
73
20
This ends the prayers of Jesse’s son and drink it all in like water until
David. they’re satiated.
11
Then they say,
PSALMS
BOOK III (Psalms 73-89) “How can God know?
Does the Most High have
Psalm 73
Psalm 73
A song of Asaph knowledge?”
12
A Plea for Deliverance Just look as these wicked people!
1 God is indeed good to Israel, They’re perpetually carefree
to those pure in heart. as they increase their wealth.
13
2
I kept my heart pure for nothing
Now as for me, my feet nearly and kept my hands clean from
stumbled, guilt.
as I almost lost my step. 14
For I suffer all day long
3
For I was envious of the proud and I am punished every
when I observed the prosperity of morning.
the wicked. 15
4
For there is no struggle at their If I say, “I will talk like this,”
deaths, I would betray a generation of
and their bodies are healthy. your children.
16
5
They do not experience problems When I tried to understand this,
common to ordinary people; it was too difficult for me
they aren’t afflicted as othersa
are. a73:5 Lit. human beings
b73:7 The MT lacks into sin
c 73:9 Lit. They set their mouth
e 72:17 Lit. name a 73:10 Lit. his
529
17 28
until I entered the sanctuaries of As for me, how good for me it is
God. that God is near!
Then I understood their destiny. I have made the Lord GOD my
18
You have certainly set them in refuge
slippery places; so I can tell about all your
you will make them fall to their deeds.
ruin. Psalm 74
Psalm 74
19
How desolate they quickly become, A Maskil of Asaph
completely destroyed by
A Plea for Deliverance
calamities. 1
20 Why, God? Have you rejected us
Like a dream when one awakens,
forever?
Lord,
Your anger is burning against the
you will despise their image
sheep of your pasture.
when you arise.
21 2
When I chose to be bitter Remember your community,
I was emotionally pained. whom you purchased long ago,
22
Then, I was too stupid the tribe whom you redeemed
and didn’t realize I was acting for your possession.
likea a wild animal with you. Remembera Mount Zion,
PSALMS
23 where you live.

But now I am always with you, 3
Hurry! Look at the
for you keep holding my right
permanent ruins—
hand. 73
24
You will guide me with your wise every calamity the enemy
advice, brought upon the holy place.
and later you will receive me 4
Those who are opposing you roar
with honor.
where we were meeting with
25
Whom do I have in heaven but you;
you? they unfurl their war banners
I desire nothing on this bearth. as signs.
5
26
My body and mind may fail, As one blazes a trail
but God is my strengthc and my through a forest with an ax,
6
portion forever. now they’re tearing down all its
27
carved work
Those far from you will perish; with hatchets and hammers.
you will destroy those who are 7
They burned your sanctuary
unfaithful to you. to the ground,
desecrate your dwelling place.
8
They say to themselves,
a 73:22 The MT lacks acting like “We’ll crush them completely;”
b 73:25 The MT lacks this
c 73:26 Lit. is the rock of my heart a 74:2 The MT lacks Remember
530
They burned down all the you made summer and winter.
meeting places of God in the 18
Remember this: The enemy scorns
land.
the LORD
9
We see no signs for us; and a foolish people despises
there is no longer a prophet, your name.
19
and no one among us knows Don’t hand over the life of your
the future.a dove to beasts;
10
God, how long will the adversary do not continually forget your
scorn afflicted ones.
while the enemy despises your 20
Pay attention to your covenant,
name endlessly? for the dark regions of the earth
11
Why do you not withdraw your are full of violence.
hand— 21
Don’t let the oppressed return in
your right hand—from your humiliation.
bosom The poor and needy will praise
and destroy them?b your name.
12
But God is my king from ancient 22
Get up, God, and prosecute your
times, case—
who brings acts of deliverance
PSALMS
remember that you’re being
throughout the earth. scorned
13
You split the sea by your own
74
by fools all day long.

power. 23
Don’t ignore the shout of those
You shattered the heads of sea opposing you,
monsters in the water. The uproar of those who rebel
14
You crushed the heads of against you continuously.
Leviathan. Psalm 75
You set it as food for desert Psalm 75

creatures.c To the Director: To the tune ofa “Do
15
You opened both the spring and not Destroy!”
the river; A psalm of Asaph. A song.
you dried up flowing rivers. Praise to God for Justice
16
Yours is the day, and yours is the 1
We praise you, God!
night; We praise youb—your presencec
you established the moon and the draws near—
sun. as we declare your wonderful
17
You set all the boundaries of the deeds.
earth;
a 74:9 Lit. knows when a 75:T The MT lacks the tune of

b 74:11 The MT lacks them b 75:1 The MT lacks you
c 74:14 Or people c 75:1 Lit. name
531
2
Psalm 76
“At the time that I choose Psalm 76

I will judge the righteous.a To the Director: With stringed
3
While the earth and all its instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A
inhabitants melt away, song.
it is I who keeps its pillars firm.” The Awesome God
Interlude 1
God is known in Judah;
4
I will say to the proud, “Don’t in Israel his reputation is great.
2
brag,” His abode is in Salem,c
and to the wicked, his dwelling place in Zion.
3
“Don’t vaunt your strength.b There he shattered sharp arrows,
5
Don’t use your strength to fight shields, swords, and weapons ofd
heavenc war. Interlude
or speak from stubborn 4
You are enveloped by light;
arrogance.d more majestic than mountains
6
For exaltation comes not from the filled with game.
5
east, Brave men were plundered
the west, or the wilderness, while they slumbered in their
7
since God is the judge. sleep.
This one he will debase or that All the men of the army were
PSALMS
one he will exalt. immobilized.

8 6
For there is a cup in the hand of the At the sound of your battle cry,
LORD, God of Jacob,
foaming with well-mixed wine both horse and chariot rider fell
that he will pour out, leaving only into deep sleep.
7
the dregs, You are awesome!
from which all the wicked of the who can stand in your presence
earth shall drink. when you’re angry?
8
9 From heaven you declared
But as for me, I will declare forever,
judgment.
singing praise to the God of
The earth stands in awe and is
Jacob.
10 quiet
I will cut down the strengtha of the 9
when God arose to execute justice
wicked,
and to deliver all the afflicted of
but the strengthb of the righteous
the earth. Interlude
will be lifted up. 10
Even human anger praises you;
75
you will wear the survivors of

a 75:2 Or judge righteously your wrath as an ornament.e
b 75:4 Lit. “Don’t lift up your horn”
c 75:5 Lit. Don’t lift your horns to the height
d75:5 Lit. speak with a stiff neck c 76:2 I.e. Jerusalem
a 75:10 Lit. horn d 76:3 The MT lacks weapons of
b 75:10 Lit. horn e 76:10 The MT lacks as an ornament
532
11 8
Let everyone who surrounds the Has his gracious love ceased
LORD your God forever?
make a vow and fulfill it to the Will his promise be unfulfilled in
Awesome One.a future generations?
9
12
He will humble the arrogantb Has God forgotten to be gracious?
commanders-in-chief,c 76
Has he in anger withheld his
instilling fear among the kings of compassion? Interlude
the earth. 10
So I say: “It causes me pain
that the right hand of the Most
Psalm 77
Psalm 77
To the director: To Jeduthun. A psalm High has changed.”
of Asaph. 11
I will remember the LORD’S deeds;
Remembering God in Times of indeed, I will remember your
Trouble awesome deeds from long
1
I cry out to God! ago.
I cry out to God and he hears me. 12
As I meditate on all your works,
2
When I was in distress, I sought the I will consider your awesome
Lord; deeds.
my hands were raised at night
13
and they did not grow weary. God, your way is holy.
PSALMS
I refused to be comforted. What god is like our great God?
14
3
I remember God, and I groan; God, you are the one performing
I meditate, while my spirit grows awesome deeds.
faint. Interlude You reveal your might among the
4 nations.
You kept my eyes open; 15
You deliveredb your people—
I was troubled and couldn’t
the descendants of Jacob and
speak.
5 Joseph—
I thought of ancient times,
with your power. Interlude
considering years long past.
6 16
During the night I remembered my The waters saw you, God;
song. the waters saw you and writhed.
I meditate in my heart, Indeed, the depths of the sea
and my spirit ponders. quaked.
17
7 The clouds poured rain;
Will the Lord reject mea forever the skies rumbled.
and not show favor again? Indeed, your lightning bolts
flashed.c
a 76:11 Or to the one whom they fear
b 76:12 Lit. the spirit of
c 76:12 Lit. Nagidim; i.e. senior officers
entrusted with dual roles of operational
oversight and administrative authority b 77:15 Or redeemed
a 77:7 The MT lacks me c 77:17 Lit. your fierce arrows traveled
533
18
Your thunderous sound was in a and established the Law in Israel,
whirlwind; that he commanded our ancestors
your lightning lights up the to reveal to their children
6
world; in order that the next generation—
the earth becomes agitated and children yet to be born—
quakes. will know them and
19 in turn teach them to their
Your way was through the sea,
children.
and your path through mighty 7
Then they will put their trust in
waters,
God
but your footprints cannot be
and they will not forget his
traced.a
20 awesome deeds.
You have led your people like a
Instead, they will keep his
flock
commandments.
by the hands of Moses and 8
They will not be like the rebellious
Aaron.
generation of their ancestors,
77
a rebellious generation,
Psalm 78
Psalm 78
A Maskil of Asaph whose heart was not steadfast,
and whose spirits were unfaithful
Remembering God in Times of
to God.
PSALMS
Trouble 9
1 The Ephraimites were sharp
Listen, my people, to my
shooters with the bow,
instruction.
but they retreated in the day of
Heara the words of my mouth.
2
battle.
I will tellb a parable, 10
They did not keep God’s covenant,
speaking riddles from long ago— and refused to live by his Law.
3
things that we have heard and 11
They have forgotten what he has
known done,
and that our ancestors related to his awesome deeds that they
us. witnessed.
4
We will not withhold them from
12
their descendants; He performed marvelous things
we’ll declare to the next in the presence of their ancestors
generation the praises of the in the land of Egypt—
LORD— in the fields of Zoan.
13
his might and awesome deeds He divided the sea so that they
that he has performed. were able to cross;
5
he caused the water to stand in a
He established a decree in Jacob, single location.
14
He led them with a cloud during
a 77:21 Lit. steps are not recognized the day,
a 78:1 Lit. Stretch out your ear and during the night with light
b 78:2 Lit. will open my mouth in from the fire.
534
15 24
He caused the rocks to split in the so that manna rained down on
wilderness, them for food
and gave them watera as from an and he sent them the grain of
abundant sea. heaven.
16 25
He brought streams from rock, Mortal mene ate the food of angels;
causing water to flow like a river. he sent provision to them in
17 abundance.
But time and again, they sinned
26
against him, He stirred up the east wind in the
rebelling against the Most High heavens
in the desert. and drove the south wind by his
18
To test God was in their minds, might.
27
when they demanded food to He caused meat to rain on them
satisfy their cravings.a like dust
19
They spoke against God by asking, and winged birds as the sand of
“Is God able to prepare a feastb in the sea.
28
the desert? He caused these to fall in the
20
It’s true thatc Mosesd struck the middle of the camp
rock so that water flowed and all around their tents.
29
forth So they ate and were very satisfied,
PSALMS
and torrents of water gushed out, because he granted their desire.
30
but is he also able to give bread However, before they had fulfilled
or to supply meat for his people?” their desire,
21
while their food was still in their
Therefore, when the LORD heard mouths,
this, he was angry, 31
the anger of God flared against
and fire broke out against Jacob. them,
Moreover, his anger flared against and he killed the strongest men
Israel, and humbled Israel’s young
22
because they didn’t believe in men.
God 32
and didn’t trust in his In spite of all of this, they kept on
deliverance. sinning
23
Yet he commanded the skies above and didn’t believe in his
and the doors of the heavens to marvelous deeds.
33
open, So he made their days end in
futility,
and their years with sudden
terror.
34
a 78:15 Lit. drink When he struck them, they sought
a 78:18 Lit. food for their soul him;
b 78:19 Or table
c 78:20 Lit. Indeed,
d 78:20 Lit. he e 78:26 Lit. A man
535
46
they repented, and eagerly He gave their crops to caterpillars
sought God. and what they worked for to
35
Then they remembered that God locusts.
47
was their rock, He destroyed their vines with hail
and the Most High God was their and their sycamore trees with
deliverer. frost.
36 48
But they deceived him with their He delivered their beasts to hail
mouths; and their livestock to lightning
they lied to him with their bolts.
49
tongues. He inflicted his burning anger,
37
For their hearts weren’t committed wrath, indignation, and distress,
to him, sending destroying angels
and they weren’t faithful to his among them.
50
covenant. He blazed a path for his anger;
38
But he, being merciful, forgave he did not stop short from killing
their iniquity them,
and didn’t destroy them; but handed them over to
He restrained his anger pestilence.
51
and didn’t vent all his wrath. He struck every firstborn in Egypt,
39
For he remembered that they were the first fruits of their manhood
PSALMS
only flesh, in the tents of Ham.

52
a passing wind that doesn’t Yet he led out his people like
return. sheep,
40 guiding them like a flock in the
How they rebelled against him in
desert.
the desert, 53
He led them to safety so they
grieving him in the wilderness!
41 would not fear.
They tested God again and again,
As for their enemies, the sea
provoking the Holy One of Israel.
42 covered them.
They did not remember his 54
power— He brought the peoplea to the
the day he delivered them from border of his holy mountain,
their adversary, which he acquired by his might.
55
43
when he set his signs in Egypt He drove out nations before them
and his wonders in the plain of and allotted their tribal
Zoan. inheritance,
settling the tribes of Israel in
44
He turned their rivers into blood their tents.
and made their streams 56
undrinkable. But they tested the Most High God
45
He sent swarms of insects to bite by rebelling against him,
them
and frogs to destroy them. a 78:54 Lit. brought them
536
and they did not obey his 67

He rejected the clanc of Joseph;
statutes. and the tribe of Ephraim he did
57
They fell away and were as disloyal not choose.
as their ancestors. 68
But he chose the tribe of Judah,
They became unreliable, like a the mountain of Zion, which he
defective bow; loves.
58
they angered him with their high 69
He built his sanctuary, high as the
places heavens,
and with their carved images like the earth that he established
they made him jealous. forever.
70
59
God heard and became furious, Then he chose his servant David,
and he completely rejected Israel. whom he took from the
60
He abandoned the tabernacle at sheepfold.
71
Shiloh, He brought him from birthing
the tent that he established sheep
among mankind. to care for Jacob, his people,
61 Israel, his possession.
Then he sent his mighta into 72
captivity Davidd shepherded them with a
and his glory into the control of devoted heart,
and led them with skillful hands.
PSALMS
the adversary.
62
He delivered his people over to the
Psalm 79
Psalm 79
sword A Psalm of Asaph
and was angry with his
A Prayer for Jerusalem
possession. 1
63 God, nations have invaded your
The young men were consumed by
lande
fire,
to desecrate your holy temple,
and the virgins had no marriage
to destroy Jerusalem,
celebrations.b 2
to give the corpses of your servants
64
The priests fell by the sword, as food for the birds of the skies
yet their widows couldn’t weep. and the flesh of your godly ones
65
The LORD awoke as though from to the beasts of the earth;
3
sleep, to make their blood flow like water
around Jerusalem,
78
like a mighty warrior stimulated

by wine. with no one being buried.
4
66 We have become a reproach to our
He beat back his adversaries,
neighbors,
permanently disgracing them.
a mockery and a derision to those
around us.
c 78:67 Lit. tent

a 78:61 I.e. the Ark of the Covenant d 78:72 Lit. He
b 78:63 Lit. virgins sang no wedding song e 79:1 Lit. your possession; or your inheritance
537
5 12
How long, LORD, will you be Pay back our neighbors seven
angry? Forever? timese
Will your jealousy burn like fire? the reproach with which they
6
Pour out your wrath upon the reproached you, LORD.
nations 13
Then we, your people, the
that do not acknowledge you, sheep of your pasture,
and over the kingdoms will praise you always, from
that do not call on your name. generation to generation.
7
For they consumed Jacob, We will declare your praise. 79
making his dwelling place Psalm 80
desolate. Psalm 80
For the Director of Music: According
8
Don’t chargea us for previous to “The Lilies”
iniquity, A testimony of Asaph. A psalm.
but let your compassion come
A Prayer for Jerusalem
quickly to us, 1
Shepherd of Israel, listen!
for we have been brought very The one who leads Joseph like a
low. flock,
9
Help us, God, our deliverer, the one enthroned on the
on account of your glorious cherubim,
PSALMS
name, display your glory.f

deliver us and forgiveb our sins 2
on account of your name. Revealg your power before
Ephraim, Benjamin, and
10
Why should the nations say, Manasseh,
“Where is their God?” then come to our rescue.
Let vengeance for the blood of 3
God, restore us,
your servants be metedc out show your favorh and deliver us.
before our eyes and among the
4
nations. LORD God of the Heavenly Armies,
11
Let the cries of the prisoners reach when will your smoldering
you. angeri
With the strength of your power, toward your people’s prayers
release those condemned to cease?j
5
You fed them tears as their food,
death.d
and caused them to drink a full
measure of tears.
e 79:12 Or seven-fold
f 80:1 The MT lacks your glory
a 79:8 Lit. remember g 80:2 Or rouse, stir up
b 79:10 Lit. cover h 80:3 Lit. cause your face to shine
c 79:10 Lit. spilled i 80:4 Lit. Until when will you burn in anger
d 79:11 Lit. the sons of death j 80:4 The MT lacks cease
538
6
You have set us at strife against our 15
The rootg that your right hand
neighbors planted,
and our enemies deride us. the shooth that you tended for
7
God of the Heavenly Armies, yourself,
16
restore us was burned with fire, cut off,
and show your favor,a and destroyed on account of your
so we may be delivered. rebuke.
17
8
You uprooted a vine from Egypt, May you support the man at your
and drove out nations to right hand;
transplant it. the son of man whom you have
9 raised for yourself.
You cleared the groundb so that its 18
Then we will not turn away from
roots grew
you.
and filled the land.
10 Restore us, so we can call upon
Mountains were covered by its
your name.
shadows,
19
and the mighty cedars by its God of hosts, restore to us the light
branches. of your favor.i
11
Its branches spread out to the Then we’ll be delivered. 80
Mediterraneanc Sea
PSALMS
Psalm 81
Psalm 81
and its shoots to the Euphratesd For the Director: On the Gittith. By
River. Asaph
12
Why did you break down its walls
so that those who pass by pluck Celebrating and Remembering God
1
its fruits?e Sing joyfully to God, our strength.
13
Wild boars of the forest gnaw at it, Raise a shout to the God of Jacob.
2
and creatures of the field feed on Sing a song and play the
it. tambourine,
the pleasant-sounding lyre along
14
God of the Heavenly Armies, with the harp.
return! 3
Blow the ram’s horn when there is
Look down from heaven and see. a new moon,
Show caref toward this vine. when there is a full moon,
on our festival day,
4
because it is a statute in Israel,
an ordinance by the God of Jacob,
a 80:7 Lit. cause your face to shine

b 80:9 The MT lacks ground
c 80:11 The MT lacks Mediterranean
d 80:11 The MT lacks Euphrates g 80:15 Or stock
e 80:12 Heb. lacks its fruits h 80:15 Lit. son
f 80:14 Lit. Visit i 80:19 Lit. face
539
5 13
a decree that he prescribed for If only my people would obey me,
Joseph if only Israel would walk in my
when he went throughout the ways!
14
land of Egypt, Then I would quickly subdue their
speaking a language I did not enemies.
recognize.a I would turn against their foes.
15
6
Those who hate the LORD will
I removed the burden from yourb cringe before him;
shoulder; their punishment will be
yourc hands were freed of the permanent.
burdensome basket.d 16
But I will feed Israelf with the finest
7
In a time of need you called out wheat,
and I delivered you; 81
satisfying you with honey from

I answered you from the dark the rock.
thundercloud; Psalm 82
I tested you at the waters of Psalm 82

Meribah. Interlude A Psalm of Asaph
8
Listen, My people and I will warn Asking God for Justice
1
you. God takes his stand in the divine
assembly;
PSALMS
Israel, if only you would obey

me! among the divineg beingsh he
9
You must neither have a foreign renders judgment:
god over you 2
“How long will you judge partially
or worship a strange god. by showing favor on the
10
I am the LORD your God, wicked?a Interlude
who brought you out of the land
3
of Egypt, “Defend the poor and the
open your mouth that I may fill fatherless.
it. Vindicate the afflicted and the
11
Yet my people didn’t obey my poor.
4
voice; Rescue the poor and the needy,
Israel didn’t submit to me. delivering them from the power
12
So I allowed theme to continue in of the wicked.
5
their stubbornness, They neither know nor understand;
living by their own advice. they walk about in the dark
while all the foundations of the
earth are shaken.
a 81:5 Lit. hear

b 81:6 Lit. his f 81:16 Lit. him
c 81:6 Lit. his g 82:1 Or angelic
d 81:6 Lit. hands let pass through the basket h 82:1 Or the gods
e 81:12 Or it/ her a 82:2 Lit. you lift the face
540
6
“Indeed I said, ‘You are gods, Sisera, and Jabin at the Kishon
and all of you are sons of the Brook.d
Most High. 10
They were destroyed at En-Dor
7
However, as all human beings do, and became as dung on the
you will die, ground. 83
and like other rulers, you will 11

Punish their nobles like Oreb and
fall.’ Zeeb,e
8
Arise, God, to judge the earth, and all their princes like Zebah
for all nations belong to you. and Zalmunna,f
12
who said, “Let us possess the
Psalm 83
Psalm 83
A song. A Psalm of Asaph pastures of God.”
13
A Plea for Judgment God, set them up like dried thistles,
1
God, do not rest! like straw before the wind.
14
Don’t be silent! Like a fire burning a forest,
Don’t stay inactive, God! and a flame setting mountains
2
See! Your enemies rage; ablaze.
15
those who hate you issue Pursue them with your storm and
threats.a terrify them with your
3
They plot againstb your people whirlwind.
PSALMS
16
and conspire against your Fill their faces with shame
cherished ones. until they seek your name, God.
17
4
They say, “Let us go and erase Let them be humiliated and
them as a nation terrified permanently
so the name of Israel will not be until they die in shame.a
18
remembered anymore.” Then they will know that you
5
alone—
Indeed, they shrewdly planned whose name is LORD—
together, are the Most High over all the
forming an alliance against you— earth.
6
the clans of Edom, the Ishmaelites, Psalm 84
Moab, the Hagarites, Psalm 84

7
Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, To the Director: On the Gittith.
A Psalm by the descendants of Korah.
and the inhabitants of Tyre.
8
Even Assyria joined them Longing for God
1
to strengthen the descendants of How lovely are your dwelling
Lot. Interlude places,
9
Deal with them as you did to
Midian,c c 83:9 Cf. Judg 7:1-24
d 83:9 Cf. Judg 4:7, 15, 21-24
e 83:11 Cf. Judg 7:25
a 83:2 Lit. you lift their head f 83:11 Cf. Judg 8:12, 21
b 83:3 Lit. they make shrewd secret counsel a 83:17 Lit. they are abased and destroyed
541
LORD of the Heavenly Armies. 10

for a day in your templee courts is
2
I desire and long better
for the templea courts of the than a thousand elsewhere;
LORD. I would rather stand
My heart and bodyb sing for joy at the entrance of God’s house
to the living God.c than live in the tent of
3
Even the sparrow found a house wickedness.
for herself 11
For the LORD God is a sun and
and the swallow a nest shield;
to layd her young at your altar, the LORD grants grace and favor;
LORD of the Heavenly Armies, the LORD will not withhold any
my king and God. good thing
4
How happy are those who live in from those who walk blamelessly.
your temple, 12
LORD of Heavenly Armies,
for they can praise you how happy are those who
continuously. Interlude trust in you. 84
5
How happy are those whose
Psalm 85
Psalm 85
strength is in you, To the Director: A Psalm by the
whose heart is on your path. descendants of Korah.
PSALMS
6
They will pass through the Baca
Restore Us, God
Valley 1
LORD you have favored your land
where he will prepare a spring
and restored the fortunes of
for them;
Jacob.
even the early rain will cover it 2
You took away the iniquity of your
with blessings.
7 people,
They will walk from strength to
forgiving all their sins. Interlude
strength;
3
each will appear before God in You withdrew all your wrath
Zion. and turned away from your
8 burning anger.
LORD God of the Heavenly Armies,
85
4
hear my prayer! Restore us, God of our salvation,
Listen, God of Jacob! Interlude and stop being angry with us.
5
9 Will you be angry with us forever?
God, look at our shield,
Will you prolong your anger
and show favor to your anointed,
from generation to
generation?
6
Will you restore our lives again
so that your people may rejoice
a 84:2 The MT lacks temple
b 84:2 Lit. flesh
in you?
c 84:3 Or the God of life
d 84:3 Or to set up e 84:11 The MT lacks temple
542
7
LORD, show your gracious love overflowing with gracious love to
and deliver us. everyone who calls on you.
8 6
Let me listen to what God, the Hear my prayer, LORD;
LORD, says; attend to my prayer of
for the LORD will promise peace supplication.
to his people, to his holy ones; 7
In my troubled times I will call on
may they not return to
you,
foolishness.
9 for you will answer me.
Surely, he will soon deliver those
8
who fear him, 85 No one can compare with you
for his glory will live in our land. among the gods, Lord;
10 No one can accomplisha your
Gracious love and truth meet;
work.
righteousness and peace kiss. 9
11 All the nations that you have
Truth sprouts up from the ground,
established will come
while righteousness looks down
and worship you, my Lord.
from the sky.
12 They will honor your name.
The LORD will also provide what is 10
For you are great,
good,
and you are doing awesome
and our land will yield its
PSALMS
things;
produce.
13 you alone are God.
Righteousness will go before him
11
to prepare a path for his steps. Teach me your ways, LORD,
Psalm 86
that I may walk in your truth;

Psalm 86
A Davidic prayer let me wholeheartedlyb revere
your name.
Help Us, God 12
1
LORD, listen and answer me, I will praise you, Lord my God,
for I am afflicted and needy. with my whole being;
2
Protect me, for I am faithful;a and I will honor your name
My God, deliver your servant continuously.
13
who trusts in you. For great is your gracious love to
3
Have mercy on me Lord, me;
for I call on you all day long. you’ve delivered me from the
4
Your servant rejoices, depths of Sheol.c
because, Lord, I set my hope onb 14
God, arrogant men rise up against
you. me,
5
Indeed you, Lord, are kind and
forgiving,
a 86:7 The MT lacks can accomplish

a 86:2 Or righteous b 86:12 Lit. my heart be undivided
b 86:4 Or I lift my soul to c 86:13 I.e. the realm of the dead
543
while a company of ruthless “This one was born there,” they

individuals want to kill me. say.b
They do not have regard for 5
Indeed, about Zion it will be said:
you.a “More than one personc was born
15
But you, Lord, are a compassionate in it,” and
God, “The Most High himself didd
merciful and patient,b it.”
with unending gracious love 6
The LORD will record,
and faithfulness. as he registers the peoples,e
16
Return to me and have mercy on “This one was born there.”
me; 86
Interlude
clothe your servant with your 7
Then singers, as they play their
strength instruments,f will declare,
and deliver the son of your “All my rootsg are in you.”
maid servant. Psalm 88
17 Psalm 88
Show me a sign of your goodness, A song. A psalm by the descendants
so that those who hate me will of Korah. According to Mahalat
see it and be ashamed. Leannoth. A maskil by Heman the
For you, LORD, will help and Ezrahite.
PSALMS
comfort me.
A Cry for Help
1
Psalm 87
Psalm 87 LORD, God of my salvation,

A psalm by the descendants of Korah. by day and by night I cry out
A song. before you.
2
The Holy City for All People Let my prayer come before you;
1
God’sc foundation is in the holy listenh to my cry.
3
mountains. For my life is filled with troubles
2
The LORD loves the gates of Zion as I approach Sheol.i
4
more than the dwellings of Jacob. I am considered as one of those
3
Glorious things are spoken about descending into the Pit,j
you,
city of God. Interlude
4
I will mention Rahab and Babylon a 87:4 Lit. Cush
b 87:4 The MT lacks they say
among those who acknowledge c 87:5 Lit. a man and a man
me— d 87:5 Or secured
including Philistia, Tyre, and e 87:6 Lit. record, in a registry of people
Ethiopiaa— f 87:7 Or singers and flute players
g 87:7 Lit. springs
h 88:2 Lit. stretch your ears
a 86:14 Lit. don’t set you before them i 88:3 I.e. the realm of the dead
b 86:15 Or slow to anger j 88:3 I.e. the place of punishment in the
c 87:1 Lit. His afterlife
544
like a mighty man without or your righteousness in the land

strength, of oblivion? 88
5
released to remaina with the dead, 13
As for me, I cry out to you LORD,
lying in a grave like a corpse, and in the morning my prayer
remembered no longer, greets you.
and cut off from your power. 14
Why, LORD, have you rejected me?
6
You have assigned me to the lowest Why have you hidden your face
part of the Pit,b from me?
to the darkest depths. 15
Since my youth I have been
7
Your anger lays heavily upon me; oppressed
you poundc me with all your and in danger of death.
waves. Interlude I bear your dread
8
You caused my acquaintances to and am overwhelmed.
16
shun me;d Your burning anger overwhelms
you make me extremely me;
abhorrent to them. your terrors destroy me.
17
Restrained, I am unable to go Like waters, they engulf me all day
out. long;
9
My eyes languish on account of my they surround me on all sides.
PSALMS
18
affliction; You caused my friend and
all day long I call out to you, neighbor to shun me;b
LORD, and my acquaintances are
I spread out my hands to you. confused.c
Psalm 89
Psalm 89
10
Can you perform wonders for the A Maskil. By Ethan, the Ezrahite
dead? God’s Covenant with David
Can departed spirits stand up to 1
I will sing forever about the
praise you? Interlude gracious love of the LORD;
11
Can your gracious love be declared from generation to generation
in the grave I will declare your faithfulness
or your faithfulness in Abaddon?a with my mouth.
2
12
Can your awesome deeds be I will declare that your gracious
known in darkness love was established forever;
in the heavens itself, you have
established your faithfulness.
a 88:5 The MT lacks to remain 3
b 88:6 I.e. the place of punishment in the I have made a covenant with my
afterlife chosen one;
c 88:7 Lit. oppress
d 88:8 Lit. to be distant
a 88:11 I.e. the realm of destruction in the b 88:18 Lit. be distant from
afterlife c 88:18 Lit. are in darkness
545
I have made a promise to David, Tabor and Hermon joyously

my servant. praise your name.
4
“I will establish your dynasty 13
Your arm is strong;
forever,
your hand is mighty;
and I will lift up one who will
indeed, your right hand is
builda your throne
victorious.c
from generation to generation.” 14
Righteousness and justice make up
Interlude
the foundation of your throne;
5
Even the heavens praise your gracious love and truth meet
awesome deeds, LORD, before you.
15
your faithfulness in the assembly How happy are the people who can
of the holy ones. worship joyfully!d
6
For who in the skies compares to LORD, they walk in the light of
the LORD? your presence.
Who is like the LORD among the 16
In your name they rejoice all day
divine beings? long;
7
God is feared in the council of the they exult in your justice.e
holy ones, 17
For you are their strength’s
revered by all those around him. grandeur;
PSALMS
8
LORD God of the Heavenly Armies, by your favor you exalted our
who is as mighty as you, LORD? power.f
Your faithfulness surrounds 18
Indeed, our shield belongs to the
you. LORD,
9
You rule over the majestica sea; and our king to the Holy One of
when its waves surge, Israel.
you calm them.
10 God’s Describes His Anointed
You crushed the proud oneb to 19
death; You spoke to your faithfulg ones
with your powerful arm through a vision:h
you scattered your enemies. “I will set a helper overi a warrior.
11
Heaven and the earth belong to I will raise up a chosen one from
you, the people.
the world and everything it
contains— c 89:13 Lit. lifted up
you established them. d 89:15 Lit. who know the joyful shout
12
The north and south—you created e 89:16 Or righteousness
them; f 89:17 Lit. horn
g 89:19 Or godly; so MT and LXX; DSS
4Q98g reads chosen
h 89:19 So MT and LXX; DSS 4Q98g reads
a 89:4 Or confirm vision; you said
a 89:10 Lit. roaring i 89:19 So MT and LXX; DSS 4Q98g reads I
b 89:10 Lit. Rahab have lent support to
546
20 30
I have found my servant David; “But if his sons abandon my laws
I have anointed him with my and
sacred oil, do not follow my ordinances,
21 31
with whom my powera will be if they profane my statutes;
firmly established; and do not keep my commands,
32
for my arm will strengthen him. then I will punish their
22
No enemy will deceive him; disobedience with a rod
no wicked persona will afflict and their iniquity with lashes.
33
him. But I will not cut offh my gracious
23
I will crush his enemies love from him,
before him and I will not stop being faithful.
34
and strike those who hate him. I will not dishonor my covenant,
24
My faithfulness and gracious because I will not change what I
love will be with him, have spoken.i
35
and in my name his powerb will I have sworn by my holiness once
be exalted. for all:
25
I will place his handc over the sea, I will not lie to David.
36
and his right handd over the His dynastyj will last forever
rivers. and his throne will be like the
sun before me.
PSALMS
26
He will announce to me
37
‘You are my father, It will be established forever like
my God, and the rock of my the moon,
salvation.’ a faithful witness in the sky.”
27
Interlude
“Indeed, I myself made him the
first born, A Commitment to Persevere
38
the highest of the kings of the But you have spurned, rejected,
earth. and became angry with your
28
I will showe my gracious love anointed one.
39
toward him forever, You have dishonored the covenant
since my covenant is securely with your servant;
established with him. you have defiled his crown on
29
I will establish his dynastyf forever, the ground.
40
and his throne as long as heaven You have broken through all hisa
endures.g walls;
you have laid his fortresses in
ruin.
a 89:21 Lit. hand
a 89:22 Lit. no son of iniquity
b 89:24 Lit. horn g 89:29 Lit. as the days of the heavens
c 89:25 I.e. his authority h 89:33 Lit. break
d 89:25 I.e. his authority i 89:34 Lit. what goes out of my lips
e 89:28 Lit. keep j 89:36 Lit. seed
f 89:29 Lit. seed a 89:40 Or its
547
41 50
All who pass by on their way Remember, Lord, the reproach of
plunder him; your servant!
he has become a reproach to his I carry inside me all the insults of
neighbors. many people,
42 51
You have exalted the right hand of when your enemies reproached
his adversaries; you, LORD,
you have caused all of his when they reproached the
enemies to rejoice. footstepsf of your anointed.
43
Moreover, you have turned back 52
Blessed is the LORD forever!
the edge of his sword
Amen and amen!
and did not support him in
battle.
44 BOOK IV (Psalms 90-106)
You have caused his splendora to Psalm 90
cease Psalm 90
and cast down his throne to the A prayer by Moses, the godly man
ground. Life is Short
45
You have caused the days of his 1
Lord, you’ve been our refugea
youth to be cut short;
from generation to generation.
89
you have covered him with 2

Before the mountains were formed
shame. Interlude
PSALMS
or the earth and the world were

46
How long, LORD, will you hide brought forth,
yourself? Forever? you are God from eternity to
Will your anger continuously eternity.
burn like fire? 3
47 You return people to dust
Remember how short my lifetime
merely byb saying, “Return, you
is!
mortals!”
How powerless have you created 4
One thousand years in your sight
all human beings!b
48 are but a single day
What valiant man can live and not
that passes by, just like a night
see death?
watch.
Who can deliver himselfc from 5
You will sweep them away while
the powerd of Sheol.eInterlude they are asleep—
49
Where is your gracious love of old, by morning they are like growing
Lord, grass.
6
that in your faithfulness you In the morning it blossoms and is
promised to David? renewed,
a 89:44 Or luster
b 89:47 Lit. all sons of Adam
c 89:48 Lit. deliver his soul f 89:51 Lit. the hind part
d 89:48 Lit. hand a 90:1 Or our dwelling place
e 89:48 I.e. the realm of the dead b 90:3 The MT lacks merely by
548
15
but toward evening, it fades and Cause us to rejoice throughout the
withers. time when you have afflicted
7 us,
Indeed, we are consumeda by your
the years when we have knownf
anger
trouble.
and terrified by your wrath.
8 16
You have set our iniquities before May your awesome deeds be
you, revealed to your servants,
what we have concealed in the as well as your splendor to their
light of your presence. children.
17
9 May your favor be on us, Lord our
All our days passb away in your
God;
wrath;
make our endeavors successful;
our years fade awayc and end yes, make our endeavors
like a sigh. secure!
10
We live for 70 years, Psalm 91
or 80 years if we’re healthy,d Psalm 91

yet even in their primee there are A Davidic Psalma
troubles and sorrow. God is My Refuge
They pass by quickly and we fly 1
The one who lives in the shelter of
PSALMS
away. the Most High,
11
Who can know the intensity of who rests in the shadow of the
your anger? Almighty,
2
Because our fear of you matches will say to the LORD,
your wrath, “You are my refuge, my fortress,
12
teach us to keep account of our and my God in whom I trust!”
days 3
He will surely deliver you from the
so we may develop inner hunter’s snare
wisdom. and from the destructive plague.
4
13
Please return, LORD! When will it With his feathers he will cover you,
be? under his wings you will find
Comfort your servants. safety.
14
Satisfy us in the morning with your His truth is your shield and
gracious love armor.
so we may sing for joy 5
You need not fear terror that stalksb
and rejoice every day. 90
in the night,
the arrow that flies in the day,
a 90:7 Lit. finished
b 90:9 Or turn f 90:16 Lit. seen
c 90:9 Lit. are finished a 91:T So LXX; DSS 11QPsa lacks Psalm; the
d 90:11 Lit. strong MT lacks this line
e 90:10 Lit. pride b 91:5 The MT lacks that stalks
549
6
Psalm 92
plague that strikes in the darkness, Psalm 92

or calamity that destroys at noon. A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath Day
7
If a thousand fall at your side
Praise and Thanksgiving to God
or ten thousand at your right 1
It is good to give thanks to the
hand,
LORD
it will not overcome you.
8
and to sing praise to your name,
Only observea it with your eyes, Most High;
and you will see how the wicked 2
to proclaim your gracious love in
are paid back. the morning
9
“LORD, you are my refuge!” and your faithfulness at night,
3
accompanied by a ten-stringed
Because you chose the Most High instrument and a lyre,
as your dwelling place, and the contemplative sound of a
10
no evil will fall upon you, harp.
and no affliction will approach 4
Because you made me glad
your tent, with your awesome deeds, LORD,
11
for he will command his angels I will sing for joy at the works
to protect you in all your ways. of your hands.
12
With their hands they will lift you
5
up How great are your works, LORD!
PSALMS
so you will not trip over a stone. Your thoughts are

13
You will stomp on lions and unfathomable.b
6
snakes; A stupid man doesn’t know,
you will trample young lions and and a fool can’t comprehend this:
7
serpents. Though the wicked sprout like
grass;
The LORD Speaks
14 and all who practice iniquity
Because he has focused his love on
flourish,
me,
it is they who will be eternally
I will deliver him.
destroyed.
I will protect himb 8
But you are exalted forever, LORD.
because he knows my name.
92
9
15
When he calls out to me, Look at your enemies, LORD!
I will answer him. Look at your enemies, for they
I will be with him in hisa distress. are destroyed;
I will deliver him, everyone who practices iniquity
and I will honor him. will be scattered.c
16
I will satisfy him with long life;
I will show him my deliverance. 91
a 91:8 Or Only you will observe

b 91:14 Or will set him on high b 92:5 Lit. very deep
a 91:15 The MT lacks his c 92:9 Lit. divided; or separated
550
10
You’ve grown my strengtha like the the rivers have lifted up their
horn of a wild ox; crushing waves.
4
I was anointed with fresh oil. More than the sound of surging
11
My eyes gloated over those who lie waters—
in wait for me;b the majestic waves of the sea—
when those of evil intent attack the LORD on high is majestic.
me, my ears will hear. 5
Your decrees are very trustworthy,
12
The righteous will flourish like and holiness always befits your
palm trees; 92
house, LORD. 93
they will grow like a cedar in Psalm 94
Psalm 94
Lebanon. 92
13
Planted in the LORD’s temple, God Avenges His Own
1
they will flourish in the courtyard God of vengeance,
of our God. LORD God of vengeance,
14
They will still bear fruit even in old display your splendor!b
2
age;c Stand up, judge of the earth,
they will be luxuriant and green. and repay the proud.
15
They will proclaim: “The LORD is 3
How long will the wicked, LORD,
upright; how long will the wicked
PSALMS
my rock, in whom there is no continue to triumph?
injustice.” 4
When they speak, they spew
arrogance.
Psalm 93
Psalm 93
Everyone who practices iniquity
God Reigns brags about it.c
1
The LORD reigns! He is clothed in
5
majesty; LORD, they have crushed your
the LORD is clothed, people,
and he is girdeda with strength. afflicting your heritage.
6
Indeed, the world is well The wickedd kill widows and
established, foreigners;
and cannot be shaken. they murder orphans.
7
2
Your throne has been established They say, “The LORD cannot see,
since time immemorial; and the God of Jacob will not
you are king from eternity. notice.”
3
The rivers have flooded, LORD; 8
Pay attention, you dull ones among
the rivers have spoken aloud, the crowds!
a 92:10 Lit. horn

b 92:11 The MT lacks for me
c 92:14 Lit. Even with gray hair b 94:1 The MT lacks your splendor
a 93:1 So MT; DSS 11QPsa reads is robed in c 94:4 The MT lacks about it
power and girded himself d 94:6 Lit. They
551
19
You fools! Will you ever become When my anxious inner thoughts
wise? become overwhelming,
9
The one who formeda the ear can your comfort encourages me.
hear, can he not? 20
Will destructive national leaders,a
The one who made the eyes can
who plan wicked things through
see, can he not?
10 misuse of the law,
The one who disciplines nations
be allied with you?
can rebuke them, can he not? 21
They gather together against the
The one who teaches mankind
righteous,
can discern, can he not?
11 condemning the innocent to
The LORD knows the thoughts of
death.
human beings—
22
that they are futile. But the LORD is my stronghold,
12 and my God, the rock, is my
How blessed is the man whom you
refuge.
instruct, LORD, 23
He will repay them for their sin;
whom you teach from your law,
13 he will annihilate them because
keeping him calm when times are
of their evil.
troubled
The LORD our God will
until a pit has been dug for the
annihilate them.
PSALMS
wicked.
14
Psalm 95
For the LORD will not forsake his Psalm 95

people;
Worship and Obedience
94
he will not abandon his heritage. 1

15 Come! Let us sing joyfully to the
Righteousness will be restored with
LORD!
justice,
Let us shout for joy to the rock of
and all the pure of heart will
our salvation.
follow it. 2
Let us come into his presence with
16
Who will rise up for me against the thanksgiving;
wicked? let us shout with songs of praise
Who will stand for me against to him.
those who practice iniquity? 3
17 For the LORD is an awesome God;
If the LORD had not been my
a great king above all divine
helper,
I would have quickly become beings.b
4
silent. He holds in his hand the lowest
18
When I say that my foot is shaking, parts of the earth
your gracious love, LORD, will and the mountain peaks belong
sustain me. to him.
a 94:20 Lit. destructive throne

a 94:9 Lit. planted b 95:3 Or all gods
552
5
The sea that he made belongs to Proclaim his deliverance every
him, day!
3
along with the dry land that his Declare his glory among the
hands formed. nations
6 and his awesome deeds among
Come! Let us worship and bow
all the peoples!
down;
4
let us kneel in the presence of the For the LORD is great,
LORD, who made us. and greatly to be praised;
7
For he is our God, and we are the he is awesome above all gods.
5
people of his pasture For all the gods of the
and the flock in his care.a peoples are worthless idols,
If only you would listen to his voice but the LORD made the heavens.
6
today, Splendor and majesty are before
8
do not be stubborn like your him;
ancestors werea at Meribah, might and beauty are in his
as on that day at Massah, in the sanctuary.
7
wilderness, Ascribe to the LORD, you
9
where your ancestors tested me. families of peoples, 96
They tested me, ascribe to the LORD glory and
PSALMS
even though they had seen my strength!
8
awesome deeds. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due
10
his name,
For forty years I loathed that bring an offering and enter his
generation, so I said, courts!
“They are a people whose hearts 9
Worship the LORD in holy
continually err, splendor;
and they have not understood tremble before him, all the earth.
my ways.”
10
11
So in my anger I declared an oath: Declare among the nations, “The
“They shall not enter my place of LORD reigns!”
rest.” 95
Indeed, he established the world
Psalm 96
so that it will not falter.
Psalm 96 He will judge people fairly.
11
Give Glory to the LORD The heavens will be glad
1
Sing a new song to the LORD! and the earth will rejoice;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth! even the sea and everything
2
Sing to the LORD! that fills it will roar.b
Bless his name! 12
The field and all that is in it will
rejoice;
a 95:7 Lit. flock of his hand

a 95:8 Lit. stubborn as at b 96:11 Or thunder
553
9
then all the trees of the forest will For you, LORD, are the Most
sing for joy 96 High above all the earth;
13
in the the LORD’s presence, you are exalted high above all
because he is coming; divine beings.b
indeed, he will come to judge the 10
Hate evil, you who love the LORD!
earth.
14 He guards the lives of those who
He will judge the world fairly
and its people reliably. love him,c
Psalm 97
delivering them from
Psalm 97 domination byd the wicked.
11
The LORD is King Light shines on the righteous;
1
The LORD reigns! gladness on the morally upright.e
12
Let the earth rejoice! Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous
May many islands be glad! ones!
2
Give thanks at the mention of his
Thick clouds are all around him; holiness!
righteousness and justice are his
97
Psalm 98
throne’s foundation. Psalm 98

3
Fire goes out from his presence A psalm
to consume his enemies on every Sing Praise to the King
PSALMS
side. 1
Sing to the LORD a new song,
4
His lightning bolts light the world; for he has done awesome deeds!
the earth sees and shakes. His right hand and powerfulf arm
5
Mountains melt like wax in the have brought him victory.
LORD’s presence— 2
The LORD has made his deliverance
In the presence of the LORD of all known;
the earth. he has disclosed his justice before
6
The heavens declare his the nations.
3
righteousness He has remembered his gracious
so that all the nations see his love;
glory. his faithfulness toward the house
7
of Israel;
All who serve carved images— all the ends of the earth saw
and those who praise idols—will our God’s deliverance.
be humiliated.
4
Worship him, all you “gods”! Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all
8
the earth!
Zion hears and rejoices;
the townsa of Judah rejoice
on account of your justice, b 97:9 Or all gods
LORD. c 97:10 Or his saints
d 97:10 Lit. from the hand of
e 97:11 Lit. the upright of heart
a 97:8 Lit. daughters f 98:1 Lit. holy
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Break forth into joyful songs of He is holy!

praise! 6
5 Moses and Aaron were among his
Sing praises to the LORD with a
priests;
lyre—
Samuel also was among those
with a lyre and a melodious song!
6 who invoked his name.
With trumpets and the sound of a
When they called on the LORD,
ram’s horn
he answered them.
98
shout in the presence of the 7

In a pillar of cloud he spoke to
LORD, the king!
them;
7
Let the sea and everything in it they obeyed his decrees
shout,a and the law that he gave them.
8
along with the world and its LORD our God, you answered
inhabitants; them;
8
let the rivers clap their hands in you were their God who forgaveb
unison; 98 them,
and let the mountains sing for joy but also avenged their evil
9
in the LORD’s presence, who deeds.
comes to judge the earth; 9
Exalt the LORD our God and
He’ll judge the world righteously;
worship at his holy
PSALMS
and its people fairly.
Psalm 99
mountain,
Psalm 99 for the LORD our God is holy! 99
Psalm 100
The LORD is Holy Psalm 100

1
The LORD reigns— A psalm of thanksgiving
let people tremble; Give Thanks to the LORD
he is seated above the cherubim— 1
Shout to the LORD all the earth!
let the earth quake. 2
Serve the LORD with joy.
2
The LORD is great in Zion Come before him with a joyful
and is exalted above all peoples. shout!
3
Let them praise your great and 3
Acknowledge that the LORD is God.
awesome name. He made us and we belong to
He is holy! him;
4
A mighty king who loves justice, we are his people
you have established fairness. and the sheep of his pasture.
4
You have exercised justice Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and righteousness over Jacob. and his courts with praise.
5
Exalt the LORD our God; Thank him and bless his name,
5
worship and bow down at his for the LORD is good
footstool;
a 98:7 Lit. thunder b 99:8 Lit. carried
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8
and his gracious love stands Every morning I will destroy all the
forever. wicked of the land,
His faithfulness remains from eliminating everyone who
generation to generation. practices iniquity from the
Psalm 101
LORD’s city.
Psalm 101 Psalm 102
A Davidic Psalm Psalm 102

A prayer by the afflicted man who is
Remembering God’s Love
1 overwhelmed and talks about his
I will sing about gracious love and troubles with the LORD.
justice;
LORD, I will sing praise to you. A Prayer for Help
1
2
I will pay attention to living a life of LORD, hear my prayer!
integrity— May my cry for help come to you.
2
when will I attain it? Do not hide your face from me
I will live with integrity of heart when I am in trouble.
in my house. Listen to me.
3
I will not even think about doing When I call to out you,
anything lawless; hurry to answer me!
3
I hate to do evil deeds; For my days are vanishing like
I will have none of it. smoke;
PSALMS
4
I will not allow anyone with a my bones are charred as in a
perverted mind in my fireplace.
4
presence; Withered like grass, my heart is
I will not be involved witha overwhelmed,
anything evil. and I have even forgotten to eat
my food.
5
I will destroy the one who secretly 5
Because of the sound of my
slanders a friend. 101
sighing,
I will not allow the proud and my bones cling to my skin.
haughty to prevail. 6
I resemble a pelican in the
6
My eyes are looking at the faithful wilderness
of the land, or an owl in a desolate land.
so they may live with me; 7
I lie awake,
The one who lives a life of yet I am like a bird isolated on a
integrity will serve me. rooftop.
7
A deceitful person will not sit in my 8
house; My enemies revile me all day long;
A liar will not remain in my those who ridicule me use my
presence. name to curse.
9
I have eaten ashes as food
and mixed my drink with tears
a 101:4 Lit. not know
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10 22
because of your indignation and when people and kingdoms gather
wrath, together
when you lifted and threw me to serve the LORD.
away. 23
11 He has weakened myb strength
My life isa like a declining shadow,
along the way.c
and I am withering like a plant.
He has cut short my days.
12 24
But you, LORD, are enthroned I say, “My God, whose years
forever; continue through all
You are remembered throughout generations,
all generations. do not take me in the middle of
13
You will arise to extend compassion my life.
25
on Zion, You established the earth long
for it is time to show her favor— ago;
the appointed time has come. the heavens are the workd of
14
Your servants take pleasure in its your hands.
26
stones They will perish,
and delight in its debris. but you will remain;
15 and they all will become worn out,e
Nations will fear the name of the
like a garment.
LORD,
Youf will change them like
PSALMS
and all the kings of the earth,
clothing,
your splendor.
16 and they will pass away.
When the LORD rebuilds Zion, 27
But you remain the same;
he will appear in his glory.
102
17 your years never end.

