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.

Previous Bible Lesson study aids on the same subject

• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980215.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980816.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt990214.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt990815.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000213.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000813.htm

Webpages especially relevant to this week's Bible Lesson

• Soul: http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/soul.htm (article)
• Soul: http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary/soul.htm (dictionary definitions)
• Christian healing: http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianhealing.htm (links to many other webpages)

KJV - 19 …Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

NRSV - 19 Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the LORD; and I will heal them.

TEV - "God's Promise of Help and Healing" - 18 "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. 19 I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people. 20 But evil men are like the restless sea, whose waves never stop rolling in, bringing filth and muck. 21 There is no safety for sinners," says the LORD.

KJV - 8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

NRSV - 8 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and your renown are the soul's desire.

TEV - "God Will Give His People Victory" - 7 LORD, you make the path smooth for good men; the road they travel is level. 8 We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire. 9 At night I long for you with all my heart; when you judge the earth and its people, they will all learn what justice is. 10 Even though you are kind to wicked men, they never learn to do what is right. Even here in a land of righteous people they still do wrong; they refuse to recognize your greatness.

KJV - 5 The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.

24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

NRSV - 5 The LORD is exalted, he dwells on high; he filled Zion with justice and righteousness;

20 Look on Zion, the city of our appointed festivals! Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, an immovable tent, whose stakes will never be pulled up, and none of whose ropes will be broken.

24 And no inhabitant will say, "I am sick"; the people who live there will be forgiven their iniquity.

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 1 Our enemies are doomed! They have robbed and betrayed, although no one has robbed them or betrayed them. But their time to rob and betray will end, and they themselves will become victims of robbery and treachery. 2 LORD, have mercy on us. We have put our hope in you. Protect us day by day and save us in times of trouble. 3 When you fight for us, nations run away from the noise of battle. 4 Their belongings are pounced upon and taken as loot. 5 How great the LORD is! He rules over everything. He will fill Jerusalem with justice and integrity 6 and give stability to the nation. He always protects his people and gives them wisdom and knowledge. Their greatest treasure is their reverence for the LORD.

"The Glorious Future" - 17 Once again you will see a king ruling in splendor over a land that stretches in all directions. 18 Your old fears of foreign tax collectors and spies will be only a memory. 19 You will no longer see any arrogant foreigners who speak a language that you can't understand. 20 Look at Zion, the city where we celebrate our religious festivals. Look at Jerusalem! What a safe place it will be to live in! It will be like a tent that is never moved, whose pegs are never pulled up and whose ropes never break. 21 The LORD will show us his glory. We will live beside broad rivers and streams, but hostile ships will not sail on them. 22...23 All the rigging on those ships is useless; the sails cannot be spread! We will seize all the wealth of enemy armies, and there will be so much that even lame men can get a share. The LORD himself will be our king; he will rule over us and protect us. 24 No one who lives in our land will ever again complain of being sick, and all sins will be forgiven.

• Isa 33:24
• Zec 12:8

KJV - 1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing:...

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness;...

NRSV - 1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing...

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;...

TEV - "The Road of Holiness" - 1 The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands. 2 The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the LORD's splendor, see his greatness and power. 3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. 4 Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies." 5 The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. 6 The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert; 7 the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Where jackals used to live, marsh grass and reeds will grow. 8 There will be a highway there, called "The Road of Holiness." No sinner will ever travel that road; no fools will mislead those who follow it. 9 No lions will be there; no fierce animals will pass that way. Those whom the LORD has rescued will travel home by that road. 10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.

• Isa 35:5
• Isa 29:18

KJV - 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

NRSV - 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty,

TEV - "In Praise of the Creator" - 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! O LORD, my God, how great you are! You are clothed with majesty and glory; 2 you cover yourself with light. You have spread out the heavens like a tent 3 and built your home on the waters above. You use the clouds as your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind. 4 You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants.

KJV - 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

NRSV - 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits -- 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul.

