A Bible Lesson study aid
for Sunday, December 17, 2000 (version 1.02)
This Bible Lesson study aid includes (1) Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; (2) excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; plus (3) links to other resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson.
The current week's Bible Lesson itself is available online at http://www.spirituality.com/dt/studyguide.jhtml.
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.
This webpage also includes links to textual commentary and to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click on "[To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]." To use the Sunday School preparation aid, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm.
Web links of special interest this to this week's Bible Lesson
Previous Bible Lesson study aids on the same subject
<GT> Psalm 21 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
NRSV - 13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.
TEV - "Praise for Victory" - 13 We praise you, LORD, for your great strength! We will sing and praise your power.
KJV - 1 …the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
NRSV - 1 ...the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:
4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements -- surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
16 "Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?
18 Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this.
33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?
TEV - "The LORD Answers Job" - 1 Then out of the storm the LORD spoke to Job. 2 Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant, empty words? 3 Stand up now like a man and answer the questions I ask you. 4 Were you there when I made the world? If you know so much, tell me about it. 5 Who decided how large it would be? Who stretched the measuring line over it? Do you know all the answers? 6 What holds up the pillars that support the earth? Who laid the cornerstone of the world? 7 In the dawn of that day the stars sang together, and the heavenly beings shouted for joy.
16 Have you been to the springs in the depths of the sea? Have you walked on the floor of the ocean? 17 Has anyone ever shown you the gates that guard the dark world of the dead? 18 Have you any idea how big the world is? Answer me if you know. 19 Do you know where the light comes from or what the source of darkness is? 20 Can you show them how far to go, or send them back again? 21 I am sure you can, because you're so old and were there when the world was made!
31 Can you tie the Pleiades together or loosen the bonds that hold Orion? 32 Can you guide the stars season by season and direct the Big and the Little Dipper? 33 Do you know the laws that govern the skies, and can you make them apply to the earth?
KJV - 1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
NRSV - 1 Then Job answered the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
TEV - "Job" - 1 Then Job answered the LORD. 2 I know, LORD, that you are all-powerful; that you can do everything you want. 3 You ask how I dare question your wisdom when I am so very ignorant. I talked about things I did not understand, about marvels too great for me to know. 4 You told me to listen while you spoke and to try to answer your questions. 5 In the past I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. 6 So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.
<B1> Psalm 62 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
NRSV - 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
TEV - "Confidence in God's Protection" - 11 More than once I have heard God say that power belongs to him 12 and that his love is constant. You yourself, O Lord, reward everyone according to his deeds.
KJV - 89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
NRSV - 89 The LORD exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand today, for all things are your servants.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, so that I may know your decrees.
TEV - "Faith in the Law of the LORD" - 89 Your word, O LORD, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages; you have set the earth in place, and it remains. 91 All things remain to this day because of your command, because they are all your servants. 92 If your law had not been the source of my joy, I would have died from my sufferings. 93 I will never neglect your instructions, because by them you have kept me alive. 94 I am yours -- save me! I have tried to obey your commands. 95 Wicked men are waiting to kill me, but I will meditate on your laws.
"Obedience to the Law of the LORD" - 121 I have done what is right and good; don't abandon me to my enemies! 122 Promise that you will help your servant; don't let arrogant men oppress me! 123 My eyes are tired from watching for your saving help, for the deliverance you promised. 124 Treat me according to your constant love, and teach me your commands. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, so that I may know your teachings. 126 LORD, it is time for you to act, because people are disobeying your law. 127 I love your commands more than gold, more than the finest gold.
KJV - 8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: 9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
NRSV - 8 Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard, 9 who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip.
TEV - "A Song of Praise and Thanksgiving" - 5 Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men. 6 He changed the sea into dry land; our ancestors crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced because of what he did. 7 He rules forever by his might and keeps his eyes on the nations. Let no rebels rise against him. 8 Praise our God, all nations; let your praise be heard. 9 He has kept us alive and has not allowed us to fall.
KJV - 1 Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him;…
5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.
8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it.
NRSV - 1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him...
5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
8 Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may spring up, and let it cause righteousness to sprout up also; I the LORD have created it.
TEV - "The LORD Appoints Cyrus" - 1 The LORD has chosen Cyrus to be king. He has appointed him to conquer nations; he sends him to strip kings of their power; the LORD will open the gates of cities for him. To Cyrus the LORD says, 2 "I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars. 3 I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the LORD and that the God of Israel has called you by name.
5 "I am the LORD; there is no other god. I will give you the strength you need, although you do not know me. 6 I do this so that everyone from one end of the world to the other may know that I am the LORD and that there is no other god. 7 I create both light and darkness; I bring both blessing and disaster. I, the LORD, do all these things. 8 I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the LORD, will make this happen."
KJV - 12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
NRSV - 12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
TEV - "A Hymn of Praise to God" - 12 The LORD made the earth by his power; by his wisdom he created the world and stretched out the heavens. 13 At his command the waters above the sky roar; he brings clouds from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning flash in the rain and sends the wind from his storeroom.