He will turn to the prayer of the 28
May the descendants of your
destitute,
servants live securely,
not despising their prayer.
18 and may their children be
Write this for the next generation,
established in your presence.”
that a people yet to be created Psalm 103
will praise the LORD. Psalm 103

19 Davidic
For when he looked down from his
holy heights— Praise God, Who Forgives
1
the LORD looked over the earth Bless the LORD, My soul,
from heaven—
20
to listen to the groans of prisoners,
to set free those condemned to b 102:23 So MT Qere (oral reading), DSS
death, 4QPsb; Symmachus, Syr, Targ, and
21 Hieronymous; the MT Qetiv (written) reads his
so they would declare the name of c 102:23 Or strength in mid-course
the LORD in Zion d 102:25 So MT and DSS 4QPsb; the LXX,
and his praise in Jerusalem, Targ, and DSS 11QPsa read works
e 102:26 So MT, DSS 4QPsb and 11QPsa; the
LXX reads will grow old
f 102:26 So MT; the LXX, DSS 4QPsb and
a 102:11 Lit. My days are 11QPsa read And you
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and all that is within me, blessa nor repays us equivalent to our
his holy name. iniquity.
2
Bless the LORD, My soul, 11
As high as heaven rises above
and never forget any of his earth,
benefits:
3 so his gracious love strengthensf
He continues to forgive all your
those who fear him.
sins, 12
As distant as the east is from the
he continues to heal all your
west,
diseases,
4 that is how far he has removed
he continues to redeem your life
our sins from us.
from the Pit,b 13
As a father has compassion for his
and he continually surrounds children,
you so the LORD has compassion for
with gracious love and those who fear him.
compassion. 14
For he knows how we were
5
He keeps satisfying you with good formed,
things, aware that we were made from
and he keeps renewing your dust.
youth like the eagle’s.
15
A person’s life is like grass—
PSALMS
6
The LORD continually does what is it blossoms like wild flowers,
right, 16
but when the wind blows
executing justice for all who are through it,
being oppressed. it withers away and no one
7
He revealed his plansc to Moses remembers where it was.
and his deeds to the people of 17
Yet the LORD’s gracious love
Israel. remains
8
The LORD is compassionate and throughout eternity for those
gracious, who fear him
patient,d and abundantly rich in and his righteous acts extend to
gracious love. their children’s children,
9
He does not chastene continuously 18
to those who keep his covenant
or remain distant for all time. and to those who remember to
10
He neither deals with us according observe his precepts.
to our sins, 19
The LORD has established his
throne in heaven
and his kingdom rules over all.
20
a 103:1 The MT lacks bless Bless the LORD, you angels who
b 103:4 I.e. the place of punishment in the
belong to him,
afterlife
c 103:7 Lit. ways
d 103:8 Lit. slow of anger f 103:11 The MT phrase high as sounds like
e 103:9 Or rebuke The MT verb strengthens
558
6
you mighty warriors who carry You covered the primeval ocean
out his commands, like a garment;
who are obedient to the sound the water stood above the
of his words.a mountains.
21 7
Bless the LORD, all his heavenly They flee at your rebuke;
armies, they rush away at the sound of
his ministers who do his will. your thunders.
8
22
Bless the LORD, all his creation,b Mountains rise up and valleys sink
in all the places of his dominion. to the place you have ordained
for them.
Bless the LORD, My soul. 103 9
You have set a boundary they
cannot cross;
Psalm 104
Psalm 104
Davidicc they will never again cover the
earth.
Praise God, Who Creates 10
1
Bless the LORD, My soul; He causes springs to gush forth into
LORD, my God, you are very rivers
great. that flow between thea
You are clothed in splendor and mountains.
11
majesty; They give waterb for animals of the
PSALMS
2
you are wrapped in light like a field to drink;
garment, the wild donkeys quench their
stretching out the sky like a thirst.
12
curtain. Birds of the sky live beside them
3 and chirp a songc among the
He lays the beams of his roof loft
foliage.
on the water above,d
13
making clouds his chariot, He waters the mountains from his
walking on the wings of the heavenly rooms;
wind. the earth is satisfied from the
4
He makes the winds his fruit of your work.
14
messengers, He causes grass to sprout for the
blazing fires his servants. cattle
5
He established the earth on its and plants for people to cultivate,
foundations, to produce food from the land,
15
so that it never falters. like wine that makes the heart of
peopled happy,
oil that makes the face glow,
a 103:20 So LXX and 4QPsb; the MT and
LXX read word a 104:10 So LXX and DSS 4QPsd; the MT
b 103:22 Lit. works; or deeds lacks the
c 104:T So LXX, DSS 4QPsa and 11QPsa; The b 104:11 The MT lacks water
d
MT and DSS 4QPs lack this line c 104:12 Lit. and they give a voice
d 104:3 The MT lacks above d 104:15 Lit. man
559
26
and fooda that sustains people.b There, the ships pass through;
16
Leviathan, which you created,
The loftiest treesc are satisfied, frolics in it.
the cedars of Lebanon that he
27
planted, All of them look to you
17
the birds build their nests there, to provide themb their food at the
and the heron buildsd its nest proper time.
28
among the evergreen. They receive what you give them;
18
The high mountains are for wild when you open your hand,
goats; they are filled with good
the cliffs are a refuge for the rock things.
29
badger. When you withdraw your favor,c
19
they are disappointed;
He made the moon to mark time;e Take away their breath,
the sun knows its setting time.
20 andd they diee and return to
You bring darkness and it becomes
dust.
night; 30
When you send your spirit,f they
when every beast of the forest
prowls. areg created,
21
Young lions roar for prey, and you replenish the surface of
the earth.
PSALMS
seeking their food from God.

22 31
When the sun rises, theyf gather May the glory of the LORD last
and lie down in their dens. forever; 104
23
People go out to their work may the LORD rejoice in his
and labor until evening. works!
32
24 He looks at the earth and it shakes;
How numerous are your works,
he touches the mountains and
LORD!
they smoke.
You have made them all wisely; 33
I will sing to the LORD with my
the earth is filled with your
whole being;h
creations.a
25 I will sing to my God
There is the deep and wide sea,
continuously!
teeming with numberless
creatures,
living things small and great. b 104:27 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT
lacks them
c 104:29 Lit. you conceal your face
a 104:15 Or bread d 104:29 So MT; the LXX and DSS 11QPsa
b 104:15 Lit. heart of man read then
c 104:16 Lit. trees of the LORD e 104:29 So MT and DSS 11QPsa; the LXX
d 104:17 The MT lacks builds reads they will fail
e 104:19 Lit. for an appointed time f 104:30 Or breath
f 104:22 So MT; the LXX, DSS 4QPsd and g 104:30 So MT; the LXX reads they will be;
a
11QPs read and they DSS 11QPsa reads then they are
a 104:24 Lit. acquisitions h 104:33 Lit. with my life
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34
May my thoughts be pleasing to 9
like the covenant he madec with
him; Abraham,
indeed, I will rejoice in the LORD! and his promise to Isaac.
35
May sinners disappear from the 10
He presented it to Jacob as a decree,
land to Israel as an everlasting
and the wicked live no longer. covenant.
11
Bless the LORD, My soul! He said: “I will give Canaan to you
Hallelujah! as the allotted portion that is your
Psalm 105
inheritance.”
Psalm 105 12
When the Hebrewsd were few in
Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance number—so very few—
1
Give thanks to the LORD, and were sojourners in it,
call on his name, 13
they wandered from nation to
and make his deeds known nation,
among the people. from one kingdom to another.e
2
Sing to him! Praise him! 14
He did not allow anyone to oppress
Declare all his awesome deeds! them,
3
Exult in his holy name; or any kings to reprove them.
let alla those who seek the LORD 15
“Don’t touch my anointed
PSALMS
rejoice! or hurt my prophets!”
4
Seek the LORD and his strength; 16
seek his face continuously. He declared a famine on the land;
5
Remember his awesome deeds that destroying the entire food
he has done, supply.f
17
his wonders and the judgments He sent a man before them—
he declared. Joseph, who had been sold as a
6
You descendants of Abraham, his slave.
18
servant, They bound his feet with fetters
You children of Jacob, his chosen and placed an iron collar on his
ones. neck,g
19
7
until the time his prediction came
He is the LORD our God; true,
his judgments extend to the as the word of the LORD refined
entire earth. him.
8
He remembers his eternal 20
He sent a king who released him,
covenant— a ruler of people who set him
every promise he madeb for a free.
thousand generations,
c 105:9 Lit. like he cut
d 105:12 Lit. When they
e 105:13Lit. one kingdom to another nation
a 105:3 Lit. Let the heart of f 105:16 Lit. every staff of bread
b 105:8 Lit. every word he commanded g 105:18 Lit. soul
561
21 32
He made him the master over his He set hail instead of rain,
household, and lightning throughout their
the manager of all his land.
33
possessions— It destroyed their vines and their
22
to discipline his rulers at will figs,
and make his elders wise. breaking trees throughout their
23
Then Israel came to Egypt; country.f
34
indeed, Jacob lived in the land of Then he commanded the locust to
come—
Ham.a
grasshoppers without number.
24 35
He caused his people to multiply They consumed every green plant
greatly; in their land,
and be more numerous than their and devoured the fruit of their
enemies. soil.
25 36
He caused themb to hate his people He struck down every firstborn in
and to deceive his servants. their land,
26
He sent his servant Moses, along the firstfruits of all their progeny.
with Aaron, 37
Then he brought Israelg out with
whom he had chosen.
27 silver and gold,
They performed his signs among
PSALMS
and no one among his tribes

them,
stumbled.
his wonders in the land of Ham.c 38
The Egyptians rejoiced when they
28
He sent darkness, and it became left,
dark. because fear of Israelh descended
Did they not rebel againstd his on them.
39
words? He spread out a cloud for a cover,
29
He turned their water into blood, and fire for light at night.
40
so that the fish died. Israeli asked, and quail came;
30
Their land swarmed with frogs food from heaven satisfied them.
41
even to the chambers of their He opened a rock, and water
kings. gushed out
31
He spoke, flowing like a river in the desert.
and a swarm of insects invaded 42
Indeed, he remembered his sacred
their land.e
promise
to his servant Abraham.
a 105:23 I.e. Egypt

b 105:25 Lit. He turned their hearts
c 105:27 I.e. Egypt f 105:32 Or borders
d 105:28 So MT and DSS 11QPsa; the LXX g 105:37 Lit. them
reads not embitter h 105:38 Lit. them
e 105:30 Or borders i 105:40 The MT lacks Israel
562
43 7
He led his people out with In Egypt, our ancestors neither
gladness, comprehended your
his chosen ones with shouts of awesome deeds
joy. nor remembered your abundant
44
He gave to them the land of gracious love.
nations; Instead, they rebelled beside
they inherited the labor of othera the sea, the Reedb Sea.
8
people He delivered for the sake of his
45
so they might keep his statutes name,c
and observe his laws. to make his power known.
Hallelujah! 105
9
He shouted at the Reedd Sea and it
Psalm 106
Psalm 106
dried up;
and led them through the sea as
The Unfaithfulness of God’s People though through a desert.
1
Hallelujah! 10
He delivered them from the power
Give thanks to the LORD, of their foe;
since he is good, redeeming them from the power
for his gracious love exists of their enemy.
11
forever. The water overwhelmed their
enemies,
PSALMS
2
Who can fully describe the mighty so that not one of them
acts of the LORD survived.e
or proclaim all his praises? 12
Then they believed his word
3
How happy are those who enforce and sung his praise.
justice, 13
who live righteously all the time. But they quickly forgot his deeds
4
Remember me, LORD, and did not wait for his counsel.
14
when you show favor to your They were overwhelmed with
people. craving in the wilderness,
Visit us with your deliverance, so God tested them in the
5
to witness the prosperity of your wasteland.
15
chosen ones, God granted them their request,
to rejoice in your nation’s joy, but sent leanness into their lives.
to glory in your inheritance. 16
They were envious of Moses in the
6
We have sinned, along with our camp,
ancestors; and of Aaron, the holy one of the
we have committed iniquity and LORD.
wickedness.
b 106:7 So MT. LXX reads Red
c 106:8 Or reputation
d 106:9 So MT. LXX reads Red
a 105:44 The MT lacks other e 106:11 Or remained
563
17
The earth opened and swallowed 28
For they adopted the worshipf of
Dathan, Baal Peor
closing over Abiram’s clan. and ate sacrifices offered to the
18
Then a fire burned among their dead.
company, 29
They had provoked anger by their
a flame that set the wicked deeds,
ablaze. so that a plague broke out against
19
They fashioned a calf at Horeb them.
30
and worshipped a carved image. But Phinehas intervened and
20 prayed
They exchanged their glorya
so that the plague was restrained.
with the image of a grass-eating 31
And it was credited to him as a
bull.
21 righteous act,
They forgot God their Savior,
from generation to generation—
who performed great things in
to eternity.
Egypt— 32
22 They provoked wrath at the waters
awesome deeds in the land of
of Meribah,
Ham,b
and Moses suffereda on account
astonishing deeds at the Reedc
of them.
Sea. 33
For they rebelled against him, b
PSALMS
23
He would have destroyed them
so that he spoke thoughtlessly
but for Moses, his chosen one,
with his lips.
who stood in the breach before him
34
to avertd his destructive wrath. They never destroy the people,
24 as the LORD had commanded
They rejected the desirable land,
them.
and they didn’t trust his promise. 35
25 Instead, they mingled among the
They murmured in their tents,
nations
and didn’t listen to the voice of
and learned their ways.c
the LORD. 36
26
So he swore an oath concerning They worshippedd their idols,
them— and this became a trap for them.
37
that he would cause them to die They sacrificed their sons and
in the wilderness, daughters to demons.
38
27
to cause their children to perish They shed innocent blood—
among the nations the blood of their sons and
daughters—
and be scattered among manye
lands.
f 106:28 Lit. they attached themselves with Baal
a 106:20 I.e. their God Peor
b 106:22 I.e. Egypt a 106:32 Lit. and it was evil for Moses
c 106:22 So MT. LXX reads Red b 106:33 Lit. against his spirit
d 106:23 Or turn back c 106:34 Lit. deeds
e 106:27 The MT lacks many d 106:35 Lit. served
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48
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Blessed are you, LORD God of
Canaan, Israel,
thereby polluting the land with from eternity to eternity;
blood. Let all the people say, “Amen!”
39
Therefore, they became unclean Hallelujah!
because of what they did;
they have acted like whores by BOOK V (Psalms 107-150)
their evil deeds. Psalm 107
40 Psalm 107
The LORD’s anger burned against
his people, Gratitude for God’s Deliverance
1
so that he despised his own Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
inheritance. good!
41
He turned them over to domination His gracious love exists forever.
2
by nations Let those who have been redeemed
where those who hated them by the LORD declare it—
ruled over them. those whom he redeemed
42
Their enemies oppressed them, from the powera of the enemy,
so that they were humiliated by 3
those whom he gathered from
their power. other lands—
43
He delivered them many times, from the east, west, north, and
PSALMS
but they demonstrated rebellion south.b
by their evil plans; 4
therefore they sunk deep in They wandered in desolate
their sins. wilderness;
they found no road to a city
44
Yet when he saw their distress where they could live.
and heard their cries for help,a 5
Hungry and thirsty,
45
he remembered his covenant with their spiritsc failed.
them, 6
Then they cried out to the LORD in
and so relented their trouble,
according to the greatness of and he delivered them from their
his gracious love. distress.
46
He caused all their captors to show 7
He led them in a straight way
compassion toward them. to find a city where they could
47
Deliver us, LORD our God, live.
8
gather us from among the Let them give thanks to the LORD
nations for his gracious love
so we may praise your holy name and his awesome deeds for
and rejoice in praising you. mankind.
a 107:2 Lit. hand

b 107:3 Lit. and the sea; i.e. the Red Sea
a 106:44 The MT lacks help c 107:5 Lit. soul
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9 19
He has satisfied the one who Yet when they cried out to the
thirsts, LORD in their trouble,
filling the hungry with what is he delivered them from certain
good. destruction.
20
10
Some sat in deepest darkness, He issued his commandb and
shackled with cruel iron, healed them;
11
because they had rebelled against he delivered them from their
the command of God, destruction.
21
despising the advice of the Most Let them give thanks to the LORD
High. for his gracious love,
12 and for his awesome deeds for
He humbled thema through
mankind.
suffering, 22
Let them offer sacrifices of
as they stumbled without a
thanksgiving
helper.
13 and talk about his works with
Then they cried out to the LORD in
shouts of joy.
their trouble;
23
he delivered them from their Those who go down to the sea in
distress. ships,
14
And heb brought them out from who work in the great waters,
PSALMS
24
darkness and the shadow of witnessed the works of the LORD—
death,c his awesome deeds in the ocean’s
shattering their chains. depth.
25
15
He spoke and stirred up a
Let them gived thanks to the LORD windstorm
for his gracious love, that made its waves surge.
and for his awesome deeds to 26
The peoplec ascended skyward and
mankind. descended to the depths,
16
For he shattered bronze gates
their couraged melting away in
and cut through iron bars.
their peril.
17 27
Because of their rebellious ways, They reeled and staggered like a
fools suffered for their iniquities. drunkard,
18
Theya loathed all food, as all their wisdom became
and even reached the gates of useless.
28
death. Yet when they cried out to the
LORD in their trouble,
the LORD brought them out of
a 107:12 Lit. humbled their hearts their distress.
b 107:14 So LXX and DSS 4QPsf; the MT
reads He
c 107:14 So LXX; the MT reads and gloom
d 107:15 So MT and LXX; DSS 4QPsf reads b 107:20 Lit. word
Give c 107:26 Lit. They
a 107:18 Lit. their souls d 107:26 Lit. souls
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29 40
He calmed the storm Having poured contempt on their
and its wavesa quieted down. nobles,
30
So they rejoiced that the wavesb causing them to err aimlessly in
became quiet, the way.
41
and he led them to their desired Yet he lifted the needy from
haven. affliction
31
and made them families like a
Let them give thanks to the LORD flock.
for his gracious love
42
and for his awesome deeds on The upright see it and rejoice,
behalf of mankind. but the mouth of an evil person is
32
Let them exalt him in the assembly shut.
43
of the people 107
Let whoever is wise observe these
and praise him in the counsel of things,
the elders. that they may comprehend the
33
gracious love of the LORD.
He turns rivers into a desert, Psalm 108
springs of water into dry ground, Psalm 108

34
and a fruitful land into a salty A song. A Davidic psalm.
waste, A Plea for Victory
due to the wickedness of its
PSALMS
1
My heart is firm, God;
inhabitants. I will sing and praise you with
35
He turns a desert into a pool of my whole being.
water, 2
Awake, harp and lyre! 108
dry land into springs of water. I will wake up at dawn.

36
There he settled the hungry, 3
I will give thanks to you among the
where they built a city to live in. peoples, LORD!
37
They sowed fields and planted I will sing praise to you among
vineyards the nations.
that yielded a productive harvest. 4
For your gracious love extends to
38
Then he blessed them, and they the sky,b
became numerous; and your faithfulness reaches to
he multiplied their cattle.a the clouds.
39
But they became few in number, 5
May you be exalted above the
and humiliated heavens, God,
by continued oppression, agony, and your glory be over all the
and sorrow. earth.
a 107:29 So MT and LXX; DSS 4QPsf reads

and the waves of the sea; cf. Psa 107:25
b 107:30 Lit. they
a 107:38 Or he didn’t let their cattle become few b 108:4 Or is great above the heavens
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6 3
In order that those you love may be They surround me with hate-filled
rescued, words,
deliver with your powera and attacking me for no reason.
4
answer me! Instead of receivingb my love, they
7 accuse me,
God had promised in his sanctuary:
though I continue in prayer.
5
“I will triumph and divide They devise evil against me instead
Shechem, 108 of good,
then I will measure the valley of and hatred in place of my love.
Succoth! 6
8 Appoint an evil person over him;
Gilead and Manasseh belong to me,
may an accuser stand at his right
while Ephraim is my chief
stronghold side.c
7
and Judah is my scepter. When he is judged, may he be
9
Moab is my washbasin; found guilty;
I will fling my shoe on Edom may his prayer be regarded as
and shout over Philistia.” sin.
8
May his days be few;
10
Who will lead me to the fortified may another take over his
city? position.d
PSALMS
Who will lead me as far as Edom? 9

May his children become fatherless,
God, you have rejected us, have and his wife a widow.
you not, 10
May his children roam around
since you did not march out with begging,
our army, God? seeking foode while driven farf
12
Give us help against the enemy, from their ruined homes.
because human help is useless.a 11
May creditors seize all his
13
I will find strength in God, possessions,
for he will trample on our foes. and may foreigners loot the
property he has acquired.g
Psalm 109
Psalm 109 12
To the Director. A Davidic psalm. May no one extend gracious love to
him,
A Prayer Against the Evil One or show favor to his fatherless
1
God, whom I praise, children.
do not be silent,
2
for the mouths of wicked and
deceitful people
are opened against me; b 109:4 The MT lacks receiving
they speak against me with c 109:6 Lit. hand
d 109:8 Or office
lying tongues. e 109:10 The MT lacks food
f 109:10 So LXX. The MT lacks while driven
a 108:6 Lit. right hand far
a 108:12 Or vain g 109:11 Or the result of his labor
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13 20
May his descendantsa be May this be the way the LORD
eliminated, repays my accuser,
and their memoryb be erased those who speak evil against me.
from the next generation. 21
Now you, LORD my God, defendk
14
May his ancestors’ guilt be me for your name’s sake;
remembered in the LORD’s because your gracious love is
presence, good, deliver me!
and may his mother’s guilt not be 22
Indeed, I am poor and needy,
erased. and my heart is wounded within
15
May whatc they have doned be me.
23
continuously in the LORD’s I am fadingl away like a shadow
presence; late in the day;
and may their memory be excised I am shaken off like a locust.
24
from the earth. My knees give waya from fasting,
16 and my skin is lean, deprived of
For he didn’t think to extend
oil.
gracious love; 25
I have become an object of derision
he harassed to death the poor,
to them—
the needy, and the broken
they shake their heads whenever
hearted.e
17 they see me.
He loved to curse—may his cursesf
PSALMS
26
return upon him! Help me, LORD my God!
He took no delight in blessing Deliver me in accord with your
othersg— gracious love!
so may blessingsh be far from 27
Then they will realize that your
him. hand is in this—
18
He wore curses like a garment— that you, LORD, have
may theyi enter his inner being accomplished it.
28
like water 109 They will curse,
and his bones like oil. but you will bless.
19
May those cursesj wrap around him When they attack,b they willc be
like a garment, humiliated,
or like a belt that one always while your servant rejoices.
29
wears. May my accusers be clothed with
shame
a 109:13 Lit. May those after him and wrapped in their humiliation
b 109:13 Or their name as with a robe.
c 109:15 The MT lacks what
d 109:15 The MT lacks have done
e 109:16 Or downhearted k 109:21 Lit. God, do to
f 109:16 Lit. may it l 109:23 Or walking
g 109:17 The MT lacks others a 109:24 Or knees stagger
h 109:17 Lit. it b 109:28 Lit. arise
i 109:18 Lit. it c 109:28 So MT, DSS 4QPsf and 11QPsa; the
j 109:19 Lit. may it LXX reads arise, let my opponents
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30 6
I will give many thanks to the LORD He will execute judgment against
with my mouth, the nations,
praising him publicly, filling gravesa with corpses.
31
for he standsa at the right hand of He will utterly destroy leaders
the needy one, far and wide.
to deliver him from his accusers.b 7
He will drink from a stream on the
way,
Psalm 110
Psalm 110
A Davidic psalm then hold his head high.
Psalm 111
A Priestly Ruler Psalm 111b

1
A declaration from the LORDc to my Praise for God’s Amazing Deeds
Lord: 1
Hallelujah!
“Sit at my right hand ‫א‬ I will give thanks to the LORD
until I make your enemies your with all of my heart
footstool.” in the assembled
‫ב‬
2
When the LORD extends your congregation of the
mighty scepter from Zion, upright.
2
rule in the midst of your enemies. ‫ג‬ Great are the acts of the LORD;
3
Your soldiersd are willing ‫ד‬ they are within reach ofc all
PSALMS
volunteers on your day of who desire them.

battle; ‫ה‬
3
Splendid and glorious are his
in majestic holiness, from the awesome deeds,
womb, ‫ו‬ and his righteousness
from the dawn, the dew of endures forever.
your youth belongs to you. ‫ז‬
4
He is remembered for his
4
The LORD took an oath and will awesome deeds;
never recant: ‫ח‬ the LORD is gracious and
“You are a priest forever, compassionate.
5
after the manner of ‫ט‬ He prepares foodd for those
Melchizedek.” who fear him;
5 ‫י‬ he is ever mindful of his
The Lord is at your right hand; covenant.
he will utterly destroy kings in 6
He revealed his mighty deeds
‫כ‬
the time of his wrath. to his people
‫ל‬ by giving them a country of
their own.a
a 109:31 So MT; the LXX and DSS 11QPsa a 110:6 The MT lacks graves
read he has stood b 111:T In this acrostic psalm each line begins
b 109:31 Or from those who condemn him with a consecutive letter of The MT alphabet
c 110:1 So MT. LXX reads The LORD said c 111:2 Or are sought by
d 110:3 Lit. people d111:5 Or prey
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7
‫מ‬ Whatever he does isb reliable ‫ח‬ for the one who is
and just, gracious,
‫נ‬ and all his precepts are compassionate, and
trustworthy, just.
8 5
‫ס‬ sustained through all eternity, ‫ט‬ It is good for the person who
and fashioned in both truth lends generously,
‫ע‬ conducting his affairs with
and righteousness. ‫י‬
9
He sent deliverance to his fairness.
‫פ‬ 6
He will never be shaken;
people; ‫כ‬
‫צ‬ he ordained his covenant to ‫ל‬ the one who is just will
last forever; always be remembered.
his name is holy and awesome. 7
‫ק‬ ‫מ‬ He need not fear a bad report,
10
‫ר‬ The fear of the LORD is the for his heart is unshaken,
‫נ‬
beginning of wisdom; since he trusts in the
‫ש‬ sound understanding belongs LORD.
to those who practice it. 8
His heart is steadfast, he will
‫ס‬
‫ת‬ Praise of Godc endures forever. 111
not fear.
Psalm 112
‫ע‬ In the end he will look in

Psalm 112a triumph over his enemy.
PSALMS
9
The Gracious Person ‫פ‬ He gives generously to the
1
Hallelujah! 112
poor;
‫צ‬ his righteousness endures
‫א‬ How happy is the person who forever;
fears the LORD, his horn is exalted in
‫ק‬
‫ב‬ who truly delights in his honor.
commandments. 10
The wicked person sees this
‫ג‬
2
His descendants will be ‫ר‬ and flies into a rage;
powerful in the land, his teeth gnash and wear
‫ש‬
‫ד‬ a generation of the upright away.
who will be blessed. The desire of the wicked will
3 ‫ת‬
‫ה‬ Wealth and riches are in his amount to nothing.
house, Psalm 113
and his righteousness Psalm 113

‫ו‬
endures forever. Praise to the Loving God
4
‫ז‬ A light shines in the darkness 1
Hallelujah!
for the upright,
Give praise, you servants of the
LORD.
a111:6 Lit. an inheritance of nations Praise the name of the LORD!
b 111:7 Lit. The works of his hands are
2
c 111:10 Lit. him May the name of the LORD be
a 112:T In this acrostic psalm each line begins blessed
with a consecutive letter of The MT alphabet from now to eternity.
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3 5
From risinga to settingb sun, What happened to you, sea, that
may the name of the LORD be you fled?
praised. Jordan, that you ran backwards?
4 6
The LORD is exalted high above all Mountains, that you skipped like
the nations; 113
rams?
his glory beyond the heavens. and you hills, that you skippedc
5 like lambs?
Who is like the LORD our God,
7
enthroned on high, Tremble then, earth, at the presence
6
yet stooping low to observe of the Lord,
the sky and the earth? at the presence of the God of
7 Jacob,
He lifts the poor person from the 8
who turned the rock into a pool of
dust,
water,
raising the needy from the trash
the flinty rock into flowing
pile
8 springs.
and giving him a seat among Psalm 115
nobles— Psalm 115

with the nobles of his people.
9 The Impotence of Idols
He makes the barren woman 1
Not to us, LORD, not to us,
among her household
PSALMS
but to your name be given glory

a happy mother of joyful
on account of your gracious
children.
love and faithfulness.
2
Hallelujah! Why should the nations ask
Psalm 114
“Where now is their God?”

Psalm 114 3
when our God is in the heavens
Deliverance of Israel from Egypt and he does whatever he desires?
1
When Israel came out of Egypt— 4
Their idols are silver and gold,
the household of Jacob from a
crafted by human hands.
people of foreign speech— 5
2 They have mouths, but cannot
Judah became his sanctuary
speak;
and Israel his place of dominion.
they have eyes, but cannot see.
3 6
The sea saw thisa and fled, They have ears, but cannot hear;
the Jordan Riverb ran backwards, they have noses, but cannot
4
the mountains skipped like rams, smell;
7
and the hills like lambs. They have hands, but cannot touch;
feet, but cannot walk;
they cannot even groan with
their throats.
a 113:3 Lit. from the eastern
b 113:3 Lit. to the western
a 114:3 The MT lacks this
b 114:3 The MT lacks River c 114:6 The MT lacks that you skipped
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8
Those who craft them will become Hallelujah!
like them, Psalm 116
Psalm 116
as will all those who trust in
them. God, My Deliverer
1
9 I love the LORD
Israel, trust in the LORD!
because he has heard my prayer
He is their helper and shield.
10 for mercy;c
House of Aaron, trust in the LORD! 2
for he listens to me whenever I call.
He is their helper and shield. 3
The ropes of death were wound
11
You who fear the LORD, trust in the around me
LORD! 115
and the anguish of Sheold came

He is their helper and shield. upon me;
12
The LORD remembers and blesses I encountered distress and
us. sorrow.
4
He will indeed bless the house of Then I called on the name of the
Israel; LORD,
he will bless the house of “LORD, please deliver me!e”
Aaron. 5
The LORD is gracious and
13
He will bless those who fear the righteous;
LORD, our God is compassionate;
PSALMS
115
6
both the important and the the LORD watches over the
insignificant together. innocent;f
14 I was brought low, and he
May the LORD add to your
delivered me.
numbers— 7
Return to your resting place, My
to you and to your descendants. soul,
15
May you be blessed by the LORD, for the LORD treated you
who made the heavens and the generously.
earth. 8
Indeed, you delivered my soul from
16
The highest heavensa belong to the death,
LORD, my eyes from crying,a
but he gave the earth to human and my feet from stumbling.
beings. 9
17 I will walk in the LORD’s presence
Neither can the dead praise the
in the lands of the living.
LORD, 10
I will continue to believe, even
nor those who go down into the
when I say,
silence of death.b “I am greatly afflicted”
18
But we will bless the LORD
from now to eternity.
c 116:1 Lit. the voice of my supplication
d 116:3 I.e. the realm of the dead
e 116:4 Lit. deliver my soul
a 115:16 Lit. heaven of heaven f 116:6 Or naive
b 115:17 The MT lacks of death a 116:8 Lit. tears
573
11 2
and speak hastily, Let Israel now say,
“All people are liars!” “His gracious love is eternal.”
3
12 Let the house of Aaron now say,
What shall I return to the LORD
for all his benefits to me? “His gracious love is eternal.”
4
13
I will raise my cup of deliverance Let those who fear the LORD now
and invoke the LORD’s name. say,
14
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD “His gracious love is eternal.”
in the presence of all his people. 5
I called on the LORD in my distress;
15
In the sight of the LORD, 116
the LORD answered me openly.a
6
the death of his faithful ones is The LORD is with me.
valued. I will not be afraid.
16
What can people do to me?
LORD, I am indeed your servant. 7
With the LORD beside me as my
I am your servant. 116
helper,
I am the son of your handmaid. I will triumph over those who
You have released my bonds. hate me.
17
I will bring you a thanksgiving
8
offering It is better to take sheltera in the
and call on the name of the LORD
LORD! than to trust in people.
PSALMS
18 9
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD It is better to take shelterb in the
in the presence of all his people, LORD
19
in the courts of the LORD’s house, than to trust in princes.
in your midst, Jerusalem. 10
All the nations surrounded me;
Hallelujah! but in the name of the LORD I will
Psalm 117
defeat them.
Psalm 117 11
They surrounded me, they are
A Call to Praise the LORD around me;
1
Praise the LORD, all you nations! but in the name of the LORD I will
Exalt him, all you peoples! defeat them.
2 12
For great is his gracious love They surrounded me like bees;
toward us, but they will be extinguished
and the LORD’s faithfulness is likec burning thorns.
eternal. In the name of the LORD I will
defeat them.
Hallelujah!
Psalm 118
Psalm 118
a 118:5 Lit. in a wide open place
Thanksgiving to God a 118:8 Or refuge; the LXX, DSS 4QPsb and
1
Give thanks to the LORD,
a
11QPs read to trust
b 118:9 Or refuge
for he is good; c 118:12 So MT and DSS 4QPsb; the LXX
his gracious love is eternal. reads bees; they blazed like a fire among
574
13 23
Indeed, youa oppressed me so This is from the LORD—
much that I nearly fell, it is awesome in our sight.
24
but the LORD helped me. This is the day that the LORD has
14
The LORD is my strength and made;
protector,b let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
for he has become my deliverer.c 25
Please LORD, deliver us! 118
15
There’s exultationd for deliverance Please LORD, hurrya and bring
in the tents of the righteous: success now!
“The right hand of the LORD is 26
Blessed is the one who comes in the
victorious!e name of the LORD!
16
The right hand of the LORD is Let us bless you from the LORD’s
exalted! house.
The right hand of the LORD is 27
The LORD is God—he will be our
victorious!”f light!
17 Bind the festival sacrifice with
I will not die, but I will live
ropes
to recount the deeds of the LORD.
18 to the horn at the altar.
The LORD will discipline me 28
You are my God, and I will praise
severely,
you;
PSALMS
but he won’t hand me over to
my God, and I will exalt you.
die. 29
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
19
Open for me the righteous gates good
so I may enter through them to and his gracious love is eternal.
give thanks to the LORD. Psalm 119
20
This is the LORD’s gate— Psalm 119
The righteous will enter through ‫ א‬Alefb
it.
Living in the Law of God
21
I will praise you because you have 1
How blessed are those whose lifec
answered me is blameless,
and have become my deliverer. who walk in the Law of the
22
The stone that the builders rejected LORD!
has become the cornerstone. 2
How blessed are those who observe
his decrees,
who seek him with all of their
a 118:13 I.e. the enemy heart,
b 118:14 Or might
c 118:14 Or salvation
d 118:15 Lit. sound of a 118:25 Or rush
e 118:15 Lit. LORD acted valiantly b 119:T This Psalm is an acrostic in which all
f 118:16 The MT reads LORD acted valiantly; verses in each eight-verse section begin with
LXX and DSS 11QPsa read LORD acted the letter of The MT alphabet indicated.
powerfully c 119:1 Lit. way
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3 15
who practice no evil I will meditate on your precepts,
while they walk in his ways. and I will respect your ways.
4 16
You have commanded concerning I am delighted with your statutes;
your precepts, I will not forget your word.a
that they be guarded with ‫ ג‬Gimmel
diligence.
5
Oh, that my ways were steadfast, Living and Keeping God’s Word
17
so I may keep your statutes. Deal kindly with your servant
6
Then I will not be ashamed, so I may live and keep your
since my eyes will be fixed on all word.b
of your commands. 18
Open my eyes
7
I will praise you with an upright so that I will observe amazing
heart, things from your instruction.c
as I learn your righteous decrees. 19
Since I am a stranger on the earth,
8
I will keep your statutes; do not hide your commands from
do not ever abandon me. me.
‫ ב‬Bet 20
My soul is consumed with longing
for your decrees at all times.
The Benefits of the Word 21
You rebuke the accursed ones,
9
How can a young man keep his who wander from your
PSALMS
behavior pure? commands.