TEV - "The Love of God" - 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. 5 He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

19 The LORD placed his throne in heaven; he is king over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you strong and mighty angels, who obey his commands, who listen to what he says. 21 Praise the LORD, all you heavenly powers, you servants of his, who do his will! 22 Praise the LORD, all his creatures in all the places he rules. Praise the LORD, my soul!

• Psa 103:3 - HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES
• To explore additional references, browse
• "HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/h.htm
• "CHRISTIAN HEALING" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianhealing.htm
• Psa 103:4
• My 13:16

KJV - 6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?

NRSV - 6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,

TEV - "A Hymn in Time of National Trouble" - 5 The heavens sing of the wonderful things you do; the holy ones sing of your faithfulness, LORD. 6 No one in heaven is like you, LORD; none of the heavenly beings is your equal. 7 You are feared in the council of the holy ones; they all stand in awe of you.

KJV - 22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: 23 And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

55 And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 56 Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised:…

NRSV - 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. 23 He said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart,

27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!

55 he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice: 56 "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised; not one word has failed of all his good promise,...

TEV - "Solomon's Prayer" - 22 Then in the presence of the people Solomon went and stood in front of the altar, where he raised his arms 23 and prayed, "LORD God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below! You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you. 24 You have kept the promise you made to my father David; today every word has been fulfilled. 25 And now, LORD God of Israel, I pray that you will also keep the other promise you made to my father when you told him that there would always be one of his descendants ruling as king of Israel, provided they obeyed you as carefully as he did. 26 So now, O God of Israel, let everything come true that you promised to my father David, your servant. 27 "But can you, O God, really live on earth? Not even all of heaven is large enough to hold you, so how can this Temple that I have built be large enough? 28 LORD my God, I am your servant. Listen to my prayer, and grant the requests I make to you today. 29 Watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have chosen to be worshiped. Hear me when I face this Temple and pray. 30 Hear my prayers and the prayers of your people when they face this place and pray. In your home in heaven hear us and forgive us. 31 "When a person is accused of wronging another and is brought to your altar in this Temple to take an oath that he is innocent, 32 O LORD, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty one as he deserves, and acquit the one who is innocent.

"The Final Prayer" - 54 After Solomon had finished praying to the LORD, he stood up in front of the altar, where he had been kneeling with uplifted hands. 55 In a loud voice he asked God's blessings on all the people assembled there. He said, 56 "Praise the LORD who has given his people peace, as he promised he would. He has kept all the generous promises he made through his servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us; 58 may he make us obedient to him, so that we will always live as he wants us to live, keeping all the laws and commands he gave our ancestors.

• "good" - Gen 1:31
• "make all" - to explore biblical references, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/g.htm

KJV - 3 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

NRSV - 3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you."

TEV - "Jacob Flees from Laban" - 1 Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father. He got all his wealth from what our father owned." 2 He also saw that Laban was no longer as friendly as he had been earlier. 3 Then the LORD said to him [Jacob], "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives. I will be with you."

KJV - 24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

NRSV - 24 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." 27 So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." 28 Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." 29 Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved."

TEV - "Jacob Wrestles at Peniel" - 22 That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the Jabbok River. 23 After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24 but he [Jacob] stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he hit Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26 The man said, "Let me go; daylight is coming." "I won't, unless you bless me," Jacob answered. 27 "What is your name?" the man asked. "Jacob," he answered. 28 The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel." 29 Jacob said, "Now tell me your name." But he answered, "Why do you want to know my name?" Then he blessed Jacob. 30 Jacob said, "I have seen God face-to-face, and I am still alive"; so he named the place Peniel. 31 The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Even today the descendants of Israel do not eat the muscle which is on the hip joint, because it was on this muscle that Jacob was hit.

• Gen 32:26-29
• S&H 308:16-309:23
• S&H 589:4

KJV - 58 O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

NRSV - 58 You have taken up my cause, O Lord, you have redeemed my life.