<B6> Jeremiah 32 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
NRSV - 17 Ah Lord GOD! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
TEV - "Jeremiah's Prayer" - 16 After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch, I prayed, 17 "Sovereign LORD, you made the earth and the sky by your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for you. 18 You have shown constant love to thousands, but you also punish people for the sins of their parents. You are a great and powerful God; you are the LORD Almighty. 19 You make wise plans and do mighty things; you see everything that people do, and you reward them according to their actions. 20 Long ago you performed miracles and wonders in Egypt, and you have continued to perform them to this day, both in Israel and among all the other nations, so that you are now known everywhere. 21 By means of miracles and wonders that terrified our enemies, you used your power and might to bring your people Israel out of Egypt.
KJV - 1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.
3 And the people thirsted there for water;…
5 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
NRSV - 1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
3 But the people thirsted there for water;...
5 The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
TEV - "Water from the Rock" - 1 The whole Israelite community left the desert of Sin, moving from one place to another at the command of the LORD. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there to drink. 2 They complained to Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses answered, "Why are you complaining? Why are you putting the LORD to the test?" 3 But the people were very thirsty and continued to complain to Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt? To kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" 4 Moses prayed earnestly to the LORD and said, "What can I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me." 5 The LORD said to Moses, "Take some of the leaders of Israel with you, and go on ahead of the people. Take along the stick with which you struck the Nile. 6 I will stand before you on a rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." Moses did so in the presence of the leaders of Israel. 7 The place was named Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites complained and put the LORD to the test when they asked, "Is the LORD with us or not?"
KJV - 15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
NRSV - 15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 10 Some were living in gloom and darkness, prisoners suffering in chains, 11 because they had rebelled against the commands of Almighty God and had rejected his instructions. 12 They were worn out from hard work; they would fall down, and no one would help. 13 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of their gloom and darkness and broke their chains in pieces. 15 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 16 He breaks down doors of bronze and smashes iron bars.
KJV - 15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed;…
NRSV - 15 He split rocks open in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
20 ...he struck the rock so that water gushed out and torrents overflowed,...
TEV - "God and His People" - 9 The Ephraimites, armed with bows and arrows, ran away on the day of battle. 10 They did not keep their covenant with God; they refused to obey his law. 11 They forgot what he had done, the miracles they had seen him perform. 12 While their ancestors watched, God performed miracles in the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt. 13 He divided the sea and took them through it; he made the waters stand like walls. 14 By day he led them with a cloud and all night long with the light of a fire. 15 He split rocks open in the desert and gave them water from the depths.
17 But they continued to sin against God, and in the desert they rebelled against the Most High. 18 They deliberately put God to the test by demanding the food they wanted. 19 They spoke against God and said, "Can God supply food in the desert? 20 It is true that he struck the rock, and water flowed out in a torrent; but can he also provide us with bread and give his people meat?"
<B10> Genesis 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:…
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
NRSV - 26 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness;...
27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
TEV - "The Story of Creation" - 26 Then God said, "And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small." 27 So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, 28 blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. 29 I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; 30 but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food" -- and it was done. 31 God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came -- that was the sixth day.
KJV - 13 Consider the work of God:...
29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
NRSV - 13 Consider the work of God;...
29 See, this alone I found, that God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes.
TEV - "Thoughts about Life" - 13 Think about what God has done... How can anyone straighten out what God has made crooked? 14 When things are going well for you, be glad, and when trouble comes, just remember: God sends both happiness and trouble; you never know what is going to happen next. 15 My life has been useless, but in it I have seen everything. A good man may die while another man lives on, even though he is evil. 16 So don't be too good or too wise -- why kill yourself? 17 But don't be too wicked or too foolish, either -- why die before you have to? 18 Avoid both extremes. If you have reverence for God, you will be successful anyway.
26 I found something more bitter than death -- woman. The love she offers you will catch you like a trap or like a net; and her arms around you will hold you like a chain. A man who pleases God can get away, but she will catch the sinner. 27 Yes, said the Philosopher, I found this out little by little while I was looking for answers. 28 I have looked for other answers but have found none. I found one man in a thousand that I could respect, but not one woman. 29 This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
This famous passage in which Koheleth [the name of the author of Ecclesiates] expresses his distrust of women testifies to the attraction they hold over him... That this is only one aspect of Koheleth's attitude toward women is clear from his counsel urging, "behold life with the woman thou lovest" (9:9). The ideal remains before him, no matter how often the reality has brought him disappointment -- a clue to the idealistic source from which his cynicism flows... The two attitudes are, of course, very common in Wisdom literature... It is generally overlooked that Koheleth does not have too high a regard for the character of the male sex either, since he finds men only one-tenth of one percent better than the women! Having reached this result, he concludes by saying that the human race itself leaves much to be desired... This weakness Koheleth attributes not to God's implanting but to men's propensity to eschew the straight path in favor of machinations. That evil is not God's will, but man's doing, is the general standpoint of Judaism as a whole.