By guarding it in accordance with 22
Remove scorn and disrespect from
your word. me,
10
I have sought you with all of my for I observe your decrees.
heart; 23
Though nobles take their seat and
do not let me drift away from gossip about me,
your commands. your servant will meditate on
11
I have stored what you have saida your statutes.
in my heart, 24
I take joy in your decrees,
so I won’t sin against you. for they are my counselors.
12
Blessed are you, LORD!
‫ ד‬Daleth
Teach me your statutes.
13
I have spoken with my lips Strength Comes from the Word
about all your decrees that you 25
My soul clings to the dust;
have announced.b revive me according to your
14
I find joy in the path of your word.
decrees,
as if I owned all kinds of riches.
a 119:16 So MT; the LXX, Syr, and DSS
11QPsa read words
a 119:11 So MT and DSS 4QPsh; the LXX b 119:17 So MT; the LXX and DSS 11QPsa
and Syr read stored your oracles read words
b 119:13 Lit. decrees of your mouth c 119:18 Or Law
576
26 37
I have talked about my ways, Turn my eyes away from gazing at
and you have answered me; worthless things,
Teach me your statutes. and revive me by your ways.
38
27
Help me understand how your Confirm your promise to your
precepts function,a servant,
and I will meditate on your which is for those who fear you.
39
wondrous acts. Turn away the shame that I dread,
28
I weep because of sorrow; because your ordinances are
fortify me according to your good.
40
word. Look, I long for your precepts;
29
Remove false paths from me; revive me through your
and graciously give me your righteousness.
30
instruction.b ‫ ו‬Vav
I have chosen the faithful way;
I have firmly placed your A Song of Praise
41
ordinances before me.c May your gracious love come to
31
I cling to your decrees; me, LORD,
LORD, do not put me to shame. your salvation, just as you said.
42
32
I eagerly race along the way of your Then I can answer the one who
commands, insults me,
PSALMS
for you enable me to do so.d for I place my trust in your word.
43
‫ ה‬He Never take your truthful words
from me,
Instructed by the Word For I wait forc your ordinances.
33
Teach me, LORD, about the way of 44
Then I will always keep your Law,
your statutes, forever and ever,
and I will observe them without 45
I will walk in liberty,
fail.a for I seek your precepts.
34
Give me understanding 46
Then I will speak of your decrees
and I will observe your before kings
instruction.b and not be ashamed.
I will keep it with all of my 47
I will take delight in your
heart. commands,
35
Help me live my life by your which I love.
commands, 48
I will lift up my hands to your
because my joy is in them. commands,
36
Turn my heart to your decrees which I love,
and away from unjust gain. and I will meditate on your
statutes.
a 119:27 Lit. understand the ways of your precepts
b 119:29 Or Law
c 119:30 The MT lacks before me
‫ ז‬Zayin
d 119:32 Lit. will enlarge my heart
a 119:33 Or them to the end
b 119:34 Or Law c 119:43 Or place my hope in
577
59
Remembering What God Has Said I examined my lifestyle
49
Remember what you saida to your and set my feet in the direction of
servant, your decrees.
60
by which you caused me to hope. I hurried and did not procrastinate
50
This is what comforts me in my to keep your commands.
61
troubles: Though the ropes of the wicked
that what you say revives me. have ensnared me,
51
Even though the arrogant utterly I have not forgotten your
deride me, instruction.d
62
I do not turn away from your At midnight I will get up to thank
instruction.b you
52
I have remembered your ancient for your righteous ordinances.
63
ordinances, LORD, I am united with all who fear you,
and I take comfort in them. and with everyone who keeps
53
I burn with indignation because of your precepts.
64
the wicked LORD, the earth overflows with
who forsake your instruction.a your gracious love!
54
Your statutes are my songs, Teach me your statutes.
no matter where I make my ‫ ט‬Teth
home.b
PSALMS
55
In the night I remember your Praise for God’s Word
65
name, LORD, LORD, you have dealt well with
your servant,
and keep your instruction.c
56 according to your word.
I have made it my personal 66
Teach me both knowledge and
responsibility
appropriate discretion,
to keep your precepts.
because I believe in your
‫ ח‬Cheth commands.
67
Keeping God’s Word Before I was humbled, I wandered
57
The LORD is my inheritance; away,
I have given my promise to keep but now I observe your words.
68
your word. LORD,e you are goodf, and do what
58
I have sought your favor with all of is good;
my heart; teach me your statutes.
69
be gracious to me according to The arrogant have accused me
your promise. falsely;
but I will observe your precepts
wholeheartedly.
a 119:49 Lit. Remember the word
b 119:51 Or Law d 119:61 Or Law
a 119:53 Or Law e 119:68 So LXX, Syr, DSS 11QPsa; the MT
b 119:54 Lit. songs in the house of my sojourn lacks LORD
c 119:55 Or Law f 119:68 So MT; the LXX reads kind
578
70 78
Their minds are clogged as with May the arrogant become ashamed,
greasy fat, because they have subverted me
but I find joy in your instruction.a with deceit;
71
It was for my good that I was as for me, I will meditate on
humbled;b your precepts.
79
so that I would learn your May those who fear you turn to
statutes. me,
72
Instructionc that comes from youd along with those who know your
is better for me decrees.
80
than thousands of gold and silver May my heart be blameless with
coins.e respect to your statutes
so that I may not become
‫ י‬Yod ashamed.
Prayer for God’s Grace ‫ כ‬Kaf
73
Your hands made and formed me;
give me understanding, On Obeying God’s Word
that I may learn your 81
I long for your deliverance;
commands. I have looked to your word,
74
May those who fear you see me placing my hope in it.
and be glad,
PSALMS
82
My eyes grow weary
for I have hoped in your word. with respect to what you have
75
I know, LORD, that your decrees are promised—
just, I keep asking, “When will you
and that you have rightfully comfort me?”
humbled me. 83
Though I have become like a water
76
May your gracious love comfort me skin dried byg smoke,
in accordance with your promise I have not forgotten your
to your servant. statutes.
77
May your mercies come to me that 84
How many days must your servant
I may live, endure this?a
for your instructionf is my When will you judge those who
delight. persecute me?
85
The arrogant have dug pitfalls for
me
disobeying your instruction.b
86
a 119:70 Or Law All of your commands are reliable.
b 119:71 So MT; the LXX reads that you I am persecuted without cause—
a
humbled me; DSS 11QPs reads that you afflicted help me!
me
c 119:72 Or Law
d 119:72 Lit. from your mouth g 119:83 The MT lacks dried by
e 119:72 Lit. pieces a 119:84 The MT lacks this
f 119:77 Or Law b 119:85 Or Law
579
87
Though the arroganta nearly ‫ מ‬Mem
destroyed me on earth,
I did not abandon your precepts. Loving God’s Word
97
88
Revive me according to your How I love your instruction!c
gracious love; Every day it is my meditation.
98
and I will keep the decrees that Your commands make me wiser
you have proclaimed. than my adversaries,
since they are always with me.
‫ ל‬Lamed 99
I am more insightful than my
teachers,
Pay Attention to God’s Word
89 because your decrees are my
Your word is forever, LORD;
meditations.
it is firmly established in heaven. 100
90 I have more common sense than
Your faithfulness continues from
the elders,
generation to generation.
for I observe your precepts.
You established the earth, and it 101
I keep away from every evil
stands firm.
91
To this day they stand by means of choiced
your rulings, so that I may keep your word.a
102
for all things serve you. I do not avoid your judgments,
for you pointed them out to me.
PSALMS
92
Had your instructionb not been my 103
pleasure, How pleasing is what you have
I would have died in my to say to me—
affliction. tasting better than honey.
104
93
I will never forget your precepts, I obtain understanding from your
for you have revived me with precepts;
them. therefore I hate every false way.
94
I am yours, so save me, ‫ נ‬Nun
since I have sought your
God’s Word a Light
precepts. 105
95
The wicked lay in wait to destroy Your word isb a lamp for my feet,
me, a light for my pathway.
106
while I ponder your decrees. I have given my word and
96
I have observed that all things have affirmed it,
their limit, to keep your righteous
but your commandment is very judgments.
broad.
c 119:97 Or Law
d 119:100 Lit. way
a 119:101 So MT and DSS 5QPs; the LXX
reads words
a 119:87 Lit. they b 119:105 So MT and LXX; the DSS 11QPsa
b 119:92 Or Law reads words are
580
107 118
I am severely afflicted. You reject all who wander from
Revive me, LORD, according to your statutes,
your word. since their deceitfulness is vain.
108
LORD, please accept my voluntary 119
You removee all the wicked of
offerings of praise,a the earth likef dross;
and teach me your judgments. therefore I love your decrees.
109
Though I constantly take my life 120
My flesh trembles out of fear of
in my hands, you,
I do not forget your instruction.b and I am in awe ofg your
110
Though the wicked lay a trap for judgments.
me, ‫ ע‬Ayin
I haven’t wandered away from
your precepts. Praying for God’s Deliverance
111 121
I have inherited your decrees I have acted with justice and
forever, righteousness;
because they are the joy of my do not abandon me to my
heart. oppressors.
112 122
As a result, I am determined Back up your servant in a
to carry out your statutes forever. positive way;
‫ ס‬Samek do not let the arrogant oppress
PSALMS
me.
Loving God’s Law 123
My eyes fail as I looka for your
113
I despise the double-minded, salvation
but I love your instruction.c and for your righteous promise.
114
You are my fortress and shield; 124
Act toward your servant
I hope in your word. consistent with your gracious
115
Leave me, you who practice evil, love,
that I may observe the commands and teach me your statutes.
125
of my God. Since I am your servant, give me
116
Sustain me, God,d as you have understanding,
promised, so I will know your decrees.
126
and I will live. It is time for the LORD to act,
Do not let me be ashamed of since they have violated your
my hope. instruction.b
117
Support me, that I may be saved,
and I will carry out your statutes
consistently. e 119:119 So MT; Hieronymus, Aquila, and
Symmacus read You consider; the LXX reads I
a
considered; DSS 11QPs reads I consider
a 119:108 Lit. of my mouth f 119:119 The MT lacks like
b 119:109 Or Law g 119:120 Or I fear
c 119:113 Or Law a 119:123 The MT lacks as I look
d 119:116 The MT lacks God b 119:126 Or Law
581
127 138
I truly love your commands more You have ordered your decrees to
than gold, us rightly,
including fine gold. and they are very faithful.
128 139
I truly consider all of your My zeal consumes me
precepts—all of them—to be because my enemies forget your
just, words.
140
while I despise every false way. Your word is very pure,
‫ פ‬Peyh and your servant loves it.
141
Though I may be small and
Living in God’s Word despised,
129
Your decrees are wonderful— I do not neglect your precepts.
that’s why I observe them. 142
Your righteousness is an eternal
130
The disclosure of your words righteousness,
illuminates, and your instructionc is true.
providing understanding to the 143
Though trouble and anguish
simple. overwhelm me,
131
I open my mouth and pant your commands remain my
as I long for your commands. delight.
132
Turn in my direction and show 144
Your righteous decrees are
mercy to me, eternal;
PSALMS
as you have decreed regarding give me understanding, and I will

those who love your name. live.
133
Direct my footsteps by your
‫ ק‬Qof
promise,
and do not let any kind of Waiting in Hope
145
iniquity rule over me. I have cried out with all of my
134
Deliver me from human heart.
oppression Answer me, LORD!
and I will keep your precepts. I will observe your statutes.
135 146
Show favor toa your servant, I have called out to you, “Save
and teach me your statutes. me,
136
My eyes shed rivers of tears, so I may keep your decrees.”
147
when others do not obey your I get up before dawn and cry for
instruction.b help;
‫ צ‬Tsade I place my hope in your word.
148
I look forward to the night
God’s Righteous Decrees watches,
137
LORD, you are righteous, when I may meditate on what
and your judgments are right. you have said.
a 119:135 Lit. Make your face shine on

b 119:136 Or Law c 119:142 Or Law
582
149 158
Hear my voice according to your I watch the treacherous, and
gracious love. despise them,
LORD, revive me in keeping with because they do not do what you
your justice. have said.
150 159
Those who pursue wickedness Look how I love your precepts,
draw near; LORD;
they remain far from your revive me according to your
instruction.a gracious love.
151 160
You are near, LORD, The sumc of your wordd is truth,
and all of your commands are and each righteous ordinance of
true. yours is everlasting.
152
I discovered long ago about your ‫שׂ‬/‫ שׁ‬Sin/Shin
decrees
that you have confirmed them Loving God’s Instruction
161
forever. Though nobles persecute me for
‫ ר‬Resh no reason,
my heart stands in awe of your
God’s Word is Truth words.
153 162
Look on my misery, and rescue I find joy at what you have said
me, like one who has discovered a
PSALMS
for I do not ignore your great treasure.
163
instruction.b I despise and hate falsehood,
154
Defend my case and redeem me; buta I love your instruction.b
164
revive me according to your I praise you seven times a day
promise. because of your righteous
155
Deliverance remains remote from ordinances.
165
the wicked, Great peace belongs to those who
for they do not seek your love your instruction,c
statutes. and nothing makes them
156
Your mercies are magnificent, stumble.
LORD; 166
I am looking in hope for your
revive me according to your deliverance, LORD,
judgments. as I carry out your commands.
157
Though my persecutors and
adversaries are numerous,
I do not turn aside from your
decrees.
c 119:160 So MT; the LXX reads beginning
d 119:160 So MT; the LXX, Hieronymous,
a
DSS 11QPs read words
a 119:163 So LXX, Syr, DSS 11QPsa; the MT
lacks but
a 119:150 Or Law b 119:163 Or Law
b 119:153 Or Law c 119:165 Or Law
583
Psalm 120
167
My soul treasuresa your decrees, Psalm 120
and I love them deeply. A Song of Ascentsd
168
I keep your precepts and your
A Prayer for Deliverance
decrees 1
I cried to the LORD in my distress,
because all of my ways are before
and he responded to me.
you. 2
“LORD, deliver mee from lips that
119
‫ ת‬Tav lie
The Joy of God’s Word and tongues that deceive.”
169
May my cry arise before you, 3
What will be given to you,
LORD; and what will be done to you,
give me understanding according you treacherous tongue?
to your word. 4
Like aa sharp arrow from a warrior,
170
Let my request come before you; along with fiery coals from
deliver me, as you have juniper trees!
promised. 5
171
May my lips utter praise, How terrible for me,
for you teach me your statutes. that I am an alien in Meshech,
172
May my tongue sing about your that I reside among the tents of
promise, Kedar!
PSALMS
6
for all of your commands are I have resided too long
right. with those who hate peace.
7
173
May your hand stand ready to I am in favor of peace;
assist me, but when I speak,
for I have chosen your precepts. they are in favor of war.
174
I am longing for your
Psalm 121
Psalm 121
deliverance, LORD, A Song of Ascents
and your instructionb is my joy.
175
Let me live, and I will praise you; The Guardian of God’s People
1
I lift up my eyes toward the
let your ordinancesc help me.
176 mountains—
I have wandered away like a lost
from where will my help come?
sheep; 2
My help is from the LORD,
come find your servant,
maker of heaven and earth.
for I do not forget your
commands. 3
He will never letb your foot slip,
norc willd your guardian become
drowsy.
a 119:167 Lit. guards d 120:T Or Degrees; and so through Psalm 134

b 119:174 Or Law e 120:3 Lit. my soul
c 119:175 So LXX, Targ, DSS 11QPsa a 120:4 The MT lacks Like a
(original); the MT reads ordinance b 121:3 So MT; the LXX reads Do not let
584
4 6
Look! The one who is guarding Pray for peace for Jerusalem:
Israel “May those who love you be at
never sleeps and does not take peace!e
naps. 7
May peace be within your
5
The LORD is your guardian; ramparts,
the LORD is your shade at your andf prosperityg within your
right side. fortresses.”
6
The sun will not ravage you by day, 8
For the sake of my relatives and
nor the moon by night. friends
7
The LORD will guard you from all I will now say, “May there be
evil, peace be within you.”
9
preservingc your life. For the sake of the temple of the
8
The LORD will guard your goings LORD our God,
I will seek your welfare.
and comings,d Psalm 123
from this time on and forever. Psalm 123

Psalm 122
A Song of Ascents
Psalm 122
A Davidic Song of Ascents A Prayer for Relief
1
To you, who sit enthroned in
Up to Jerusalem
PSALMS
1 heaven,
I rejoiced when they kept on asking
I lift up my eyes.
me, 2
Consider this: as the eyes of a
“Let us go to the LORD’s temple.”
2 servant focus
Our feet are standing
inside your gates, Jerusalem. on what his master provides,a
3
Jerusalem stands built up, and as the eyes of a female servant
a city knitted together. focusb
4
To it the tribes ascend— on what her mistress provides,c
the tribes of the LORD— so our eyes focus on the LORD our
as decreed to Israel, God,
to give thanks to the name of the until he has mercy on us.
LORD.
5
For thrones are established there
for judgment,
thrones of the house of David.
e 122:6 Or you prosper

f 122:7 So LXX, Syr, and DSS 11QPsa; the
MT lacks and
a 121:3 So LXX, Syr, Hieronymous, DSS g 122:7 Or peacefulness; the LXX reads
11QPsa; the MT lacks nor abundance
b 121:3 So MT; the LXX reads nor let a 123:2 Lit. on the hand of his master
c 121:7 Or guarding b 123:2 The MT lacks focus
d 121:8 Cf. Deut 28:6 c 123:2 Lit. on the hand of her mistress
585
3
Psalm 125
Have mercy on us, LORD, have Psalm 125

mercy, A Song of Ascents
for we have had more than
God is Secure
enough of contempt. 1
4 Those who are trusting in the LORD
Our lives overflow are like Mount Zion, which
with scorn from those who live at cannot be overthrown.
ease, They remain forever.
with contempt from those who 2
Just as mountains encircle
are proud. Jerusalem,
so the LORD encircles his people,
Psalm 124
Psalm 124
A Davidic Song of Ascents from now to eternity.
3
God is for Us For evil’s scepter will not rest
1
If the LORD had not been on our on the land that has been allotted
side— to the righteous,
let Israel now say— and so the righteous will not direct
2
if the LORD had not been on our themselvesa to do wrong.
side, 4
LORD, do good to those who are
when men came against us, good,
3
then they would have devoured us and to those who are upright in
PSALMS
alive, heart.b
when their anger burned against 5
But for those who choose their own
us. devious paths,
4
Then the flood waters would have the LORD will lead them away,
overwhelmed us, along with those who practice
the torrent would have flooded evil.
over us; 6
5
the swollen waters would have Peace be upon Israel.
swept us away.
Psalm 126
124
Psalm 126
6
Blessed be the LORD, A Song of Ascents
who did not give us as prey to The Exiles Restored
their teeth. 1
When the LORD brought back
7
We have escaped like a bird from Zion’s exiles,c
the hunter’s trap. we were like dreamers.d
The trap has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8
Our help is in the name of the a 125:3 Lit. will not set their hands
LORD, b 125:4 So LXX and DSS 4QPse and 11QPsa;
the maker of heaven and earth. the MT reads in their hearts
c 126:1 Or fortunes
d 126:1 So MT; LXX and DSS11QPsa read
were restored
586
2
Then our mouths were filled with eating the food of exhausting
laughter, labor—
and our tongues formed joyful truly he gives sleep to those he
shouts. loves.
Then it was said among the 3
Childrenf are a giftg from the LORD;
nations,
“The LORD has done great things a productive womb, the LORD’sh
for them.” reward.
4
3
The great things that the LORD has As arrows in the hand of a warrior,
done for us so also are childrena born during
gladden us. one’sb youth.
5
4
How blessedc is the man whose
Restore our exiles,a LORD, quiver is full of them!
like the streams of the Negev.b
127
5
Hed will not be ashamed
Those who weep while they plant as they confront their enemies
will sing for joy while they at the city gate.
harvest. Psalm 128
6
The one who goes out weeping,c Psalm 128
carrying a bag of seeds, A Song of Ascents
will surely return with a joyful The Blessings of Fearing God
PSALMS
song, 1
How blessede are all who fear the
bearing sheaves from his LORD
harvest.d as they follow in his ways.
2
You will eat from the work of your
Psalm 127
Psalm 127
A Solomonic Song of Ascents hands;
you will be happy, and it will go
God’s Blessing in the Family well for you.
1
Unless the LORD builds the house, 3
its builders labor uselessly. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
Unless the LORD guards the city, within your house;
its security forces keep watch your childrenf like olive shoots
uselessly. surrounding your table.
4
2
It is useless to get up early See how the man will be blessed
and to stay up late,e who fears the LORD.
f 127:3 Lit. Sons

a 126:4 Or fortunes g 127:3 Lit. heritage
b 126:5 I.e. the southern regions of the Sinai h 127:3 The MT lacks LORD’s
peninsula; cf Joshua 10:40 a 127:4 Lit. sons
c 126:6 So MT and DSS 11QPsa (corrected); b 127:4 The MT lacks born during one’s
LXX and DSS 11QPsa (original) read out and c 127:5 Or happy
weeps d 127:5 Lit. They
d 126:6 The MT lacks harvest e 128:1 Or happy
e 127:2 Lit. delay sitting f 128:3 Lit. sons
587
5
Psalm 130
May the LORD bless you from Zion, Psalm 130

and may you observe the A Song of Ascents
prosperity of Jerusalem
A Prayer for Mercy
every day that you live! 1
6 I cry to you from the depths, LORD,
And may you see your children’s 2
Lord, listen to my voice;
children!
let your ears pay attention
Peace be on Israel!
Psalm 129
to what I ask of you!a
3
Psalm 129 LORD,b if you were to record
A Song of Ascents iniquities,
God Defeats Israel’s Enemies Lord, who could remain
1
“Since my youth they have often standing?
4
persecuted me,” But with you there is forgiveness,
let Israel repeat it, so that you may be feared.
2
“Since my youth they have often 5
I wait for the LORD;
persecuted me, my soul waits,
yet they haven’t defeated me. and I will hope in his word.
3
Wicked peoplea ploughed over my 6
My soul looks to the Lord
back, more than watchmen look for the
creating long-lasting wounds.”b morning—
PSALMS
4
The LORD is righteous— more, indeed, thanc watchmen
he has cut me free from the cords for the morning.
of the wicked. 7
Israel, hope in the LORD! 130
5
Let all who hate Zion For with the LORD there is
be turned away and be ashamed. gracious love,
6
May they become like a tuft of along with abundant
grass on a roof top, redemption.
8
that withers before it takes root— And he will redeem Israel
7
not enough to fill one’s hand from all its sins.
or to bundle in one’s arms.
Psalm 131
Psalm 131
8
And may those who pass by never A Davidic Song of Ascents
tell them,
Hope in the LORD
“May the LORD‘s blessing be 1
LORD, my heart is not arrogant,
upon you.
nor do I look haughty.
We bless you in the name of
the LORD.”
a 129:3 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT

reads The ploughman a 130:2 Lit. to the voice of my supplications
b 129:3 Or long furrows; the LXX reads back; b 130:3 Lit. Yah
they prolonged their lawlessness c 130:6 The MT lacks more indeed, than
588
I do not aspirea to great things, you and the ark of your

nor concern myself with things strength.
9
beyond my ability. May your priests be clothed with
2
Instead, I have composed and righteousness
quieted myself and may your godly ones shout
like a weaned child with its for joy.
10
mother; For the sake of your servant David,
I am like a weaned child. don’t turn away the face of your
3 anointed one.
Place your hope in the LORD, Israel,
11
both now and forever. The LORD made an oath to David
Psalm 132
from which he will not retreat:
Psalm 132 “One of your sons
A Song of Ascents
I will set in place on your throne.
12
The LORD Lives in Zion If your sons keep my covenant
1
LORD, remember in David’s favor and my statutes that I will teach
all of his troubles; them,
2
how he swore an oath to the LORD, then their sons will also sit on
vowing to the Mighty One of your throne forever.”
Jacob, 13
For the LORD has chosen Zion,
PSALMS
3
“I will not enterb my house, desiring it as his dwelling place.
or lie down onc my bed, 14
“This is my resting place forever.
4
or let myself go to sleepd Here I will live,
or even take a nap,e because I desire to do so.
5
until I locate a place for the LORD, 15
I will bless its provisions
a dwelling place for the Mighty abundantly;
One of Jacob.” I will satiate its poor with food.f
16
6
We heard about itf in Ephrata;g I will clothe its priests with
salvation
we found it in the fields of Jaar.h
7 and its godly ones will shout for
Let’s go to his dwelling place
joy.
and worship at his footstool. 17
There I will create a power basea
8
Arise, LORD, for David—
and go to your resting place, I have prepared a lamp for my
anointed one.
18
I will clothe his enemies with
a 131:1 Lit. walk
disgrace,
b 132:3 Lit. enter the tent that is
c 132:3 Lit. on the couch that is but on him his crown will shine.”
d 132:4 Lit. or give sleep to my eyes
e 132:4 Lit. or let my eyelids slumber
f 132:6 I.e. the Ark of the Covenant
g 132:6 I.e. the region of Bethlehem f 132:15 Lit. bread
h 132:6 1Sam 7:1-2; 1Chr 16:5-6 a 132:17 Lit. will cause a horn to sprout
589
Psalm 133
Psalm 133 Give praise, you servants of the

A Davidic Song of Ascents LORD,
2
you who are standing in the
The Significance of Unity
1 LORD’s temple,
Look how good and how pleasant
in the courtyards of the house
it is
of our God.
when brothers live together in
3
unity! Praise the LORD,
2
It is like precious oil on the head, because the LORD is good;
descending to the beard— Sing to his name,
even to Aaron’s beard— 133 for he is gracious.
4
and flowing down to the edge of It is Jacob whom the LORD chose
his robes. for himself—
3
It is like the dew of Hermon Israel as his personal
falling on Zion’s mountains. possession—
For there the LORD commanded his 5
Indeed, I know that the LORD is
blessing—
great,
life everlasting.
Psalm 134
and that our Lorda surpasses all
Psalm 134 gods.
A Song of Ascents 6
The LORD does whatever pleases
PSALMS
Praise to the Creator him

1
Now bless the LORD, in heaven and on earth,
all you servants of the LORD in the seas and all itsb deep
who servea nightly in the regions.
7
LORD’s temple. He makes the clouds rise from the
2
Lift up your hands to the holy ends of the earth;
place fashioning lightning for the rain,
and bless the LORD. bringing the wind from his
storehouses.
3
May the LORD who fashions 8
heaven and earth It was the LORDc who struck down
bless you from Zion. the firstborn of Egypt,
Psalm 135 including both men and animals.
Psalm 135 9
He sent signs and wonders among
Praising God for His Graciousness you, Egypt,
1
Hallelujah! befored Pharaoh and all his
Praise the name of the LORD! servants.
a 135:5 So MT and LXX; DSS 11QPsa reads

God
b 135:6 So DSS 11QPsa; the MT and LXX
lack its
a 134:1 Lit. stand c 135:8 Lit. was he
590
10 20
He struck down many nations, House of Levi, bless the LORD! 135
killing many kings— You who fear the LORD, bless the
11
Sihon, king of the Amorites, LORD!
Og, king of Bashan, 21
Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
and every kingdom of
he who lives in Jerusalem.
Canaan—
12
and he gave their land as an Hallelujah!
inheritance, Psalm 136
Psalm 136
an inheritance to his people
Israel. God’s Gracious Love
1
13 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
Your name, LORD, exists forever,
good,
and your reputation, LORD,
for his gracious love is
throughout the ages.
14 everlasting.
For the LORD will vindicate his 2
Give thanks to the God of gods,
people,
and he will show compassion on
everlasting.
his servants. 3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
15
The idols of the nations are silver for his gracious love is
and gold, everlasting—
PSALMS
worked byb the hands of human 4
To the one who alone does great
beings.
16 and wondrous things,
Mouths are attributed to them,
but they cannot speak;
everlasting—
sight is attributed to them, 5
to the one who by wisdom made
but they cannot see;
17 the heavens,
ears are attributed to them,
but they do not hear,
everlasting—
and there is no breath in their 6
to the one who spread out the
mouths.
18 earth over the waters,
Those who craft them—
and allc who trust in them— everlasting—
will become like them. 7
to the one who made the great
19
House of Israel, bless the LORD! lights,
House of Aaron, bless the LORD! for his gracious love is
everlasting—
8
the sun to illuminea the day,
a 135:9 Or among everlasting—
b 135:15 So MT and LXX; DSS 4QPsk reads
gold, products of
c 135:18 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT
lacks and a 136:8 Lit. govern; cf. Gen 1:16
591
9 18
and the moon and stars to illuminea and killed famous kings,
illuminea the night, for his gracious love is
for his gracious love is everlasting—
19
everlasting— including Sihon king of the
10
to the one who struck the firstborn Amorites,
of Egypt, for his gracious love is
for his gracious love is everlasting—
20
everlasting— and Og king of Bashan,
11
and brought Israel out from among for his gracious love is
them, everlasting—
21
for his gracious love is and gave their land as an
everlasting— inheritance,
12
with a strong hand and an activeb for his gracious love is
arm, everlasting—
22
for his gracious love is to Israel his servant as a possession,
everlasting. for his gracious love is
13 everlasting—
To the one who split the Reedc Sea
23
in two He it is who remembered us in our
for his gracious love is lowly circumstances,
everlasting— for his gracious love is
PSALMS
14
and made Israel pass through the everlasting—
24
middle of it, and rescued us from our enemies,
for his gracious love is for his gracious love is
everlasting— everlasting.
15 25
and cast Pharaoh and his armies He gives food to all creatures,
into the Reedc Sea, for his gracious love is
for his gracious love is everlasting.
everlasting. 26
Give thanks to the God of Heaven,
16
To the one who led his people into for his gracious love is
the wilderness, everlasting.
for his gracious love is Psalm 137
everlasting— Psalm 137

17
to the one who struck down great Remembering Jerusalem
kings, 1
There we sat down and cried—
for his gracious love is by the rivers of Babylon—
everlasting— as we remembered Zion.
2
On the willows there 137
we hung our harps,

3
a 136:9 Lit. govern; cf. Gen 1:16 for it was there that our captors
b 136:12 Lit. outstretched asked us for songs
c 136:13 So MT; the LXX reads Red
c 136:15 So MT; the LXX reads Red
592
Psalm 138
and our torturers demanded joy Psalm 138

from us,
Thanksgiving to God
“Sing us one of the songs about 1
Zion!” LORD,d I thanke you with all of my
heart;
4
How are we to sing the song of the because you heard the words that
LORD I spoke,f
on foreign soil? I will sing your praise before
5
If I forget you, Jerusalem, the heavenly beings.g
may my right hand cease to 2
I will bow down in worship toward
function.a your holy temple
6
May my tongue stick to the roof of and give thanks to your name for
my mouth your gracious love and truth,
if I don’t remember you, for you have done great things
if I don’t consider Jerusalem to carry out your word
to be more important than my consistent with your name.
highest joy. 3
Whena I called out, you answered
7
Remember the day of Jerusalem’s me;
fall,b LORD, 137
you strengthened me.
because ofc the Edomites,
PSALMS
4
LORD, all the kings of the earth will
who kept saying, “Tear it down! give you thanks,
Tear it right down to its for they have heard what you
foundations!” have spoken.b
8
Daughter of Babylon! You 5
They will sing about the ways of
devastator! the LORD,
How blessed will be the one who for great is the glory of the LORD!
pays you back 6
Though the LORD is highly exalted,
for what you have done to us. yet he pays attention to those
How blessed will be the one who who are lowly regarded,
seizes your young children but he is aware of the arrogant
and pulverizes them against the from afar.
cliff! 7
Though I walk straight into trouble,
you preserve my life,
d 138:1 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT

and Aquilla lack LORD
e 138:1 So MT; the LXX reads acknowledge
f 138:1 So LXX; the MT and DSS lack this
line
a 137:5 Lit. remember g 138:1 Or the gods; the LXX reads the angels
b 137:7 The MT lacks fall a 138:3 Lit. In the day
c 137:7 Lit. against b 138:4 Lit. heard the words of your mouth
593
stretching out your hand The Magnitude of God

7
to fight the vehemence of my Where can I flee from your spirit?
enemies, Or where shall I run from your
and your right hand delivers presence?
8
me. If I rise to heaven, there you are!
8
The LORD will complete what his If I lay down with the dead,f
purpose is for me. there you are!
9
LORD, your gracious love is If I take wings with the dawn
eternal; and settle down on the western
do not abandon your personal horizong
work in me.a 10
your hand will guide me there, too,
Psalm 139
while your right hand keeps a

Psalm 139
To the Music Director: A Davidic Song
firm grip on me.
11
If I say, “Darkness will surely
God’s Knowledge and Presence conceal me,
1
LORD, you have examined me; and the light around me will
you have known me. become night,”h
2
You know when I restb 12
even darkness isn’t dark to you,
and when I am active.c darkness and light are the same
You understand what I am to you.a
PSALMS
thinking 13
It was you who formed my internal
when I am distant from you.d
3 organs,b
You scrutinize my life and my rest;e
fashioning me within my
you are familiar with all of my
mother’s womb.
ways. 14
4 I praise you,
Even before I have formed a word
because you are fearful and
with my tongue,
you, LORD, know it completely! wondrous!c
5
You encircle me from back to front, Your work is wonderful,
placing your hand upon me. and I am fully aware of it.
15
6
Knowledge like this is too amazing My frame was not hidden from you
for me. while I was being crafted in a
It is beyond my reach, hidden place,
and I cannot fathom it.
f 139:8 Lit. to Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead
g 139:9 Lit. the end of the sea
h 139:11 So MT and LXX; DSS 11QPsa reads
And let me say, “Surely darkness conceals and night
has girded me about.”
a 138:8 Lit. abandon the work of your hand a 139:12 The MT lacks to you
b 139:2 Lit. know my sitting b 139:13 Lit. my kidneys
c 139:2 Lit. and my rising c 139:14 So DSS 11QPsa, Syr, and
d 139:2 Or thinking from a distance Hieronymus; the MT and LXX read because I
e 139:3 Or death; Lit. my path and my lying down am fearfully and wonderfully made
594
24
knit together in the depths of See if there is any offensive
the earth. tendencye in me,
16
Your eyes looked upon my embryo, and lead me in the eternal way.
and everything was recorded in Psalm 140
your book. Psalm 140

To the Music Director: A Davidic Song
The days scheduleda for my
formation were inscribed, A Prayer for Deliverance
1f
even though not one of them had Deliver me, LORD, from evil people,
come yet.b preserve me from violent men,
2
17
who craft evil plans in their minds,
How deepc are your thoughts, God!
inciting wars every day.g
How great is their number! 3
18 They sharpen their tongues like a
Were I to count them,
serpent;
they would number more than
the venom of vipers is on their
the sand.
lips. Interlude
139
When I awake, I will be with

4
you. Protect me, LORD, from the control
19 of evil people,
God, if only you would execute the
from violent men who have
wicked,
planned to trip me.
so thatd the men guilty of
PSALMS
5
The arrogant have laid a trap for
bloodshed would get away me;
from me, they have spread a net with
20
who speak against you with evil ropes,
motives, lining it with snares along the
your enemies who are acting in way. Interlude
vain.
6
21
I hate those who hate you, LORD, So I say to the LORD, “You are my
do I not? God; 140
I loathe those who rebel against listen to my voice

you, do I not ? as I plead for mercy, LORD.
7
22
With consummate hatred I hate LORD, my Lord, my strong
them; deliverer,
I consider them my enemies. you have protected my head in
23 the timea of battle.
Examine me, God, and know my
mind,
test me, and know my thoughts.
e 139:24 Lit. way
a 139:16 The MT lacks scheduled f 140:1 V.1 is v. 2 in the MT, and so
b 139:16 The MT lacks had come yet throughout the chapter.
c 139:17 Or precious g 140:2 The MT reads. all day; the LXX and
d 139:19 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT DSS 11QPsa read all the day
reads and so that a 140:7 Lit. day
595
8 4
Never grant, LORD, the desires of Don’t let my heart turn toward evil
the wicked; or involve itself in wicked
never condone their plans activities
so they cannot exalt with men who practice iniquity.
themselves. Interlude Let me not feast on their
9 delicacies.
May those who surround me
5
discover Let one who is righteous strike me
that the trouble they talk about in gracious love and
falls on their own head! let him rebuke me;
10
May burning coals fall on them; it is oil for my head,
may they be cast into fire, do not let my head refuse it.
and into miry pits, never to rise My prayers continually shall be
again. against their wicked activities.
11 6
Let not the slanderera become When their judges are thrown off
established in the land. the cliff,
May evil quickly hunt down the the peopleb will hear my words,
violent man. for they are appropriate.
12
I know that the LORD will act on 7
Just as one plows and breaks up the
behalf of the tormented,
earth,
PSALMS
providing justice for the needy.

oura bones are scattered
13
Surely the righteous will give near the entrance to the place
thanks to your name, of the dead.b
while the upright live in your 8
Nevertheless, my eyes are on you,
presence. 140
Lord GOD,
Psalm 141
Psalm 141
as I seek protection in you.

A Davidic Song Don’t leave me defenseless!
9
Protect me from the trap laid for
A Prayer for Maturity me
1
LORD, I call to you, and from the snares of those who
be quick to listen to me when I practice evil. 141
cry out! 10
Let the wicked fall into their own
2
Let my prayer be like incense nets,
offered before you, while I come through.
and my uplifted hands like the
evening sacrifice.
3
LORD, set a guard over my mouth;
keep watch over the door to my
lips.
b 141:6 Lit. they
a 141:7 So MT and LXX; DSS 11QPsa reads
my; Syr reads their
a 140:11 Lit. the man of tongue b 141:7 Lit. to Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead
596
Psalm 142 Psalm 143
Psalm 142 Psalm 143

A Davidic Song, when he was in the A Davidic Song
cave.a A prayer.
Longing for God
1
A Call to God for Help LORD, hear my prayer;
1
My voice cries out to the LORD; pay attention to my request,
my voice pleads for mercy to the because you are faithful;
LORD. answer me in your
2
I pour out my complaint to him, righteousness.
2
telling him all of my troubles. Do not enter into judgment with
3
Though my spirit grows faint your servant,
within me, for no living person is righteous
you are aware of my path. in your sight.
Wherever I go, 3
For those who oppose me are
they have hidden a trap for me.
pursuing my life,
4
I look to my rightb and observe— crushing me to the ground,
no one is concerned about me. making me sit in darkness
There is nowhere I can go for like those who died long ago.
4
refuge, 142
As a result, my spirit is desolate
and no one cares for me. within me,
PSALMS
5
and my mind within me is
So I cry to you, Lord, appalled.
declaring, “You are my refuge,
5
my onlyc possession while I am I remember the former times,
on this earth.”d meditating on everything you
6
Pay attention to my cry, have done.
for I have been brought very low. I think about the worka of your
Deliver me from my tormentors, hands.
6
for they are far too strong for me. I stretch out my hands toward you,
7
Break me out of this prison, longing for you like a parched
so I can give thanks to your land. Interlude
name. 7
Answer me quickly, LORD;
The righteous will surround me, my spirit is failing.
for you will deal generously with Do not hide your face from me;
me. otherwise, I will become like
those who descend to the
Pit,b
a 142:T cf. 1Sam 24:3-4

b 142:4 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT a 143:5 So MT; the LXX and DSS 11QPsa
reads Look to the right read works
c 142:5 The MT lacks only b 143:7 I.e. the place of punishment in the
d 142:5 Lit. possession in the land of the living afterlife
597
8 3
In the morning let me hear of your LORD, what are human beings,
gracious love, that you should care about them,
for in you I trust. or mortal man,
Cause me to know the way I that you should think about him?
4
should take, The human person is a mere empty
because I have set my hope on breath;
you. his days are like a fading shadow.
9
Deliver me from my enemies, 5
Bow your heavens, LORD, and
LORD.
descend;c
I have taken refuge in you.
10 touch the mountains, and they
Teach me to do your will,
will smolder.
for you are my God. 6
Send forth lightning and scatter the
Let your good Spirit lead me on
level ground. enemy,d
11
For the sake of your name, LORD, shoot your arrows and confuse
preserve my life. them.
7
Because you are righteous, Reach down your hand from your
bring me out of trouble. high place;
12
Because of your gracious love, rescue me and deliver me from
you will cut off my enemies. mighty waters,
PSALMS
You will destroy all who oppose from the control of foreigners.a
8
me, Their mouths speak lies,
for I am your servant. and their right hand deceives,b
9
God, I will sing a new song to you.
Psalm 144
Psalm 144
Davidic On a harp of ten strings I will
play to you—
A Song for God’s Provision 10
to you who gives victory to kings,
1
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, rescuing his servant David from
who trains my hands for battle cruel swords.
and my fingers for warfare, 11
Rescue me and deliver me
2
he is my gracious love and my
from the control of foreigners,c
fortress,
whose mouths speak lies,
my strong tower and my
and whose right hand deceives.d
deliverer,
my shield and the one in whom I
find refuge,
who subduesa peoplesb under c 144:5 So MT (imperfect verb); the LXX,
me. DSS 11QPsa read and descend!; i.e. a verb of

command
d 144:6 Lit. scatter them
a 144:2 So LXX; the MT lacks subdues a 144:7 Lit. the hand of the sons of strangers
b 144:2 So DSS 11QPsa, Sebir, Aquila, Syr, b 144:8 I.e. they swear to false oaths
Targ, and Hieronymus; cf. Psa 18:48; 2 Sam c 144:11 Lit. the hand of the sons of strangers
22:48; the LXX reads subdues my people d 144:11 I.e. they swear to false oaths
598
12
May our sons in their youth be like and will describe your
full-grown plants, mighty actions.
and our daughters like pillars ‫ה‬
5
Ib will speak about the
destined to decorate a palace. glorious splendor of
13
May our granaries be filled, your majesty
storing produce in abundance; as well asc your awesome
may our sheep bring forth actions.
thousands, 6
‫ו‬ Peopled will speak about the
even tens of thousands in our might of your great
fields. deeds,
14
May our cattle grow heavy with and I will announce your
young, greatness.
with no damage or loss. 7
They will extol the fame of
May there be no cry of anguish in
‫ז‬
your abundant
our streets! goodness,
15
Happy are the people to whom and will sing out loud about
these things come; 144
your righteousness.
8
happy are the people whose God Gracious and merciful is the
‫ח‬
is the LORD. LORD,
PSALMS
Psalm 145
slow to become angry,

Psalm 145a and overflowing with
A Davidic Psalm
gracious love.
9
Praising God for His Works ‫ט‬ The LORD is good to everyone
‫א‬
1
I will speak highly of you, my and his mercies extend to
God and King, everything he does.
and I will bless your name 10
LORD, everything you have
forever and ever. ‫י‬
done will praise you,
2
‫ב‬ I will bless you every day and your holy ones will
and I will praise your name bless you.
forever and ever. 11
They will speak about the glory
3 ‫כ‬
‫ג‬ The L ORD is great, of your kingdom,
and to be praised highly, and they will talk about your
though his greatness is might,
indescribable. ‫ל‬
12
in order to make known your
4 mighty acts to mankinda
‫ד‬ One generation will acclaim
as well as the majestic
your works to another
b 145:5 So MT; the LXX, Syr, and DSS
a 145:T In this acrostic psalm each verse a
11QPs read They
begins with a successive letter of The MT c 145:5 So LXX and DSS 11QPsa; the MT
alphabet, except that v13b, corresponding to lacks and
The MT letter ‫( נ‬nun), is missing from the d 145:6 Lit. They
MT. a 145:12 Lit. the children of the Man
599
splendor of your but he will destroy all of the

kingdom. 12 wicked.
13
Your kingdom is an everlasting 21
My mouth will praise the LORD,
‫מ‬ ‫ת‬
kingdom, 145
and all creatures will bless his
and your authority endures holy name forever and
from one generation to ever.
another. Psalm 146
13b
Goda is faithful about Psalm 146
‫נ‬
everything he says Praise to God the Help of Israel
and merciful in everything he 1
Hallelujah!
does. Praise the LORD, my soul!
14 2
‫ס‬ The LORD supports everyone I will praise the LORD as long as I
who falls live,
and raises up those who are singing praises to my God while I
bowed down. exist.
15
‫ע‬ Everyone’s eyes are on you, 3
Do not look to nobles,
as you give them their food in
nor to mere human beings who
due time.
cannot save.
15
16
‫פ‬ Youb open your hand 4
When they stop breathing,
continually
PSALMS
they return to the ground;

and keep on satisfying the
on that very day their plans
desire of every living
evaporate!
thing.
145
5
17
The LORD is righteous in all of Happy is the one whose help is the
‫צ‬ God of Jacob,
his ways
and graciously loving in all of whose hope is in the LORD his
his activities. God,
6
18
The LORD remains near to all maker of heaven and earth,
‫ק‬ the seas and everything in them,
who call out to him,
to everyone who calls out to forever the guardian of truth,
7
him sincerely.c who brings justice for the
19
He fulfills the desire of those oppressed,
‫ר‬ and who gives food to the
who fear him,
hearing their cry and saving hungry. 146
them. The LORD frees the prisoners;

20
‫ש‬ The LORD preserves everyone 8
the LORD gives sight to the blind.
who loves him, The LORD lifts up those who are
weighed down.
a 145:13b So DSS 11QPsa. The LXX, The LORD loves the righteous.
9
Vulgate, and Syr read The LORD
b 145:16 So MT; the LXX and DSS 11QPsa
The LORD stands guard over the
stranger;
read You yourself
c 145:18 Or truthfully he supports both widows and
orphans,
600
9
but makes the path of the He gives wild animals their food,
wicked slippery.a including the young ravens when
10 they cry.
The LORD will reign forever, 10
He takes no delight in the strength
your God, Zion, for all
of a horse,
generations!
and gains no pleasure in the
Hallelujah! runner’s swiftness.b
11
Psalm 147
But the LORD is pleased with those

Psalm 147
who fear him,
Praise for God’s Provision with those who depend on his
1
Hallelujah! gracious love.
It is good to sing praise to our 12
Glorify the LORD, Jerusalem!
God,
Praise your God, Zion!
and it is fitting to sing glorious 13
For he has strengthened the bars of
praise.
your gates,
2
The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; blessing your children within
he gathers together the outcasts you.
14
of Israel. He grants peace within your
3
He heals the brokenhearted, borders,
PSALMS
binding up their injuries. satisfyinga you with the finest of
4
He keeps track of the number of wheat.
stars, 15
assigning names to all of them. He sends out his command to the
5
Our Lord is great, earth,
and rich in power; makingb his word go forth
his understanding has no quickly.
16
limitation. He supplies snow like wool,
6
scattering frost like ashes.
The LORD supports the afflicted 17
He casts down his ice crystals like
while he casts the wicked to the breadc fragments.
ground. Who can endure his freezing
7
Sing to the LORD with cold?
18
thanksgiving, He sends out his word
and compose music to our God and melts them.
with the lyre. He makes his wind blow
8
He shields the heavens with clouds, and the water flows.
preparing rain for the earth
and making grass grow on the
hills. b 147:10 Lit. the legs of a man
a 147:14 So MT; the LXX and DSS 4QPsd
read borders, and satisfies
b 147:15 The MT lacks making
a 146:9 Or treacherous c 147:17 The MT lacks bread
601
19 9
He declares his words to Jacob, mountains and every hill,
his statutes and decrees to Israel. fruit trees and cedars,
20 10
He has not dealt with any other living creatures and livestock,
nation like this; insects and flying birds,
11
they never knewa his decrees. earthly kings and all peoples,
nobles and all court officials of
Hallelujah! the earth,
12
young men and young women
Psalm 148
Psalm 148
alike,
Let All the Earth Praise the Lord along with older people and
1
Hallelujah! children.
Praise the LORD from heaven;
13
praise him in the highest Let them praise the name of the
places. 148
LORD,
for his name alone is lifted up;
2
Praise him, all his angels; his majesty transcends earth
praise him, all his armies! and heaven.
3
Praise him, sun and moon; 14
He has raised up a source of
praise him, all you shining stars.b strengtha for his people,
4
Praise him, you heaven of heavens, an object of praise for all of his
and you waters above the holy ones,
PSALMS
heavens. that is, for the people of Israel

5
Let them praise the name of the who are near him.
LORD, Hallelujah!
for he himself gave the command Psalm 149
that they be created. Psalm 149

6
He set them in place to last forever A Song About Rejoicing in God
and ever; 1
Hallelujah!
he gave the command and will Sing a new song to the LORD,
not rescind it. praising him where the godly
7
Praise the LORD, you from the gather together.
2
earth, May Israel rejoice in its Maker,
you creatures of the sea and Zion’s descendants in their
and all you depths, King!
3
8
fire, hail, snow, fog, and wind May they praise his name with
storm dancing,
chanting songs to him with
that carry out his command,c
tambourines and lyres.
a 147:20 So MT; the LXX reads he did not

a
explain to them; the Syr, Targ, and DSS 11QPs
read he has not revealed to them
b 148:3 Lit. you stars of light
c 148:8 Or word a 148:14 Lit. a horn
602
4 6
For the LORD is pleased with his Let everyone who breathes praise
people; the LORD.
he beautifies the afflicted with
Hallelujah!
salvation.
5
May those he loves be exalted, 149
singing for joy on their couches.

