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NOTE REGARDING "THE BIBLE" AND THE 3 BIBLE VERSIONS USED HERE: The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.

KJV - 24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

NRSV - 24 The LORD bless you and keep you;

TEV - "The Priestly Blessing" - 22 The LORD commanded Moses 23 to tell Aaron and his sons to use the following words in blessing the people of Israel: 24 May the LORD bless you and take care of you; 25 May the LORD be kind and gracious to you; 26 May the LORD look on you with favor and give you peace. 27 And the LORD said, "If they pronounce my name as a blessing upon the people of Israel, I will bless them."

KJV - 1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?

7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

NRSV - 1 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or declare all his praise?

7 Our ancestors, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wonderful works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name's sake, so that he might make known his mighty power.

TEV - "The LORD's Goodness to His People" - 1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal. 2 Who can tell all the great things he has done? Who can praise him enough? 3 Happy are those who obey his commands, who always do what is right. 4 Remember me, LORD, when you help your people; include me when you save them. 5 Let me see the prosperity of your people and share in the happiness of your nation, in the glad pride of those who belong to you. 6 We have sinned as our ancestors did; we have been wicked and evil. 7 Our ancestors in Egypt did not understand God's wonderful acts; they forgot the many times he showed them his love, and they rebelled against the Almighty at the Red Sea. 8 But he saved them, as he had promised, in order to show his great power.

KJV - 37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:

NRSV - 37 Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.

43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.

TEV - "God and His People" - 37 Then he led the Israelites out; they carried silver and gold, and all of them were healthy and strong. 38 The Egyptians were afraid of them and were glad when they left. 39 God put a cloud over his people and a fire at night to give them light. 40 They asked, and he sent quails; he gave them food from heaven to satisfy them. 41 He opened a rock, and water gushed out, flowing through the desert like a river. 42 He remembered his sacred promise to Abraham his servant. 43 So he led his chosen people out, and they sang and shouted for joy. 44 He gave them the lands of other peoples and let them take over their fields, 45 so that his people would obey his laws and keep all his commands. Praise the LORD!

KJV - 1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

NRSV - 1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

TEV - "God's Complete Knowledge and Care" - 1 LORD, you have examined me and you know me. 2 You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. 3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. 4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. 5 You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. 6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.

13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- 16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.

KJV - 1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

NRSV - 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

TEV - "The LORD Our Protector" - 1 I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? 2 My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake. 4 The protector of Israel never dozes or sleeps. 5 The LORD will guard you; he is by your side to protect you. 6 The sun will not hurt you during the day, nor the moon during the night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. 8 He will protect you as you come and go now and forever.

KJV - 5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

NRSV - 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

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

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

TEV - "A Prayer of Confidence" - 3 How excellent are the LORD's faithful people! My greatest pleasure is to be with them. 4 Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods. 5 You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. 6 How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are! 7 I praise the LORD, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. 8 I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. 9 And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, 10 because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead. 11 You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.

KJV - 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

NRSV - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

TEV - "Advice to Young Men" - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. 8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. 9 Honor the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. 10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.

KJV - 7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; ...

NRSV - 7 Then the LORD said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey,...

TEV - "God Calls Moses" - 7 Then the LORD said, "I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings, 8 and so I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of Egypt to a spacious land, one which is rich and fertile and in which the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites now live. 9 I have indeed heard the cry of my people, and I see how the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 Now I am sending you to the king of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of his country." 11 But Moses said to God, "I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

KJV - 1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

NRSV - 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, "Thus says the LORD: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.

TEV - "Frogs" - 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the king and tell him that the LORD says, "Let my people go, so that they can worship me. 2 If you refuse, I will punish your country by covering it with frogs. 3 The Nile will be so full of frogs that they will leave it and go into your palace, your bedroom, your bed, the houses of your officials and your people, and even into your ovens and baking pans. 4 They will jump up on you, your people, and all your officials."

KJV - 17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

NRSV - 17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, "If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle.

21 The LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

TEV - "The Pillar of Cloud and the Pillar of Fire" - 17 When the king of Egypt let the people go, God did not take them by the road that goes up the coast to Philistia, although it was the shortest way. God thought, "I do not want the people to change their minds and return to Egypt when they see that they are going to have to fight." 18 Instead, he led them in a roundabout way through the desert toward the Red Sea. The Israelites were armed for battle. 19 Moses took the body of Joseph with him, as Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly promise to do. Joseph had said, "When God rescues you, you must carry my body with you from this place." 20 The Israelites left Sukkoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 During the day the LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and during the night he went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel night and day. 22 The pillar of cloud was always in front of the people during the day, and the pillar of fire at night.