To further explore the role of women in the Bible, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/women.htm.
KJV - 4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
NRSV - 4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. 3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy! 4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable. 5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. 6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word. 7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms. 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!
KJV - 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;…
NRSV - 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;...
TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 1 Sing to the LORD, all the world! 2 Worship the LORD with joy; come before him with happy songs! 3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. 4 Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him. 5 The LORD is good; his love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.
<B14> 1 John 5 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ…
NRSV - 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ...
TEV - "Eternal Life" - 18 We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God -- in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!
KJV - 30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: 31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
NRSV - 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31 so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
TEV - "Jesus Heals Many People" - 29 Jesus left there and went along by Lake Galilee. He climbed a hill and sat down. 30 Large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb, and many other sick people, whom they placed at Jesus' feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel.
KJV - 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
30 I and my Father are one.
37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
NRSV - 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me;
30 The Father and I are one."
37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."
TEV - "Jesus Is Rejected" - 22 It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the Temple, 24 when the people gathered around him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?" 25 Jesus answered, "I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father's authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father's care. 30 The Father and I are one."
34 Jesus answered, "It is written in your own Law that God said, "You are gods.' 35 We know that what the scripture says is true forever; and God called those people gods, the people to whom his message was given. 36 As for me, the Father chose me and sent me into the world. How, then, can you say that I blaspheme because I said that I am the Son of God? 37 Do not believe me, then, if I am not doing the things my Father wants me to do. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, you should at least believe my deeds, in order that you may know once and for all that the Father is in me and that I am in the Father." 39 Once more they tried to seize Jesus, but he slipped out of their hands.
<B17> Psalm 8 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 1 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
NRSV - 1 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
TEV - "God's Glory and Man's Dignity" - 1 O LORD, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens; 2 it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you. 3 When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places -- 4 what is man, that you think of him; mere man, that you care for him? 5 Yet you made him inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You appointed him ruler over everything you made; you placed him over all creation: 7 sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too; 8 the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas.
KJV - 30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
NRSV - 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.
TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 30 The apostles returned and met with Jesus, and told him all they had done and taught. 31 There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn't even have time to eat. So he said to them, "Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while." 32 So they started out in a boat by themselves to a lonely place.
KJV - 1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
NRSV - 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.
TEV - "Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two" - 1 After this the Lord chose another seventy-two men and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He said to them, "There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest. 3 Go! I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Don't take a purse or a beggar's bag or shoes; don't stop to greet anyone on the road.
17 The seventy-two men came back in great joy. "Lord," they said, "even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!" 18 Jesus answered them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you. 20 But don't be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven."
<B20> Habakkuk 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
NRSV - 14 But the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
TEV - "Doom on the Unrighteous" - 9 You are doomed! You have made your family rich with what you took by violence, and have tried to make your own home safe from harm and danger! 10 But your schemes have brought shame on your family; by destroying many nations you have only brought ruin on yourself. 11 Even the stones of the walls cry out against you, and the rafters echo the cry. 12 You are doomed! You founded a city on crime and built it up by murder. 13 The nations you conquered wore themselves out in useless labor, and all they have built goes up in flames. The LORD Almighty has done this. 14 But the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the LORD's glory as the seas are full of water.
KJV - 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
NRSV - 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
TEV - "God's Offer of Mercy" - 6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. 8 "My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours. 10 "My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat. 11 So also will be the word that I speak -- it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do. 12 "You will leave Babylon with joy; you will be led out of the city in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into singing, and the trees will shout for joy. 13 Cypress trees will grow where now there are briers; myrtle trees will come up in place of thorns. This will be a sign that will last forever, a reminder of what I, the LORD, have done."
KJV - 20 …Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
NRSV - 20 ..."Blessed be the name of God from age to age, for wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons, deposes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him.
TEV - "God Shows Daniel What the Dream Means" - 16 Daniel went at once and obtained royal permission for more time, so that he could tell the king what the dream meant. 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He told them to pray to the God of heaven for mercy and to ask him to explain the mystery to them so that they would not be killed along with the other advisers in Babylon. 19 Then that same night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he praised the God of heaven: 20 "God is wise and powerful! Praise him forever and ever. 21 He controls the times and the seasons; he makes and unmakes kings; it is he who gives wisdom and understanding. 22 He reveals things that are deep and secret; he knows what is hidden in darkness, and he himself is surrounded by light. 23 I praise you and honor you, God of my ancestors. You have given me wisdom and strength; you have answered my prayer and shown us what to tell the king."
KJV - 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth.
NRSV - 30 tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD is king!"
TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 29 Praise the LORD's glorious name; bring an offering and come into his Temple. Bow down before the Holy One when he appears; 30 tremble before him, all the earth! The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved. 31 Be glad, earth and sky! Tell the nations that the LORD is king. 32 Roar, sea, and every creature in you; be glad, fields, and everything in you! 33 The trees in the woods will shout for joy when the LORD comes to rule the earth.
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