6
Let high praises to God be hearda
in their throats,
while they wield two-edged
swords in their hands
7
as they bring retribution to nations
and punishment to peoples,
8
binding their kings with chains,
their officials with iron bands,
9
and executing the judgment
written against them.
This is honor for all the ones he
loves.
Hallelujah!
PSALMS
Psalm 150
Psalm 150
A Psalm of Praise
1
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy place.
Praise him in his great expanse.
2
Praise him for his mighty works.
Praise him according to his
excellent greatness.
3
Praise him with trumpet sounding.
Praise him with stringed
instrument and harp.
4
Praise him with tambourine and
dancing.
Praise him with stringed and
wind instruments.
5
Praise him with loud cymbals.
Praise him with reverberating
cymbals.
a 149:6 The MT lacks heard
603
The Lamb of God Slain
604
THE BOOK OF
PROVERBS
Chapter 1
Introduction and Purpose The Minor Theme
1
1 8
The proverbs of David’s son My son, listen to your father’s
Solomon, king of Israel. instruction,
2
These proverbs area for gainingb and do not let go of your
wisdom and discipline;c mother’s teaching.
9
for understanding words of They will be a graceful wreath for
insight; your head
3
for acquiring the disciplined that and a chain for your neck.
produces wise behavior, Avoid Evil Counsel
righteousness, justice, and 10
My son, if sinners entice you,
upright living;e do not consent.
4
for giving prudence to the naïve, 11
If they say, “Come with us!
knowledge and discretion to the Let’s lie in wait for blood;
young. let’s ambush some innocent
5
Let the wise listen and increase person for no reason at all.
12
Let’s swallow them alive like
theirf learning;
let the person of understanding Sheol,h
receive guidance and whole like those who go
6
in understanding proverbs, clever down into the Pit,i
13
sayings, We’ll find all kinds of valuable
words of the wise, and their wealth,
riddles. and we’ll fill our houses with
spoil.
PROVERBS
The Major Theme 14
Throw your lot in with us,
7
The fear of the LORD is the and all of us will have one
beginning of knowledge, purse.”
but fools despise wisdom and 15
discipline.g My son, do not go along with
them,j
and keep your feet away from
their paths!
a 1:1 The MT lacks These proverbs are
b 1:2 Or knowing h 1:12 I.e. the realm of the dead; possibly an
c 1:2 Or instruction allusion to the rebellion of Korah (cf. Num
d 1:3 Or instruction 16:33)
e 1:3 Lit. and uprightness i 1:12 I.e. the place of punishment in the
f 1:5 The MT lacks their afterlife
g 1:7 Or instruction j 1:15 Lit. in the way with them
605
Proverbs 1:16 The Holy Bible
16
For theya run toward evil; The Consequences of Refusing
these enticersb shed blood Wisdom
24
without hesitation.c “Because I called out to you and
17
Look, it is useless to spread a net in you refused to respond—i 1
full view ofd all the birds, I appealed,j but no one paid
18
but these peoplee lie in wait for attention—
25
their own blood.f becausek you neglected all my
They ambush only themselves. advice
19
Such is the way of all those who and did not want my correction,
26
seek illicit gain— I will laugh at your calamity.
it takes away the lives of those I will mock when what you fearl
who possess it. comes,
27
when what you dread comes like a
The Benefits of Choosing Wisdom storm,
20
Wisdom cries out in the street; and your calamity comes on like
she raises her voice in the public a whirlwind,
squares. when distress and anguish
21
She calls out at the busiest partg of come upon you.
the noisy streets,h 28
and at the entrance to the gates Then they will call out to me,
of the city she utters her but I will not answer;
words: they will seek me diligently,
22
“You naïve ones, how long will you but they will not find me.
love naiveté? 29
Because they hated knowledge
And how long will scoffers and did not choose the fear of the
delight in scoffing LORD;
or fools hate knowledge? 30
they did not want my advice,
23
Return to my correction! and they rejected all my
PROVERBS
Look, I will pour out my spirit on correction.

you, 31
They will eat the fruitm of their
and I will make my words way,
known to you. and they will be filled with their
own devices.
32
Indeed, the waywardnessn of the
a 1:16 Lit. For their feet
naïve will kill them,
b 1:16 Lit. they
c 1:16 Lit. blood quickly i 1:24 Lit. you refused
d 1:17 Lit. in the eyes of j 1:24 Lit. I stretched out my hand
e 1:18 Lit. they k 1:25 The MT lacks because
f 1:18 The MT lacks their own l 1:26 Lit. when your fear
g 1:21 Lit. head m 1:31 I.e. experience the consequences
h 1:21 So MT; the LXX, Syr, and Targ read n 1:32 So MT; DSS 4QProva reads
and on top of the walls narrowmindedness; lit. the pull of; the LXX reads
606
International Standard Version 2.0 Proverbs 2:20
9
and the complacency of fools will Then you will understand what is
destroy them. right, just,
33 and upright—every good path.
But the person who listens to me 10
For wisdom will enter your heart,
will live safely
and knowledge will be pleasant
and will be secure from the fear
to your soul.
of evil.
11
Chapter 2
Discretionb will protect you;

The Benefits of Embracing Wisdom
understanding will watch over
2
1
My son, if you accept my
you,
words, 12
delivering you from the way of evil,
and treasure my instructionsa—
2 from men who speak perverse
making your ear attentive to
things,
wisdom, 13
and from those who abandon the
and turning your heart to
rightc path
understanding—
3 to travel along the ways of
if, indeed, you call out for insight
darkness;
and raise your voice for 14
who delight in doing evil,
understanding,
4 and rejoice in the perverseness of
if you seek it like silver
evil;
and search for it like hidden 15
whose paths are crooked
treasure,
5 and who are devious in their
then you will understand the fear
ways,
of the LORD 16
delivering you from the adulteress,
and learn to know God.
from the immorald woman with
6
For the LORD gives wisdom, her seductive words,
and from his mouth come 17
someone who abandoned the
knowledge and companion of her youth
understanding. and forgot the covenant of her
PROVERBS
7
He stores up sound wisdom for the God.
upright 18
For her house leads down to death,
and is a shield to those who walk and her paths down to the realm
in integrity— of the dead.
8
guarding the paths of the just 19
None who go to her return,
and protecting the way of his nor do they reach the paths of
faithful ones. life.
20
This is how you will walk in the
way of good men 2
b 2:11 Or Wise planning

Because they would wrong the naïve, they will be c 2:13 Lit. straight or upright
murdered d 2:16 Lit. foreign; i.e. one whose values are
a 2:1 Lit. instructions within you foreign to God’s Law
607
8
and will keep to the paths of the This will bring healing to your
righteous. body,
21 and refreshment to your bones.
For the upright will live in the land, 2
9
and people of integrity will Honor the LORD with your wealth
remain in it. and with the firstd of all your
23
But the wicked will be cut off from produce.
the land, 10
So your barns will be filled with
and the treacherous will be abundance,
uprooted from it. and your vats will burst open
Chapter 3
with new wine.

The Blessings of Trusting God
3
1 11
My son, don’t forget my My son, do not reject the LORD’s
instruction, discipline,
and keep my commandments and do not despise his correction,
12
carefully in mind.a because the LORD corrects the
2
For they will add length to your person he loves,
days, years to your life, just as a father correctse the son
and abundant peace to you. he delights in.f
3
Do not let gracious love and truth
Wisdom More Valuable than Riches
leave you. 13
How joyful is the man who finds
Bind them around your neck,
wisdom,
write them on the tablet of
and the man who gains
your heart,
4 understanding,
and find favor and a good 14
because her profit is better than the
reputationb with God and
profit of silver,
men.
and her yield than fine gold.
5 15
Trust in the LORD with all your She is more precious than rubies,
heart, and nothing you desire compares
PROVERBS
and do not depend on your own with her.

16
understanding. Long life is in her right hand,
6
In all your ways acknowledgec him, and in her left are riches and
and he will make your paths honor.
17
straight. Her ways are pleasant ways,
7 and all her paths are peaceful.
Do not be wise in your own 18
She is a tree of life for those who
opinion.
embrace her,
Fear the LORD and turn away
from evil.
d 3:9 Or best
a 3:1 Lit. Let your heart keep my commandments e 3:12 The MT lacks corrects
b 3:4 Lit. good judgment or sense f 3:12 So MT; the LXX reads loves, and he
c 3:6 Or know punishes every son he accepts
608
28
and whoever clutches her tightly Do not say to your neighbor, 3
will be joyful. “Go, and come back.

19 I will pay youf tomorrow,”
By wisdom the LORD laid the
earth’s foundations, when you have cashg with you.
29
and by understanding he set the Do not plan to harm your neighbor,
heavens in place. when he is living peacefullyh
20
By his knowledge the depths broke beside you.
30
open, Do not bring a lawsuit against a
and the clouds drip with dew. person for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.
Benefits of Wisdom 31
Do not envy a violent man,
21
My son, do not let wisdoma leave
and do not emulate his lifestyle.i
your sight. 32
Indeed, a perverse man is utterly
Carefully observe sound
disgustingj to the LORD,
judgment and discernment,
22 but he takes the upright into his
and they will be life to you
and a graceful ornamentb for confidence.k
33
your neck. The LORD’s curse is on the house of
23
Then you will travel safely on your the wicked,
way, but he blesses the dwelling of the
and your foot will not stumble. righteous.
34
24
When you sitc down, you will not Though Godl scoffs at scoffers,
be afraid; he gives grace to the humble.
35
when you lie down, your sleep The wise will inherit honor,
will be pleasant.d but he holds fools up for ridicule.
25
Do not be afraid of sudden
Chapter 4
Diligently Pursue Wisdom

disaster,e
4
1
Listen, children,m to your
or the devastation that comes to
father’s instruction,
the wicked.
PROVERBS
26 and pay attention in order to gain
Indeed, the LORD will be your
understanding.
confidence, 2
I give you sound teaching,
and he will keep your foot from
so do not abandon my
being caught.
instruction.n
Wisdom in Action
27
Do not withhold good from those f 3:28 Lit. it
g 3:28 The MT lacks cash
to whom it is due,
h 3:29 Or securely
when it is in your power to act. i 3:31 Lit. ways
j 3:32 Lit. an abomination
a 3:21 The MT lacks wisdom k 3:32 Lit. but his secret counsel is with the
b 3:22 Lit. grace upright
c 3:24 So LXX; the MT reads lie l 3:34 Lit. he
d 3:24 Or sweet m 4:1 Lit. sons
e 3:25 Lit. terror n 4:2 Or law
609
3 13
When I was a son to my father, Hold on to instruction, do not let it
not yet stronga and an only son go!
to my mother, Guard wisdom,e because she is
4
he taught me and said to me, your life!
“Let your heart fully embrace
Avoiding the Ways of the Wicked
what I have to say;b 14
Do not enter the path of the
keep my commandments and wicked,
live! or go along the way of evil men.
5
“Get wisdom! Get understanding! 15
Avoid it! Don’t travel on it!
Do not forget or turn aside from Turn away from it, and pass on
the words of my mouth! by.
6
“Do not abandon her, and she will 16
For they cannot sleep unless they
protect you. are doing evil,
Love her, and she will watch over and they are robbed of their sleep
you. unless they cause someone to
7
“Wisdom is of utmost importance, stumble.
therefore get wisdom, 17
For they eat the bread of
and with all your effort work to wickedness,
acquire understanding. and they drink the wine of
8
“Prize her and she will exalt you. violence.
Indeed, if you embrace her, she
18
will honor you. The path of the righteous is like the
9
“She will place on your head a light of dawn
graceful garland; that grows brighter until the full
she will present to you a crown of light of day.
19
beauty.” But the way of the wicked is like
10 deep darkness,
Listen, my son: accept my words, and they do not know what they
and you’ll live a long, long time. c
PROVERBS
11
are stumbling over.
I have directed you in the way of
wisdom, Remembering the Counsel of a Wise
and I have led you along Father
20
straightd paths. My son, pay attention to my words,
12
When you walk, your step will not and listen closelyf to what I say.
21
be hindered, Do not let them out of your sight; 4
and when you run, you will not keep them within your heart.
22
stumble. For they are life to those who find
them,
and healing to their whole body.a
a 4:3 Lit. delicate
b 4:4 Lit. embrace my words e 4:13 Lit. her
c 4:10 Lit. and the years of your life will be many f 4:20 Lit. turn your ear
d 4:11 Or upright a 4:22 Lit. flesh
610
23 5
Above everything elsea guard your Her feet go down to death;
heart, her steps lead to Sheol.g
because from it flow the springs 6
You aren’t thinking abouth where
of life. her life is headed;
24
Never talk deceptively her steps wander, but you do not
and don’t keep company with realizei it.
people whose speech is 7
corrupt. b Now, children,j listen to me.
Don’t turn away from what I am
25
Let your eyes look directly ahead; saying.k
fix your gaze straight in front of 8 l
Keep far away from her,
you. and don’t go near the entrance to
26
Carefully measurec the paths for her house,
your feet, 9
so that you don’t give your honor
and all your ways will be to others,
established. and waste your best years,m
27
Do not turn to the right or to the 10
so that strangers don’t enrich
left;
themselves at your expense,n
turn your foot away from evil.
and your work won’t end up the
possession of foreigners.o
Chapter 5
Warning Against Sexual Immorality
5
1 11
My son, pay attention to my You will cry out in anguish when
wisdom, your end comes
and listen closely to my insight, when your flesh and body are
2
so you may carefully practiced consumed.
12
discretion And you will say, “How I hated
and your lips preserve instruction,p
knowledge. and my heart rejected correction.
3 13
For the lips of an adulteress drip I did not obey my teachers
PROVERBS
honey, and did not listena to my
and her speeche is smoother than instructors.
oil.
4
But in the end she is as bitter as
wormwood,f g 5:5 I.e. the realm of the dead
and as sharp as a double-edged h 5:6 Or She does not consider
i 5:6 Or she does not realize
sword. j 5:7 Or sons
k 5:7 Lit. from the words of my mouth
a 4:23 Lit. Above all watching l 5:8 Lit. Keep your path
b 4:24 Lit. keep corrupt lips far from you m 5:9 Lit. and your years to the cruel
c 4:26 Lit. Weigh n 5:9 Lit. don’t satisfy themselves with your
d 5:2 Lit. guard strength
e 5:3 Lit. palate o 5:10 Lit. won’t go into a foreigner’s house
f 5:4 Wormwood is a plant with an extremely p 5:12 Or discipline
bitter taste. a 5:13 Lit. incline my ear
611
14 1
Now I am at the point of utter My son, if you guarantee a loan for
6 disaster
ina the assembly and in the
congregation.”
your neighbor,
if you have agreed to a deale with
a stranger,
2
trapped by your own words,
The Delights of Marital Faithfulness
15 and caught by your own words,
Drink water from your own cistern, 3
then do this, my son and deliver
and freshb water from your own
yourself,
well.
16 because you have come under
Should your springs flow outside,
your neighbor’s control.f
or streams of water in the street?
17 Go, humble yourself!
They should be for you alone Plead passionately with your
and not for strangers who are neighbor!
with you. 4
Don’t allow yourself to sleep
18
Let your fountain be blessed or even to close your eyes.
and enjoy the wife of your youth. 5
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from
19
Like a loving deer, a beautiful doe, a hunter’s hand,g
let her breasts satisfy you all the or like a bird from a fowler’s
time. hand.
Be constantly intoxicated by her
love. The Folly of Laziness
6
20
Why should you be intoxicated by Go to the ant, you lazy man!
an adulteress, my son, Observe its ways and become
and embrace the bosom of a wise.
7
foreign woman? It has no commander,
officer, or ruler
21
Indeed, what a man does isc always 8
but prepares its provisions in the
in the LORD’s presence,d 5
summer
and he weighs all his paths. and gathers its food in the
PROVERBS
22
The wicked person’s iniquities will harvest.
capture him, 9
How long will you lie down, lazy
and he will be held with the man?
cords of his sin. When will you get up from your
23
He will die for lack of discipline, sleep?
10
and he goes astray because of his A little sleep, a little slumber,
great folly. a little folding of the hands to
Chapter 6
rest,
The Folly of Guaranteeing Loans
e 6:1 Lit. have clapped your hands; i.e. have

a 5:14 Lit. in the midst of shaken hands
b 5:15 Lit. flowing f 6:3 Lit. into the hands of your neighbor
c 5:21 Lit. Indeed, a man’s ways are g 6:5 So MT; the LXX, Syr, Targ read from the
d 5:21 Lit. in front of the LORD’s eyes hunter; or a noose
612
11
and your poverty will come on you and never forsake your mother’s
like a bandit rules,f
and your desperation like an 21
by binding them to your heart
armed man. continually,
The Folly of Causing Strife fastening them around your
12
A worthless man, a wicked man, neck.
22
goes around with devious speech, During your travels wisdomg will
13
winking with his eyes, making lead you;
signsa withb his feet, she will watch over you while
pointing with his fingers, you rest;
14
planning evil with a perverse and when you are startled from
your sleep
mind,c
she will commune with you.
continually stirring up discord. 23
15 Because the command is a lamp
Therefore, disaster will overtake
and the Law a light,
him suddenly.
rebukes that discipline are a
He will be broken in an instant,
way of life—
and he will never recover. 24
to protect you from the evilh
What God Hates woman,
16
Here are six things that the LORD from the words of the seductive
hates— woman.
seven, in fact,d are detestable to 25
Do not focus on her beauty in your
him:e
17 mind,
Arrogant eyes,
6
nor allow her to take you

a lying tongue
prisoner with her flirting
and hands shedding innocent
eyes,
blood; 26
18 because the price of a whore is a
a heart crafting evil plans,
loaf of bread,
PROVERBS
feet running swiftly to
and an adulterous woman stalks
wickedness,
19 a man’s precious life.
a false witness snorting lies,
27
and someone sowing quarrels Can a man scoop fire into his
between brothers. bosom
without burning his clothes?
Parental Counsel about Immorality 28
20 Can a man walk on hot coals
Keep your father’s commands, my
without scorching his feet?
son,
6
29
So also is it with someone who has
sex with his neighbor’s wife;
a 6:13 Lit. scraping
b 6:13 The MT lacks with f 6:20 Or laws
c 6:14 Or heart g 6:22 Lit. wisdom; i.e. wisdom personified as a
d 6:16 The MT lacks in fact woman
e 6:16 Lit. to his soul h 6:24 So MT; the LXX reads married
613
5
anyone touching her will not so they can keep you from an
remain unpunished. 6 adulterous woman,
30 from the immoral woman with
A thief isn’t despised
her seductive words.
if he steals to meet his needsa
when he is hungry, A Father’s Warning
6
31
but when he is discovered, For from a window in my house
he must restore seven-fold, I peered through the lattice work,
7
forfeiting the entire value of his and I noticed among the naïve—
house. that is, I discerned among the
32
youths—
Whoever commits adultery with a a senseless young man.
woman is out of his mind; 8
Proceeding down the street near
by doing so he corrupts his own her corner,
soul. he makes his way toward her
33
He will receive a beating and house
dishonor, 9
at twilight, during the evening,
and his shame won’t disappear, even during the darkest part of
34
because jealousy incitesb a strong the night.
10
man’s rage, Look! A woman makes her way to
and he will show no mercy when meet him,
it’s time for revenge. dressed as a prostitute
35
He will not consider any payment, and intending to entrap him.
11
nor will he be willing to accept She is brazen and defiant—
it,c her feet don’t remain at home.
12
no matter how large the bribe. Now she is in the street, now in the
Chapter 7
plazas,
On Avoiding the Immoral Woman she lurks near every corner.
7
1
My son, guard what I say
13
and treasure my commands. So she grabs hold of him and kisses
PROVERBS
2
Keep my commands and you’ll live. him,
Guardd my teaching as you do with a brazen face she speaks to
your eyesight. him,
14
3
Strap them to your fingers, “I have givene my peace offerings,
and engrave them on the tablet of and today I fulfilled my vows.
15
your heart. Therefore I’ve come out to meet
4 you,
Say to wisdom, “You’re my sister!”
I’ve looked just for you,
and call understanding your close
and I found you!
relative, 16
I’ve decorated my bed with new
coverings—
a 6:30 Lit. to refresh his soul
b 6:34 The MT lacks incites embroidered linen from Egypt.
c 6:35 The MT lacks to accept it
d 7:2 The MT lacks Guard e 7:14 The MT lacks given
614
17 2
I’ve perfumed my bed On top of the highest places along
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. the road
18
Come, let’s make love until dawn; she stands where the roads meet.
3
let’s comfort ourselves with love, Beside the gates, at the city
19
because my husband isn’t home. entrance—
He left on a long trip. at the entrance to the portals she
20
He took a fist full of cash cries aloud:
4
and he’ll return home in a “I’m calling to you, men!
month.” What I have to say pertainsf to all
21 mankind!
She leads him astray with great 5
Understand prudence, you naïve
persuasion; 7
people;
with flattering lips she seduces and gain an understanding heart,
him. you foolish ones.
22
All of a sudden he follows her 6
Listen, because I have noble things
like an ox fit for slaughter to say,
or like a fool fit for a trapa and what I have to sayg will
23
until an arrow pierces his liver. reveal what is right.
As a bird darts into a snare, 7
For my mouth speaks the truth—
he doesn’t realize his fatal wickedness is detestable to me.
decision.b 8
Everything I have to say is just;
24 there isn’t anything corrupt or
So listen to me, my sons,
perverse in my speech.h
and pay attention to what I have 9
Everything I say is sensible to
to say.
25 someone who understands,
Don’t be led astray by her lifestyle,c and correct to those who have
and don’t imitate her behavior.d acquired knowledge.
26
For many are the victims whom she 10
Grab hold of my instruction in lieu
has conquered, of money
PROVERBS
and many are her slain. and knowledge instead of the
27
Her house leads to Sheol,e finest gold,
descending to death’s catacombs. 11
because wisdom is better than
Chapter 8
precious gemsa
Wisdom Calls for an Audience
and nothing you desire can
8
1
Isn’t wisdom calling out;
compare to it.”
isn’t understanding raising
her voice? The Way of Wisdom
12
“I, wisdom, am related tob
a 7:22 So MT; the LXX reads a dog fit for prudence.
chains
b 7:23 Lit. realize it is his life f 8:4 Lit. My voice is
c 7:25 Lit. ways g 8:6 Lit. my open lips
d 7:25 Lit. paths h 8:8 Lit. words
e 7:27 I.e. the realm of the dead a 8:11 Or rubies
615
23
I know how to be discreet. From eternity I was appointed,
13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. from the beginning,
Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle, from before there was land.
24
and perverted speech I despise. When there were no ocean depths,
14
Counsel belongs to me, I brought theme to birth
along with sound judgment. at a time when there were no
I am understanding. springs.
Power belongs to me. 25
Before the mountains were shaped,
15
Kings reign by me, before there were hills,
and rulers dispense justice I was bringing themf to birth.
through me. 26
16
By me leaders rule, as do noble Even though he had not made the
officials earth, nor the fields,
nor the world’s first grains of
and all who govern justly.b
17 dust,
I love those who love me, 27
when he crafted the heavens,
and those who seek me will find
I was there—
me.
18 when he marked out a circle on
Wealth and honor accompany me,
the face of the deep,
as do enduring wealth and 28
when he made the clouds from
righteousness.
19 above,
My fruit is better than gold,
when the springs of the depths
betterc than even refined gold,
were established,
and my benefit surpasses the 29
when he set a boundary for the sea
purest silver.
20 so the waters would not exceed
I walk on the way of righteousness,
his limits,g
along paths that are just,
21 when he marked out the
I bequeath wealth to those who
foundations of the earth.
love me, 30
Then I was with him, his master
PROVERBS
and I will fill their treasuries.”

craftsman—
The Agelessness of Wisdom I was his delighth daily,
22
“The LORD made me as he began continuously rejoicing in his
his planning,d presence,
before his ancient activity 31
rejoicing in his inhabitable world
commenced. and taking delight in mankind.”
a 8:12 Lit. wisdom, live with e 8:24 The MT lacks them

b 8:15 So MT; the LXX reads and tyrants rule f 8:25 The MT lacks them
the earth g 8:29 Lit. command
c 8:19 The MT lacks better h 8:30 So LXX; the MT reads was filled with
d 8:22 Lit. ways delight
616
The Exhortation of Wisdom Wisdom Extends Life

32 7
“So listen to me, children! Whoever corrects a mocker invites
Blessed are those who obey me. only insult,d
33
Listen to instruction and be wise. and whoever rebukes the wicked
Don’t ignore it. will himself become stained.
34
Blessed is the person who listens to 8
Don’t rebuke a mocker or he will
me, hate you.
watching daily at my gates, Rebuke a wise person, and he
waiting at my doorways— will love you.
35
because those who find me find life 9
Counsel a wise man,
and gain favor from the LORD. and he will be wiser still;
36
But whoever sins against me teach a righteous man,
destroys himself; and he will add to his learning.
everyone who hates me loves 10
The fear of the LORD is where
death.”
Chapter 9
wisdom begins,
Wisdom’s Invitation and knowing holinesse
9
1
Wisdoma has built her house; demonstrates understanding.
11
she has hewn out her seven For because of me you will live a
pillars. long life, 9
2
She has prepared her food,b and years will be added to your
she has spicedc her wine, life.
12
and she also has set her dining If you are wise,
table. your wisdom will assist you.
3
She has sent out her young women, If you mock,
while calling out from the heights you alone will be held
of the city, responsible.
4
“Let whoever is naïve, turn in Folly’s Entrapment
here.”
PROVERBS
13
The foolish woman is loud,
To anyone lacking sense, she undisciplined, and without
says, knowledge.
5
“Come! Eat my food, 14
She sits at the entrance of her
and drink the wine that I have house,
mixed. on a seat high above the city.
6
Leave your naïve ways, and live. 15
She calls out to those passing by on
Walk in the path of the road,
understanding.” who are minding their own
business,a 9
a 9:1 I.e. wisdom personified as a woman d 9:7 Lit. insult to himself

b 9:2 Or meat e 9:10 Or knowing holy ones
c 9:2 Or mixed a 9:15 Or are going straight on their way
617
16
”Whoever is naïve, turn in here!” 7
The reputationd of the righteous
And to anyone lacking sense, she leads to blessing,
says, 9
but the name of the wicked will
17
”Stolen waters are sweet, rot.
and food eaten in secret is 8
The wise persone accepts
delicious.” commands,
18
But he does not realize that the but the chattering fool will be
dead lurk there, brought down.
and her invited guests wind up 9
Whoever walks in integrity lives
in the depths of Sheol.a
Chapter 10
prudently,f
Solomon’s Sayings but whoever perverts his way of
10
1
The proverbs of Solomon. life will be exposed.
10
A wise son brings joy to his Those who wink their eyesg are
father, trouble makers,
but a foolish son grieves his and the mocking fool will be
mother. brought down.h
11
2
Nothing good comes from ill-gotten What the righteous sayi is a flowing
wealth, flowing fountain,j
but righteousness delivers from but what the wicked sayk
death. conceals violence.
3 12
The LORD won’t cause the Hatred awakens contention,
righteous to hunger, but love covers all transgressions.
but he will reject what the wicked 13
Wisdom characterizes the speecha
crave. of the discerning,
4
Lazy hands bring poverty, but the rod is for the backs of
but hard-working hands lead to those lacking discernment.
14
Those who are wise store up
PROVERBS
wealth.
5
Whoever harvests during summer knowledge,
acts wisely, but when the fool speaks,b
but the son who sleeps during destruction is near.
harvest is disgraceful.
d 10:7 Lit. memorial
The Righteous and Wicked Compared
6 e 10:8 Lit. wise in heart
Blessings comeb upon the head of f 10:9 Lit. lives in safety
the righteous, g 10:9 I.e. Those whose looks communicate
but the wordsc of the wicked insincerity
h 10:10 So MT; the LXX reads makers, but the
conceal violence.
one who reproves publicly makes peace
i 10:11 Lit. The mouth of the righteous
a 9:18 I.e. the realm of the dead j 10:11 Lit. a fountain of life
b 10:6 The MT lacks come k 10:11 Lit. but the mouth of the wicked
c 10:6 Lit. mouth a 10:12 Lit. Wisdom is found on the lips
618
15 24
The rich hide within the fortress What the wicked fears will come
that is their wealth, about,
but the poor are dismayed due to but the longing of the righteous
their poverty. will be granted.
25
16
Honorable wages leadb to life; When the storm ends, the wicked
the salaries of the wicked, to vanish,f
retribution. but the righteous person is
17
Whoever heeds correction is on the forever firm.
pathway to life, 26
As vinegar is to the mouthg and
but someone who ignores smoke to the eyes,
exhortation goes astray. so is the lazy person to those who
18 send him.
Whoever conceals hatred is a 27
Fearing the LORD prolongs life,
deceitful liar,
but the wicked will not live long.
and whoever spreads slander is a 28
What the righteous hope for brings
fool.
19 joy,
Transgression is at work where
but the expectation of the wicked
people talk too much, 10
dies.
but anyone who holds his tongue 29
To the upright, the way of the
is prudent. LORD is a place of safety
20
What the righteous person saysc is but a place of ruin to those who
like precious silver; practice evil.
the thoughts of the wicked are 30
The righteous will never be
compared to small things. overthrown,
21
What the righteous person saysd but the wicked will never inhabit
nourishes many, the land.
but fools die because they lack 31
The words of the righteous
discerninge hearts. overflow with wisdom,
PROVERBS
22
The blessing of the LORD but the perverse tongue will be
establishes wealth, cut out.
32
and difficulty does not Righteous lips know what is
accompany it. prudent, 10
23
Just as the fool considers but the words of the wicked are
wickedness his joy, perverse.
so is wisdom to the discerning
Chapter 11
The Value of Righteousness
11
man. 1
The LORD hates false scales,
but he delights in accurate
a 10:14 Lit. but the mouth of the fool weights.
b 10:16 The MT lacks lead
c 10:20 Lit. The tongue of the righteous
d 10:21 Lit. The lips of the righteous f 10:25 Lit. wicked are no more
e 10:21 The MT lacks discerning g 10:26 Lit. teeth
619
2 11
When pride appears, disgrace Through the blessing of the
accompanies it, righteous a city is built up,
but humility is present with but what the wicked say tears it
wisdom. down.
3
The integrity of the righteous 12
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks
guides them,
sense,
but the hypocrisy of the
but the discerning man controls
treacherous destroys them.
4 his comments.
Wealth won’t help in the time of 13
Whoever spreads gossip betrays
judgment,a secrets,
but righteousness will deliver
but the trustworthy persond
from death.
keeps a confidence.
5
The righteousness of the innocent 14
A nation falls through a lack of
creates a level path,
guidance,
but the wicked fall by their
but victory comes through the
wickedness.
6 counsel of many.e
The righteousness of the upright
15
delivers them, Securing a loan for a stranger will
but the treacherous are trapped bring suffering,
by their evil desires. but by refusing to do so, one
7 remains safe.
When a wicked person dies, his
hope vanishes;b 16
A gracious woman attains honor,a
and what hec expected from his butb ruthless men attainc wealth.
17
scheming comes to nothing. A gracious man benefits himself,
8
The righteous person is delivered but the cruel person damages
from trouble; himself.
it comes upon the wicked 18
Evil people earn deceptive wages,
PROVERBS
instead.
11
9 but those who plant

By what he says, the godless person
righteousness are truly
can destroy his neighbor,
rewarded.
but through knowledge the 19
Genuine righteousness leads to life,
righteous escape.
but whoever pursues evil will die.
10
The city rejoices when the
righteous prosper, d 11:13 Lit. trustworthy in spirit
and when the wicked perish e 11:13 Or through much planning
there is jubilation. a 11:16 So MT; the LXX reads honor for her
husband
b 11:16 So MT; the LXX reads but a seat of
a 11:4 Lit. the day of wrath dishonor is for the woman who hates justice
b 11:7 So MT; the LXX reads When a righteous c 11:16 So MT; the LXX reads justice. The
man dies, his hope does not perish deficient shrink from wealth, but the diligent support
c 11:7 So MT; the LXX reads what the ungodly themselves with
620
20 30
Devious minds are abhorrent to the The fruit of the righteous isb a tree
LORD, of life,
but those whose ways are and the one who wins people is
innocent are his delight. wise.c
21 31
Be sure of this:a the wicked will not If the righteous receive what they
go unpunished, are due here on earth,
but the descendants of the how much more will the wicked
righteous will go free. and the sinner.
Chapter 12
22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout Wisdom and Wickedness Contrasted
12
1
is a beautiful woman without The person who loves
discretion. correction loves knowledge,
23 but anyone who hates a rebuke is
The desire of the righteous is to
stupid.
seek good, 2
The good person will gain favor
but the hope of the wicked
from the LORD,
results in wrath.
but the man who plots evil will
24
Those who give freely gain even be condemned by him.
3
more; A person doesn’t gain security by
others hold back what they owe, wickedness,
becoming even poorer. but the righteous won’t be
25
A generous person will prosper, uprooted.
and anyone who gives water will 4
receive a flood in return. A virtuous woman is a crown to her
26
People will curse whoever husband,
withholds grain, but a wifea who puts him to
but blessing will come to shame is like bone cancer.b
5
whoever is selling. The plans of the righteous are just,
27
but the advice of the wicked is
The person seeking good will find
PROVERBS
deceitful.
favor, 11
6
but anyone who searches for The words of the wicked lead toc
evil—it will find him! bloodshed,
28 but the speech of the upright
The person who trusts in his wealth
delivers them.
will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like
green leaves.
29
Whoever troubles his household b 11:30 So MT; the LXX reads From the fruit of
will inherit the wind, righteousness grows
c 11:30 So MT; the LXX reads life, but the souls
and the fool will be a servant to
of those who practice evil are cut off prematurely
the wise. a 12:4 Lit. but she
b 12:4 Lit. decay
a 11:21 Lit. Hand to hand c 12:6 Lit. wicked lie in wait for
621
7 16
After they’re overthrown, the The anger of a fool becomes readily
wicked won’t be found, apparent,
but the house of the righteous but the prudent person overlooks
stands firm. an insult.
8 17
A man is praised because of his The truth teller speaks what is
wise words, right,
but the perverted minda will be but the false witness speaks what
despised. ise deceitful.
9 18
It’s better to be unimportant, yet Some speak rashly like the cutting
have a servant, of a sword, 12
than to pretend to be important, but what the wise say promotes

but lack food. healing.
10
The righteous person looks out for 19
A truthful sayinga is trusted
the welfare of his livestock, forever,
but evenb the compassion of the but the liarb only for a moment.
wicked is cruel. 20
Deceit is at homec in the heart of
11
Whoever tills his soil will have a lot those who plan evil,
to eat, but those who promote peace
but anyone who pursues rejoice.
fantasies lacks sense.c 21
No harm overwhelms the
12
The wicked desires what evil righteous,
people gain, but the wicked overflow with
but the foundationd of the trouble.
righteous is productive. 22
13
An evil man’s sinful speech Deceitful speech is reprehensible to
ensnares him, the LORD,
but the righteous person escapes but those who act faithfully are
his delight.
PROVERBS
from trouble.
23
14
By his fruitful speech a man can A prudent man keeps what he
remain satisfied, knows to himself,d
and a man’s handiwork will but the hearts of fools shout forth
reward him. their foolishness.
24
15
The diligent will take control,
The lifestyle of the fool is right in but the lazy will be put to forced
his own opinion, labor.
but wise is the man who listens to
advice.
e 12:17 The MT lacks speaks what is
a 12:8 Lit. heart a 12:19 Lit. lips
b 12:10 The MT lacks even b 12:19 Lit. the lying tongue
c 12:11 Lit. heart c 12:20 The MT lacks at home
d 12:12 Or root d 12:23 The MT lacks to himself
622
25 6
A person’s anxiety weighs down his Righteousness protects the
heart, blameless,
but an appropriate word is but wickedness brings downd the
encouraging. sinner.
26
The righteous person is cautious 7
One person pretends to be wealthy,
with respect to his neighbor, but has nothing;
but the lifestyle of the wicked another pretends to be poor, yet
leads them astray. is rich.
8
27
The lazy person does not roast The life of a wealthy man may be
what he has hunted, held for ransom,
but diligence is one’s most but whoever is poor receives no
important possession. threats.
9
28
In the pathway to righteousness The light of the righteous shines,
there is life, but the lamp of the wicked is
and in that lifestyle there is no extinguished.
death. 10
Arrogance only brings quarreling,
but those receiving advice are
Chapter 13
Who is a Wise Son?
13
1
A wise son heedsa a father’s wise.
correction, 11
Wealth gained dishonestly
but a mocker does not listen to dwindles away,
rebuke. but whoever works diligently
2
From the fruit of his words a man increases his prosperity.a
receives benefit,b 12
but the treacherous crave Delayed hope makes the heart ill,
violence. but fulfilled longing is a tree of
3
Anyone who guards his words life.
PROVERBS
protects his life; 13
Anyone who despises a word of
anyone who talks too muchc is advice will pay for it,
ruined. but whoever heeds a command
4 will be rewarded.
The lazy person craves, yet receives 14
What the wise have to teach is a
nothing,
fountain of life
but the desires of the diligent are
and causes someone to avoid the
satisfied.
snares of death.
5 15
A righteous person hates deceit, Good understanding produces
but the wicked person is grace,
shameful and disgraceful.
a 13:1 The MT lacks heeds d 13:6 So MT and DSS 4QProvb; LXX reads
b 13:2 Lit. man eats good things but sins ruin the wicked
c 13:4 Lit. who opens wide his lips a 13:11 The MT lacks his prosperity
623
but the lifestyle of the but whoever loves him is diligent

treacherous never changes.a to correct him.
16 25
Every sensible person acts from A righteous person eats to his
knowledge, heart’s content,
but a fool demonstrates folly. but the stomach of the wicked
17
An evil messenger stumbles into remains hungry.
trouble, Chapter 14
How Wise People Live

but a faithful envoy brings
14
1
Every wise woman builds
healing.
up her household,
18
Poverty and shame are for those but the foolish one tears it down
who ignore correction, with her own hands.
but whoever listens to instruction 2
Someone whose conduct is upright
gains honor.
fears the LORD,
19
Fulfilled longing is sweet to the but whoever is devious in his
soul, 13 ways despises him.
but avoiding evil is detestable to 3
What a fool says bringsa a rod to his
the fool.
20 back,
Whoever keeps company with the
but the words of the wise protect
wise becomes wise,
them.
but the companion of fools
4
suffers harm. Where there are no oxen, the
21 feeding trough is clean,
Disaster pursues the sinful,
but profits come through the
but good will reward the
strength of the ox.
righteous.
5
22 A trustworthy witness does not
A good person leaves an
deceive,
inheritance to his
PROVERBS
but a false witness spews lies.

grandchildren,
but the wealth of the wicked is 6
A mocker seeks wisdom and findsb
reserved for the righteous. none,
23
The field of the poor may produce but learning comes easily to
much food, someone who understands.
but it can be swept away through 7
injustice. Stay away from a foolish man,
for you will not find competent
24
Whoever does not disciplineb his advice.
son hates him,
a 13:15 So MT; LXX and Syr read grace, and

to know the Law is the sign of a sound mind, but the
path of scorners ends in destruction a 14:3 Lit. The mouth of the fool
b 13:24 Lit. Whoever spares the rod b 14:6 The MT lacks finds
624
8 18
The wisdom of the prudent helps The naïve inherit folly,
him know how to live, but the careful are crowned with
but the stupidity of fools deceives knowledge.
him. 19
Evil men will bow down in the
9
Fools make fun of guilt, presence of good men
but among the upright there are and the wicked at the gates of the
good intentions. righteous.
10 20
The heart knows its own The poor person is shunned by his
bitterness— neighbor,
an outsider cannot share in its but many are the friends of the
joy. wealthy.
21
11
The house of the wicked will be Whoever despises his neighbor
destroyed, sins,
but the tent of the upright will but whoever shows kindness to
flourish. the poor will be happy.
12
There is a pathway that seems right 22
Won’t those who continually plot
to a man, evil go astray?
but in the end it’s a road to death. But gracious love and truth are
13
Even in laughter there may be for those who plan what is
heartache, good.
23
and at the end of joy there may In hard work there is always profit,
be grief. but too much chatteringa leads to
14 poverty.
The faithless one will pay for his
24
behavior,a The crown of the wise is their
but a good man will be wealth, 14
rewardedb for his. but the stupidity of fools is just
PROVERBS
15
An unthinking person believes that—stupidity!
everything, 25
A truthful witness saves lives,
but the prudent one thinks before
but the person who lies is
acting.c
16 deceitful.
The wise person fears and turns
26
away from evil, Rock-solid security is foundb in the
but a fool is reckless and fear of the LORD,
overconfident. and within it one’s children find
17
A quick tempered person does refuge.
foolish things, 27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain
and a devious man is hated. of life,
a 14:14 Lit. waus

b 14:14 The MT lacks will be rewarded a 14:23 Lit. word of lips
c 14:15 Lit. one considers his steps b 14:26 The MT lacks is found
625
1
enabling anyone to escape the A gentle response diverts anger,
15
28
snares of death.
A large population is a king’s glory,
14
2
but a harsh statement incites fury.
The wise speak, presentinga
knowledge appropriately,
but a shortage of people is a
ruler’s ruin. but fools spout foolishness.
3
29
Being slow to get angry compares The eyes of the LORD are in every
to great understanding place,
as being quick-tempered observing both the evil and the
compares to stupidity. good.
30
A tranquil mind brings life to one’s 4
A gentle statementb is a tree of life,
body, but perverted speech shatters the
but jealousy causes one’s bones to spirit.
rot. 5
A fool rejects his father’s
31
Whoever oppresses the poor defies instructions,
their Creator, but anyone who respectsc reproof
but whoever is kind to the needy acts sensibly.
honors them.
6
32
The wicked person is thrown down The righteous house is itselfd a
by his own wrongdoing, great treasure,
but the righteous person has a but within the revenue of the
place of safety in death.a wicked calamity is at work.
7
33
What the wise have to say
Wisdom is at rest in the mind of the disseminatese knowledge,
discerning— but it’s not in the heart of fools to
even fools know this.b do so.
34
Righteousness makes a nation 8
The sacrifice of the wicked is
great, detestable to the LORD,
PROVERBS
but sin diminishesc any people. but the prayer of the upright is
35
The king approves the wise his delight.
9
servant, The lifestyle of the wicked is
but he is angry at anyone who detestable to the LORD,
acts shamefully. but he loves those who ardently
Chapter 15
pursue righteousness.
How to Live Wisely
a 14:32 So MT and DSS 4QProvb; the LXX

reads in his own piety a 15:2 Lit. The tongues of the wise present
b 14:33 So MT; the LXX reads but in the heart b 15:4 Lit. tongue
of fools it is not discerned c 15:5 Lit. keeps
c 14:34 So DSS, 4QProb and LXX; the MT d 15:6 The MT lacks itself
reads sin is a disgrace to e 15:7 Lit. The lips of the wise spread
626
10 18
Severe punishment awaits anyone The quickly angered man stirs up
who wanders off the path— contention, 15
anyone who despises reproof will but anyone who controls his
die. temper calms a dispute.
11 19
Since Sheola and Abaddonb lie The lifestyle of the lazy is like a
in the LORD’s presence, thorny hedge,
how much more the hearts of but the path taken by the upright
human beings! is an open highway.
12 20
The arrogant mocker never loves A wise son makes a father glad,
the one who corrects him; but a foolish man despises his
he will not inquire ofc the wise. mother.
21
13
Stupidity is the delight of the
A happy heart enlightens the face, senseless,
but a sad heart reflects a broken but an understanding man walks
spirit. uprightly.
14
A discerning mind seeks
22
knowledge, Plans fail without advice,
but the mouth of fools feeds on but with many counselors they
stupidity. are confirmed.
23
15
The entire lifed of the afflicted An appropriate answer brings joy
seems disastrous, to a person,
but a good heart feasts and a well-timed word is a good
continually. thing.
24
On Contentment and Other Good The way of life leads upward for
Things of Life the wise 15
16
Better is a little accompanied by so he may avoid Sheolc below.
fear of the LORD 25
The house of the proud the LORD
PROVERBS
than abundant wealth with will demolish,
turmoil. but he will protect the widow’s
17
A vegetarian meale served with boundary line.
love is better 26
To the LORD evil plans are
than a big, thick steaka with a detestable,
plateful ofb animosity. but pleasant words are pure.
27
Those who are greedy for unjust
a 15:11 I.e. the realm of the dead
gain bring trouble into their
b 15:11 I.e. the realm of destruction in the
homes,
afterlife
c 15:12 Lit. not go to but the person who hates bribes
d 15:15 Lit. All the days will live.
e 15:16 Lit. A meal of herbs
a 15:17 Lit. a fattened ox
b 15:17 The MT lacks a plateful of c 15:24 I.e. the realm of the dead
627
28
The mind of the righteous thinks including the wicked at the time
before speaking, 15
of trouble.a
but the wicked person spews out 5
The LORD detests those who are
evil. proud;
29
The LORD is far away from the truly they will not go
wicked, unpunished.
but he hears the prayers of the 6
Iniquity is atoned for by gracious
righteous. love and truth,
30 and through fear of the LORD
Bright eyesa encourage the heart;
peopleb turn from evil.
good news nourishes the body.b
7
31 When a person’s ways please the
Whoever listens to a life-giving
LORD,
rebuke
even his enemies will be at peace
will be at home among the wise.
32 with him.
Whoever ignores instruction hates
himself, 8
A little gainc with righteousness is
but anyone who heeds reproof better
gains understanding.c than great income without
33 justice.
The fear of the LORD teaches
9
wisdom, A person plans his way,
and humility precedes honor. but the LORD directs his steps.
10
Chapter 16
Wisdom’s Blessings When a king is ready to speak
16 officially,d
1
People do the planning,d
but the end resulte is from what he says should not err with
the LORD. respect to justice.
11
2
Honest scales and balances are
Everything a person does seems from the LORD;
PROVERBS
pure in his own opinion, he made all the weights in the

but the LORD weighs intentions. bag.
12
3
Entrust your work to the LORD, Kings detest wrong-doing,
and your planning will succeed. for through righteousness the
4 throne is established.
The LORD made everything 13
Kings take pleasure in righteous
answerable to him, speech;
they treasure a person who
speaks what is upright.
a 15:30 Or A cheerful look
b 15:30 Lit. bones
c 15:32 Lit. heart a 16:4 Lit. evil
d 16:1 Lit. Preparations of the heart belong to b 16:6 The MT lacks people
human beings c 16:8 Heb. lacks gain
e 16:1 Or the response of the tongue d 16:10 Lit. king speaks an oracle
628
14 23
The king’s wrath is results in a A wise person’s thoughtsa control
death sentence, his words,
but whoever is wise will appease and his speech promotes
him. instruction.
24
15
When a king is pleased,a there is Pleasant words are honey from a
life, honeycomb—
and his favor is like a cloud that sweet to the soul and healing for
brings spring rain. the body.b
16
How much better than gaining gold Advice to the Wise
25
is the acquisition of wisdom, There is a road that seems right for
the attainment of wisdom better a man to travel,c
but in the end it’s the road to
than silver!
death.
17
The road of the upright 26
The appetite of the laborer
circumvents evil,
motivates him;
and whoever watches how he
indeed, his hunger drives him on.
livesb preserves his life.
27
18
A worthless person concocts evil
Pride precedes destruction; gossipd—
an arrogant spirit appears before his lips are like a burning fire.
a fall. 28
19
Better to be humble among the A deceitful man stirs dissension,
poor, and anyone who gossips
than to share what is stolen with separates friends.
29
the proud. A violent man entices his
companion
20
Whoever listens to a word of and leads him on a path that is
instruction prospers, not good. 16
30
and anyone who trusts in the Whoever winks knowinglye is
PROVERBS
LORD is blessed. plottingf deceit;
21 anyone who purses his lips is
The wise-hearted person is said to
bent towards evil.
be discerning,
31
and pleasant speech promotes Gray hair is a crown of glory;
instruction. it is obtained by followingg a
22
Anyone who has understanding is righteous path.
a fountain of life,
but foolishness brings a 16:23 Lit. heart
punishment to fools. b 16:24 Lit. bone
c 16:25 The MT lacks to travel
d 16:27 The MT lacks gossip
e 16:30 Lit. with his eyes
f 16:30 So MT; LXX, Syr, Targ, Vul read
a 16:15 Lit. a king’s face lightens winks with his eyes considers
b 16:17 Lit. watches his path g 16:31 The MT lacks following
629
32
Whoever controls his temper is how much more are deceitful
better than a warrior, 16
statementsa with a prince!
and anyone who has control of 8
A bribe works wondersb in the eyes
his spirit is better
of its giver;
than someone who captures a
wherever he turns he prospers.
city.
9
33 Anyone who overlooksc an offense
The dice is cast into someone’s lap,
promotes love,
but the outcome is from the
but someone who gossips
LORD.
Chapter 17
separates close friends.
More Words of Wisdom 10
A rebuke is more effective with a
17
1
Dry crumbs in peacea are man of understanding
better than a hundred lashes to a fool.
than a full mealb with strife. 11
A rebellious person seeks evil;
2
A prudent servant will rule in place a cruel emissary will be sent to
of a disgraceful son oppose him.
and will share in the inheritance 12
It’s better to meet a mother bear
among brothers. who has lost her cubs
3 than a fool in his stupidity.
The crucible is for silver
13
and the furnace for gold— The person who repays good with
but the LORD assays hearts. evil
4 will never seed evil leave his
Whoever practices evil pays
home.
attention to wicked speech,
14
but the liar listens to malicious Starting a quarrel is like spilling
talk. water—
5
Whoever mocks the poor shows so drop the dispute before it
contempt for their maker, escalates.
PROVERBS
and whoever is happy about 15