KJV - 1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God. 13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. 14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. 15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating:…

NRSV - 1 The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim; and Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. 2 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

11 The LORD spoke to Moses and said,

12 "I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, "At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God."'

13 In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.

14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

21 Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed;...

TEV - "The Manna and the Quails" - 1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim, and on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, they came to the desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. 2 There in the desert they all complained to Moses and Aaron 3 and said to them, "We wish that the LORD had killed us in Egypt. There we could at least sit down and eat meat and as much other food as we wanted. But you have brought us out into this desert to starve us all to death." 4 The LORD said to Moses, "Now I am going to cause food to rain down from the sky for all of you. The people must go out every day and gather enough for that day. In this way I can test them to find out if they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to bring in twice as much as usual and prepare it."

9 Moses said to Aaron, "Tell the whole community to come and stand before the LORD, because he has heard their complaints." 10 As Aaron spoke to the whole community, they turned toward the desert, and suddenly the dazzling light of the LORD appeared in a cloud. 11 The LORD said to Moses, 12 "I have heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them that at twilight they will have meat to eat, and in the morning they will have all the bread they want. Then they will know that I, the LORD, am their God." 13 In the evening a large flock of quails flew in, enough to cover the camp, and in the morning there was dew all around the camp. 14 When the dew evaporated, there was something thin and flaky on the surface of the desert. It was as delicate as frost. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they didn't know what it was and asked each other, "What is it?" Moses said to them, "This is the food that the LORD has given you to eat. 16 The LORD has commanded that each of you is to gather as much of it as he needs, two quarts for each member of his household." 17 The Israelites did this, some gathering more, others less. 18 When they measured it, those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered less did not have too little. Each had gathered just what he needed. 19 Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it for tomorrow." 20 But some of them did not listen to Moses and saved part of it. The next morning it was full of worms and smelled rotten, and Moses was angry with them. 21 Every morning each one gathered as much as he needed; and when the sun grew hot, what was left on the ground melted.

KJV - 6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the Lord my God. 9 And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God. 10 And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

NRSV - 6 Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal; and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land; and I brought him an honest report. 8 But my companions who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God. 9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, "Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.' 10 And now, as you see, the LORD has kept me alive, as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel was journeying through the wilderness; and here I am today, eighty-five years old. 11 I am still as strong today as I was on the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war, and for going and coming.

TEV - "Hebron Is Given to Caleb" - 6 One day some people from the tribe of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. One of them, Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, said to him, "You know what the LORD said in Kadesh Barnea about you and me to Moses, the man of God. 7 I was forty years old when the LORD's servant Moses sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out this land. I brought an honest report back to him. 8 The men who went with me, however, made our people afraid. But I faithfully obeyed the LORD my God. 9 Because I did, Moses promised me that my children and I would certainly receive as our possession the land which I walked over. 10 But now, look. It has been forty-five years since the LORD said that to Moses. That was when Israel was going through the desert, and the LORD, as he promised, has kept me alive ever since. Look at me! I am eighty-five years old 11 and am just as strong today as I was when Moses sent me out. I am still strong enough for war or for anything else.

KJV - 17 And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

NRSV - 17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. 18 And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.

TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 13 Put your heart right, Job. Reach out to God. 14 Put away evil and wrong from your home. 15 Then face the world again, firm and courageous. 16 Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more. 17 Your life will be brighter than sunshine at noon, and life's darkest hours will shine like the dawn. 18 You will live secure and full of hope; God will protect you and give you rest. 19 You won't be afraid of your enemies; many people will ask you for help.

KJV - 17 …I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;…

NRSV - 17 ...I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: "It is Zion; no one cares for her!"

TEV - "The LORD's Promises to His People" - 16 But now, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners. All who oppress you will be oppressed, and all who plunder you will be plundered. 17 I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, "Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.' I, the LORD, have spoken."

KJV - 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

NRSV - 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

TEV - "Jesus and Nicodemus" - 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.

KJV - 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

NRSV - 2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Stand up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he then said to the paralytic -- "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man" - 1 Jesus got into the boat and went back across the lake to his own town, 2 where some people brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralyzed man, "Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven." 3 Then some teachers of the Law said to themselves, "This man is speaking blasphemy!" 4 Jesus perceived what they were thinking, and so he said, "Why are you thinking such evil things? 5 Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Get up and walk'? 6 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your bed, and go home!" 7 The man got up and went home. 8 When the people saw it, they were afraid, and praised God for giving such authority to men.