TEV - "Punishment, Repentance, and Hope" - 58 "You came to my rescue, Lord, and saved my life. 59 Judge in my favor; you know the wrongs done against me. 60 You know how my enemies hate me and how they plot against me. 61 "You have heard them insult me, O LORD; you know all their plots. 62 All day long they talk about me and make their plans. 63 From morning till night they make fun of me. 64 "Punish them for what they have done, O LORD; 65 Curse them and fill them with despair! 66 Hunt them down and wipe them off the earth!"

• "demonstration of the power of Spirit" - see 1Co 2:4 ("demonstration of the Spirit and of power")
• "divine power" - 2Pe 1:3

KJV - 15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:…

NRSV - 15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength...

TEV - "The Disobedient People" - 15 The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, "Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure." But you refuse to do it. 16 Instead, you plan to escape from your enemies by riding fast horses. And you are right -- escape is what you will have to do! You think your horses are fast enough, but those who pursue you will be faster! 17 A thousand of you will run away when you see one enemy soldier, and five soldiers will be enough to make you all run away. Nothing will be left of your army except a lonely flagpole on the top of a hill. 18 And yet the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the LORD.

KJV - 9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

11 I said, I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. 18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. 20 The Lord was ready to save me:…

NRSV - 9 A writing of King Hezekiah of Judah, after he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness:

11 I said, I shall not see the LORD in the land of the living; I shall look upon mortals no more among the inhabitants of the world.

17 Surely it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but you have held back my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. 18 For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you; those who go down to the Pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. 19 The living, the living, they thank you, as I do this day; fathers make known to children your faithfulness. 20 The LORD will save me,...

TEV - "King Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery" - 9 After Hezekiah [King of Judah] recovered from his illness, he wrote this song of praise:

10 I thought that in the prime of life I was going to the world of the dead, Never to live out my life. 11 I thought that in this world of the living I would never again see the LORD or any living person. 12 My life was cut off and ended, like a tent that is taken down, like cloth that is cut from a loom. I thought that God was ending my life.

16 Lord, I will live for you, for you alone; Heal me and let me live. 17 My bitterness will turn into peace. You save my life from all danger; You forgive all my sins. 18 No one in the world of the dead can praise you; The dead cannot trust in your faithfulness. 19 It is the living who praise you, As I praise you now. Fathers tell their children how faithful you are. 20 LORD, you have healed me. We will play harps and sing your praise, Sing praise in your Temple as long as we live. [21 Isaiah told the king to put a paste made of figs on his boil, and he would get well. 22 Then King Hezekiah asked, "What is the sign to prove that I will be able to go to the Temple?"]

• Isa 38:21,22 - Though not found in the Bible Lesson, verses 21 and 22 are in the same Bible paragraph as those verses that are in the Bible Lesson and require some explanation for those reading the entire account in context. Verses 21 and 22 actually describe events that took place prior to Hezekiah's healing. Some ancient manuscripts omit these verses. Some modern annotated translations (NRSV, see below) comment that they belong immediately after Isa 38:6, and some modern translations (NAB, NJB, REB, TEV) move them immediately after Isa 38:6. To understand the chronology and biblical details of Hezekiah's healing, it is recommended that you read the entire chapter, Isa 38:1-22, in the NAB (New American Bible), NJB (New Jerusalam Bible), REB (Revised English Bible), TEV (Today's English Version), or another modern translation that revises the order of the verses. You may also read it understandingly in the NRSV, if you read the verses in chapter 38 in the following order: 1-6, 21-22, 7-20, which appears as follows in the TEV:

1 About this time King Hezekiah fell ill and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him and said to him, “The Lord tells you that you are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die.” 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed: 3 “Remember, Lord, that I have served you faithfully and loyally, and that I have always tried to do what you wanted me to.” And he began to cry bitterly. 4 Then the Lord commanded Isaiah 5 to go back to Hezekiah and say to him, “I, the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will let you live fifteen years longer. 6 I will rescue you and this city of Jerusalem from the emperor of Assyria, and I will continue to protect the city.” 21 Isaiah told the king to put a paste made of figs on his boil, and he would get well. 22 Then King Hezekiah asked, “What is the sign to prove that I will be able to go to the Temple?” 7 Isaiah replied, “The Lord will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. 8 On the stairway built by King Ahaz, the Lord will make the shadow go back ten steps.” And the shadow moved back ten steps. 9 After Hezekiah recovered from his illness, he wrote this song of praise:

10 I thought that in the prime of life I was going to the world of the dead, Never to live out my life. 11 I thought that in this world of the living I would never again see the Lord or any living person. 12 My life was cut off and ended, like a tent that is taken down, like cloth that is cut from a loom. I thought that God was ending my life. 13All night I cried out with pain, as if a lion were breaking my bones. I thought that God was ending my life. 14 My voice was thin and weak, and I moaned like a dove. My eyes grew tired from looking to heaven. Lord, rescue me from all this trouble. 15 What can I say? The Lord has done this. My heart is bitter, and I cannot sleep.

16 Lord, I will live for you, for you alone; Heal me and let me live. 17 My bitterness will turn into peace. You save my life from all danger; You forgive all my sins. 18 No one in the world of the dead can praise you; the dead cannot trust in your faithfulness. 19 It is the living who praise you, as I praise you now. Parents tell their children how faithful you are. 20 Lord, you have healed me. We will play harps and sing your praise, sing praise in your Temple as long as we live.

• The HarperCollins Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version (annotated by the Society of Biblical Literature, San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1993) comments: "These verses would fit better between vv. 6 and 7 (see 2 Kings 20.7-8)"
• The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version (edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Roland E. Murphy, New York: Oxford University Press, 1994) comments: "These verses belong between vv. 6-7."
• For some additional details, see Preliminary and Interim Report on the Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, Vol. 4, page 99 (New York: United Bible Societies, 1979) and Old Testament Library: Isaiah 13-39, pages 400-407, by Otto Kaiser (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1974). In addition to his detailed scholarly commentary on chapter 38, he offers the following insightful conclusion regarding this story about Hezekiah :

Whenever we look away from ourselves to God, we are set free, and a new beginning together is made possible.

KJV - 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

NRSV - 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.

7 Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

TEV - "A Man Saved from Death Praises God" - 1 I love the LORD, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. 2 He listens to me every time I call to him. 3 The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety. 4 Then I called to the LORD, "I beg you, LORD, save me!" 5 The LORD is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. 6 The LORD protects the helpless; when I was in danger, he saved me. 7 Be confident, my heart, because the LORD has been good to me.

• Psa 116:5 - GRACIOUS... RIGHTEOUS... MERCIFUL
• Psa 112:1,4
• Psa 116:7
• Psa 42:6

• "immortality brought to light" - see 2Ti 1:10

• "His likeness" - to explore the many biblical references to man being the image or likeness of God, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/image.htm.
• "replace mortality with immortality" - see 1Co 15:53,54

KJV - 40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

NRSV - 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.

TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people welcomed him, because they had all been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus arrived; he was an official in the local synagogue. He threw himself down at Jesus' feet and begged him to go to his home, 42 because his only daughter, who was twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went along, the people were crowding him from every side.

• Luk 8:40 - omit KJV wording: AND IT CAME TO PASS - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)

KJV - 1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

NRSV - 1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 So he told them this parable: 4 "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'

TEV - "The Lost Sheep" - 1 One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, 2 the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, "This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!" 3 So Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them -- what does he do? He leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and goes looking for the one that got lost until he finds it. 5 When he finds it, he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders 6 and carries it back home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, "I am so happy I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate!' 7 In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.

• Luk 15:2
• Luk 5:30
• Luk 19:7
• Luk 15:4-7
• Mat 18:12-14
• Luk 19:10
• Eze 34:12
• Joh 10:11,12

KJV - 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:…

NRSV - 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;...