Exonerating the wicked and
disaster
condemning the righteous
will not go unpunished.
are both detestable to the LORD.
6
Grandchildren are the crown of the 16
What is this? A fool has enough
aged, money to buy wisdom,
and the pride of children is their
but is senseless?e
parents.
7
Appropriate speech is inconsistent
with the fool;
a 17:7 Lit. lips
b 17:8 Lit. A gift is a stone of favor
c 17:9 Lit. covers
a 17:1 Lit. quiet d 17:13 The MT lacks will see
b 17:1 Lit. house full of meat e 17:16 Lit. but has no heart
630
17 26
A friend loves at all times, Furthermore, it isn’t good to fine
and a brother is therea for times the righteous, 17
of trouble. or to beat an official because of

18 his uprightness.
A man who lacks senseb cosigns a
27
loan,c Whoever controls what he says
becoming a guarantor for his words is knowledgeable; 17
neighbor. anyone who has a calm spirit is a

19 man of understanding.
The person who loves transgression 28
Even a fool is thought to be wise
loves strife;
when he remains silent;
the person who builds a high
he is thought to be prudent when
gate invites destruction.
he keeps his mouth shut.
20
The person whose mindd is Chapter 18
perverse does not find good, How Fools Talk
18
1
and anyone with perverted Whoever isolates himself
speech falls into trouble. pursues selfish ends;
he resists all sound advice.
21
The man who fathers a fool does so 2
to his sorrow— A fool finds no satisfaction in trying
the father of a fool has no joy. 17
to understand,
22
for he would rather express his
A joyful heart is good medicine, own opinion.
but a broken spirit drains one’s 3
strength.e When an evil person comes,
contempt also comes,
23
The wicked man takes a bribe in along with dishonor and
secret disgrace.
in order to pervert the course of 4
justice. The words a man says are as deep
waters—
PROVERBS
24
A person with understanding has a fountain of wisdom is an
wisdom as his objective, overflowing stream.
but a fool looks onlya to earthly 5
goals. It’s not good to be partial towards
an evil person,
25
A foolish son brings grief to his thereby depriving the righteous
father of justice.
and bitterness to his mother.b
6
A fool’s wordsc brings strife,
a 17:17 Lit. born and his mouth invites fighting.
7
b 17:18 Lit. heart A fool’s mouth is his unraveling,
c 17:18 Lit. sense strikes the palm
d 17:20 Lit. heart
and his lips entrap himself.
e 17:22 Lit. spirit dries the bones
a 17:24 The MT lacks only
b 17:25 Lit. to the one who bore him c 18:6 Lit. lips
631
8 17
The words of a gossip are like The first to put forth his case seems
choice morsels right,
as they descend to the innermost until someone else steps forward
parts of the body. and cross-examines him.
18
Avoiding Fools and Their Foolishness Casting dice settles a dispute,
9
Whoever is lazy regarding his work deciding between strong
is also a brother to the master of contenders.
destruction. 19
An offended brother is more
10
The name of the LORD is a strong unyielding than a fortified
tower; city,
a righteous person rushes to it and his disputes are like the bars
and is lifted up above the of a fortress.
danger.a 20
The positive words that a man
11
The wealth of a rich person is his
speaksb fill his stomach;
fortified city;
he will be satisfied with what his
in his own imagination, it is like a
lips produce.
high wall. 21
The power of the tongue is life and
12
Before a man’s downfall, his mindb death—
is arrogant, those who love to talkc will eat
but humility precedes honor. what it produces. 18
13 22
Whoever answers before listening Whoever finds a wife finds what is
is both foolish and shameful. good,
14 and receives favor from the
A man’s spirit can sustain him
LORD.
during his illness,
23
but who can bear a crushed The poor person pleads for mercy,
spirit? but the wealthy man responds
PROVERBS
15 harshly.
The minda of a discerning person
24
gains knowledge, A man with many friends can still
while the ears of wise people seek be ruined,
out knowledge. but a true friend sticks closer than
16 a brother.
A person’s gift opens doors for him, Chapter 19
bringing him access to important The Priorities of Life Contrasted
19
1
people. A poor man who walks
blamelessly is better
than a fool who speaks
perversely.
a 18:10 The MT lacks above the danger
b 18:12 Lit. heart b 18:19 Lit. words from a man’s mouth
a 18:15 Lit. heart c 18:21 Lit. love it
632
2 11
Furthermore, it isn’t good to be A person’s discretion makes him
ignorant,a slow to anger,
and whoever rushes into thingsb and it is to his credit that he
misses the mark. ignores an offence.
3
A man’s foolishness ruins his life,c 12
The king’s anger is like the roaring
yet his heart rages against the
of a lion,
LORD.
but his goodwill is like dew on
4
Wealth brings many friends, the grass.
but a poor man is deserted by his 13
A father’s ruin is a foolish son,
friend.
and a wife’s quarreling is likea
5
A witness to lies will not go dripping water that never
unpunished; stops.
14
the teller of falsehoods will not A house and self-sufficiency are a
escape. father’s inheritance,
6 but from the LORD comes an
Many curry favor of an official;
insightful wife.
everyone is a friend of the gift
15
giver. Laziness puts one to sleep,
7 and an idle person will go
All the relatives of a poor person
hungry.
shun him—
16
how much more do his friends Whoever obeys a commandment
avoid him! keeps himself safe,b
Though he runs after them but someone who is
pleading, contemptuous in conductc
they aren’t around. will die.
8 17
Whoever obtains wisdom loves Whoever is kind to the poor is
himself, lending to the LORD—
PROVERBS
and whoever treasures the benefit of his gift will return
understanding will prosper. to him in abundance.
9 18
A witness to lies will not go Discipline your son while there is
unpunished; still hope—
the teller of falsehoods will but don’t set your heart on his
perish. destruction.
19
10 The person who has great anger
It’s not fitting for a fool to live in
must pay the consequences,
luxury;
because if you rescue him, you
neither is it for a servant to rule
will have to do it again.
over princes.
a 19:2 Lit. good for an ignorant soul a 19:13 The MT lacks like
b 19:2 Lit. whoever hurries with his feet b 19:16 Lit. keeps his soul
c 19:3 Lit. way c 19:16 Lit. in his way
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20
Listen to advice and accept 28
A corrupt witnessa mocks justice,
discipline, and the wicked person feeds on
and you’ll be wise for the rest of iniquity.
your life.a 29
Condemnation is appropriate for
21
Many plans occupy the mindb of a mockers,
man, just as beatings are for the backs
but the LORD’s purposes will of fools.
prevail.c Advice on How to Live
Chapter 20
22
20
Human beings long for grace, 1
Wine causes mocking, and
and it’s better to be poor than a beer causes fights;
man of deceit. everyone led astray by them lacks
23
The fear of the LORD leadsd to life; wisdom.
whoever is satisfied with it will 2
A king’s anger is like a lion’s roar;
rest, anyone who angers him forfeits
untouched by evil. 19
his life.
24
The lazy person buries his hand in 3
Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
his dish but every fool is quarrelsome.
and doesn’t bother to bring it 4
back to his mouth. A lazy person doesn’t plow in the
properb season;
25
If you scourge a scoffer, he looks for a harvest, but there is
the simple person may learn to be nothing.
discreet; 5
The intentions of a person’s heart
rebuke a discerning manm
are deep waters,
and he will gain understanding.
but a discerning person reveals
26
Whoever mistreats his father them.
and alienates his mother
PROVERBS
6
Many claim “I’m a loyal person!”c
is a son who brings both shame but who can find someone who
and disrespect. truly is?
7
27
My son, if you stop listening to The righteous person lives a life of
instruction, integrity;
you will stray from the principles happy are his children who
of knowledge. follow him!
8
A king sits on a throne of justice,
sifting out all sorts of evil with his
glance.
a 19:20 The MT lacks of your life
b 19:21 Lit. heart a 19:28 I.e. a worthless person
c 19:21 Or will be established b 20:4 The MT lacks proper
d 19:23 The MT lacks leads c 20:6 Lit. claim to be people of gracious love
634
9 19
Who can say, “My intentions are Whoever spreads gossip betrays
pure; confidences;
I am clean from any sin?” so don’t get involved with
10 someone who talks too much.
Falsea weights and measures— 20
Whoever curses his father or
the LORD surely detests both of
mother,
them.
his lamp will be extinguished in
11
Even a child is known by his the deepest darkness.
actions, 21
whether his deeds are pure and An inheritance quickly obtained at
right. the beginning
will not be blessed at the end.
12
The ear that hears and the eye that 22
sees— Don’t say “I’ll avenge that wrong!”
the LORD surely made them both. Wait on the LORD and he will
deliver you.
13
20
Do not love sleep or you’ll become 23

The LORD detests differing weights,
poor, and dishonest scales are not
keep your eyes open and you’ll good.
have plenty of food. 24
14
A man’s steps are directed by the
“This is bad, bad,” says whoever is LORD;
buying— how then can anyone understand
but then he brags as he walks his own way?
away after the sale. a 25
It is a trap for a person to declare
15
There is an abundance of gold and quickly, “This is sacred,”
precious stones, and only later to have second
but lips of knowledge are a rare thoughts about the vows.
jewel. 26
A wise king sifts the wicked,
PROVERBS
16
Take the garment of anyone who crushing them with the threshing
puts up collateral for a wheel.
stranger; 27
A person’s spirit is the lamp of the
hold it in pledge if he does it for
LORD;
an unfamiliar woman.
it searches throughout one’s
17
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a innermost being.
man, 28
Gracious love and truth preserve a
but later his mouth will be full of
king;
gravel.
through love his throne is made
18
Make plans by seeking advice; secure.
make war by obtaining guidance. 29
The glory of young men is their
a 20:10 Or Diverse strength;
a 20:14 The MT lacks after the sale and the splendor of elders is their
gray hair.
635
30 9
Blows that wound clean away evil; It’s better to live in a corner on the
such beatings cleansea the roof
innermost being. 20
than to share a house with a
Chapter 21
contentious woman.
Thoughts on the Sovereignty of God
21
10
1
A king’s heart is a water The soul of the wicked craves evil;
stream that the LORD controls; he extends no mercy to his
he directs it wherever he pleases. neighbor.
11
2
Every man’s lifestyle is proper in When a mocker is punished, the
his own view, fool gains wisdom;
but the LORD weighs the heart. but when the wise is instructed,
3
he receives knowledge.
To do what is right and just 12
The righteous Gode considers the
is more acceptable to the LORD
house of the wicked,
than sacrifice.
bringing the wicked to ruin.
4
A proud heart and a haughty look 13
Whoever refuses to hear the cry of
is sin;
the poor
they reveala wicked people. will also cry himself, but he won’t
5
Plans of the persistent surely lead be answered.
to productivity, 14
Privately given gifts pacify wrath,
but all who are hasty will surely
and payments made secretlyf
become poor.
appeaseg great anger.
6
A fortune gained by deceitb 15
Administering justice brings joy to
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly
the righteous,
snare.c but terror to those who practice
7
Devastation caused by the wicked iniquity.
will drag them away
PROVERBS
16
Whoever wanders from the path of
because they refuse to do what is understanding
just.
will end up where the deadh are
8
The conductd of a guilty man is gathered.
perverse, 17
Pleasure lovers become poor;
but the behavior of the pure is loving wine and oil doesn’t bring
upright. riches.
a 20:30 The MT lacks cleanse

a 21:4 Lit. sin; the lamp of
b 21:6 Lit. by a lying tongue e 21:12 The MT lacks God
c 21:6 So MT; LXX reads is pursuing f 21:14 Lit. made under the cloak
worthlessness into deadly snares g 21:14 The MT lacks appease
d 21:8 Lit. way h 21:16 Lit. the departed spirits
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18 28
The wicked are ransom for the A false witness will perish,
righteous, but whoever listens will testify
and the unfaithful for the successfully.a
upright. 29
The wicked man puts up a bold
19
It’s better to live in the wilderness appearance,
than to live with a contentious but the upright thinks about
and irritable woman. 21
what he is doing.b
20
Precious treasures and oil are 30
No wisdom, insight, or counsel
founda where the wise live, can prevailc against the LORD.
but a foolish man devours them. 31
The horse may be prepared for the
21
Whoever pursues righteousness day of battle,
and gracious love but to the LORD goes the victory.
finds life, righteousness, and Chapter 22
honor. Advice for Everyday Life
22
1
22
A good reputation is more
A wise man attacks the city of the desirable than great wealth,
mighty, and favorable acceptance more
bringing down the fortress in than silver and gold.
which they trust. 2
23
The rich and the poor have this in
Whoever watches his mouth and common—
tongue the LORD created both of them.
keeps himself from trouble. 3
24
The prudent person sees trouble
The names “Proud,” “Arrogant,” ahead and hides,
and “Mocker” but the naive continue on and
fit whoever acts with suffer the consequences.
presumptuous conceit. 4
The reward of humility is the fear
PROVERBS
25
What the lazy person craves will of the LORD,
kill him, 21
along with wealth, honor, and

because his hands refuse to work. life.
26
All day long he continues to crave, 5
while the righteous person gives Thorns and snares lie in the path of
without holding back. the perverse person,
27
but whoever is cautious stays far
What the wicked person sacrifices away from them.
is detestable—
how much more when he offers
it with vile motives!
a 21:28 Lit. testify forever

a 21:20 So MT; the LXX reads A desirable b 21:29 Lit. about his ways
treasure will rest c 21:30 The MT lacks can prevail
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6 14
Train a child in the way The mouth of an immoral woman
appropriate for him, is a deep pit;
and when he becomes older, he a man experiencing the LORD’s
will not turn from it. wrath will fall into it.
7 15
The wealthy rule over the poor, A child’s heart has a tendency to do
and anyone who borrows is a wrong,
slave to the lender. but the rod of discipline removes
8 it far away from him.
Whoever sows wickedness reaps
16
trouble, Whoever oppresses the poor to
and the anger he uses for a enrich himself
weapona will be destroyed. and whoever gives gifts to the
9
wealthy
Whoever is generousb will be will yield only loss.
blessed,
for he shares his food with the Sayings of the Wise
17
poor. Pay attention and listen to the
10
words of the wise,
Throw out the mocker and strife and apply your heart to my
departs, too;a teaching,
furthermore, quarrelsb and 18
for it is pleasant when you treasure
discord will end. them within you
11
Whoever loves purityc and gracious and have them ready on your
lips.
speech
22
19
will gain the king as his friend. As a result, your trust will be in the
LORD,
12
The LORD watches over anyone that’s why I’m teaching you
with knowledge, today, even you.
but he ruins the plansd of the 20
Have I not written for you 30
PROVERBS
unfaithful. sayings
13 containing counsel and
The lazy person says, “There is a
knowledge,
lion outside! 21
to teach you true and reliable
I will be killed in the street!”
advice,
so you can give truthful answers
to those who sent you?
22
Don’t rob the poor person because
a 22:8 Lit. rod
he is poor,
b 22:9 Lit. A good eye and don’t crush the helpless in
a 22:10 The MT lacks too court,e
b 22:10 Or litigation
c 22:11 Lit. purity of heart
d 22:12 Lit. words e 22:22 Lit. gate
638
23 5
for the LORD will plead their case When you fix your gaze on it, it’s
and ruin the lives of those who gone,
ruin them. for it sprouts wings for itself
24 and flies to the sky like an
Don’t make friends with a hot-
eagle.
tempered man,
6
and do not associate with Don’t consume food provided by a
someone who is easily miserlyb person,
angered, and don’t desire his delicacies,
25
or you may learn his ways 7
for as he thinks within himself, so
and find yourself caught in a he is.
trap. “Eat and drink!” he’ll say to you,
26
Don’t be one of those who make but his heart won’t be with
promises you.
8
to guarantee loans for debts. You’ll vomit up what little you’ve
27
If you don’t have the ability to pay, eaten,
why should your very bed be and your compliments will have
taken from under you? been wasted.
9
28
Don’t remove an ancient boundary Don’t speak when a fool is
stone listening,
that was set up by your ancestors. because he’ll despise your wise
words.
29
Do you see a man skilled in his 10
work? Don’t move ancient boundaries
He will work for kings, not or invade fields belonging to
unimportant people. orphans;
11
Chapter 23
for strong is their Redeemer
Things to Avoid in Life who will take up their case
23
1
Whenever you sit down to against you.
PROVERBS
dine with a ruler, 12
Learn diligently,
carefully think about what is
and listen to words of
before you.
2 knowledge.
Put a knife to your own throat,
13
if you have a big appetite.a Don’t withhold discipline from a
3
Don’t crave his delicacies, child;
because the meal is deceptive. if you punish him with a rod,
4 he won’t die.
Don’t exhaust yourself acquiring 14
Punish him with a rod,
wealth;
and you will rescue his soul from
be smart enough to stop.
Sheol.c
b 23:6 Lit. by the evil eyed

a 23:2 Lit. a master of an appetite c 23:14 I.e. the realm of the dead.
639
26
On Listening to Your Parents Give me your heart, my son,
15
My son, if your heart is wise, and keep your eyes fixed on my
my own heart will greatly rejoice. ways,
16 27
My innermost being will be glad because a prostitute is a deep pit,
when your lips speak what is and the adulterousb woman a
right. narrow well.
28
17
Never let yourself envy sinners; Surely she lies in wait like a bandit,
increasing those who are faithless
instead, remaina in fear of the
among mankind.
LORD every day,
18
for there is surely a future life, On Sobriety
29
and what you hope for will not Who has woe? Who has grief?
be cut off. Who has contention? Who has
19 complaints?
Listen, my son, and be wise,
Who has wounds without cause?
commit yourself to live God’sb
Who has bloodshot eyes?
way. 30
20 Those who linger over their wine,
Don’t associate with heavy drinkers
23
who consume mixed drinks.

or dine with gluttons, 31
21 Don‘t stare into red wine,
because drunks and gluttons tend
when it sparkles in the cup
to become poor,
and goes down smoothly.
and drowsiness will clothe them 32
Eventually it will bite like a snake
in rags.
and sting like a serpent.
22 33
Listen to the one who fathered you, Your eyes will see strange things,
and don’t despise your mother in and with slurred words you’ll
her old age. speak what you really
23 believe.
Purchase truth, but don’t sell it; 34
You will be like someone who lies
store upa wisdom, instruction, down in the sea,
PROVERBS
and understanding. or like someone who sleeps on

24
The father of a righteous person top of a mast.
35
will greatly rejoice; “They struck me,” you will say,c
whoever fathers a wise son will “but I never felt it.
be glad because of him. They beat me,
25
Let your father and mother rejoice; but I never knew it
make the one who gave birth to When will I wake up?
you happy. I want another drink.”
a 23:17 The MT lacks remain

b 23:19 Lit. live in the b 23:27 Lit. foreign
a 23:23 The MT lacks store up c 23:35 The MT lacks you will say
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11
Chapter 24
Benefits of Wisdom Rescue those who are being led
24
1
Don’t be envious of wicked away to death,
men and save those who stumble
or wish you were with them, toward slaughter.
12
2
because theya plan violence, If you say, “Look here, we didn’t
and they are always talkingb know about this,”
about trouble. doesn’t God,d who examines
3 motives,e discern it?
By wisdom a house is built;
Doesn’t the one who guards your
it is made secure through
soul
understanding.
4 know about it?
By knowledge its rooms are
Won’t he repay each person
furnished
according to what he has done?
with all sorts of expensive and
13
beautiful goods. My son, eat honey, because it’s
5 good for you;f
A wise man is strong,a
indeed, drippings from the
and a knowledgeable man grows
honeycomb are sweet to your
in strength.
6 taste;
For through wise counsel you will 14
Keep in mind that wisdom is like
wage your war,
that for your soul;
and victory lies in an abundance
if you find it, there will be a
of advisors.
future for you,
7
Wisdom lies beyond reach of the and what you hope for won’t
fool; be cut short.
he has nothing to say in court.b 15
Don’t lie in wait like an outlaw
8
The person who plans on doing to attack where the righteous
evil live;
PROVERBS
16
will be called a schemer. for though a righteous man falls
9
To devise folly is sin, seven times,
and people detest a scoffer. he will rise again,
10 but the wicked stumble into
If you grow weary when times are calamity.
troubled,
17
your strength is limited.c Don’t rejoice when your enemy
falls;
don’t let yourself be glad when
he stumbles.
a 24:2 Lit. because their hearts
b 24:2 Lit. and their lips talk
a 24:5 So MT; LXX reads Being wise is better
than being strong d 24:12 Lit. he
b 24:7 Lit. in the gate e 24:12 Lit. examines the heart
c 24:10 Or undersized f 24:13 The MT lacks for you
641
18 28
Otherwise the LORD will observe Don’t testify against your neighbor
and disapprove, without a cause,
and he will turn his anger away and don’t lie when you speak.c
from him. 29
Don’t say, “I’ll do to him like he did
19
Don’t be anxious about those who to me,
practice evil, I’ll be sure to pay him back for
and don’t be envious of the what he did.”
wicked. 30
I went by the field belonging to a
20
For the wicked man has no future; lazy man,
the lamp of the wicked will be by a vineyard belonging to a
extinguished. senseless person.
21 31
My son, fear both the LORD and the There it was, overgrown with
king, thistles,
and don't keep company with the ground covered with thorns,
rebels. its stone wall collapsed.
22 32
They will be destroyed suddenly, As I observed, I thought about it;
and who knows what kind of I watched, and learned a lesson: 24
punishment will come from 33

“A little sleep! A little slumber!
these two? A little folding of my hands to
Sayings of the Wise rest!”
34
23
Here are some more proverbs from Then your poverty will come upon
wise people: you like a robber,
your need like an armed bandit.
It isn’t good to show partiality in Chapter 25
judgment. More Proverbs from Solomon
25
24 1
Whoever says to the wicked, Here are some more proverbs
“You’re in the right,” by Solomon, which the men of
will be cursed by people and Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
PROVERBS
hated by nations. 2
25 It is the glory of God to conceal
But as for people who rebuke the
something,
wicked;a
a good blessing will fall upon but the glory of kings to ask
them. about it.
3
Just as the heavens are high
26
A kiss on the lips— and earth is deep,
that’s what someone who gives so the heart of a king is
an honest answer deserves.b unfathomable.
27
First do your outside work, 4
Purge the dross from the silver,
preparing your land for yourself.
and material ford a vessel comes
After that, build your house.
forth for the silversmith.
a 24:25 The MT lacks the wicked
b 24:26 The MT lacks deserves c 24:28 Lit. don’t deceive with your lips
642
5 14
Purge the wicked from the king’s Like clouds and winds without rain
presence, is the man who brags
and his throne will be established about gifts he never gave.
in righteousness. 15
Through patience a ruler may be
6
Don’t magnify yourself in the persuaded;
presence of a king, a gentle worda can break a bone.
and don’t pretend to be in the 16
If you find some honey,
company of famous men,
7 eat only what you need.
for it is better that it be said to you,
Take too much,
“Come up here,”
and you’ll vomit.
than for you to be placed lower
17
in the presence of an official. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s
home;
What you’ve seen with your own
otherwise, he’ll grow weary and
eyes,
8 hate you.
don’t be in a hurry to argue in
18
court. A club, a sword, and a sharp
Otherwise, what will you do later arrow—
on that’s what a man is who lies
when your neighbor humiliates about his neighbor.
you? 19
9 A bad tooth and an unsteady foot—
Instead, take up the matter with
that’s what confidence in an
your neighbor,
unreliable man is like
and don’t betray another person’s
in a time of trouble.
confidence.
10 20
Otherwise, anyone who hears will Taking your coat off when it’s cold
make you ashamed, or pouring vinegar on soda—
and your bad reputation will that’s what singing songs does
never leave you. to a heavy heart.
PROVERBS
11 21
Like golden apples set in silver If your enemy hungers, give him
is a word spoken at the right food to eat;
time. and if he thirsts, give him water
12
Like a gold earring and a necklace to drink.
22
of pure gold For you’ll be piling burning coals of
is a wise reprover to a listening shameb on his head
ear. and the LORD will reward you.
13 23
Like cold snow during harvest time The north wind brings rain,
is a faithful messenger to those and a backbiting tongue an angry
who send him; look.
he refreshes his masters.
a 25:15 Lit. tongue

a 25:4 The MT lacks material for b 25:22 The MT lacks of shame
643
24 6
It’s better to live in a corner on the Whoever sends a message by the
roof hand of a fool
than in a house with a cuts off his owna feet and drinks
contentious woman. 25
violence.
7
25
Cold water to someone who is Useless legs to the lame—
that’s what a proverb quoted by a
thirstya—
fool is.
that’s what good news from a 8
Tying a stone to a sling—
distant land is.
that's what giving honor to a fool
26
A muddied spring or a polluted is.
9
well— A thorn in the hand of a
that's what a righteous person is drunkard—
who compromises with the that’s what a proverb quoted by a
wicked. fool is.
10
27 An archer who shoots at anyone—
To eat too much honey isn’t good;
is like someone who hires a fool
and neither is it honorable to seek
or anyone who passes by.
one’s own glory. 11
A dog that returns to its vomit
28
Like a city with breached walls is like a fool who reverts to his
is a man without self-control. folly.
12
Chapter 26
Do you see a man who is wise in

On Fools
his own opinion?
26
1
Like snowfall in summer or
There’s more hope for a fool than
rain at harvest time,
for him.
so honor is inappropriate for a
fool. On Laziness
13
2 The lazy person claims, “There is a
Like a fluttering sparrow
lion in the road!
or a swallow in flight,
There’s a lion in the streets!”
PROVERBS
a curse without cause will not 14

The door turns on its hinges—
alight.
as does the lazy person on his
3
A whip is for the horses, bed.
15
a bridle is for the donkey, The lazy person buries his hand in
a rod is for the back of fools. the dish,
4
Don’t answer a fool according to but he’s too tired to bring it to his
his foolishness, mouth again.
16
or you will be just like him. The lazy person is wiser in his own
5
Answer a fool according to his opinion
foolishness, than seven men who can give an
or he will think himself to be appropriate response.
wise.
a 25:25 Or tired a 26:6 The MT lacks his own
644
17 28
Picking up a dog by the ears— A lying tongue hates its victims,
that’s what someone is like whoa and a flattering mouth causes
meddles in another’s fight. ruin.
Chapter 27
18
Like the maniac who shoots General Counsel
27
1
fiery darts and deadly arrows— Never brag about the day to
19
that’s what someone is like who lies come,
to his neighbor because you don’t know what itb
and then says, “I was joking, might bring.
wasn’t I?” 2
Let someone else praise you,
On Gossip and Backbiting not your own mouth;
20
Without wood, the fire goes out. a stranger, and never your own
Without a gossip, contention lips.
stops. 3
21 Rocks are heavy,
Charcoal is to hot coals
and sand is weighty,
as wood is to fire;
but a fool’s provocation
so also a quarrelsome man fuels
outweighs them both.
strife.
22 4
What a gossip says are like delicate Wrath can be fierce and anger
morsels; overwhelms
they sink down deep within. but who can stand up to
23
A clay vessel plated with a thin jealousy?
veneer of silver— 5
An open rebuke is better
that’s what smootha lips with a
than unspoken love.
wicked heart are. 6
24 Wounds from someone who loves
Someone who hates hides behind
are trustworthy,
his words,
but kisses from an enemy speak
harboring deceit within himself.
volumes.c
PROVERBS
25
Though he speaks graciously, don’t
believe him, 7
The persond who is full spurns
for there are seven detestable honey,
things in his heart. but to a hungry person even the
26
Though malice disguises itself with bitter seems sweet.
deception, 8
Like a bird that strays from its nest
its evil will be exposed publicly.
is a man who wanders away from
26
27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, his home.e
and the stone will come back
on whoever starts it rolling.
b 27:1 Lit. what a day
c 27:6 Lit. enemy are profuse
a 26:17 Lit. who, as he is passing by, d 27:7 Lit. soul
a 26:23 So LXX; the MT reads burning e 27:8 Lit. place
645
9 18
Ointments and perfume encourage Whoever nurtures the fig tree will
the heart; eat its fruit,
in a similar way, a friend’s advice and whoever obeysb his master
is sweet to the soul.a will be honored.
10 19
Never abandon your friend nor Just as water reflects the face,
your father’s friend, so the heart reflects the person.
and don’t go to your brother’s 20
Sheolc and Abaddond are never
house in times of trouble.
satiated,
A neighbor who is near is better
and neither are human eyes.
than a brother who lives far
away. 21
As the crucible testse silver,
11
Be wise, my son, and make me and the furnace assaysf gold;
happy, so praise received testsg a man.
so I can reply to anyone who 22
Though you crush a fool in a
insults me. mortar and pestle
12
Those who are prudent see danger as someone might crush grain,
and take refuge, his stupidity still won’t leave
but the naïve continue on and him.
suffer the consequences. 23
Keep well informed of the
13
Take the coat of anyone who puts condition of your flocks
up security for a stranger; and pay attention to your herds,
hold it in pledge if he cosigns for
27
24
because riches don’t endure
an immoral woman. forever,
14
A friend’s loud blessing early in the and crowns don’t last from one
morning generation to the next.
25
will be thought of as a curse. When the grass disappears,
and new growth appears,
PROVERBS
15
A continual dripping on a rainy day the mountain spices will be
and a contentious wife are alike. harvested,
16
Trying to keep her in check is like 26
the lambs will supply your clothing,
stopping a wind storm and your goats the price of a
or grabbing oil with your right field.
hand.
17
Iron sharpens iron;
so a man sharpens a friend’s
b 27:18 Lit. guards
character.a c 27:20 I.e. the realm of the dead
d 27:20 I.e. the realm of destruction in the
afterlife
a 27:9 So MT; the LXX reads heart; but through e 27:21 The MT lacks tests
misfortune the soul is torn apart f 27:21 The MT lacks assays
a 27:17 Lit. countenance g 27:21 The MT lacks tests
646
27 8
You will have enough goat’s milk Whoever gains wealth by charging
to drink exorbitantc interest
and to supply your household collects it for someone who is
needs, kind to the poor.
as well as sustenance for your 9
If someone quitsd listening to the
servant girls.
Chapter 28
Law
Contrasting Good and Evil even his prayer is detestable.
28
1
The wicked flee, though no 10
Whoever misleads the upright
one pursues,
along an evil way
but the righteous are bold like a
will himself fall into his own pit,
lion.
but the blameless will inherit
2
When a land transgresses, what is good.
11
it gains a succession of leaders, The rich man may be wise in his
but with an understanding and own opinion;
knowledgeable man, but a discerning, poor man sees
its stability endures. through him.
3 12
A poor man who oppresses the When the righteous are victorious,
weak there is great glory,
is like a rainstorm that destroys but when the wicked arise, men
alla the crops. hide themselves.
13
4
Those who forsake the Law praise Whoever hides his transgressions
the wicked, will not succeed,
but whoever keeps itb fights but whoever confesses and
them. forsakes them will find
5
mercy.
Evil men don’t understand justice,
14
but whoever seeks the LORD Blessed is the man who always
PROVERBS
understands it all. fears the LORD,e
6
but whoever hardens his heart
It’s better to be poor and live a will fall into disaster.
blameless life
15
than to be rich but crooked in A roaring lion and a charging
one’s lifestyle. bear—
7
that’s what a wicked tyrant is
Whoever keeps the Law is a over poor people.
discerning son, 16
A commander-in-chieff who is a
but whoever keeps company cruel oppressor lacks
with gluttons understanding,
brings shame to his father.
c 28:8 Lit. charging interest upon
a 28:3 Lit. that leaves no d 28:9 Lit. turns away from
b 28:4 Lit. keeps the Law e 28:14 The MT lacks the LORD
647
but whoever hates unjust gain is a companion to someone

will live longer.b who demolishes.
25
17
A guilty man tormented by An arrogantc man stirs up
bloodshed dissension,
will be a lifelong fugitive; but anyone who trusts in the
let no one support him. LORD prospers.
18 26
Whoever lives blamelessly will be Whoever trusts in himself is foolish,
delivered, but whoever lives wisely will be
but whoever is perverted will fall kept safe.
without warning. 27
Whoever gives to the poor will
19
Whoever works his farmland will never lack,
have abundant food, but whoever shuts his eyes to
but whoever chases fantasies will their povertyd will be cursed.
become very poor. 28
When the wicked rise to power,
20
The faithful man will prosper with people hide themselves,
blessings, but when the wickede perish, the
but whoever is in a hurry to get righteous increase.
rich Chapter 29
Advice on Life and Justice

will not escape punishment.
29
1
After many rebukes, the
21
To show partiality isn’t good, stiff-necked man
yet for a piece of bread the will be broken incurably, without
valiant will transgress. any warning.
22
The misera is in a hurry to get 2
As the righteous grow powerful,f
wealthy, people rejoice;
but he isn’t aware that poverty but when the wicked rule, people
will catch up with him. groan.
PROVERBS
23
Whoever rebukes a man will later 3
The man who loves wisdom brings
on find more favor joy to his father,
than someone who flatters with but anyone who consorts with
his words.b 28
immoral women squanders

24
Whoever steals from his father or his wealth.
mother 28
4
A king brings stability to a land
but claims, “It’s no sin,” through justice,
a 28:16 Lit. Nagid; i.e. a senior officer
entrusted with dual roles of operational
oversight and administrative authority c 28:25 Or greedy
b 28:16 Lit. will lengthen his days d 28:27 The MT lacks to their poverty
a 28:22 Lit. The man with an evil eye e 28:28 Lit. when they
b 28:23 Lit. tongue f 29:2 The MT lacks powerful
648
14
but a man who takes bribes When a king faithfully administers
brings it to ruin. justice to the poor,
5 his throne will be established
A strong man who flatters his
forever.
neighbor
15
is setting a trap where he walks.a The rod and rebuke bestow
wisdom,
The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted
6 but an undisciplined childg brings
An evil man is trapped by
shame to his mother.
transgression,
but the righteous person sings 16
As the wicked grow powerful,h
and rejoices. transgression increases,
7
The righteous person is concerned but the righteous will observe
about the poor; their downfall.
but the wicked don’t understand 17
Correct your son and he will
what they need to know.b
8 comfort you;
Scornful men enflame a city,
he will also delight your soul.
but the wise defuse anger.
9 18
When a wise man has a dispute Without prophetic vision, people
with a fool, abandon restraint,
the fool either rages or laughs but those who obey the Law are
without relief. happy.
10
Bloodthirsty men hate the innocent
Dangerous Behaviors
person, 19
By mere words a servant will not be
but the upright show concern for
corrected;
his life.
even though he understands,
11
The fool vents all his feelings,c there will be no response.
but the wise person keeps them 20
Do you see a man who speaks
to himself.d
PROVERBS
hastily?
12
When a ruler is listening to lies, There is more hope for a fool
all of his officials tend to become than for him. 29
wicked. 21
If you pamper a servant from his
13
The poor man and the oppressor childhood,
have this in common:e later on he’ll become ungrateful.
the LORD gave them both eyes 22
An angry man stirs up arguments,
with which to see.f and a hot-tempered man causes
many transgressions.
a 29:5 Lit. trap for his footsteps
b 29:7 Lit. understand knowledge
c 29:11 Lit. spirit f 29:13 Lit. LORD lights the eyes of both
d 29:11 The MT lacks to himself g 29:15 Lit. but a child left alone
e 29:13 Lit. oppressor meet together h 29:16 The MT lacks powerful
649
23
A person’s pride will bring about Who has collected the wind in
his downfall, his hands?
but the humble in spirit will gain Who has wrapped up waters in a
honor. garment?
24 Who has established all the
A thief’s accomplice hates himself;
farthest points of the earth?
though testifying under oath,a he
What is his name,
reveals nothing.
and what is his son’s name?
25
Fearing any human being is a trap, Surely you know!
but confiding in the LORD keeps 5
Everything God says is pure;
anyone safe.
he is a shield for those who take
26
Many seek a ruler’s favor,b refuge in him.
6
but justice for a man comes from Don’t add to his words,
the LORD. or he will rebuke you,
27
and you will be shown to be a
The unjust man is detestable to the liar.
righteous,
and whoever lives blamelessly is On Contentment in Life
7
detestable to the wicked. God,f I have asked you for two
Chapter 30
things—
The Oracle don’t refuse me before I die—
30
1
A discourse by the faithful 8
Keep deception and lies far away
collector.c from me,
This is what this valiant man and give me neither poverty nor
declared to the God with me, wealth.
to the God with me, who then Feed me with food that I need for
prevailed:d today,a
9
2
Surely I am beyond the so that I don’t become overfed
PROVERBS
senselessness of any man; and deny you by saying,

I do not perceive thingse the way “Who is the LORD?”
human beings do. or so that I don’t become poor and
3
I never acquired wisdom, steal,
but I know what the Holy One and then misuse the name of my
knows. God.
4
Who has ascended to heaven, On Different Kinds of People
10
and then descended? Don’t lie about a servant to his
master,
a 29:24 Lit. though he hears the oath
or that servantb will curse you
b 29:26 Lit. face and you will pay for it.
c 30:1 Or by Jakeh’s son Agur
d 30:1 Or declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel, and Ucal f 30:7 The MT lacks God
e 30:1 The MT lacks things a 30:8 Or that is appropriate for me
650
11 19
Some peopleb curse their fathers The way an eagle flies in the sky,
and won’t bless their mothers. the way of a serpent on a rock,
12
Some peoplec view themselves as the way of a ship on the high seas,
pure, and the way of a man with a
but haven’t been cleansed from young woman.
their own filth. 20
This is what an immoral woman is
13
Some peopled—what an arrogant like:
look they have!— she eats, wipes her mouth, then
raise their eyebrows haughtily. says
14
Some peoplee have swords for “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
teeth 21
and knives for fangs Under three things the earth
to devour the afflicted from the trembles,
earth under four it cannot remain
and the needy from among steady:
22
mankind. Under a slave when he becomes a
king,
15
The leech has two daughters: a fool when he is overfed,
“Give” and “Give”. 23
an unloved woman when she finds
Three things will never be satisfied; a husband,
four will never say “Enough”— and a servant girl who inherits
16
The afterlife,f the barren womb, from her mistress.
earth that still demands water, 24
Four things on earth are small,
and fire—they never say,
but they are very, very wise:
“Enough”. 25
Ants aren’t a strong species,a
17
The eye that mocks a father yet they prepare their food in the
and looks with a disobedient summer.
attitude atg a mother— 26
The rock badgers aren’t a strong
PROVERBS
the valley ravens will pluck it out; speciesb either,
and vultures will eat it. yet they build their dens in the
What Causes Wonder rocks.
27
18
Three things cause wonder for me; Locusts have no king,
four are beyond my but they all swarm in ranks.
28
understanding: Spiders can be caught by the hand,
yet they’re found in kings’
palaces.
a 30:10 Lit. or he
b 30:11 Lit. A generation
c 30:12 Lit. A generation
d 30:13 Lit. A generation
e 30:14 Lit. A generation
f 30:16 Lit. Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead a 30:25 Lit. people
g 30:17 Lit. and despises obedience to b 30:26 Lit. people
651
29 4
Three things are stately in It is not for kings, Lemuel—
procession, Not for kings to drink wine
four which are stately in their or for rulers to desire liquor.
5
gait: Otherwise, they may drink and
30
The lion, mighty among the beasts, 30 forget what has been
retreats before nothing. ordained,
31
The strutting rooster, as well as the perverting justice for all the
goat, oppressed.
and a king with his army. 6
Give liquor to someone who is
32
If you’ve foolishly exalted yourself perishing,
or if you’ve plotted evil, and wine to someone who is
put your hand over your deeply depressed.h
mouth. 7
Let him drink, forget his poverty,
33
Just as whipping milk produces and remember his troubles no
butter, more.
and twisting the nose causes 8
Speak for those who cannot speak;
bleeding,
seek justice for all those on the
so also stirring up anger
produces contention. verge of destruction.i
9
Chapter 31
Speak up, judge righteously,
Counsel from King Lemuel’s Mother and defend the rights of the
31
1
The words of King Lemuel— afflicted and oppressed.
a pronouncement with
The Honorable Woman
which his mother encouraged 10
Who can find a capable wife?
him.
Her value far exceeds the finest
2
No,a my son! jewels.
11
No,b my son whom I conceived!c Her husband has full confidence in
No,d my son to whom I gave her;
PROVERBS
birth!e as a result, he lacks nothing of

3
Never devote all your energy to value.
12
sex,f She will bring good to him—never
evil—
or dedicate your lifeg to
every day of her life.
destroying kings. 13
She seeks out wool and flax,
working with eager hands.
14
She is like a seagoing ship
a 31:2 Or What that brings her food from far
b 31:2 Or What
away.
c 31:2 Lit. son of my womb?
d 31:2 Or What
e 31:2 Lit. son of my vows
f 31:3 Lit. women h 31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter
g 31:3 Lit. ways i 31:8 Lit. all sons of destruction
652
15 25
She rises while it is still night, Strength and dignity are her
preparing meals for her family garments;
and providing for her women she smiles about the future.
26
servants. She speaks wisely,
16
She evaluates a field and purchases teaching with gracious love.
27
it; She looks discretely to the affairs of
from the proceeds she plants a her household,
vineyard. and she is never lazy.f
17
She clothes herself with fortitude, 28
Her children stand up and
and fortifies her arms with encourage her,
strength. as does her husband, who praises
18
She is confident that her profits are her:
sufficient. 29
“Many women have done
Her lamp does not go out at wonderful things,” he says,g
night. “but you surpass all of them!”
19
She works with her own hands on 30
Charm is deceitful and beauty
her clothesa—
fades;
her hands work the sewing
but a woman who fears the LORD
spindle.
20 shall be praised.
She reaches out to the poor, 31
Reward her for her work—
opening her hands to those in
let her actions result in public
need.
21
She is unafraid of winter’s effect praise.a
onb her household,
because all of them are warmly
clothed.c
22
She creates her own bedding,
using fine linen and violet cloth.
PROVERBS
23
Her husband is well known;d
he sits among the leaders of the
land.
24
She designs and sells linen
garments,
supplying accessoriese to
clothiers.
a 31:19 Lit. staff

b 31:21 Lit. of the snow for
c 31:21 Lit. are clothed in red f 31:27 Lit. she does not eat the food of laziness
d 31:23 Lit. is known in the gates g 31:29 The MT lacks he says
e 31:24 Or belts a 31:31 Lit. in praise in the gates
653
Jesus Meets the Man Who Was Mute
654
Appendix
The Value of a Talent as a Monetary Unit
The Parable of the Talents Illustrated in U.S. Dollars

If… 1 day’s wages = 1 drachma1
and 1 shekel = 4 drachma
and 1 mina = 60 shekels
and 1 talent = 60 mina
then 1 talent = 14,400 drachma2
and 1 talent = 14,400 days’ wages.
If 1 year = 250 days of work3
then 14,400 days = 57.6 years of work.
If 1 year’s wages = $67,019.004
then 1 talent = $3,860,294.405
and 10,000 talents = $386,029,440,000.00
1One drachma was equal to one Greek denarius. 260 mina x 60 shekels x 4
drachma = 14,400 drachma. 3Assumes 52 weeks per year, with five work days
per week, less two weeks vacation. 4Median income for 4-person family, US
Census FY2008 (See http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/4person.html).
5$67,019 per year x 57.6 years.
Weights and Values
Weights, Capacity, Measures, Distances, and Monetary Values
bath Hebrew liquid measure between 8-9 gallons. Cf. Luke 16:6
ephah Hebrew volume measure about 390 liters or about 100 gallons
gerah Hebrew weight measure about .6 grams; 20 gerahs comprised a
shekel
homer Hebrew volume measure equivalent to about 10 ephahs
koinix Greek dry measure between 1 quart and 1 liter in volume, used
in Rev. 6:6 to denote wheat and barley value at a denaius, a
day’s wage in the cultural economy of Israel during the 1st
century AD.
kor Hebrew dry measure between 10-12 bushels, approx. 390 liters.
Cf. Luke 16:7
log Hebrew liquid measure about 2/3 of a pint or 1/3 of a liter (Lev
14:10, 12, 15, 21, 24)
APPENDIX
metretes Greek liquid measure about 1 bath, or about 9 gallons, approx.