• Mat 9:2-8
• Note here that Jesus' role in these verses is the same as the role of a "Paraclete" ("Comforter", KJV; Strong's <3875>), which is how Jesus is described in Joh 14:16 ("another Comforter", KJV) and 1Jo 2:1 ("an advocate", KJV). In these verses he announces the palsied man's acquital (forgiveness) from the allegations of and from the imprisoning sentence instigated by "the Accuser" (Satan, Devil). The Greek term aphiemi <Strong's 863>, translated 'to forgive,' in classical Greek is described by Colin Brown (Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 1, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, pages 697-698) as follows:

CL [classical Greek] aphiemi (derived from apo, from, and hiemi, to put in motion, send), attested since Homer, means .the voluntary release of a person or thing over which one has legal or actual control. In addition to the vb., the noun aphesis [forgiveness], discharge, setting free, is used from Plato onwards. In its fig. use aphiemi overlaps in meaning with pariemi (Homer), lit. to let drop, let by; fig., to let pass, allow (the noun paresis, since Hippocrates).

1. aphiemi is used in classical Gk. both in a lit. and in a fig. sense:

(a) With a personal object, to send forth, send away (of a woman, to divorce; of a meeting, to dissolve, end), to let go, to leave, dispatch; with an impersonal object, to loose (e.g. a ship into the sea), to discharge (e.g. arrows), to give up.

(b) In the fig. sense the vb. means to let alone, permit, let pass, neglect, give up... The legal use is important: to release from a legal bond (office, guilt, etc. and also, a woman from marriage...), to acquit (e.g. cancellation of criminal proceedings,...), to exempt (from guilt, obligation, punishment, etc.; e.g. pardon, or remision, etc.) All these meanings apply from Homer onward only to human relationships; they are not found in a religious sense.

Though the use of "to forgive" does not appear in classical Greek literature in the context of "to acquit"or "to exempt," that meaning does help explain Jesus' words and actions -- and his role as a "Paraclete." For a further description of "Paraclete" (Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Strong's <3875>), browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/comforter.htm. Also see the article on Satan as "the accuser, the adversary, the opponent, the prosecution (in a legal case)" by browsing http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/satan.htm.

• Mat 9:2 - PALSY <3885> in KJV, in modern English is: paralysis
• For additional references, see "PALSY" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/p.htm.

KJV - 4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

NRSV - 4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

TEV - "A Prayer for Guidance and Protection" - 4 Teach me your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. 5 Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you. 6 Remember, O LORD, your kindness and constant love which you have shown from long ago. 7 Forgive the sins and errors of my youth. In your constant love and goodness, remember me, LORD!

KJV - 11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

NRSV - 11 Do not, O LORD, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 9 In the assembly of all your people, LORD, I told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling it. 10 I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love. 11 LORD, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

KJV - 11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:…

30 Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God.

NRSV - 11 For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak,...

30 They shall know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord GOD.

TEV - "The Good Shepherd" - 11 "I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12 in the same way as a shepherd takes care of his sheep that were scattered and are brought together again. I will bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark, disastrous day. 13 I will take them out of foreign countries, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. I will lead them back to the mountains and the streams of Israel and will feed them in pleasant pastures. 14 I will let them graze in safety in the mountain meadows and the valleys and in all the green pastures of the land of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 16 "I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right. 17 "Now then, my flock, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge each of you and separate the good from the bad, the sheep from the goats. 18 Some of you are not satisfied with eating the best grass; you even trample down what you don't eat! You drink the clear water and muddy what you don't drink! 19 My other sheep have to eat the grass you trample down and drink the water you muddy.

30 Everyone will know that I protect Israel and that they are my people. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 31 "You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people, and I am your God," says the Sovereign LORD.

KJV - 27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:…

NRSV - 27 He subdues the ancient gods, shatters the forces of old;...

TEV - "Moses Blesses the Tribes of Israel" - 26 People of Israel, no god is like your God, riding in splendor across the sky, riding through the clouds to come to your aid. 27 God has always been your defense; his eternal arms are your support. He drove out your enemies as you advanced, and told you to destroy them all. 28 So Jacob's descendants live in peace, secure in a land full of grain and wine, where dew from the sky waters the ground.