40 liters. Cf. John 2:6
milion Roman distance measurement: one Roman mile. Equivalent to
1,000 paces or about 1.5 kilometers. Cf. Matt 5:41
mina 1 mina = 600 grams
655
Appendix The Holy Bible
Weights, Capacity, Measures, Distances, and Monetary Values
orguia Greek length measurement about 6 feet, modern equivalent of

one fathom of nautical depth, about 1 meter. Cf. Acts 27:28
pechus Greek length measurement equal to a cubit. Cf. Matt 6:27; John
21:8
quadran 1/64 daily wage of a common worker; i.e. about USD$1.00
rod Rev 11:1 and 21:15 6 cubits or 105 inches
sabbatou odos Hebrew distance measurement (Lit. a Sabbath day journey),
about half a mile or about 1 kilometer. Cf. Acts 1:12
saton Hebrew measure for grain about 1/3 of a bushel, approx 12
liters. Matt 13:33
shekel1 12 grams; strictly speaking the shekel was a measurement of
weight, not a denomination of coin
stadios Greek length measurement about 600 feet or 185 meters. Cf.
Matt 14:24; John 6:19; Rev 21:16
talent2 1 talent2 = 36,000 grams
1One shekel equals 20 gerahs. 2The weight of a talent varied from 50 shekels
(1King 10:17) to 60 shekels (Eze 45:12) depending on monetary inflation.
The Jewish Sacred Calendar

Sacred Year Jewish Name Gregorian Civil Year
Festival Calendar of Month Month Names Month
1st Month NISSAN (B) March - April 7th Month
14th-21st Passover ABIB (C)
and Feast of Exodus 12:2, 13:4
Unleavened Bread Esther 3:7
2nd Month IVAR (B) April - May 8th Month
ZIF (C)
1 Kings 6:1
3rd Month SIVAN (B) May - June 9th Month
6th- 7th Pentecost Esther 8:9
APPENDIX
Shavu'ot
4th Month TAMMUZ (B) June - July 10th Month

Jeremiah 39:2
656
International Standard Version 2.0 Appendix

5th Month AB (B) July - August 11th Month
Numbers 33:38
Zechariah 7:3
6th Month ELUL (B) August - 12th Month
Nehemiah 6:15 September
7th Month TISHRI (B) September - 1st Month

1st Trumpets ETHANIM (C) October
10th Day of 1 Kings 8:2

Atonement
15th -22nd Sukkoth
(Tabernacles)
8th Month HESHVAN (B) October - 2nd Month
BUL (C) November
1 Kings 6:38
9th Month CHISLEV (B) November - 3rd Month
25th Hanukkah Nehemiah 1:1 December
8 Day Feast Ezra 10:9

Zechariah 7:1
10th Month TEBETH (B) December – 4th Month

Esther 2:16 January
11th Month SHEBAT (B) January - 5th Month

Zechariah 1:7 February
12th Month ADAR (B) February - 6th Month

14th-15th Purim Esther 3:7, 8:12 March APPENDIX
657

Babylonian names (B) for the calendar months are still in use the Jewish calendar
today. Canaanite names (C) were used prior to the Babylonian captivity that
began in 586 B.C. Four of these Canaanite month names are mentioned in the
Hebrew Scriptures. The month named Adar-Sheni appears to have been added
as an intercalary month used in months 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 19 of a 19-year
cycle., starting about 701 BC. For further reading, see Spier, Arthur, The
Comprehensive Hebrew Calendar (Jerusalem: Feldheim, 1986) ISBN 0-87306-398-8.
The Parables of Jesus
Parable Matt. Mark Luke
A Light under a Basket 5:14 4:21 8:16
The Two Foundations 7:24 6:47
The Unshrunk Cloth 9:16 2:21 5:36
New Wine in Old Wineskins 9:17 2:22 5:37
The Parable about a Farmer 13:3 4:3 8:5
The Parable about the Weeds among the Wheat 13:24
The Parable about a Mustard Seed 13:31 4:30 13:18
The Parable about a Hidden Treasure 13:44
The Parable about a Valuable Pearl 13:45
The Parable about a Net 13:47
New and Old Treasures 13:52
The Story of the Faithful Shepherd 18:12 15:4
The Parable about an Unforgiving Servant 18:23
The Workers in the Vineyard 20:1
The Parable about Two Sons 21:28
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers 21:33 12:1 20:9
The Parable about a Wedding Banquet 22:2
The Lesson from the Fig Tree 24:32 13:28 21:29
The Faithful or the Wicked Servant 24:45 12:42
The Parable about the Ten Bridesmaids 25:1
The Parable about the Talents 25:14 19:12
The Sheep and Goats 25:31
The Parable about a Growing Seed 4:26
APPENDIX
The Watchful Servants 13:35 12:35

The Creditor 7:41
The Good Samaritan 10:30
A Friend in Need 11:5
The Parable of the Rich Fool 12:16
658

Parable Matt. Mark Luke
The Parable about an Unfruitful Fig Tree 13:6
A Lesson about Guests 14:7
The Parable about a Large Banquet 14:16
The Cost of Discipleship 14:28
The Story of the Diligent Housewife 15:8
The Loving Father and the Prodigal Son 15:11
The Parable about a Dishonest Manager 16:1
The Rich Man and Lazarus 16:19
A Master and His Servant 17:7
The Parable about the Judge and the Widow 18:2
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector 18:10
The Miracles of Jesus
Miracle Matt. Mark Luke John
Jesus Cleanses a Leper 8:2 1:40 5:12
Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant 8:5 7:1
Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-law 8:14 1:30 4:38
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men 8:28 5:1 8:27
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man 9:2 2:3 5:18
Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter and a Woman 9:20 5:25 8:43
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men 9:27
Jesus Heals a Man Who Couldn’t Talk 9:32
Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed Hand 12:10 3:1 6:6
Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man 12:22 11:14
The Faith of a Woman from Syria 15:21 7:24
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon 17:14 9:17 9:38
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men 20:29 10:46 18:35
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit 1:23 4:33
Jesus Heals a Deaf Man 8:22
Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath 13:11
Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath 14:1
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers 17:11
Jesus Heals the Ear of Malchus 22:50
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son 4:46
The Healing at the Pool 5:1
Jesus Heals a Blind Man 9:1
APPENDIX
Jesus Calms the Sea 8:23 4:37 8:22

Jesus Walks on the Sea 14:25 6:48 6:19
Jesus Feeds More Than 5,000 People 14:15 6:35 9:12 6:5
Jesus Feeds More Than 4,000 People 15:32 8:1
The Coin in the Fish 17:24
659

Miracle Matt. Mark Luke John
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree 21:18 11:12
The Large Catch of Fish 5:4 21:1
Jesus Changes Water into Wine 2:1
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son 7:11
Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life 11:1
The Miracles of the Apostles
The Miracles of the Apostles
Miracle Reference
A Crippled Man Is Healed Acts 3:6-9
Ananias and Sapphira Are Punished Acts 5:1-10
Saul’s Sight Is Restored Acts 9:17-18
Aeneas Is Healed Acts 9:33-35
Tabitha Is Healed Acts 9:36-41
Elymas Is Blinded Acts 13:8-11
A Crippled Man Is Healed Acts 14:8-10
A Demon Is Driven out of a Girl Acts 16:16-18
The Raising of Eutychus Acts 20:9-10
Paul Is Unharmed by a Viper Acts 28:3-5
Healing of Publius’ Father Acts 28:7-9
What the New Testament Says About…

Adultery
Matt 5:27-32 Gal 5:13 Eph 4:17-5:3 Heb 13:14
Ambition
Matt 16:21-27 Mark 9:33-37 Mark 10:35-45 Phil 2:1-4
Anger
Matt 5:21-26 Eph 4:25-5:2 Eph 4:25-5:2 James 1:19-27
Anxiety
Luke 12:22-34 Phil 4:4-9 Heb 13:5-6 1 Peter 1:6-9
Atonement
Romans 3:21-26 2 Cor 5:14-21 Heb 9:1-28 1 Peter 2:22-25
Baptism
Matt 3:1-12 Matt 28:16-20 Romans 6:1-5 Col 2:12
Bible Reading
2 Tim 3:14-17 Heb 4:12 James 1:19-27 Col 4:16
Blood of Christ
APPENDIX
Matt 26:27-29 Rom 5:9 Heb 9:11-28 1 Peter 1:18

Body of Christ
Mark 14:22-24 Rom 12:5 1 Cor 12:12-31 Heb 2:14-18
Celibacy
Matt 19:4-12 1 Cor 7:2-4 1 Cor 7:32-40 1 Tim 4:1-5
660

Children
Matt 18:1-9 Mark 10:13-16 Acts 2:39 Eph 6:1-4
Compassion
Matt 20:34 John 11:17-44 2 Cor 1:3-7 1 John 3:11-24
Conversion
John 3:1-21 Acts 3:19 2 Cor 5:17-19 Eph 2:1-10
Creation
John 1:3 Rom 1:18-23 Rom 8:18-27 Col 1:15-17
Cross
Mark 8:31-9:1 Luke 23:26-49 1 Cor 1:17 Eph 2:16
Death
John 12:23-26 Rom 6:1-23 1 Cor 15:1-58 2 Tim 1:10
Discipleship
Luke 14:25-34 John 15:1-17 John 21:15-19 1 Peter 2:21
Discipline
1 Cor 5:5 1 Cor 11:27-32 Heb 12:1-13 Rev 3:19
Divorce
Matt 19:1-12 Mark 10:2-12 1 Cor 7:10-16 1 Cor 7:27
Eternal Life
Matt 19:16-30 John 3:1-21 Rom 6:15-23 1 John 2:25
Faith
Matt 6:25-34 Rom 3:21-5:11 Heb 11 Heb 11:1-40
Freedom
Luke 4:18 John 8:31-41 Rom 8:1-17 Gal 4:21-5:26
Friendship
John 14:23-15:17 John 15:15 Col 3:12-17 1 John 1:1-7
Giving
Matt 6:1-4 Matt 10:8 Rom 12:8 1 Cor 16:2
Grace
Luke 15:11-31 Rom 5:1-21 Eph 2:1-22 Titus 3:7
Greed
Matt 27:5 Luke 12:13-21 1 Tim 6:3-10 James 5:1-6
Happiness
Matt 5:1-12 John 13:1-17 Phil 4:4-9 1 Peter 4:13
Heaven
Matt 6:19-24 Matt 25:31-46 Luke 10:20 Phil 3:12-4:1
Holy Spirit
APPENDIX
John 14:15-31 John 16:5-16 Acts 2:1-47 Rom 8:1-17

Homosexuality
Rom 1:18-32 1 Cor 6:9-11 1 Tim 1:9-11 1 Tim 6:5
Hope
Rom 5:1-11 Rom 15:4 Col 1:3-27 1 Peter 1:3-9
661

Hospitality
Luke 14:12-14 Rom 12:13 1 Peter 4:9 1 Tim 3:2
Hypocrisy
Matt 6:1-24 Matt 23:1-29 James 1:22-27 Titus 1:16
Joy
Luke 15 James 1:2-18 James 4:9 1 Peter 4:12-19
Justification
Rom 3:21-31 Rom 4:1-5:11 Gal 2:15-21 Gal 3:24
Loneliness
Matt 26:36-46 Rom 8:35-39 Heb 13:5 2 Tim 4:16-18
Lord’s Supper
Luke 22:7-23 John 13:1 1 Cor 10:16 1 Cor 11:17-34
Love
Mark 12:28-34 Rom 5:8 1 Cor 13:1-13 1 John 4:7-21
Marriage
Matt 19:1-12 1 Cor 7:1-40 Eph 5:22-33 1 Peter 3:1-8
Peace
John 14:25-27 Rom 5:1-11 Eph 2:14-18 Phil 4:4-9
Poor
Matt 25:31-46 Luke 1:39-56 Gal 2:10 James 2:1-13
Profanity
Eph 4:29-32 Eph 4:29-32 James 3:1-12 James 5:12
Reconciliation
Matt 5:23-26 2 Cor 5:11-6:2 Eph 2:11-12 Heb 2:17
Repentance
Matt 4:12-17 Luke 18:9-14 Acts 2:38-41 2 Cor 7:10
Resurrection
Matt 27:57-28:20 John 11:25 Acts 24:15 1 Cor 15:1-58
Revenge
Matt 5:38-47 Rom 12:17-21 1 Thes 5:15 1 Peter 3:9
Reward
Matt 5:3-12 Mark 10:29-31 1 Cor 3:10-15 Heb 10:35
Salvation
Luke 19:1-10 Acts 16:16-34 Rom 8:34 Eph 2:1-10
Sanctification
2 Cor 7:1 1 Thes 5:23 1 Peter 1:2 2 Peter 1:3-11
Second Coming
APPENDIX
Matt 24 John 14:1-4 1 Cor 15:12-28 1 Thes 4:13-5:11

Stewardship
Matt 25:14-30 Luke 12:35-48 1 Cor 4:2 1 Cor 6:20
Suffering
Matt 5:11 Rom 8:12-17 1 Peter 3:8-22 1 Peter 4:12-19
662

Unity
John 17:1-26 1 Cor 1:10 Eph 4:1-16 Phil 1:27
What to Do When…
What to Do When…
The future seems hopeless
1 Cor 15:20-28 1 Peter 1:1-9 1 Peter 5:10-11 Rev 11:15-19
You are seeking God’s direction
Rom 12:1-3 Eph 5:15-17 Col 1:9-14 James 1:5-8
You need comfort
John 14 2 Cor 1:3-7 2 Cor 7:6-13 1 Peter 1:6-9
Others disagree with you
Matt 7:1-5 Rom 12:9-21 Rom 14:1-15:7 2 Cor 5:11-21
The world seems enticing
2 Cor 6:14-7:1 James 1:26-27 James 4:4-10 1 John 2:15-17
You need assurance of salvation
John 3:14-21 John 11:25-26 Acts 16:31-34 1 John 5:9-13
Others have sinned against you
Matt 6:14-15 Matt 18:21-35 Phil 3:13-14 Col 3:12-14
You are tempted to be bitter
1 Cor 13 Eph 4:29-5:2 Col 3:13 Heb 12:14-15
You are tempted to neglect public worship
John 4:24 Acts 2:42-47 Heb 3:12-13 Heb 10:19-25
Your faith needs strengthening
Rom 5:1-11 1 Cor 9:24-27 Heb 10:19-39 Heb 11:1-12:13
You need to control your tongue
Matt 15:1-20 James 1:26 James 3:1-12 1 Peter 3:10
You want to judge others
Matt 7:1-5 1 Cor 4:1-5 James 2:1-13 James 4:11-12
You have been cheated
Matt 18:15-17 1 Cor 6:1-8 James 5:1-8 1 Peter 3:8-17
Things are going well
Luke 12:13-21 1 Tim 6:3-19 Heb 13:5 James 2:1-17
You wonder about your spiritual gifts
Rom 12:3-8 1 Cor 1:4-9 1 Cor 12:1-14 1 Peter 4:7-11
You are starting a new job
Matt 5:13-16 Rom 12:1-2 Gal 5:13-26 Eph 1:3-14
You are in a position of responsibility
APPENDIX
Mark 10:35-45 Luke 7:1-10 1 Cor 16:13-14 Gal 6:9-10

You are establishing a new home
Eph 5:22-6:4 Col 3:18-21 1 Peter 3:1-7 Titus 2:5
You have been arguing with someone
1 Cor 3 Eph 4:1-6 2 Tim 2:14-26 James 4:1-12
663
What to Do When…
You are in spiritual warfare
Rom 8:38-39 2 Cor 4:7-18 Eph 6:10-18 2 Tim 4:6-7
You are jealous
1 Cor 13:4 Gal 5:13-15 Gal 5:19-21 James 3:13-18
You struggle with laziness
Eph 5:15-16 Phil 2:12-13 1 Thes 4:1-12 2 Thes 3:6-15
You struggle with lust
Matt 5:27-30 Rom 7:7-25 Rom 13:8-14 James 1:13-18
You are angry
Matt 5:21-22 Matt 18:21-26 Eph 4:25-5:2 James 1:19-21
You want revenge
Matt 5:38-42 Rom 12:17-21 1 Thes 5:12-15 1 Peter 3:8-14
You are proud
Matt 25:34-40 Mark 10:35-45 Rom 12:3 Phil 2:1-11
You are addicted to drugs or alcohol
Rom 6:1-23 Rom 12:1-2 1 Cor 6:12-20 Phil 3:17-4:1
You are greedy
Luke 12:13-21 2 Cor 9:6-15 Eph 5:3-7 1 John 3:16-18
You want to learn to pray
Matt 6:5-15 Mark 11:22-25 Luke 18:9-14 Phil 4:4-7
You struggle with apathy
Matt 25:1-13 Luke 12:35-48 1 Thes 5:1-11
y of the Gospels
Rev 3:1-6,14-22
A Harmony of the Gospels
Event Matthew Mark Luke John
The Pre-existence of Christ 1:1-18
Genealogy of Jesus through Joseph 1:1-17
Genealogy of Jesus through Mary 3:23-38
Gabriel announces John’s birth 1:1-25
Gabriel visits Mary 1:26-38
Mary visits Elizabeth, John’s mother 1:39-56
Birth of John the Baptist 1:57-80
An angel visits Joseph in a dream 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2:1-7
Shepherds visit Jesus 2:8-20
Circumcision of Jesus 2:21
Jesus is presented in the temple 2:22-38
The wise men bring gifts 2:1-12
APPENDIX
Joseph’s family escapes to Egypt 2:13-15

Herod’s wrath on Bethlehem 2:16-18
The return from Egypt to Nazareth 2:19-23 2:39
The childhood of Jesus 2:40-52
The ministry of John the Baptist 3:1-12 1:1-8 3:1-18
664

John baptizes Jesus 3:13-17 1:9-11 3:21-23
The temptation of Jesus 4:1-11 1:12-13 4:1-13
John’s testimony about Christ 1:19-28
John recounts Christ’s baptism 1:29-34
The first disciples 1:35-51
Jesus turns water to wine 2:1-12
The first temple cleansing 2:13-25
Nicodemus meets Jesus at night 3:1-21
The disciples baptize many in Judea 3:22-24
John’s disciples ask about Jesus 3:25-36
Herod imprisons John the Baptist 4:12 1:14 3:19-20
Jesus withdraws from Judea 4:1-3
A Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well 4:4-26
The disciples question Jesus 4:27-38
The Samaritans come to Jesus 4:39-42
Jesus continues toward Galilee 4:14-15 4:43-44
The first rejection in Nazareth 4:16-30
Jesus Arrives in Cana of Galilee 4:45
The official’s son is healed 4:46-54
Jesus settles in Capernaum 4:13-17 1:14-15 4:31-32
Fishermen called to be disciples 4:18-22 1:16-20
Demoniac in Capernaum 1:21-28 4:33-37
Peter’s mother-in-law is healed 8:14-15 1:29-31 4:38-39
Many healed at sunset 8:16-17 1:32-34 4:40-41
The disciples seek Jesus 1:35-38 4:42-43
Jesus preaches in the Synagogues 4:23 1:39 4:44
Jesus preaches in Simon’s boat 5:1-3
The miraculous catch of fish 5:4-11
Jesus heals a leper 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-16
Jesus cures a paralytic 9:1-8 2:1-12 5:17-26
Matthew is called to be a disciple 9:9 2:13-14 5:27-28
Parables at Levi’s reception 9:10-17 2:15-22 5:29-39
Jesus in Jerusalem (2nd Passover) 5:1
Man healed at pools of Bethesda 5:2-15
Jesus heals on the Sabbath 5:16-47
Disciples pick grain on the Sabbath 12:1-8 2:23-28 6:1-5
APPENDIX
Man’s hand healed on the Sabbath 12:9-14 3:1-6 6:6-11

Jesus withdraws to the sea 12:15-21 3:7-8
Many follow Jesus to be healed 4:24-25 3:9-12
Jesus prays on a mountain 6:12
Jesus selects twelve disciples 3:13-19 6:13-16
665

Jesus descends and heals the crowd 6:17-19
Jesus ascends to address the crowd 5:1
The Sermon on the Mount 5:1-8:1 6:20-49
Jesus heals a Centurion’s servant 8:5-13 7:1-10
Widow of Nain’s son is raised 7:11-17
John and disciples question Jesus 11:2-6 7:18-23
Jesus commends John the Baptist 11:7-19 7:24-35
Jesus rebukes three cities 11:20-30
Jesus dines with Simon the Pharisee 7:36-50
The generous women 8:1-3
Jesus heals a demon-possessed man 12:22-23 3:20-22
The Pharisees are rebuked 12:24-37 3:23-30
The sign of Jonah 12:38-45
The family of Jesus 12:46-50 3:31-35 8:19-21
Parables by the Sea 13:1-35 4:1-34 8:4-18
The parables explained in private 13:36-53
Orders to cross the Sea of Galilee 8:18 4:35 8:22
Jesus calms a stormy sea 8:23-27 4:36-41 8:23-25
Demons cast out of a violent man 8:28-34 5:1-20 8:26-39
Jesus sails to Capernaum 9:1 5:21 8:40
Jairus asks Jesus to heal daughter 9:18-19 5:22-24 8:41-42
Woman is healed by touching Jesus 9:20-22 5:25-34 8:43-48
Child’s death is reported to Jairus 5:35-36 8:49-50
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus 9:23-26 5:37-43 8:51-56
Jesus heals two blind men 9:27-31
Jesus heals a mute demoniac 9:32-34
The second rejection in Nazareth 13:54-58 6:1-6
The twelve disciples sent to preach 9:35-11:1 6:7-13 9:1-6
The death of John the Baptist 14:1-12
Herod fears John the Baptist is risen 6:14-29 9:7-9
The twelve disciples return 14:13 6:30-32 9:10 6:1
Jesus teaches and heals the crowd 14:14 6:33-34 9:11 6:2-3
Jesus feeds 5,000 14:15-21 6:35-44 9:12-17 6:4-13
Jesus prays alone 14:22-23 6:45-47 6:14-15
Jesus walks on water; Peter sinks 14:24-33 6:48-52 6:16-21
The healings in Gennesaret 14:34-36 6:53-56
APPENDIX
“I am the Bread of Life” discourse 6:22-7:1

The traditions of men rebuked 15:1-11 7:1-16
A parable is explained in private 15:12-20 7:17-23
The faith of a Gentile woman 15:21-28 7:24-30
Jesus heals a deaf man 7:31-37
666

Many are healed on a mountain 15:29-31
Jesus feeds 4,000 15:32-39 8:1-10
The Pharisees seek a sign 16:1-4 8:11-13
The yeast of the Pharisees 16:5-12 8:14-21
The blind man is cured in Bethesda 8:22-26
Peter confesses that Jesus is Christ 16:13-20 8:27-30
Jesus rebukes Peter 16:21-28 8:31-9:1 9:18-27
The Transfiguration 17:1-8 9:2-8 9:28-36
Elijah is discussed while descending 17:9-13 9:9-13
A demon is cast out of a boy 17:14-18 9:14-27 9:37-42
The disciples ask about the miracle 17:19-21 9:28-29
Jesus discusses his death 17:22-23 9:30-32 9:43-45
The temple tax miracle 17:24-27
The disciples argue 18:1-5 9:33-37 9:46-48
John’s zeal without understanding 9:38-41 9:49-50
Warnings about stumbling blocks 18:6-11 9:42-50
The parable about the lost sheep 18:12-14
Instructions on church discipline 18:15-20
Peter’s question about forgiveness 18:21-35
The Feast of Tabernacles 7:2
Brothers advise Jesus to go to Judea 7:3-9
Jesus determines to go to Jerusalem 9:51 7:10
Messengers are sent to Samaria 9:52-53
James and John are rebuked 9:54-56
Unfit followers 8:19-22 9:57-62
People are afraid to speak of Jesus 7:11-13
Jesus in the temple mid-feast 7:14-15
Jesus says that some seek to kill him 7:16-19
A defense of healing on the Sabbath 7:20-24
Jesus cries out in the temple 7:25-30
Multitudes are amazed at the signs 7:31
The Pharisees seek to seize Jesus 7:32-36
Last day of feast; Living water 7:37-39
Division among the people 7:40-44
The Pharisees question the officers 7:45-49
The judgment of Nicodemus 7:50-53
APPENDIX
Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives 8:1

Jesus teaches at the temple 8:2
Adulterous woman brought to Jesus 8:3-11
Jesus is the light of the world 8:12-20
Jesus is sent by the Father 8:21-30
667

The temple debate about Abraham 8:31-59
Jesus leaves the temple 8:59
Jesus heals a man born blind 9:1-7
Neighbors question the blind man 9:8-12
Pharisees question man’s parents 9:13-34
Jesus finds the blind man 9:35-39
The Pharisees ask a question 9:40-10:6
Jesus is the Good Shepherd 10:7-18
Division among the Jews 10:19-21
Seventy are sent out 10:1-16
The Seventy return 10:17-20
Jesus rejoices 10:21-22
Jesus privately blesses the Twelve 10:23-24
A lawyer tests Jesus 10:25-28
The parable of the Good Samaritan 10:29-37
Martha prepares while Mary listens 10:38-42
Jesus teaches the disciples to pray 11:1-13
Teachings on demons, blasphemy 11:14-26
A woman blesses Mary 11:27-28
The sign of Jonah 11:29-32
The lamp of the body 11:33-36
Lunch with a Pharisee 11:37
Jesus does not wash his hands 11:38
Jesus and woes on the Pharisees 11:39-44
Jesus and woes on the Lawyers 11:45-52
Jesus leaves; a plot against him 11:53-54
Jesus teaches a great crowd 12:1-12
Jesus warns against greed 12:13-15
Parables about being ready 12:16-40
A question from Peter 12:41
More parables 12:42-59
Fate of Galileans reported to Jesus 13:1-5
The parable of the fig tree 13:6-9
A woman is healed on the Sabbath 13:10-13
Synagogue official opposes Jesus 13:14-17
Mustard seed and leaven parables 13:18-21
APPENDIX
Feast of Dedication in the temple 10:22-23

The Jews confront Christ 10:24-39
Jesus goes to Bethany 10:40-42
Jesus travels toward Jerusalem 13:22
How many will be saved? 13:23-30
668

Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod 13:31-35
A Pharisee’s house on the Sabbath 14:1
A sick man is healed 14:2-6
The parable of the guests 14:7-11
The parable to the host of the feast 14:12-14
The parable of the dinner 14:15-24
The cost of discipleship 14:25-35
Jesus eats with sinners 15:1
Lost sheep, coin, and son 15:2-32
Parable of the unrighteous steward 16:1-13
Pharisees scoff; divorce teaching 16:14-18
The rich man and Lazarus 16:19-31
Jesus instructs disciples 17:1-10
The death and raising of Lazarus 11:1-44
Unbelievers report to the Pharisees 11:45-46
A Conspiracy to kill Jesus 11:47-53
Jesus goes to Ephraim 11:54
Ten lepers are cleansed 17:11-14
A Samaritan returns to thank Jesus 17:15-19
Pharisees ask about the Kingdom 17:20-21
Jesus warns disciples about future 17:22-37
The parable of the unjust judge 18:1-8
Pharisee and tax collector parable 18:9-14
Jesus goes to Judea by the Jordan 19:1 10:1
Multitudes follow Jesus 19:2
Pharisees question Jesus on divorce 19:3-9 10:2-9
Disciples question Jesus on divorce 19:10-12 10:10-12
Jesus blesses the little children 19:13-15 10:13-16 18:15-17
The rich young ruler 19:16-26 10:17-27 18:18-27
The reward of the disciples 19:27-30 10:28-31 18:28-30
The parable of the landowner 20:1-16
Jesus predicts his death 20:17-19 10:32-34 18:31-34
A request for James and John 20:20-24 10:35-41
The relationship of the disciples 20:25-28 10:42-45
Blind men are healed near Jericho 20:29-34 10:46-52 18:35-43
Zacchaeus is converted near Jericho 19:1-10
APPENDIX
Jesus is near Jericho 19:11

More blind men are healed 19:12-27
Passover journey toward Jerusalem 11:54
Jesus discussed by Jews and Priests 11:55-57
Jesus in Bethany 12:1
669

Mary anoints Jesus 26:6-13 14:3-9 12:2-8
Crowds come to Jesus and Lazarus 12:9
Chief priests conspire to kill Lazarus 12:10-11
Two disciples get a colt 21:1-7 11:1-7 19:28-35
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem 21:8-11 11:7-10 19:35-38 12:12-18
The reaction of the Pharisees 19:39-40 12:19
Jesus weeps for Jerusalem 19:41-44
Jesus enters Jerusalem and Bethany 11:11
Jesus curses a fig tree 11:12-14
The second temple cleansing 21:12-13 11:15-17 19:45-46
Jesus heals many in the temple 21:14
Jewish leaders seek to destroy Jesus 21:15-16 11:18 19:47-48
Jesus leaves Jerusalem 21:17 11:19
The withered fig tree 21:18-22 11:20-26
Authority challenged in the temple 21:23-27 11:27-33 20:1-8
The parable of the two sons 21:28-32
The parable of the tenant farmers 21:33-46 12:1-12 20:9-18
The parable of the wedding feast 22:1-14
The Jews question Jesus about taxes 22:15-22 12:13-17 20:19-26
Sadducees question the resurrection 22:23-33 12:18-27 20:27-40
Scribes and Pharisees question Jesus 22:34-40 12:28-34
Jesus questions them about baptism 22:41-46 12:35-37 20:41-44
Warnings about Scribes & Pharisees 23:1-39 12:38-40 20:45-47
The widow’s mite 12:41-44 21:1-4
The disciples admire the temple 24:1-2 13:1-2 21:5-6
Four fishermen question Jesus 24:3 13:3-4 21:7
Jesus warns disciples of persecution 24:4-14 13:5-13 21:8-19
Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem 24:15-28 13:14-23 21:20-24
Jesus teaches about his 2nd coming 24:29-31 13:24-27 21:25-28
The parable of the fig tree 24:32-33 13:28-29 21:29-31
Warnings to be alert 24:34-51 13:30-37 21:32-36
The parable of the ten virgins 25:1-13
The parable of the talents 25:14-30
Warnings about the Judgment 25:31-46
Jesus predicts the day of crucifixion 26:1-2
People come early to hear Jesus 21:37-38
APPENDIX
Some Greeks seek Jesus 12:20-22

A final public appeal to unbelievers 12:23-50
The plot to kill Jesus 26:3-5 14:1-2 22:1-2
Judas bargains to betray Jesus 26:14-16 14:10-11 22:3-6
Peter and John prepare for Passover 26:17-19 14:12-16 22:7-13
670

Fellowship in the upper room 26:20 14:17 22:14
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet 13:1-20
The Lord’s Supper 26:26-29 14:22-25 22:14-20 1Cor 11:23
Jesus predicts his betrayal 26:21-25 14:18-21 22:21-23 13:21-26
Judas leaves 13:27-30
A new commandment 13:31-35
Dispute about the greatest disciple 22:24-30
Jesus predicts the disciples’ denial 26:31-32 14:27-28
Jesus tells Peter of his prayer 22:31-32
Jesus predicts Peter’s denials 26:33-35 14:29-31 22:33-34 13:36-38
Jesus warns the disciples to prepare 22:35-38
Jesus comforts the disciples 14:1-4
Jesus responds to Thomas 14:5-7
Jesus responds to Philip 14:8-21
Jesus responds to Judas not Iscariot 14:22-31
They sing a hymn and leave 26:30 14:26 14:31
The farewell discourse 15:1-16:33
Jesus prays for his disciples 17:1-26
They enter Gethsemane 26:36 14:32-33 22:39-40 18:1
Jesus prays in Gethsemane 26:37-46 14:34-42 22:41-46
A mob comes to arrest Jesus 26:47 14:43 18:2-3
Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss 26:48-50 14:44-45 22:47-48
Jesus answers the mob 18:4-9
Peter wounds Malchus 26:51-54 14:46-47 22:49-50 18:10-11
Jesus heals Malchus 22:51
Jesus is arrested; the disciples flee. 26:55-56 14:48-52 22:52-53 18:12
Jesus is taken to the high priest 26:57 14:53 22:54 18:13-14
Peter follows at a distance 26:58 14:54 22:54 18:15-16
Peter’s first denial 26:69-70 14:66-68 22:55-57 18:17-18
Annas questions Jesus 18:19-24
Peter’s second denial 26:71-72 14:69-70 22:58 18:25
Peter’s third denial 26:73-75 14:70-72 22:59-62 18:26-27
The guards beat Jesus 22:63-65
False witnesses testify 26:59-61 14:55-59
Caiaphas condemns Jesus 26:62-66 14:60-64 22:66-71
The Sanhedrin beats Jesus 26:67-68 14:65
APPENDIX
Jesus is lead to the Praetorium 27:1-2 18:28

The remorse of Judas 27:3-10 Acts 1:18-19
Jesus before Pilate 27:11-14 23:1-7 18:29-38
Jesus before Herod 23:8-10
Herod’s soldiers mock Jesus 15:1-5 23:11-12
671

Pilate releases Barabbas 27:15-26 15:6-15 23:13-25 18:39-40
Soldiers crown and mock Jesus 27:27-30 15:16-20 19:1-3
Pilate tries to release Jesus 19:4-7
Pilate questions Jesus again 19:8-11
Pilate tries to release Jesus again 19:12
Pilate sentences Jesus 19:13-15
Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified 19:16
Jesus carries the cross 19:17
Simon of Cyrene bears the cross 27:31-32 15:21 23:26
Jesus speaks to weeping women 23:27-31
Jesus is brought to Golgotha 27:33 15:22 23:33 19:17
Soldiers offer Jesus sour wine mix 27:34 15:23
Jesus is crucified at the third hour 15:25
Two thieves are crucified with Jesus 27:38 15:27 23:32 19:18
Pilate’s Inscription 27:37 15:26 23:38 19:19-22
“Father, forgive them…” 23:34
Soldiers divide the garments 27:35-36 15:24 23:34 19:23-24
Jesus Addresses Mary 19:25-27
The crowd mocks Jesus 27:39-43 15:29-32 23:35-37
The thieves mock Jesus 27:44 15:32 23:39
One thief rebukes the other 23:40-42
Jesus comforts the thief 23:43
Darkness for three hours 27:45 15:33 23:44-45
Jesus calls out from the cross 27:46 15:34
Jesus thirsts 19:28
Jesus is offered sour wine on a reed 27:47-49 15:35-36 19:29-30
Jesus dies 27:50 15:37 23:46 19:30
Temple veil is torn 27:51 15:38 23:45
Some local resurrections 27:52-53
A Centurion glorifies God 27:54 15:39 23:47
The crowd leaves grieving 23:48
Women watch from a distance 27:55-56 15:40-41 23:49
The legs are broken 19:31-32
A soldier pierces Jesus’ side 19:33-37
Joseph requests the body of Jesus 27:57-58 15:42-43 23:50-52 19:38
Centurion reports that Jesus is dead 15:44-45
APPENDIX
Joseph takes the body 15:45 19:38

Nicodemus and Joseph prepare body 19:39-40
Body is placed in new garden tomb 27:59-60 15:46 23:53 19:41-42
Two Mary’s watch the burial 27:61 15:47 23:54-55
Roman soldiers guard the tomb 27:62-66
672

Two Mary’s prepare spices 23:56
An angel rolls the stone away 28:2-4
Women bring spices to the tomb 28:1 16:1-4 24:1-3 20:1
Angels appear to the women 28:5-7 16:5-7 24:4-8
The women run to tell the disciples 28:8 16:8 24:9-11 20:2
Peter and John inspect empty tomb 24:12 20:3-9
Peter and John go home 24:12 20:10
Mary Magdalene stands weeping 20:11
Mary sees two angels 20:12-13
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene 16:9 20:14-17
Jesus appears to the other women 28:9-10
The women report to the disciples 16:10-11 20:18
The guards report to the priests 28:11-15
Jesus on the road to Emmaus 16:12-13 24:13-32
Jesus appears to Peter 1Cor 15:5 24:34
Two report to disciples in Jerusalem 24:33-35
Jesus appears to the disciples 24:36-45 20:19-24
The disciples report to Thomas 20:25
Jesus appears to disciples, Thomas 16:14 20:26-29
Jesus appears to seven by the sea 21:1-14
Jesus questions Peter three times 21:15-23
Jesus appears to 500 people, James 1Cor 15:6-7
Jesus commissions the apostles 28:16-20 16:15-18 24:46-49
Jesus is received into heaven 16:19-20 24:50-53
John’s first testimony 20:30-31
John’s second testimony 21:24-25
Luke on the 40 day appearances Acts 1:4-11
External Literary Sources Quoted in the Bible†

Reference Source
Exodus 24:7 Book of the Covenant
Numbers 21:14 The Book of the Wars of the LORD
Numbers 21:27-30 Unnamed “poets”
Joshua 10:12-13 Book of Jashar 88:63-65
1 Samuel 10:25 Book by Samuel
APPENDIX
2 Samuel 1:19-27 Book of Jashar 56:8-9

1 Kings 11:41 The Acts of Solomon
1 Kings 14:19 The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel
1 Kings 14:29 The Chronicles of the Kings of Judah
1 Chronicles 9:1-2 Book of the Kings of Israel
673
External Literary Sources Quoted in the Bible†

Reference Source
1 Chronicles 27:24 Annals of King David
1 Chronicles 29:29 History of Samuel the Seer
1 Chronicles 29:29 History of Gad the Seer
1 Chronicles 29:29 History of Nathan the Prophet
2 Chronicles 9:29 History of Nathan the Prophet
2 Chronicles 9:29 Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite
2 Chronicles 9:29 Visions of Iddo the Seer
2 Chronicles 12:15 Acts of Shemaiah the Prophet and Iddo the Seer
2 Chronicles 13:22 Midrash of the Prophet Iddo
2 Chronicles 16:11 Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel
2 Chronicles 20:34 Acts of Jehu Son of Hanani
2 Chronicles 20:34 Book of the Kings of Israel
2 Chronicles 24:27 Midrash of the Book of the Kings
2 Chronicles 26:22 Book by the prophet Isaiah
2 Chronicles 27:7 Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah
2 Chronicles 32:32 Vision of Isaiah the prophet
2 Chronicles 33:18 Acts of the Kings of Israel
2 Chronicles 33:19 Acts of the Seers
2 Chronicles 35:25 Laments for Josiah
Nehemiah 12:23 Book of the Chronicles
Esther 10:2 Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia
Acts 17:28 Aratus, Phainomena (5)
Acts 17:28 Cleanthese the Stoic
Acts 26:14 Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound
Acts 26:14 Euripides, The Bacchae
1 Corinthians 5:9 (Previous letter by Paul to Corinth)
1 Corinthians 15:33 Menander, Thais (218)
Colossians 4:16 Paul’s letter to the Laodiceans
Titus 1:12 Epimenides
2 Peter 2:27 Syrian Story of Ahikar
Jude 1:9 The Assumption of Moses
Jude 1:15 Enoch 1:9 (Apocrypha)
†
Many works cited in the Tanakh, or Old Testament, refer to ancient but non-canonical
APPENDIX
chronicles of Israel, most of which are unfortunately now lost to history, but referred to
by name in the places cited above. Chapter and verse citations from the Book of Jashar are
to a compilation of dubious reliability thought by some to date from the 12th century AD.
See the ISV web site at http://isv.org/catacombs/lostbooks.htm for more information.
674
Read Through the ISV Bible in One Year

January February March
Morning Evening Morning Evening Morning Evening
1 Gen 1-2 Matt 1:1-25 Exod 27-28 Matt 20:17-34 Num 25-27 Mark 7:24-8:10
2 Gen 3-5 Matt 2:1-23 Exod 29-30 Matt 21:1-22 Num 28-29 Mark 8:11-30
3 Gen 6-8 Matt 3:1-17 Exod 31-33 Matt 21:23-46 Num 30-31 Mark 8:31-9:13
4 Gen 9-11 Matt 4:1-17 Exod 34-36 Matt 22:1-22 Num 32-33 Mark 9:14-32
5 Gen 12-14 Matt 4:18-5:16 Exod 37-38 Matt 22:23-46 Num 34-36 Mark 9:33-10:12
6 Gen 15-17 Matt 5:17-37 Exod 39-40 Matt 23:1-36 Deut 1-2 Mark 10:13-31
7 Gen 18-19 Matt 5:38-6:18 Lev 1-3 Matt 23:37-24:14 Deut 3-4 Mark 10:32-52
8 Gen 20-22 Matt 6:19-34 Lev 4-6 Matt 24:15-31 Deut 5-7 Mark 11:1-26
9 Gen 23-24 Matt 7:1-23 Lev 7-9 Matt 24:32-51 Deut 8-10 Mark 11:27-12:17
10 Gen 25-26 Matt 7:24-8:17 Lev 10-12 Matt 25:1-30 Deut 11-13 Mark 12:18-37
11 Gen 27-28 Matt 8:18-9:8 Lev 13 Matt 25:31-26:5 Deut 14-16 Mark 12:38-13:13
12 Gen 29-30 Matt 9:9-34 Lev 14 Matt 26:6-35 Deut 17-19 Mark 13:14-37
13 Gen 31-32 Matt 9:35-10:15 Lev 15-17 Matt 26:36-56 Deut 20-22 Mark 14:1-26
16 Gen 38-40 Matt 11:25-12:21 Lev 22-23 Matt 27:27-56 Deut 28 Mark 15:1-20
17 Gen 41 Matt 12:22-37 Lev 24-25 Matt 27:57-28:20 Deut 29-30 Mark 15:21-47
18 Gen 42-43 Matt 12:38-50 Lev 26-27 Mark 1:1-20 Deut 31-32 Mark 16:1-20
19 Gen 44-45 Matt 13:1-23 Num 1-2 Mark 1:21-45 Deut 33-34 John 1:1-34
20 Gen 46-48 Matt 13:24-35 Num 3-4 Mark 2:1-22 Josh 1-3 John 1:35-51
21 Gen 49-50 Matt 13:36-58 Num 5-6 Mark 2:23-3:19 Josh 4-6 John 2:1-25
22 Exod 1-3 Matt 14:1-21 Num 7 Mark 3:20-4:9 Josh 7-8 John 3:1-21
23 Exod 4-6 Matt 14:22-15:20 Num 8-10 Mark 4:10-34 Josh 9-10 John 3:22-36
24 Exod 7-8 Matt 15:21-39 Num 11-13 Mark 4:35-5:20 Josh 11-13 John 4:1-42
25 Exod 9-10 Matt 16:1-20 Num 14-15 Mark 5:21-43 Josh 14-15 John 4:43-54
26 Exod 11-12 Matt 16:21-17:13 Num 16-18 Mark 6:1-29 Josh 16-18 John 5:1-30
27 Exod 13-15 Matt 17:14-27 Num 19-21 Mark 6:30-56 Josh 19-20 John 5:31-6:15
28 Exod 16-18 Matt 18:1-20 Num 22-24 Mark 7:1-23 Josh 21-22 John 6:16-59
29 Exod 19-21 Matt 18:21-19:12 Josh 23-24 John 6:60-7:9
30 Exod 22-24 Matt 19:13-30 Jdgs 1-2 John 7:10-31
APPENDIX
31 Exod 25-26 Matt 20:1-16 Jdgs 3-5 John 7:32-53
When you visit the Davidson Press internet site at http://davidsonpress.com, you can register
to receive each of these daily readings free daily via email. And be sure to visit http://isv.org to
review the latest information about the ISV Bible and its related works.
675

April May June
1 Judg 6-7 John 8:1-20 1 Kngs 1-2 Luke 2:21-52 2 Chr 4-6 Luke 16:19-17:10
2 Judg 8-9 John 8:21-36 1 Kngs 3-5 Luke 3:1-20 2 Chr 7-9 Luke 17:11-37
3 Judg 10-11 John 8:37-59 1 Kngs 6-7 Luke 3:21-4:13 2 Chr 10-12 Luke 18:1-30
4 Judg 12-14 John 9:1-12 1 Kngs 8-9 Luke 4:14-30 2 Chr 13-16 Luke 18:31-19:10
6 Judg 18-19 John 10:1-21 1 Kngs 12-13 Luke 5:12-26 2 Chr 20-22 Luke 19:28-48
8 Ruth 1-4 John 11:1-16 1 Kngs 16-18 Luke 6:12-36 2 Chr 26-28 Luke 20:27-21:4
9 1 Sam 1-3 John 11:17-44 1 Kngs 19-20 Luke 6:37-7:10 2 Chr 29-31 Luke 21:5-38
10 1 Sam 4-6 John 11:45-12:8 1 Kngs 21-22 Luke 7:11-35 2 Chr 32-33 Luke 22:1-23
11 1 Sam 7-9 John 12:9-36 2 Kngs 1-3 Luke 7:36-50 2 Chr 34-36 Luke 22:24-46
12 1 Sam 10-12 John 12:37-50 2 Kngs 4-5 Luke 8:1-18 Ezra 1-2 Luke 22:47-71
14 1 Sam 15-16 John 13:31-14:14 2 Kngs 9-11 Luke 8:40-56 Ezra 6-8 Luke 23:26-56
16 1 Sam 19-21 John 15:1-16:4 2 Kngs 15-17 Luke 9:18-36 Neh 1-2 Luke 24:36-53
17 1 Sam 22-24 John 16:5-33 2 Kngs 18-19 Luke 9:37-56 Neh 3-5 Acts 1:1-26
18 1 Sam 25-26 John 17:1-26 2 Kngs 20-22 Luke 9:57-10:16 Neh 6-8 Acts 2:1-13
19 1 Sam 27-29 John 18:1-18 2 Kngs 23-25 Luke 10:17-37 Neh 9-11 Acts 2:14-41
20 1 Sam 30-31 John 18:19-40 1 Chr 1-2 Luke 10:38-11:13 Neh 12-13 Acts 2:42-3:10
21 2 Sam 1-3 John 19:1-16 1 Chr 3-5 Luke 11:14-36 Esther 1-3 Acts 3:11-26
22 2 Sam 4-6 John 19:17-27 1 Chr 6-7 Luke 11:37-54 Esther 4-6 Acts 4:1-22
23 2 Sam 7-9 John 19:28-42 1 Chr 8-10 Luke 12:1-21 Esther 7-10 Acts 4:23-5:11
24 2 Sam 10-12 John 20:1-23 1 Chr 11-13 Luke 12:22-34 Job 1-3 Acts 5:12-42
25 2 Sam 13-14 John 20:24-21:14 1 Chr 14-16 Luke 12:35-53 Job 4-6 Acts 6:1-15
26 2 Sam 15-16 John 21:15-25 1 Chr 17-19 Luke 12:54-13:17 Job 7-9 Acts 7:1-22
27 2 Sam 17-18 Luke 1:1-25 1 Chr 20-22 Luke 13:18-35 Job 10-12 Acts 7:23-53
28 2 Sam 19-20 Luke 1:26-56 1 Chr 23-25 Luke 14:1-24 Job 13-15 Acts 7:54-8:3
29 2 Sam 21-22 Luke 1:57-80 1 Chr 26-27 Luke 14:25-15:10 Job 16-18 Acts 8:4-25
30 2 Sam 23-24 Luke 2:1-20 1 Chr 28-29 Luke 15:11-32 Job 19-20 Acts 8:26-40
APPENDIX
31 2 Chr 1-3 Luke 16:1-18

When you visit the Davidson Press internet site at http://davidsonpress.com, you can register to
receive each of these daily readings free daily via email. And be sure to visit http://isv.org to
676

July August September
1 Job 21-22 Acts 9:1-31 Psa 65-67 Acts 27:27-44 Psa 148-150 1 Cor 9:1-27
2 Job 23-25 Acts 9:32-10:8 Psa 68-69 Acts 28:1-16 Prov 1-2 1 Cor 10:1-22
3 Job 26-28 Acts 10:9-23 Psa 70-72 Acts 28:17-31 Prov 3-4 1 Cor 10:23-33
4 Job 29-30 Acts 10:24-48 Psa 73-74 Romans 1:1-17 Prov 5-6 1 Cor 11:1-34
6 Job 33-34 Acts 12:1-25 Psa 78 Romans 2:1-16 Prov 9-10 1 Cor 13:1-13
8 Job 38-39 Acts 13:13-52 Psa 82-84 Romans 3:1-20 Prov 13-14 1 Cor 14:26-15:11
9 Job 40-42 Acts 14:1-18 Psa 85-87 Romans 3:21-4:12 Prov 15-16 1 Cor 15:12-58
10 Psa 1-3 Acts 14:19-28 Psa 88-89 Romans 4:13-5:11 Prov 17-18 1 Cor 16:1-24
11 Psa 4-6 Acts 15:1-21 Psa 90-92 Romans 5:12-6:23 Prov 19-20 2 Cor 1:1-24
12 Psa 7-9 Acts 15:22-16:10 Psa 93-95 Romans 7:1-25 Prov 21-22 2 Cor 2:1-17
13 Psa 10-12 Acts 16:11-40 Psa 96-98 Romans 8:1-30 Prov 23-24 2 Cor 3:1-18
16 Psa 19-21 Acts 18:1-17 Psa 105-106 Romans 10:1-21 Prov 30-31 2 Cor 6:1-7:1
17 Psa 22-24 Acts 18:18-28 Psa 107-108 Romans 11:1-36 Eccl 1-3 2 Cor 7:2-8:15
18 Psa 25-27 Acts 19:1-22 Psa 109-111 Romans 12:1-21 Eccl 4-6 2 Cor 8:16-9:15
19 Psa 28-30 Acts 19:23-40 Psa 112-115 Romans 13:1-14 Eccl 7-9 2 Cor 10:1-18
20 Psa 31-33 Acts 20:1-16 Psa 116-118 Romans 14:1-23 Eccl 10-12 2 Cor 11:1-15
21 Psa 34-35 Acts 20:17-38 Psa 119:1-48 Romans 15:1-13 Song 1-3 2 Cor 11:16-12:10
22 Psa 36-37 Acts 21:1-14 Psa 119:49-104 Romans 15:14-33 Song 4-5 2 Cor 12:11-13:13
23 Psa 38-40 Acts 21:15-36 Psa 119:105-178 Romans 16:1-27 Song 6-8 Galatians 1:1-24
24 Psa 41-43 Acts 21:37-22:29 Psa 120-123 1 Cor 1:1-31 Isa 1-3 Galatians 2:1-21
25 Psa 44-46 Acts 22:30-23:11 Psa 124-127 1 Cor 2:1-16 Isa 4-6 Galatians 3:1-29
26 Psa 47-49 Acts 23:12-35 Psa 128-131 1 Cor 3:1-23 Isa 7-9 Galatians 4:1-31
27 Psa 50-52 Acts 24:1-27 Psa 132-135 1 Cor 4:1-21 Isa 10-12 Galatians 5:1-26
28 Psa 53-55 Acts 25:1-12 Psa 136-138 1 Cor 5:1-6:11 Isa 13-15 Galatians 6:1-18
29 Psa 56-58 Acts 25:13-27 Psa 139-141 1 Cor 6:12-7:16 Isa 16-18 Eph 1:1-14
30 Psa 59-61 Acts 26:1-32 Psa 142-244 1 Cor 7:17-40 Isa 19-21 Eph 1:15-2:10
APPENDIX
31 Psa 62-64 Acts 27:1-26 Psa 145-147 1 Cor 8:1-13
677

October November December
1 Isa 22-23 Eph 2:11-3:21 Jer 31-32 Heb 1:1-2:4 Ezek 45-48 1 John 2:28-3:24
2 Isa 24-26 Eph 4:1-24 Jer 33-35 Heb 2:5-18 Ezek 47-48 1 John 4:1-21
3 Isa 27-28 Eph 4:25-5:14 Jer 36-37 Heb 3:1-19 Dan 1-2 1 John 5:1-21
4 Isa 29-30 Eph 5:15-6:9 Jer 38-39 Heb 4:1-16 Dan 3-4 2 John 1-13
5 Isa 31-33 Eph 6:10-24 Jer 40-42 Heb 5:1-6:8 Dan 5-6 3 John 1-14
6 Isa 34-36 Phil 1:1-30 Jer 43-45 Heb 6:9-20 Dan 7-8 Jude 1-13
7 Isa 37-38 Phil 2:1-30 Jer 46-48 Heb 7:1-28 Dan 9-10 Jude 14-25
8 Isa 39-40 Phil 3:1-21 Jer 49-50 Heb 8:1-13 Dan 11-12 Rev 1:1-20
9 Isa 41-42 Phil 4:1-23 Jer 51-52 Heb 9:1-22 Hos 1-4 Rev 2:1-17
10 Isa 43-44 Col 1:1-23 Lam 1-2 Heb 9:23-10:18 Hos 5-8 Rev 2:18-3:6
11 Isa 45-47 Col 1:24-2:19 Lam 3-4 Heb 10:19-39 Hos 9-11 Rev 3:7-22
12 Isa 48-49 Col 2:20-3:17 Ezek 1-3 Heb 11:1-40 Hos 12-14 Rev 4:1-11
13 Isa 50-52 Col 3:18-4:18 Ezek 4-6 Heb 12:1-11 Joel 1-3 Rev 5:1-14
14 Isa 53-55 1 Thes 1:1-2:12 Ezek 7-9 Heb 12:12-29 Amos 1-3 Rev 6:1-17
15 Isa 56-58 1 Thes 2:13-3:13 Ezek 10-12 Heb 13:1-25 Amos 4-6 Rev 7:1-17
16 Isa 59-61 1 Thes 4:1-18 Ezek 13-15 James 1:1-27 Amos 7-9 Rev 8:1-13
17 Isa 62-64 1 Thes 5:1-28 Ezek 16 James 2:1-26 Obad 1 Rev 9:1-21
18 Isa 65-66 2 Thes 1:1-12 Ezek 17-19 James 3:1-18 Jonah 1-4 Rev 10:1-11
19 Jer 1-2 2 Thes 2:1-3:18 Ezek 20-21 James 4:1-5:6 Micah 1-3 Rev 11:1-19
20 Jer 3-4 1 Tim 1:1-20 Ezek 22-23 James 5:7-20 Micah 4-5 Rev 12:1-18
21 Jer 5-6 1 Tim 2:1-3:16 Ezek 24-26 1 Peter 1:1-21 Micah 6-7 Rev 13:1-18
22 Jer 7-8 1 Tim 4:1-16 Ezek 27-28 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 Nahum 1-3 Rev 14:1-21
23 Jer 9-10 1 Tim 5:1-6:2 Ezek 29-31 1 Peter 2:11-25 Habak 1-3 Rev 15:1-8
24 Jer 11-13 1 Tim 6:3-21 Ezek 32-33 1 Peter 3:1-22 Zeph 1-3 Rev 16:1-20
25 Jer 14-16 2 Tim 1:1-18 Ezek 34-35 1 Peter 4:1-5:14 Haggai 1-2 Rev 17:1-18
26 Jer 17-19 2 Tim 2:1-26 Ezek 36-37 2 Peter 1:1-21 Zech 1-3 Rev 18:1-24
27 Jer 20-22 2 Tim 3:1-4:8 Ezek 38-39 2 Peter 2:1-22 Zech 4-6 Rev 19:1-21
28 Jer 23-24 2 Tim 4:9-22 Ezek 40 2 Peter 3:1-18 Zech 7-9 Rev 20:1-15
29 Jer 25-26 Titus 1:1-16 Ezek 41-42 1 John 1:1-2:6 Zech 10-12 Rev 21:1-8
30 Jer 27-28 Titus 2:1-3:15 Ezek 43-44 1 John 2:7-27 Zech 13-14 Rev 21:9-22:7
APPENDIX
31 Jer 29-30 Philemon 1-25 Mal 1-4 Rev 22:8-21
678
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Y
ou have broken God’s holy Law. You don’t think so? “I’m not so bad,”
you tell yourself. Really? Ask yourself some questions. Have you ever
lied? Yes, you have.
Have you ever stolen anything? Yes, you have.
Have you ever committed adultery? Yes, you have, because Jesus said that
to even lust after someone is the same as committing adultery. My friend, you
have broken three out of ten. And by desiring her or him in the first place, you
are coveting someone’s wife or daughter, or husband or son. That’s four.
Shall we try for five out of ten? Jesus said to hate someone is to commit the
sin of murder in your heart. And that’s where sin starts. Let’s check the balance
sheet. You have admitted that you are a lying, thieving, covetous, murdering,
adulterer—and we’ve only looked at five of the ten.
Shall we go for six? By doing all these things, you have dishonored your
father and mother. My friend, you’ve broken six out of ten. If you will be honest
with yourself, you have broken all the others, too. And these are just a summary
of God’s holy Law.
You’ve got a problem, my friend. And it’s a serious problem, because the
penalty for breaking God’s Law is severe indeed. But it’s not just your problem.
In fact, it’s everybody’s problem.
The penalty is death, and not just physical death. The penalty is eternal
death, separation from God in a place that you really don’t want to go to.
But there’s some good news. In fact, it’s great news. That eternal penalty
has already been paid. God Himself paid it and paved the road for our salvation
through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only road, the only means by which we
may be saved. Why? Because his sinless life and his death at Calvary are the
perfect substitute for you, satisfying the demands of a holy God.
The road to salvation through Jesus Christ is clearly presented in the New
Testament. These Seven Principles of Salvation are set forth in Paul’s letter to the
Romans (beginning on page 283).
All people are born sinners. We are all unrighteous people.
As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous. No one
understands. No one searches for God. All have turned away.
Together they have become worthless.” —Romans 3:10-12 (page
286)
APPENDIX
This means that no one is righteous before God and, in fact, no one is even
searching for Him.
All people sin. Our best efforts will never measure up.
… since all have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glory.
—Romans 3:23 (page 287)
679
What Must I Do to be Saved?
This means that you have sinned. You have not earned, and do not deserve,
eternal life. There are two things you need to know to be saved: First, you need
to know that you are a sinner who has violated God’s laws. Second, you need to
know that there is a terrible and eternal price for sin.
The price of sin is death.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and
death through sin, so death spread to everyone, because all have
sinned. —Romans 5:12 (page 289)
Adam sinned and gave Satan a foothold in the world. By nature, we are all
separated from God. We are all born in sin. We deserve death and hell.
Jesus paid your debt by dying in your place.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal
life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23 (page
291)
You have earned death, not eternal life. So Jesus, in effect, went to the “Bank of
Heaven” and paid your debt for you. Jesus paid the price for you to obtain
salvation and eternal life. You cannot earn this payment. Eternal life must be
accepted as a free gift from God.
Christ died in your place, paying your price, and suffering so that you
would not have to suffer eternally.
But God demonstrates his love for us by the fact that Christ died
for us while we were still sinners.
— Romans 5:8 (page 289)
Due to unconditional love, Christ died in your place, paying a debt He did not
owe. We all have an unpaid debt of sin that Christ is willing to pay for us. How
do we get our debts paid by Christ? If you accept His payment of your debt by
receiving Him as your Lord and Savior, He will make you His child and take
you to heaven when you die.
His invitation is open to anyone… even you.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Romans 10:13 (page 298)
The word “everyone” includes you. How do you “call on the name of the Lord”
APPENDIX
to be saved?
You must confess your sin, declare His Lordship, and believe in your heart
that God raised Christ from the dead.
680
What Must I Do to be Saved?
… if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
saved. For a person believes with his heart and is justified, and a
person declares with his mouth and is saved. — Romans 10:9-10
(page 298)
The Bible promises us that God forgives our sin when we accept the work
that Christ did for us when He died on Calvary. You can do this by praying this
short, simple prayer:
“Lord, Jesus, I have broken God’s holy Law. I know that I am a
sinner and I need you. I know that you paid the price for my sins by
dying on the cross. I ask that you forgive my sins; and I receive you as
my Savior and Lord. I thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me
eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of
person you want me to be. Amen.”
Look to God’s Word for encouragement as you begin your new life in
Christ. Remember these simple truths:
1. If we make it our habit to confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous
to forgive us those sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1
John 1:9 (page 450)
2. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. —
Romans 8:16 (page 294)
3. For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not
come from you; it is the gift of God and not the result of works, lest
anyone boast. —Ephesians 2:8 (page 360)
4. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth
comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. —Romans 8:18 (page
294)
5. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son
of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. —1 John 5:13
(page 325)
6. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have
disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! All of this
comes from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ… —
2 Corinthians 5:17-18a (page 338)
APPENDIX
Be sure to read a portion of God’s Word every day. To help you do this, we
have included a Bible reading planner (“Read Through the Bible in One Year”)
starting on page 723.
681
682
INDEX — A STUDY OUTLINE OF THE
HOLY BIBLE: INTERNATIONAL STANDARD VERSION
THE NEW TESTAMENT WITH PSALMS AND PROVERBS
Matthew .............................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................... 1
The Ancestry of Jesus .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
The Birth of Jesus ......................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................... 2
The Visit of the Wise Men .......................................................................................... 2
The Escape to Egypt .................................................................................................... 3
The Massacre of the Infants ....................................................................................... 3
The Return to Nazareth .............................................................................................. 3
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................... 3
John the Baptist Prepares the Way ........................................................................... 3
Jesus is Baptized ........................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................... 4
Jesus is Tempted by Satan .......................................................................................... 4
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee ......................................................................... 5
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen ........................................................................................ 6
Jesus Ministers to Many People................................................................................. 6
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................... 6
Jesus Teaches about the Kingdom ............................................................................ 6
The Blessed Attitudes .................................................................................................. 6
Salt and Light in the World........................................................................................ 7
Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets ................................................................... 7
Teaching about Anger ................................................................................................. 7
Teaching about Adultery ............................................................................................ 8
Teaching about Divorce .............................................................................................. 8
Teaching about Oaths ................................................................................................. 8
Teaching about Retaliation ......................................................................................... 8
Teaching about Love for Enemies............................................................................. 9
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................... 9
Teaching about Giving to the Poor ........................................................................... 9
Teaching about Prayer ................................................................................................ 9
Teaching about Fasting ..............................................................................................10
Teaching about Treasures ..........................................................................................10
The Lamp of the Body ...............................................................................................10
God and Riches ...........................................................................................................10
Stop Worrying .............................................................................................................10
Chapter 7 .........................................................................................................................11
Judging Others ............................................................................................................11
683
A STUDY OUTLINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD VERSION
STUDY OUTLINE
Matthew
Despising the Holy .....................................................................................................11
Ask, Search, Knock......................................................................................................11
The Narrow Gate ........................................................................................................12
A Tree is Known by Its Fruit .....................................................................................12
I Never Knew You ......................................................................................................12
The Two Foundations ................................................................................................12
Chapter 8 .........................................................................................................................12
Jesus Cleanses a Leper ...............................................................................................12
Jesus Heals an Official's Son .....................................................................................13
Jesus Heals Many People ...........................................................................................13
The Would-be Followers of Jesus .............................................................................14
Jesus Calms the Sea ....................................................................................................14
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men................................................................14
Chapter 9 .........................................................................................................................15
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man ....................................................................................15
Jesus Calls Matthew ....................................................................................................15
A Question about Fasting ..........................................................................................15
The Unshrunk Cloth...................................................................................................16
Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects a Girl ..........................................................16
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men ......................................................................................16
Jesus Heals a Man Who Couldn't Talk ...................................................................16
The Compassion of Jesus ...........................................................................................17
Chapter 10 .......................................................................................................................17
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles ...............................................................................17
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples.....................................................................17
Future Persecutions ....................................................................................................18
Fear God .......................................................................................................................18
Acknowledging the Messiah .....................................................................................19
Not Peace, but Division..............................................................................................19
The Cost of Discipleship ............................................................................................19
Rewards ........................................................................................................................19
Chapter 11 .......................................................................................................................19
John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus ..........................................................19
Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Cities ......................................................................20
Jesus Praises the Father and Invites the Disciples to Come to Him ..................21
Chapter 12 .......................................................................................................................21
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ......................................................................................21
Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed Hand ............................................................21
Jesus, God's Chosen Servant .....................................................................................22
Jesus is Accused of Working with Beelzebul..........................................................22
A Tree is Known by Its Fruit .....................................................................................23
The Sign of Jonah ........................................................................................................23
684
STUDY OUTLINE
Matthew
The Return of the Unclean Spirit .............................................................................23
The True Family of Jesus ...........................................................................................24
Chapter 13 .......................................................................................................................24
The Parable about a Farmer ......................................................................................24
The Purpose of the Parables......................................................................................24
Jesus Explains the Parable about the Farmer .........................................................25
The Parable about the Weeds among the Wheat ..................................................25
The Parables about a Mustard Seed and Yeast......................................................26
Why Jesus Used Parables ...........................................................................................26
Jesus Explains the Parable about the Weeds ..........................................................26
The Parable about a Hidden Treasure ....................................................................26
The Parable about a Valuable Pearl .........................................................................27
The Parable about a Net ............................................................................................27
New and Old Treasures .............................................................................................27
Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth ....................................................................................27
Chapter 14 .......................................................................................................................27
The Death of John the Baptist ..................................................................................27
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand People .....................................................28
Jesus Walks on the Sea ...............................................................................................28
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret ..........................................................................29
Chapter 15 .......................................................................................................................29
Jesus Challenges the Tradition of the Elders .........................................................29
A Canaanite Woman's Faith......................................................................................30
Jesus Feeds More Than Four Thousand People ....................................................31
Chapter 16 .......................................................................................................................31
Interpreting the Time .................................................................................................31
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees .............................................................32
Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus ..............................................................................32
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection ............................................................33
Chapter 17 .......................................................................................................................33
Jesus’ Appearance is Changed ..................................................................................33
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon..............................................................................34
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection.................................................34
Questions about the Temple Tax .............................................................................34
Chapter 18 .......................................................................................................................35
True Greatness .............................................................................................................35
Causing Others to Sin ................................................................................................35
The Parable about The Faithful Shepherd..............................................................35
Dealing with a Brother Who Sins ............................................................................36
The Parable about an Unforgiving Servant ............................................................36
685
STUDY OUTLINE
Matthew
Chapter 19 .......................................................................................................................37
Teaching about Divorce .............................................................................................37
Jesus Blesses the Little Children ...............................................................................38
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus ......................................................................................38
Salvation and Reward ................................................................................................38
Chapter 20 .......................................................................................................................39
The Workers in the Vineyard ...................................................................................39
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection a Third Time ....................................40
The Request of James and John ................................................................................40
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men ......................................................................................41
Chapter 21 .......................................................................................................................41
The King Enters Jerusalem ........................................................................................41
Confrontation in the Temple Over Money .............................................................42
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree ...............................................................................................42
Jesus’ Authority is Challenged..................................................................................42
The Parable about Two Sons.....................................................................................43
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers ...................................................................43
Chapter 22 .......................................................................................................................44
The Parable about a Banquet ....................................................................................44
A Question about Paying Taxes ...............................................................................45
A Question about the Resurrection .........................................................................45
The Greatest Commandment ...................................................................................46
A Question about David's Son .................................................................................46
Chapter 23 .......................................................................................................................46
Jesus Denounces the Scribes and the Pharisees ....................................................46
Jesus Rebukes Jerusalem ............................................................................................48
Chapter 24 .......................................................................................................................49
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple ........................................................49
Cults, Revolutions, Famines, and Earthquakes .....................................................49
Future Persecution, Apostasy, and Evangelism ....................................................49
Signs of the End ..........................................................................................................49
The Coming of the Son of Man ................................................................................50
The Lesson from the Fig Tree ...................................................................................50
The Unknown Day and Hour of Messiah's Return ..............................................51
The Faithful or the Wicked Servant.........................................................................51
Chapter 25 .......................................................................................................................52
The Parable about the Ten Bridesmaids .................................................................52
The Parable about the Talents ..................................................................................52
The Judgment of the Nations ...................................................................................53
Chapter 26 .......................................................................................................................54
The Plot to Kill Jesus ...................................................................................................54
A Woman Anoints Jesus ............................................................................................54
686
STUDY OUTLINE
Matthew
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus .....................................................................................54
The Passover with the Disciples ...............................................................................55
The Lord's Supper ......................................................................................................55
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial .....................................................................................56
Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane .............................................................56
Jesus is Arrested...........................................................................................................56
Jesus is Tried before the High Priest........................................................................57
Peter Denies Jesus .......................................................................................................58
Chapter 27 .......................................................................................................................58
Jesus is Taken to Pilate ...............................................................................................58
The Death of Judas .....................................................................................................58
Pilate Questions Jesus ................................................................................................59
Jesus is Sentenced to Death.......................................................................................59
The Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus ...............................................................................60
Jesus is Crucified .........................................................................................................60
Jesus Dies on the Cross ..............................................................................................61
Jesus is Buried ..............................................................................................................62
The Tomb is Secured ..................................................................................................62
Chapter 28 .......................................................................................................................63
Jesus is Raised from the Dead...................................................................................63
The Guards Report to the High Priests ...................................................................63
Jesus Commissions His Disciples .............................................................................64
Mark ................................................................................................................................... 65
Chapter 1 .........................................................................................................................65
John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus ..........................................................65
Jesus is Baptized ..........................................................................................................65
Jesus is Tempted by Satan .........................................................................................65
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee ........................................................................66
Jesus Calls His First Disciples ....................................................................................66
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit .............................................................66
Jesus Goes on a Preaching Tour ...............................................................................67
Jesus Cleanses a Leper ...............................................................................................67
Chapter 2 .........................................................................................................................67
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man ....................................................................................67
Jesus Calls Matthew ....................................................................................................68
A Question about Fasting ..........................................................................................69
The Unshrunk Cloth...................................................................................................69
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ......................................................................................69
Chapter 3 .........................................................................................................................70
Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed Hand ............................................................70
Jesus Encounters a Large Crowd .............................................................................70
687
STUDY OUTLINE
Mark
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles ...............................................................................70
Jesus is Accused of Working with Beelzebul..........................................................71
The True Family of Jesus ...........................................................................................71
Chapter 4 .........................................................................................................................72
The Parable about a Farmer ......................................................................................72
The Purpose of the Parables......................................................................................72
Jesus Explains the Parable about the Farmer .........................................................72
A Light under a Basket...............................................................................................73
The Parable about a Growing Seed .........................................................................73
The Parable about a Mustard Seed ..........................................................................73
Why Jesus Used Parables ...........................................................................................73
Jesus Calms the Sea ....................................................................................................74
Chapter 5 .........................................................................................................................74
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man......................................................................74
Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects a Girl ..........................................................75
Chapter 6 .........................................................................................................................77
Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth ....................................................................................77
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve ......................................................................................77
The Death of John the Baptist ..................................................................................78
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand People .....................................................79
Jesus Walks on the Sea ...............................................................................................80
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret ..........................................................................80
Chapter 7 .........................................................................................................................81
Jesus Challenges the Tradition of the Elders .........................................................81
A Canaanite Woman's Faith......................................................................................82
Jesus Heals a Deaf Man with a Speech Impediment ............................................82
Chapter 8 .........................................................................................................................83
Jesus Feeds More Than Four Thousand People ....................................................83
Interpreting the Time .................................................................................................84
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees .............................................................84
Jesus Heals a Blind Man in Bethsaida .....................................................................84
Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus ..............................................................................85
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection ............................................................85
Chapter 9 .........................................................................................................................86
Jesus’ Appearance is Changed ..................................................................................86
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon..............................................................................87
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection.................................................88
True Greatness .............................................................................................................88
The True Follower of Jesus ........................................................................................88
Causing Others to Sin ................................................................................................88
Chapter 10 .......................................................................................................................89
Teaching about Divorce .............................................................................................89
688
STUDY OUTLINE
Mark
Jesus Blesses the Little Children ...............................................................................89
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus ......................................................................................90
Salvation and Reward ................................................................................................90
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection a Third Time ....................................91
The Request of James and John ................................................................................91
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus ....................................................................................91
Chapter 11 .......................................................................................................................92
The King Enters Jerusalem ........................................................................................92
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree ...............................................................................................92
Confrontation in the Temple Over Money .............................................................93
The Lesson from the Dried Up Fig Tree .................................................................93
Jesus’ Authority is Challenged..................................................................................93
Chapter 12 .......................................................................................................................94
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers ...................................................................94
A Question about Paying Taxes ...............................................................................94
A Question about the Resurrection .........................................................................95
The Greatest Commandment ...................................................................................95
A Question about David's Son .................................................................................96
Jesus Denounces the Scribes .....................................................................................96
The Widow's Offering................................................................................................96
Chapter 13 .......................................................................................................................96
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple ........................................................96
Cults, Revolutions, Famines, and Earthquakes .....................................................97
Future Persecution and Evangelism ........................................................................97
Signs of the End ..........................................................................................................97
The Coming of the Son of Man ................................................................................98
The Lesson from the Fig Tree ...................................................................................98
The Unknown Day and Hour of the Messiah's Return .......................................98
Chapter 14 .......................................................................................................................98
The Plot to Kill Jesus ...................................................................................................98
A Woman Anoints Jesus ............................................................................................99
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus .....................................................................................99
The Passover with the Disciples ...............................................................................99
The Lord's Supper ....................................................................................................100
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial ...................................................................................100
Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane ...........................................................100
Jesus is Arrested.........................................................................................................101
The Young Man Who Ran Away ...........................................................................101
Jesus is Tried before the High Priest......................................................................102
Peter Denies Jesus .....................................................................................................102
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................103
Jesus is Taken to Pilate .............................................................................................103
689
STUDY OUTLINE
Mark
Jesus is Sentenced to Death.....................................................................................103
The Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus .............................................................................104
Jesus is Crucified .......................................................................................................104
Jesus Dies on the Cross ............................................................................................104
Jesus is Buried ............................................................................................................105
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................105
Jesus is Raised from the Dead.................................................................................105
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene ........................................................................106
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples ..............................................................................106
Jesus Commissions His Disciples ...........................................................................106
Jesus is Taken Up to Heaven ..................................................................................107
Luke.................................................................................................................................. 109
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................109
Luke's Dedication to Theophilus ...........................................................................109
The Birth of John the Baptist is Foretold ..............................................................109
The Birth of Jesus is Foretold ..................................................................................110
Mary Visits Elizabeth ................................................................................................111
Mary's Song of Praise ...............................................................................................111
The Birth of John the Baptist ..................................................................................111
The Prophecy of Zechariah .....................................................................................112
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................113
The Birth of Jesus ......................................................................................................113
The Shepherds Visit Jesus .......................................................................................113
Jesus is Circumcised..................................................................................................114
Jesus is Presented in the Temple ............................................................................114
The Return to Nazareth ...........................................................................................115
Jesus Visits the Temple ............................................................................................115
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................115
John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus ........................................................115
Jesus is Baptized ........................................................................................................117
The Ancestry of Jesus ...............................................................................................117
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................117
Jesus is Tempted by Satan .......................................................................................117
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee ......................................................................118
Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth ..................................................................................118
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit ...........................................................119
Jesus Heals Many People .........................................................................................120
Jesus Goes on a Preaching Tour .............................................................................120
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................120
Jesus Calls His First Disciples ..................................................................................120
Jesus Cleanses a Leper .............................................................................................121
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man ..................................................................................121
690
STUDY OUTLINE
Luke
Jesus Calls Levi ..........................................................................................................122
A Question about Fasting ........................................................................................122
The Unshrunk Cloth.................................................................................................122
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................123
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ....................................................................................123
Jesus Heals a Man with a Paralyzed Hand ..........................................................123
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles .............................................................................124
Jesus Ministers to Many People..............................................................................124
Jesus Pronounces Blessings and Judgment ..........................................................124
Teaching about Love for Enemies..........................................................................125
Judging Others ..........................................................................................................125
A Tree is Known by Its Fruit ...................................................................................125
The Two Foundations ..............................................................................................125
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................126
Jesus Heals an Official's Son ...................................................................................126
Jesus Raises a Widow's Son .....................................................................................126
John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus ........................................................127
Jesus Forgives a Sinful Woman ..............................................................................128
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................129
Some Women Accompany Jesus ............................................................................129
The Parable about a Farmer ....................................................................................129
The Purpose of the Parables....................................................................................129
Jesus Explains the Parable about the Farmer .......................................................130
A Light under a Bowl ...............................................................................................130
The True Family of Jesus .........................................................................................130
Jesus Calms the Sea ..................................................................................................130
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man....................................................................131
Jesus Heals a Woman and Resurrects a Girl ........................................................132
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................133
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve ....................................................................................133
Herod Tries to See Jesus ..........................................................................................133
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand People ...................................................133
Peter Declares His Faith in Jesus ............................................................................134
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection ..........................................................134
Jesus’ Appearance is Changed ................................................................................135
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon............................................................................135
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection...............................................136
True Greatness ...........................................................................................................136
The Person Who is Not Against You is for You ..................................................136
A Samaritan Village Refuses to Welcome Jesus ...................................................136
The Would-be Followers of Jesus ...........................................................................137
691
STUDY OUTLINE
Luke
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................137
The Mission of the Seventy .....................................................................................137
Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Cities ....................................................................138
The Return of the Seventy ......................................................................................138
Jesus Praises the Father ............................................................................................138
The Good Samaritan .................................................................................................139
Jesus Visits Mary and Martha .................................................................................140
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................140
Teaching about Prayer .............................................................................................140
Ask, Search, Knock....................................................................................................140
Jesus is Accused of Working with Beelzebul........................................................141
The Return of the Unclean Spirit ...........................................................................141
True Blessedness .......................................................................................................142
The Sign of Jonah ......................................................................................................142
The Lamp of the Body .............................................................................................142
Jesus Denounces the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law .............................143
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................144
A Warning Against Hypocrisy ................................................................................144
Fear God .....................................................................................................................144
Acknowledging the Messiah ...................................................................................144
The Parable of the Rich Fool ...................................................................................144
Stop Worrying ...........................................................................................................145
The Watchful Servants .............................................................................................146
Not Peace, but Division............................................................................................146
Interpreting the Time ...............................................................................................147
Settling with Your Opponent .................................................................................147
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................147
Repent or Die .............................................................................................................147
The Parable about an Unfruitful Fig Tree.............................................................147
Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath ...................................................................148
The Parables about a Mustard Seed and Yeast....................................................148
The Narrow Door ......................................................................................................148
Jesus Rebukes Jerusalem ..........................................................................................149
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................149
Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath .........................................................................149
A Lesson about Guests .............................................................................................150
The Parable about a Banquet ..................................................................................150
The Cost of Discipleship ..........................................................................................151
Tasteless Salt...............................................................................................................151
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................151
The Parable about The Faithful Shepherd............................................................151
The Story of the Diligent Housewife .....................................................................152
692
STUDY OUTLINE
Luke
The Story of the Loving Father ..............................................................................152
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................153
The Parable about a Dishonest Manager ..............................................................153
The Law and the Kingdom of God ........................................................................154
The Rich Man and Lazarus .....................................................................................154
Chapter 17 .....................................................................................................................155
Causing Others to Sin ..............................................................................................155
Faith and Obedience ................................................................................................155
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers .......................................................................................156
The Coming of the Kingdom ..................................................................................156
Chapter 18 .....................................................................................................................157
The Parable about the Judge and the Widow......................................................157
The Parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector ......................................158
Jesus Blesses the Little Children .............................................................................158
A Rich Man Comes to Jesus ....................................................................................158
Salvation and Reward ..............................................................................................159
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection a Third Time ..................................159
Jesus Heals a Blind Man ..........................................................................................160
Chapter 19 .....................................................................................................................160
Jesus and Zacchaeus .................................................................................................160
The Parable about the Coins ...................................................................................161
The King Enters Jerusalem ......................................................................................162
Confrontation in the Temple Over Money ...........................................................163
Chapter 20 .....................................................................................................................163
Jesus’ Authority is Challenged................................................................................163
The Parable about the Tenant Farmers .................................................................164
A Question about Paying Taxes .............................................................................164
A Question about the Resurrection .......................................................................165
A Question about David's Son ...............................................................................165
Jesus Denounces the Scribes ...................................................................................166
Chapter 21 .....................................................................................................................166
The Widow's Offering..............................................................................................166
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple ......................................................166
The Coming Wars and Revolutions.......................................................................166
Future Persecutions ..................................................................................................167
Signs of the End ........................................................................................................167
The Coming of the Son of Man ..............................................................................167
The Lesson from the Fig Tree .................................................................................168
Be Alert........................................................................................................................168
Chapter 22 .....................................................................................................................168
The Plot to Kill Jesus .................................................................................................168
The Passover with the Disciples .............................................................................168
693
STUDY OUTLINE
Luke
The Lord's Supper ....................................................................................................169
An Argument about Greatness ...............................................................................169
Be Prepared for Trouble...........................................................................................170
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives.......................................................................170
Jesus is Arrested.........................................................................................................171
Jesus is Insulted and Beaten ....................................................................................172
Chapter 23 .....................................................................................................................172
Jesus is Taken to Pilate .............................................................................................172
Jesus is Sent to Herod ...............................................................................................172
Jesus is Buried ............................................................................................................175
Chapter 24 .....................................................................................................................175
Jesus Meets Two Disciples .......................................................................................176
Jesus Appears to the Disciples ................................................................................177
Jesus is Taken up to Heaven ...................................................................................177
John .................................................................................................................................. 179
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................179
The Word and Creation ...........................................................................................179
John's Witness to the Word.....................................................................................179
Responses to the Word ............................................................................................179
The Word Becomes Human ....................................................................................179
The Testimony of John the Baptist ........................................................................179
The First Disciples .....................................................................................................180
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathaniel ............................................................................181
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................181
Jesus Changes Water into Wine .............................................................................181
Confrontation in the Temple Over Money ...........................................................182
Jesus Knows All People ............................................................................................182
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................183
Jesus Talks with Nicodemus ...................................................................................183
John the Baptist Talks about Jesus .........................................................................184
The One Who Comes from Above.........................................................................184
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................184
Jesus Meets a Samaritan Woman ...........................................................................184
Jesus Heals an Official's Son ...................................................................................187
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................187
The Healing at the Pool ...........................................................................................187
694
STUDY OUTLINE
John
The Authority of the Son .........................................................................................188
Jesus’ Greater Testimony .........................................................................................189
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................190
Jesus Feeds More Than Five Thousand ................................................................190
Jesus Walks on the Sea .............................................................................................190
Jesus the Bread of Life ..............................................................................................191
The Words of Eternal Life .......................................................................................192
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................193
The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers ..............................................................................193
Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem .......................................................................................193
Jesus Openly Declares His Authority ....................................................................194
Is This the Messiah? ..................................................................................................194
Officers are Sent to Arrest Jesus .............................................................................194
Rivers of Living Water .............................................................................................195
Division among the People .....................................................................................195
The Unbelief of the Authorities ..............................................................................195
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................195
The Woman Caught in Adultery............................................................................195
Jesus the Light of the World ...................................................................................196
The One from Above ................................................................................................197
Freedom and Slavery................................................................................................197
The Real Children of Abraham ...............................................................................197
Jesus is Superior to Abraham ..................................................................................198
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................199
Jesus Heals a Blind Man ..........................................................................................199
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing ..................................................................199
Spiritual Blindness ....................................................................................................200
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................201
The Illustration of the Sheepfold............................................................................201
Jesus the Good Shepherd ........................................................................................201
Jesus is Rejected by the Jews ...................................................................................202
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................203
The Death of Lazarus ...............................................................................................203
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life .......................................................................203
Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life ...........................................................................204
The Jewish Council Plans to Kill Jesus ..................................................................204
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................205
Mary Anoints Jesus ...................................................................................................205
The Plot Against Lazarus .........................................................................................206
The King Enters Jerusalem ......................................................................................206
Some Greeks Ask to See Jesus.................................................................................206
Jesus Speaks about His Death .................................................................................206
695
STUDY OUTLINE
John
The Unbelief of the Jews ..........................................................................................207
Judgment by Jesus’ Word ........................................................................................208
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................208
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet ............................................................................208
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal ......................................................................................209
The New Commandment ........................................................................................209
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................210
Jesus the Way to the Father ....................................................................................210
The Promise of the Helper ......................................................................................211
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................211
Jesus the True Vine ...................................................................................................211
The World's Hatred ..................................................................................................212
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................213
The Work of the Spirit..............................................................................................213
Sorrow Will Turn to Joy ...........................................................................................213
Victory over the World ............................................................................................214
Chapter 17 .....................................................................................................................214
Jesus Prays for Himself, His Disciples, and His Future Followers ...................214
Chapter 18 .....................................................................................................................216
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested ...............................................................................216
Jesus before the High Priest ....................................................................................216
The High Priest Questions Jesus ............................................................................217
Peter Denies Jesus Again .........................................................................................217
Pilate Questions Jesus ..............................................................................................217
Chapter 19 .....................................................................................................................218
Jesus’ Side is Pierced .................................................................................................220
Jesus is Buried ............................................................................................................221
Chapter 20 .....................................................................................................................221
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene ........................................................................221
Jesus Appears to the Disciples ................................................................................222
Jesus Appears to Thomas .........................................................................................222
The Purpose of the Book .........................................................................................223
Chapter 21 .....................................................................................................................223
Jesus Appears to Seven of His Disciples ...............................................................223
Jesus Speaks with Peter............................................................................................224
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple ...............................................................................224
696
STUDY OUTLINE
Acts ................................................................................................................................... 226
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................226
Introduction ...............................................................................................................226
The Promise of the Holy Spirit ...............................................................................226
Jesus Goes Up to Heaven ........................................................................................226
A New Apostle Takes the Place of Judas ..............................................................226
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................227
The Coming of the Holy Spirit ...............................................................................227
Peter Addresses the Crowd .....................................................................................228
Life Among the Believers.........................................................................................230
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................230
A Crippled Man is Healed .......................................................................................230
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers................................................................................231
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................232
Peter and John are Tried before the Jewish Council ..........................................232
The Believers Pray for Boldness .............................................................................233
The Believers Share Their Possessions ..................................................................233
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................233
Ananias and Sapphira are Punished .....................................................................233
The Apostles Perform Many Miracles ...................................................................234
The Apostles are Tried before the Jewish Council ..............................................234
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................236
Seven Men are Chosen to Help the Apostles.......................................................236
Stephen is Arrested ...................................................................................................236
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................237
Stephen Defends Himself ........................................................................................237
Stephen is Stoned to Death .....................................................................................240
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................240
The Church is Scattered ...........................................................................................240
Some Samaritans Become Believers .......................................................................240
Philip Tells an Ethiopian about Jesus ....................................................................241
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................242
Saul Becomes a Believer ...........................................................................................242
Saul's Sight is Restored ............................................................................................243
Aeneas is Healed .......................................................................................................244
Tabitha is Healed.......................................................................................................244
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................245
Cornelius Has a Vision .............................................................................................245
Peter Has a Vision .....................................................................................................245
Peter Speaks with Cornelius ...................................................................................246
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit .....................................................................247
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................247
Peter Reports to the Church in Jerusalem ............................................................247
697
STUDY OUTLINE
Acts
The New Church in Antioch ...................................................................................248
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................248
An Angel Frees Peter from Prison..........................................................................248
The Death of Herod ..................................................................................................250
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................250
Barnabas and Saul Travel to Cyprus .....................................................................250
Paul and Barnabas Go to Antioch in Pisidia ........................................................251
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................253
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium ................................................................................253
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra ...................................................................................253
Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria ....................................................254
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................254
Controversy about the Law.....................................................................................254
The Reply of the Church .........................................................................................255
Paul and Barnabas Disagree....................................................................................256
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................257
Timothy Joins Paul in Lystra...................................................................................257
Paul Has a Vision ......................................................................................................257
Paul and Silas in Philippi .........................................................................................257
The Fortune Teller ....................................................................................................257
Chapter 17 .....................................................................................................................259
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica ................................................................................259
Paul and Silas in Berea .............................................................................................259
Paul in Athens............................................................................................................260
Chapter 18 .....................................................................................................................261
Paul in Corinth ..........................................................................................................261
Paul's Return Trip to Antioch .................................................................................262
Apollos Preaches in Ephesus...................................................................................262
Chapter 19 .....................................................................................................................262
Paul in Ephesus .........................................................................................................262
A Riot in Ephesus ......................................................................................................264
Chapter 20 .....................................................................................................................265
Paul's Trip to Macedonia and Greece ...................................................................265
Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas ..................................................................................265
Paul's Trip to Miletus ...............................................................................................265
Paul Meets with the Ephesian Elders ....................................................................266
Chapter 21 .....................................................................................................................267
Paul in Tyre ................................................................................................................267
Paul in Caesarea ........................................................................................................267
Paul in Jerusalem.......................................................................................................267
Paul is Arrested in the Temple ...............................................................................268
Paul Speaks in His Own Defense...........................................................................269
698
STUDY OUTLINE
Acts
Chapter 22 .....................................................................................................................269
Paul is Brought before the Jewish Council ...........................................................271
Chapter 23 .....................................................................................................................271
Some Jews Plot to Kill Paul .....................................................................................272
Chapter 24 .....................................................................................................................273
Paul Presents His Case to Felix ...............................................................................273
Chapter 25 .....................................................................................................................274
Paul Appeals to the Emperor ..................................................................................274
King Agrippa Meets Paul.........................................................................................275
Chapter 26 .....................................................................................................................276
Paul Presents His Case to Agrippa.........................................................................276
Chapter 27 .....................................................................................................................278
Paul Sails for Rome ...................................................................................................278
The Shipwreck ...........................................................................................................279
Chapter 28 .....................................................................................................................280
Paul on the Island of Malta .....................................................................................280
Paul Sails from Malta to Rome ...............................................................................280
Paul in Rome ..............................................................................................................281
Romans ............................................................................................................................ 283
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................283
Greetings from Paul ..................................................................................................283
Paul's Prayer and Desire to Visit Rome ................................................................283
God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity .................................................................284
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................284
God Will Judge Everyone ........................................................................................284
Who is a Jew? .............................................................................................................285
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................286
Everyone is a Sinner .................................................................................................286
God Gives Us Righteousness through Faith ........................................................287
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................287
The Example of Abraham ........................................................................................287
The Promise Comes through Faith ........................................................................288
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................289
We Enjoy Peace with God through Jesus .............................................................289
Death in Adam, Life in the Messiah ......................................................................289
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................290
No Longer Sin's Slaves, but God's Slaves .............................................................290
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................291
Now We are Released from the Law .....................................................................291
The Law Shows Us What Sin is ..............................................................................292
The Problem of the Sin That Lives in Us ..............................................................292
699
STUDY OUTLINE
First Corinthians
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................293
The Spirit Gives Life .................................................................................................293
God's Spirit Helps Us ...............................................................................................294
Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love.........................................................295
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................295
Paul's Concern for the Jewish People ...................................................................295
God Chose People Who are Not Jewish ...............................................................296
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................297
The Person Who Believes Will be Saved ..............................................................297
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................298
God's Love for His People .......................................................................................298
The Salvation of the Gentiles ..................................................................................299
The Restoration of Israel ..........................................................................................300
In Praise of God's Ways ...........................................................................................300
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................301
Dedicate Your Lives to God ....................................................................................301
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................302
Obey Your Government ..........................................................................................302
Love One Another ....................................................................................................302
Live in the Light of the Messiah's Return ............................................................303
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................303
How to Treat Weak Believers .................................................................................303
Acting in Love............................................................................................................304
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................304
Please Others, Not Yourselves ................................................................................304
Paul's Desire to Take the Gospel to the Whole World .......................................305
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome .........................................................................................306
Doxology .....................................................................................................................306
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................306
Personal Greetings ....................................................................................................306
Final Warning ............................................................................................................307
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................307
Final Doxology...........................................................................................................307
First Corinthians ............................................................................................................ 309
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................309
Paul Greets the Church in Corinth ........................................................................309
You are Rich ...............................................................................................................309
Divisions in the Church ...........................................................................................309
The Messiah is God's Power and Wisdom ...........................................................310
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................310
Preaching in the Power of God ..............................................................................310
God's Spirit Reveals Everything .............................................................................311
700
STUDY OUTLINE
First Corinthians
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................311
Spiritual Immaturity .................................................................................................311
The Messiah is Our Foundation .............................................................................312
True Wisdom .............................................................................................................312
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................313
Faithful Servants of the Messiah ............................................................................313
Fools for the Messiah's Sake ...................................................................................313
Fatherly Advice..........................................................................................................313
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................314
Disciplining for Sexual Immorality ........................................................................314
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................314
Morality in Legal Matters ........................................................................................314
Morality in Sexual Matters ......................................................................................315
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................315
Concerning Marriage................................................................................................315
Live according to God's Call ...................................................................................316
Concerning Virgins ...................................................................................................317
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................318
Concerning Food Offered to Idols .........................................................................318
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................319
The Rights of an Apostle..........................................................................................319
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................320
Warnings about Idolatry ..........................................................................................320
All to the Glory of God.............................................................................................321
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................322
Be Imitators of Me .....................................................................................................322
Advice about Head Coverings ................................................................................322
Concerning the Lord's Supper ...............................................................................322
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................323
Concerning Spiritual Gifts .......................................................................................323
The Unity and Diversity of Spiritual Gifts............................................................324
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................325
The Supremacy of Love ...........................................................................................325
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................325
Prophecy and Languages ........................................................................................325
Maintain Order in the Church ...............................................................................327
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................328
The Resurrection of the Messiah ............................................................................328
The Resurrection of the Dead .................................................................................328
The Resurrection Body .............................................................................................329
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................331
Concerning the Collection for the Saints ..............................................................331
701
STUDY OUTLINE
First Corinthians
Plans for Travel..........................................................................................................331
Final Instructions .......................................................................................................331
Final Greetings...........................................................................................................332
Second Corinthians....................................................................................................... 333
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................333
Paul Greets the Church in Corinth ........................................................................333
The God of All Comfort ...........................................................................................333
How God Rescued Paul ...........................................................................................333
Paul's Reason for Boasting ......................................................................................333
Why Paul's Visit Was Postponed ...........................................................................334
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................334
Paul's Painful Visit ....................................................................................................334
Forgive the Person Who Sinned.............................................................................334
Paul's Anxiety and Relief .........................................................................................335
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................335
Ministers of the New Covenant .............................................................................335
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................336
Treasure in Clay Jars .................................................................................................336
Life in an Earthly Tent .............................................................................................337
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................337
The Messiah's Love Controls Us ............................................................................337
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................338
Workers with God.....................................................................................................338
We are God's Servants .............................................................................................338
Relating with Unbelievers .......................................................................................339
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................339
Cleanse Yourselves in Holiness ..............................................................................339
Encouraged by the Corinthians..............................................................................339
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................340
The Collection for the Christians in Jerusalem ....................................................340
Titus and His Companions ......................................................................................341
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................341
Why Giving is Important .........................................................................................341
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................342
Paul's Authority to Speak Forcefully .....................................................................342
Paul's Reason for Boasting ......................................................................................343
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................343
Paul Contrasts Himself with False Apostles .........................................................343
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle ...............................................................................344
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................345
Paul's Thorn ...............................................................................................................345
Concern for the Corinthians ...................................................................................345
702
STUDY OUTLINE
Second Corinthians
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................346
Final Warnings...........................................................................................................346
Final Greetings and Benediction ............................................................................347
Galatians ......................................................................................................................... 348
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................348
There is No Other Gospel........................................................................................348
Jesus Himself Gave Paul His Message ..................................................................348
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................349
How Paul Was Accepted by the Apostles in Jerusalem .....................................349
Paul Confronts Cephas in Antioch ........................................................................350
Jews, Like Gentiles, are Saved by Faith ................................................................350
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................351
Believers are Approved by God .............................................................................351
No One is Justified by the Law ..............................................................................351
The Purpose of the Law ...........................................................................................352
You are God's Children ...........................................................................................352
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................353
Paul's Concern for the Galatians ............................................................................353
You are Children of a Free Woman .......................................................................354
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................354
Live in the Freedom That the Messiah Provides .................................................354
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................356
Help Each Other .......................................................................................................356
A Final Warning Against Circumcision .................................................................356
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................357
Ephesians ........................................................................................................................ 358
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................358
The Many Blessings of Salvation ............................................................................358
Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians ..............................................................................359
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................359
God Has Brought Us from Death to Life ..............................................................359
All Believers are One in the Messiah .....................................................................360
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................361
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles................................................................................361
To Know the Messiah's Love ..................................................................................362
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................362
The Messiah's Gifts to the Church .........................................................................362
The Old Life and the New ......................................................................................363
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................364
Living in the Light ....................................................................................................364
703
STUDY OUTLINE
Ephesians
Wise Behavior ............................................................................................................365
Wives and Husbands................................................................................................365
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................366
Advice for Children and Parents ............................................................................366
Advice for Slaves and Masters ................................................................................366
Putting on the Whole Armor of God.....................................................................366
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................367
Philippians...................................................................................................................... 368
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................368
Greetings from Paul and Timothy .........................................................................368
Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians ..........................................368
The Priority of the Gospel in Everything .............................................................368
Standing Firm in One Spirit ....................................................................................369
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................370
Unity through Humility...........................................................................................370
Blameless Living ........................................................................................................370
News about Paul's Companions ............................................................................371
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................371
Warning Against Pride .............................................................................................371
Pursuing the Goal .....................................................................................................372
True and False Teachers ..........................................................................................373
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................373
Closing Exhortations.................................................................................................373
The Philippians’ Gifts ...............................................................................................374
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................374
Colossians ....................................................................................................................... 375
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................375
Paul's Prayer for the Colossians .............................................................................375
The Messiah is Above All .........................................................................................375
The Centrality of Jesus .............................................................................................376
Paul's Service in the Church ...................................................................................376
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................377
Fullness of Life ...........................................................................................................377
The New Life in the Messiah ..................................................................................378
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................378
Keep Focusing on the Messiah ...............................................................................378
Family Duties .............................................................................................................379
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................379
Closing Exhortations.................................................................................................379
Greetings from Paul and His Fellow Workers .....................................................379
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................380
704
STUDY OUTLINE
First Thessalonians ....................................................................................................... 381
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................381
Greetings.....................................................................................................................381
Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians .......................................................................381
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................381
Paul Recalls His Visit to the Thessalonians ..........................................................381
How the Thessalonians Welcomed the Gospel ...................................................382
Timothy’s Report to Paul .........................................................................................382
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................382
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................383
Instructions on the Way Christians Should Live ................................................383
Comfort about Christians Who Have Died ..........................................................384
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................384
Be Ready for the Day of the Lord ..........................................................................384
Paul Gives Final Instructions to the Church ........................................................385
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................385
Second Thessalonians .................................................................................................. 387
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................387
Greetings.....................................................................................................................387
Endurance in Affliction ............................................................................................387
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................387
The Lawless One .......................................................................................................387
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................388
An Example to Follow ..............................................................................................388
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................389
First Timothy .................................................................................................................. 391
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................391
Greetings.....................................................................................................................391
A Warning Against False Teachers ........................................................................391
Guidelines for Behavior in the Church .................................................................392
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................392
Prayer and Submission to Authority .....................................................................392
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................393
Qualifications for Leaders in the Church .............................................................393
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................394
A Prophecy about the Future..................................................................................394
How to be a Good Servant of the Messiah Jesus ................................................394
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................394
Treatment of Widows ...............................................................................................394
Elders and Their Duties ...........................................................................................395
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................396
Duties of Servants and Masters ..............................................................................396
Rules for Godly Living .............................................................................................396
705
STUDY OUTLINE
First Timothy
Advice for Timothy ...................................................................................................396
Advice for the Wealthy ............................................................................................397
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................397
Second Timothy............................................................................................................. 399
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................399
Greetings.....................................................................................................................399
Paul's Advice for Timothy .......................................................................................399
News about Paul's Helpers .....................................................................................400
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................400
Remain Committed to the Messiah Jesus .............................................................400
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................401
What People Will be Like in the Last Days ..........................................................401
Continue to Teach the Truth ..................................................................................402
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................402
Complete the Task Entrusted to You ....................................................................402
Final Instructions to Timothy..................................................................................402
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................403
Titus ................................................................................................................................. 405
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................405
Greetings.....................................................................................................................405
Qualifications for Leaders in the Church .............................................................405
Guard What is True ..................................................................................................405
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................406
Guidelines for Christian Living ..............................................................................406
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................406
Concentrate on Doing What is Good ....................................................................406
Final Instructions to Titus ........................................................................................407
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................407
Philemon ......................................................................................................................... 409
Greetings.....................................................................................................................409
Paul's Prayer for Philemon ......................................................................................409
Paul's Plea for Onesimus .........................................................................................409
Greetings from Paul's Fellow Workers .................................................................410
Hebrews .......................................................................................................................... 411
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................411
God Has Spoken to Us .............................................................................................411
God's Son is Superior to the Angels ......................................................................411
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................412
We Must Not Neglect Our Salvation.....................................................................412
Jesus is the Source of Our Salvation ......................................................................412
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................413
The Messiah is Superior to Moses ..........................................................................413
706
STUDY OUTLINE
Hebrews
A Rest for the People of God ..................................................................................413
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................414
We Must Enter the Rest ...........................................................................................414
Our Compassionate High Priest.............................................................................415
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................415
Qualifications for the Priesthood ...........................................................................415
The Messiah's Qualifications as High Priest ........................................................415
You Still Need Someone to Teach You .................................................................416
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................416
The Peril of Immaturity............................................................................................416
Be Diligent ..................................................................................................................416
God's Promise is Reliable .........................................................................................416
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................417
The Messiah is Superior to Melchizedek ..............................................................417
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................418
The Messiah Has a Better Ministry ........................................................................418
The New Covenant is Better Than the Old..........................................................419
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................419
The Earthly Sanctuary and Its Ritual.....................................................................419
The Messiah Has Offered a Superior Sacrifice ....................................................420
The Messiah is the Mediator of a New Covenant ...............................................420
The Messiah's Perfect Sacrifice ...............................................................................421
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................421
The Law is a Reflection ............................................................................................421
The Messiah Offered One Sacrifice .......................................................................422
How We Should Live ...............................................................................................422
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................424
The Meaning of Faith ...............................................................................................424
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................426
We Must Look Off to Jesus .....................................................................................426
The Father Disciplines Us ........................................................................................426
Live as God's People.................................................................................................427
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................428
Concluding Words ....................................................................................................428
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................429
James ................................................................................................................................ 430
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................430
Greetings.....................................................................................................................430
Responding Wisely to Life ......................................................................................430
Trial and Temptation ................................................................................................430
Practical Christian Living.........................................................................................430
707
STUDY OUTLINE
James
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................431
Do Not Show Partiality ............................................................................................431
Faith is Shown by Actions .......................................................................................432
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................433
Speak Wisely ..............................................................................................................433
Live Wisely .................................................................................................................433
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................433
Stop Fighting with Each Other...............................................................................433
Do Not Criticize Each Other ...................................................................................434
Do Not Boast about Future Plans...........................................................................434
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................434
Advice for Rich People .............................................................................................434
Be Patient ....................................................................................................................435
Do Not Swear Oaths.................................................................................................435
The Power of Prayer .................................................................................................435
First Peter ........................................................................................................................ 436
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................436
Greetings.....................................................................................................................436
Our Hope and Joy are in the Messiah ..................................................................436
Be Holy........................................................................................................................436
Love One Another ....................................................................................................437
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................437
Live as God's Chosen People ..................................................................................437
Live as God's Servants .............................................................................................438
Suffer Patiently ..........................................................................................................438
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................439
Wives and Husbands................................................................................................439
When You are Wronged ..........................................................................................439
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................440
Good Managers of God's Grace .............................................................................440
Suffering as a Christian ............................................................................................441
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................442
Be Shepherds of God's Flock ..................................................................................442
Be Humble and Alert ................................................................................................442
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................442
Second Peter ................................................................................................................... 445
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................445
Greetings.....................................................................................................................445
We are Called to Holy Living .................................................................................445
Pay Attention to God's Word..................................................................................445
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................446
Warning Against False Teachers ............................................................................446
708
STUDY OUTLINE
Second Peter
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................447
Be Ready for the Day of the Lord ..........................................................................447
First John ......................................................................................................................... 450
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................450
Jesus, the Word of Life .............................................................................................450
Living in the Light ....................................................................................................450
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................450
The Messiah is Our Advocate .................................................................................450
We Must Obey God's Commandments ................................................................451
Live in the Messiah ...................................................................................................451
Abide in Him..............................................................................................................452
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................452
We are God's Children.............................................................................................452
Love One Another ....................................................................................................453
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................454
Test What People Say ...............................................................................................454
God's Love Lives in Us ............................................................................................454
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................455
Faith Overcomes the World ....................................................................................455
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................456
Second John.................................................................................................................... 457
Greetings from John .................................................................................................457
Living in the Truth....................................................................................................457
Reject False Teachers ................................................................................................457
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................458
Third John....................................................................................................................... 460
Greetings from John .................................................................................................460
Encouragement for Gaius ........................................................................................460
Criticism of Diotrephes ............................................................................................460
Praise for Demetrius .................................................................................................460
Final Greeting ............................................................................................................460
Jude .................................................................................................................................. 463
Greetings.....................................................................................................................463
Warning about False Teachers ................................................................................463
Advice to the Readers...............................................................................................464
Final Prayer ................................................................................................................464
Revelation ....................................................................................................................... 466
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................466
The Revelation of Jesus the Messiah to the Seven Churches ...........................466
John's Vision of the Messiah ...................................................................................466
709
STUDY OUTLINE
Revelation
Chapter 2 .......................................................................................................................467
The Letter to the Church in Ephesus ....................................................................467
The Letter to the Church in Smyrna .....................................................................467
The Letter to the Church in Pergamum ...............................................................468
The Letter to the Church in Thyatira ....................................................................468
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................469
The Letter to the Church in Sardis ........................................................................469
The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia.............................................................470
The Letter to the Church in Laodicea ...................................................................470
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................471
The Vision of God's Throne ....................................................................................471
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................472
The Vision of the Scroll with Seven Seals .............................................................472
The Vision of the Lamb Taking the Scroll ............................................................472
The Vision of the Song of the Lamb ......................................................................472
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................473
The Vision of the First Seal Opened ......................................................................473
The Vision of the Second Seal Opened.................................................................473
The Vision of the Third Seal Opened....................................................................473
The Vision of the Fourth Seal Opened .................................................................473
The Vision of the Fifth Seal Opened .....................................................................473
The Vision of the Sixth Seal Opened.....................................................................474
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................474
The Vision of the Sealing of 144,000 People .........................................................474
The Vision of Tribulation Saints .............................................................................475
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................................475
The Vision of the Seventh Seal Opened ...............................................................475
The Vision of Seven Angels Given Seven Trumpets ..........................................475
The Vision of the First Four Trumpets ..................................................................476
The Vision of the Eagle Flying................................................................................476
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................476
The Vision of the Fifth Trumpet ............................................................................476
The Vision of the Sixth Trumpet ............................................................................477
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................................477
The Vision of the Powerful Angel ..........................................................................477
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................................478
The Vision of the Two Witnesses ...........................................................................478
The Resurrection of the Witnesses .........................................................................479
The Vision of the Seventh Angel Blowing His Trumpet ...................................479
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................................480
The Vision of a Woman Dressed with the Sun ...................................................480
The Vision of the Red Dragon ................................................................................480
710
STUDY OUTLINE
Revelation
The Vision of War in Heaven .................................................................................480
The Vision of the Cry of Victory ............................................................................480
The Vision of Persecution of the Woman and Her Children............................481
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................................481
The Vision of the Beast from the Sea ....................................................................481
The Vision of the Beast from the Earth .................................................................482
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................................483
The Vision of the New Song on Mount Zion ......................................................483
The Vision of Angels Sounding a Warning ..........................................................483
A Call for Endurance ................................................................................................483
The Vision of Earth Harvested ...............................................................................484
Chapter 15 .....................................................................................................................484
The Vision of Seven Angels with Seven Plagues ................................................484
The Vision of the Sea of Glass ................................................................................484
The Vision of the Temple Opened ........................................................................485
Chapter 16 .....................................................................................................................485
The Vision of the Seven Angels Pouring Out Their Bowls ...............................485
Chapter 17 .....................................................................................................................486
The Vision of Babylon the Great ............................................................................486
Chapter 18 .....................................................................................................................487
The Vision of the Fall of Babylon ...........................................................................487
The Warning to Leave Babylon ..............................................................................488
The Vision of the Powerful Angel with the Millstone........................................489
Chapter 19 .....................................................................................................................490
The Vision of Worship .............................................................................................490
The Vision of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ................................................490
The Vision of the Coming of the Messiah ............................................................490
The Vision of the Angel’s Invitation ......................................................................491
The Vision of the Judgment of the Beast and False Prophet ............................491
Chapter 20 .....................................................................................................................491
The Vision of the Millennial Reign ........................................................................491
The Vision of the First Resurrection ......................................................................491
The Vision of the Final Judgment ..........................................................................492
The Vision of the White Throne Judgment ..........................................................492
Chapter 21 .....................................................................................................................492
The Vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth ..........................................492
The Vision of the New Jerusalem ..........................................................................493
Chapter 22 .....................................................................................................................494
The Vision of the River of the Water of Life ........................................................494
The Vision of an Exhortation to Worship God ....................................................494
Concluding Benediction ..........................................................................................495
Concluding Invitation ..............................................................................................495
711
STUDY OUTLINE
Revelation
Concluding Warning ................................................................................................495
Epilogue ......................................................................................................................495
Psalms .............................................................................................................................. 499
Psalm 1 ...........................................................................................................................499
The Righteous and the Wicked ..............................................................................499
Psalm 2 ...........................................................................................................................499
The Nations and God’s Anointed ..........................................................................499
The Anointed King Speaks ......................................................................................500
Psalm 3 ...........................................................................................................................500
God Delivers His Servants.......................................................................................500
Psalm 4 ...........................................................................................................................501
Trust God under Adversity .....................................................................................501
Psalm 5 ...........................................................................................................................502
A Prayer for God’s Help ..........................................................................................502
Psalm 6 ...........................................................................................................................503
A Prayer in Times of Trouble ..................................................................................503
Psalm 7 ...........................................................................................................................503
A Prayer for Vindication ..........................................................................................503
Psalm 8 ...........................................................................................................................505
Divine Glory and Human Dignity .........................................................................505
Psalm 9 ...........................................................................................................................505
A Cry for God’s Justice .............................................................................................505
Psalm 10 .........................................................................................................................507
A Prayer for Judging the Wicked ...........................................................................507
Psalm 11 .........................................................................................................................508
Confident Trust in God ............................................................................................508
Psalm 12 .........................................................................................................................508
Human and Divine Words Contrasted .................................................................508
Psalm 13 .........................................................................................................................509
A Prayer for Deliverance..........................................................................................509
Psalm 14 .........................................................................................................................509
The Fool and God’s Response ................................................................................509
Psalm 15 .........................................................................................................................510
Welcomed into God’s Presence ..............................................................................510
Psalm 16 .........................................................................................................................510
Trust in the Face of Death .......................................................................................510
Psalm 17 .........................................................................................................................511
A Cry for Justice ........................................................................................................511
Psalm 18 .........................................................................................................................512
Gratitude for Victory ................................................................................................512
God’s Reward to the Righteous..............................................................................513
The Acts of God for the Righteous ........................................................................514
712
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 19 .........................................................................................................................515
God’s Revelation in the Heavens ...........................................................................515
God’s Revelation in the Law ...................................................................................515
Psalm 20 .........................................................................................................................516
A Prayer for Victory ..................................................................................................516
Psalm 21 .........................................................................................................................516
Praise for The LORD’s Deliverance .......................................................................516
Psalm 22 .........................................................................................................................517
God Delivers His Suffering Servant.......................................................................517
Psalm 23 .........................................................................................................................519
The LORD Shepherds His People..........................................................................519
Psalm 24 .........................................................................................................................519
A Song for the King of Glory ..................................................................................519
Psalm 25 .........................................................................................................................520
A Prayer for Help and Forgiveness .......................................................................520
Psalm 26 .........................................................................................................................521
A Man of Integrity Pleads for Justice.....................................................................521
Psalm 27 .........................................................................................................................522
Confidence in the LORD .........................................................................................522
Psalm 28 .........................................................................................................................523
A Prayer for Help ......................................................................................................523
Psalm 29 .........................................................................................................................523
Praise to the Majestic LORD ...................................................................................523
Psalm 30 .........................................................................................................................524
Thanksgiving for Deliverance .................................................................................524
Psalm 31 .........................................................................................................................525
Prayer and Thanksgiving ........................................................................................525
Psalm 32 .........................................................................................................................526
The Blessings of Forgiveness...................................................................................526
Psalm 33 .........................................................................................................................527
Praise to the Creator and Deliverer .......................................................................527
Psalm 34 .........................................................................................................................528
Learning about God’s Deliverance ........................................................................528
Psalm 35 .........................................................................................................................529
Psalm 36 .........................................................................................................................531
An Oracle from the LORD ......................................................................................531
Praise to the LORD ...................................................................................................531
Psalm 37 .........................................................................................................................532
Patiently Trust in God ..............................................................................................532
Psalm 38 .........................................................................................................................534
The Outcast Cries Out..............................................................................................534
713
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 39 .........................................................................................................................535
A Prayer about Life’s Priorities ...............................................................................535
Psalm 40 .........................................................................................................................536
Prayer for Help and Praise to God ........................................................................536
Psalm 41 .........................................................................................................................538
When Things Go Wrong..........................................................................................538
Psalm 42 .........................................................................................................................538
Hope in God When Times of Trouble Come .......................................................538
Psalm 43 .........................................................................................................................539
God is my Hope during Times of Trouble ...........................................................539
Psalm 44 .........................................................................................................................540
A Prayer in Times of Defeat ....................................................................................540
Psalm 45 .........................................................................................................................541
A Royal Wedding Song ............................................................................................541
Psalm 46 .........................................................................................................................543
God is the Refuge of His People ............................................................................543
Psalm 47 .........................................................................................................................543
The Ruler Over the Nations ....................................................................................543
Psalm 47 .........................................................................................................................544
Zion, City of God ......................................................................................................544
Psalm 49 .........................................................................................................................545
The Destiny of the Wicked and the Upright........................................................545
Psalm 50 .........................................................................................................................546
The Acceptable Sacrifice...........................................................................................546
Psalm 51 .........................................................................................................................547
A Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon .......................................................................547
Psalm 52 .........................................................................................................................548
A Rebuke to the Deceitful........................................................................................548
Psalm 53 .........................................................................................................................549
The Fool and God’s Response ................................................................................549
Psalm 42 .........................................................................................................................550
A Prayer in Times of Trouble ..................................................................................550
Psalm 55 .........................................................................................................................550
Betrayal by a Friend ..................................................................................................550
Psalm 56 .........................................................................................................................552
A Prayer about Trust in God ...................................................................................552
Psalm 57 .........................................................................................................................553
Psalm 58 .........................................................................................................................553
A Prayer for Justice ...................................................................................................553
Psalm 59 .........................................................................................................................554
A Prayer for Deliverance and Justice .....................................................................554
714
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 60 .........................................................................................................................555
A Prayer for God’s Help Against Adversaries......................................................555
Psalm 61 .........................................................................................................................556
A Prayer for God’s Protection .................................................................................556
Psalm 62 .........................................................................................................................557
A Psalm of Trust in God ..........................................................................................557
Psalm 63 .........................................................................................................................557
Joyful Trust in God ...................................................................................................557
Psalm 64 .........................................................................................................................558
A Prayer for Protection ............................................................................................558
Psalm 65 .........................................................................................................................559
A Song of Praise to God ...........................................................................................559
Psalm 66 .........................................................................................................................560
A Song of Praise ........................................................................................................560
Psalm 67 .........................................................................................................................561
A Call to Thanksgiving.............................................................................................561
Psalm 68 .........................................................................................................................561
A Song of Praise to God ...........................................................................................561
Psalm 69 .........................................................................................................................563
When God Seems Distant........................................................................................563
Seeking God for Deliverance ..................................................................................564
Psalm 70 .........................................................................................................................565
A Call for Help ...........................................................................................................565
Psalm 71 .........................................................................................................................565
Psalm 72 .........................................................................................................................567
A Prayer for the King ...............................................................................................567
Prayer for the King ...................................................................................................568
Praising the God of Israel ........................................................................................568
Psalm 73 .........................................................................................................................568
A Plea for Deliverance ..............................................................................................568
Psalm 74 .........................................................................................................................570
A Plea for Deliverance ..............................................................................................570
Psalm 75 .........................................................................................................................571
Praise to God for Justice ...........................................................................................571
Psalm 76 .........................................................................................................................572
The Awesome God ...................................................................................................572
Psalm 77 .........................................................................................................................572
Remembering God in Times of Trouble ...............................................................572
Psalm 78 .........................................................................................................................574
Remembering God in Times of Trouble ...............................................................574
715
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 79 .........................................................................................................................577
A Prayer for Jerusalem .............................................................................................577
Psalm 80 .........................................................................................................................578
A Prayer for Jerusalem .............................................................................................578
Psalm 81 .........................................................................................................................579
Celebrating and Remembering God ......................................................................579
Psalm 82 .........................................................................................................................580
Asking God for Justice..............................................................................................580
Psalm 83 .........................................................................................................................581
A Plea for Judgment .................................................................................................581
Psalm 84 .........................................................................................................................582
Longing for God ........................................................................................................582
Psalm 85 .........................................................................................................................583
Restore Us, God .........................................................................................................583
Psalm 86 .........................................................................................................................583
Help Us, God .............................................................................................................583
Psalm 87 .........................................................................................................................584
The Holy City for All People ...................................................................................584
Psalm 88 .........................................................................................................................585
A Cry for Help ...........................................................................................................585
Psalm 89 .........................................................................................................................586
God’s Covenant with David ...................................................................................586
God’s Describes His Anointed ................................................................................587
A Commitment to Persevere ...................................................................................589
Psalm 90 .........................................................................................................................590
Life is Short ................................................................................................................590
Psalm 91 .........................................................................................................................591
God is My Refuge .....................................................................................................591
The LORD Speaks .....................................................................................................591
Psalm 92 .........................................................................................................................592
Praise and Thanksgiving to God ............................................................................592
Psalm 93 .........................................................................................................................592
God Reigns .................................................................................................................592
Psalm 94 .........................................................................................................................593
God Avenges His Own ............................................................................................593
Psalm 95 .........................................................................................................................594
Worship and Obedience ..........................................................................................594
Psalm 96 .........................................................................................................................595
Give Glory to the LORD ............................................................................................595
Psalm 97 .........................................................................................................................596
The LORD is King.......................................................................................................596
716
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 98 .........................................................................................................................596
Sing Praise to the King .............................................................................................596
Psalm 99 .........................................................................................................................597
The LORD is Holy ......................................................................................................597
Psalm 100 .......................................................................................................................597
Give Thanks to the LORD .........................................................................................597
Psalm 101 .......................................................................................................................598
Remembering God’s Love .......................................................................................598
Psalm 102 .......................................................................................................................598
A Prayer for Help ......................................................................................................598
Psalm 103 .......................................................................................................................600
Praise God, Who Forgives .......................................................................................600
Psalm 104 .......................................................................................................................601
Praise God, Who Creates .........................................................................................601
Psalm 105 .......................................................................................................................603
Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance .....................................................................603
Psalm 106 .......................................................................................................................606
The Unfaithfulness of God’s People ......................................................................606
Psalm 107 .......................................................................................................................609
Gratitude for God’s Deliverance ............................................................................609
Psalm 108 .......................................................................................................................611
A Plea for Victory ......................................................................................................611
Psalm 109 .......................................................................................................................612
A Prayer Against the Evil One ................................................................................612
Psalm 110 .......................................................................................................................614
A Priestly Ruler ..........................................................................................................614
Psalm 111 .......................................................................................................................615
Praise for God’s Amazing Deeds ............................................................................615
Psalm 112 .......................................................................................................................616
The Gracious Person .................................................................................................616
Psalm 113 .......................................................................................................................616
Praise to the Loving God .........................................................................................616
Psalm 114 .......................................................................................................................617
Deliverance of Israel from Egypt............................................................................617
Psalm 115 .......................................................................................................................617
The Impotence of Idols ............................................................................................617
Psalm 116 .......................................................................................................................618
God, My Deliverer ....................................................................................................618
Psalm 117 .......................................................................................................................619
A Call to Praise the LORD .........................................................................................619
Psalm 118 .......................................................................................................................619
Thanksgiving to God ................................................................................................619
717
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 119 .......................................................................................................................621
Living in the Law of God ........................................................................................621
The Benefits of the Word .........................................................................................621
Living and Keeping God’s Word ...........................................................................622
Strength Comes from the Word .............................................................................622
Instructed by the Word ............................................................................................623
A Song of Praise ........................................................................................................623
Remembering What God Has Said ........................................................................623
Keeping God’s Word ................................................................................................624
Praise for God’s Word ..............................................................................................624
Prayer for God’s Grace .............................................................................................625
On Obeying God’s Word ........................................................................................625
Pay Attention to God’s Word..................................................................................626
Loving God’s Word ..................................................................................................626
God’s Word a Light ..................................................................................................627
Loving God’s Law .....................................................................................................627
Praying for God’s Deliverance ................................................................................627
Living in God’s Word ...............................................................................................628
God’s Righteous Decrees .........................................................................................628
Waiting in Hope ........................................................................................................629
God’s Word is Truth .................................................................................................629
Loving God’s Instruction .........................................................................................630
The Joy of God’s Word.............................................................................................630
Psalm 120 .......................................................................................................................630
Psalm 121 .......................................................................................................................631
The Guardian of God’s People ...............................................................................631
Psalm 122 .......................................................................................................................631
Up to Jerusalem .........................................................................................................631
Psalm 123 .......................................................................................................................632
A Prayer for Relief .....................................................................................................632
Psalm 124 .......................................................................................................................632
God is for Us ..............................................................................................................632
Psalm 125 .......................................................................................................................632
God is Secure .............................................................................................................632
Psalm 126 .......................................................................................................................633
The Exiles Restored ...................................................................................................633
Psalm 127 .......................................................................................................................633
God’s Blessing in the Family ...................................................................................633
Psalm 128 .......................................................................................................................634
The Blessings of Fearing God .................................................................................634
718
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 129 .......................................................................................................................634
God Defeats Israel’s Enemies ..................................................................................634
Psalm 130 .......................................................................................................................634
A Prayer for Mercy....................................................................................................634
Psalm 131 .......................................................................................................................635
Hope in the LORD......................................................................................................635
Psalm 132 .......................................................................................................................635
The LORD Lives in Zion ...........................................................................................635
Psalm 133 .......................................................................................................................636
The Significance of Unity ........................................................................................636
Psalm 134 .......................................................................................................................636
Praise to the Creator .................................................................................................636
Psalm 135 .......................................................................................................................636
Praising God for His Graciousness ........................................................................636
Psalm 136 .......................................................................................................................637
God’s Gracious Love ................................................................................................637
Psalm 137 .......................................................................................................................639
Remembering Jerusalem ..........................................................................................639
Psalm 138 .......................................................................................................................639
Thanksgiving to God ................................................................................................639
Psalm 139 .......................................................................................................................640
God’s Knowledge and Presence .............................................................................640
The Magnitude of God.............................................................................................640
Psalm 140 .......................................................................................................................641
Psalm 141 .......................................................................................................................642
A Prayer for Maturity ...............................................................................................642
Psalm 142 .......................................................................................................................643
A Call to God for Help .............................................................................................643
Psalm 143 .......................................................................................................................643
Longing for God ........................................................................................................643
Psalm 144 .......................................................................................................................644
A Song for God’s Provision .....................................................................................644
Psalm 145 .......................................................................................................................645
Praising God for His Works ....................................................................................645
Psalm 146 .......................................................................................................................646
Praise to God the Help of Israel .............................................................................646
Psalm 147 .......................................................................................................................647
Praise for God’s Provision .......................................................................................647
Psalm 148 .......................................................................................................................648
Let All the Earth Praise the Lord ............................................................................648
719
STUDY OUTLINE
Psalms
Psalm 149 .......................................................................................................................649
A Song About Rejoicing in God..............................................................................649
Psalm 150 .......................................................................................................................649
A Psalm of Praise .......................................................................................................649
Proverbs ........................................................................................................................... 651
Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................651
Introduction and Purpose .......................................................................................651
The Major Theme ......................................................................................................651
The Minor Theme .....................................................................................................651
Avoid Evil Counsel ...................................................................................................651
The Benefits of Choosing Wisdom.........................................................................652
The Consequences of Refusing Wisdom ..............................................................652
Chapter 2 ........................................................................................................................653
The Benefits of Embracing Wisdom ......................................................................653
Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................654
The Blessings of Trusting God ................................................................................654
Wisdom More Valuable than Riches .....................................................................654
Benefits of Wisdom ...................................................................................................655
Wisdom in Action .....................................................................................................655
Chapter 4 ........................................................................................................................655
Diligently Pursue Wisdom ......................................................................................655
Avoiding the Ways of the Wicked .........................................................................656
Remembering the Counsel of a Wise Father........................................................656
Chapter 5 ........................................................................................................................657
Warning Against Sexual Immorality .....................................................................657
The Delights of Marital Faithfulness .....................................................................658
Chapter 6 ........................................................................................................................658
The Folly of Guaranteeing Loans ...........................................................................658
The Folly of Laziness ................................................................................................658
The Folly of Causing Strife ......................................................................................659
What God Hates ........................................................................................................659
Parental Counsel about Immorality .......................................................................659
Chapter 7 ........................................................................................................................660
On Avoiding the Immoral Woman........................................................................660
A Father’s Warning ...................................................................................................660
Chapter 8 ........................................................................................................................661
Wisdom Calls for an Audience ...............................................................................661
The Way of Wisdom .................................................................................................662
The Agelessness of Wisdom ....................................................................................662
The Exhortation of Wisdom ....................................................................................663
720
STUDY OUTLINE
Proverbs
Chapter 9 ........................................................................................................................663
Wisdom’s Invitation..................................................................................................663
Wisdom Extends Life................................................................................................663
Folly’s Entrapment ....................................................................................................663
Chapter 10 ......................................................................................................................664
Solomon’s Sayings ....................................................................................................664
The Righteous and Wicked Compared .................................................................664
Chapter 11 ......................................................................................................................666
The Value of Righteousness ....................................................................................666
Chapter 12 ......................................................................................................................667
Wisdom and Wickedness Contrasted....................................................................667
Chapter 13 ......................................................................................................................669
Who is a Wise Son? ...................................................................................................669
Chapter 14 ......................................................................................................................671
How Wise People Live .............................................................................................671
Chapter 15 ......................................................................................................................672
How to Live Wisely ..................................................................................................672
On Contentment and Other Good Things of Life ..............................................673
Chapter 16 ......................................................................................................................674
Wisdom’s Blessings ...................................................................................................674
Advice to the Wise ....................................................................................................676
Chapter 17 ......................................................................................................................676
More Words of Wisdom...........................................................................................676
Chapter 18 ......................................................................................................................678
How Fools Talk..........................................................................................................678
Avoiding Fools and Their Foolishness ..................................................................678
Chapter 19 ......................................................................................................................679
The Priorities of Life Contrasted ............................................................................679
Chapter 20 ......................................................................................................................681
Advice on How to Live ............................................................................................681
Chapter 21 ......................................................................................................................682
Thoughts on the Sovereignty of God ....................................................................682
Chapter 22 ......................................................................................................................684
Advice for Everyday Life .........................................................................................684
Sayings of the Wise ...................................................................................................685
Chapter 23 ......................................................................................................................686
Things to Avoid in Life ............................................................................................686
On Listening to Your Parents .................................................................................686
721
STUDY OUTLINE
Proverbs
On Sobriety ................................................................................................................687
Chapter 24 ......................................................................................................................687
Benefits of Wisdom ...................................................................................................687
Sayings of the Wise ...................................................................................................689
Chapter 25 ......................................................................................................................689
More Proverbs from Solomon.................................................................................689
Chapter 26 ......................................................................................................................691
On Fools......................................................................................................................691
On Laziness ................................................................................................................691
On Gossip and Backbiting .......................................................................................692
Chapter 27 ......................................................................................................................692
General Counsel ........................................................................................................692
Chapter 28 ......................................................................................................................694
Contrasting Good and Evil ......................................................................................694
Chapter 29 ......................................................................................................................695
Advice on Life and Justice .......................................................................................695
The Wicked and Righteous Contrasted ................................................................696
Dangerous Behaviors ...............................................................................................696
Chapter 30 ......................................................................................................................697
The Oracle ..................................................................................................................697
On Contentment in Life ..........................................................................................697
On Different Kinds of People .................................................................................698
What Causes Wonder ...............................................................................................698
Chapter 31 ......................................................................................................................699
Counsel from King Lemuel’s Mother ....................................................................699
The Honorable Woman ...........................................................................................700
722

ISV Red Letter NT Psalms - Proverbs

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International Standard Version®

Words of the Messiah in Red

Words of the Messiah in Red

Davidson Press, LLC

Cover Design: Larry Vilott (copyright © 2001-2009 Davidson

e.g. exemplia gratia, for example SP Samaritan Pentateuch ms.

2. The ISV is a Computer-Friendly Translation

The reader will notice—particularly in the Bible’s historical narratives, in the

¾ A Committee on Translation, which oversees the work of translation from

on the basis of an inter-denominational representation of the worldwide

After base renderings were produced by individual scholars, the Committee on

translated as “Messiah”—for example, the name and title Jesus Christ is

contemporary English. The policy of distinguishing the Greek imperfect

12. Because the original languages of Scripture provide no special indication

Hebrew verb form traditionally rendered as an imperatival future (e.g., “You

add...” is avoided. Instead, the following language is used: “other

About The ISV Foundation Triglyph

Arthur H. Lewis, Ph.D. Douglas J. Moo, Ph.D.

English Review Committee

John J. Brugaletta Ted Curtis Smythe, Ph.D.

Notice of Errata in Electronic Editions

Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, Joram The Birth of Jesus

sacks and offered him gifts of gold, because they no longer

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Jesus is Tempted by Satan

a 4:4 Deut 8:3

Jesus Ministers to Many People hungry and thirsty for

Jesus Teaches about the Kingdom

Teaching about Giving to the Poor

e 6:4 Other mss. read reward you openly

7 snake, would he? 11So if you who are

a 6:33 Other mss. read his kingdom and

A Tree is Known by Its Fruit because its foundation was on the

I Never Knew You Jesus Cleanses a Leper

the sacrifice that Moses commandeda will be wailing and gnashing of

“Foxes have holes and birdsa have Gerasenes,h two demon-possessed

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

players and the crowd making a The Compassion of Jesus

are few. 38So ask the Lord of the 8

people and have revealed them to

a 11:29 Lit. humble in heart

The Parable about a Farmer

since the creation of the found and hid. In his excitement he

disciples came, they carried off the

The Death of John the Baptist

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret have disregardedi the authority of

Then calling out to the crowd,

before him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 33

Interpreting the Time

21 Jesus’ Appearance is Changed

they pleased. In the same way, the

c 17:14 Lit. him

betrayed into human hands. 23They 2

18 into eternal fire. 9And if your eye

compassion and released him, Jordan. 2Large crowds followed him,

that is the relationship of a man with

Teaching about Divorce

into that life, you must keep the

The Workers in the Vineyard

a 20:15 Lit. things

clothes?’ But the mand was

a 22:23 Lit. him