TEV - "The Law of the LORD" - 7 The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives [~] new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. 8 The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. 9 Reverence for the LORD is good; it will continue forever. The judgments of the LORD are just; they are always fair. 10 They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey.

• Psa 19:7
• S&H 342:4

KJV - 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

NRSV - 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

TEV - "A Prayer for Forgiveness" - 10 Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.

• Psa 51:10 - CLEAN  HEART
• To explore additional references, browse "PURE IN HEART" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/p.htm.
• Psa 51:10
• Mat 5:8
• Eze 36:26,27

• "law of Life to man" - see Rom 8:2 "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"

• "Truth brings the elements of liberty" - see Joh 8:31,32

• "turn from sin" - 1Ki 8:35, 2Ch 6:26, Eze 33:14

KJV - 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

NRSV - 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

TEV - "The Good News of Deliverance" - 8 The LORD says, "I love justice and I hate oppression and crime. I will faithfully reward my people And make an eternal covenant with them. 9 They will be famous among the nations; Everyone who sees them will know That they are a people whom I have blessed." 10 Jerusalem rejoices because of what the LORD has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory. 11 As surely as seeds sprout and grow, The Sovereign LORD will save his people, And all the nations will praise him.

KJV - 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

NRSV - 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

TEV - "Hymn of Thanksgiving" - 4 A day is coming when people will sing, "Give thanks to the LORD! Call for him to help you! Tell all the nations what he has done! Tell them how great he is! 5 Sing to the LORD because of the great things he has done. Let the whole world hear the news. 6 Let everyone who lives in Zion shout and sing! Israel's holy God is great, and he lives among his people."

KJV - 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. 3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

NRSV - 2 The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

TEV - "The Good News of Deliverance" - 1 I will speak out to encourage Jerusalem; I will not be silent until she is saved, And her victory shines like a torch in the night. 2 Jerusalem, the nations will see you victorious! All their kings will see your glory. You will be called by a new name, A name given by the LORD himself. 3 You will be like a beautiful crown for the LORD. 4 No longer will you be called "Forsaken," Or your land be called "The Deserted Wife." Your new name will be "God Is Pleased with Her." Your land will be called "Happily Married," Because the LORD is pleased with you And will be like a husband to your land. 5 Like a young man taking a virgin as his bride, He who formed you will marry you. As a groom is delighted with his bride, So your God will delight in you.

• Isa 62:4 - marriage
• To explore the biblical teachings regarding marriage, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/marriage.htm.

KJV - 17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

NRSV - 17 The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. 18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

TEV - "Judgment and Restoration" - 15 But once more God will send us his spirit. The wasteland will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops. 16 Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done. 17 Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security forever. 18 God's people will be free from worries, and their homes peaceful and safe. (19 But hail will fall on the forests, and the city will be torn down.) 20 How happy everyone will be with plenty of water for the crops and safe pasture everywhere for the donkeys and cattle.

• "spiritual understanding" - Col 1:9

KJV - 14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

NRSV - 14 The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly;

24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 10 Many enemies were around me; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD! 11 They were around me on every side; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD! 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them. 13 I was fiercely attacked and was being defeated, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD makes me powerful and strong; he has saved me. 15 Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God's people: "The LORD's mighty power has done it! 16 His power has brought us victory -- his mighty power in battle!" 17 I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 He has punished me severely, but he has not let me die. 19 Open to me the gates of the Temple; I will go in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the gate of the LORD; only the righteous can come in. 21 I praise you, LORD, because you heard me, because you have given me victory. 22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. 23 This was done by the LORD; what a wonderful sight it is! 24 This is the day of the LORD's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate! 25 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD! 26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march around the altar.

KJV - 1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

NRSV - 1 Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities. 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.

TEV - "The Messengers from John the Baptist" - 1 When Jesus finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he left that place and went off to teach and preach in the towns near there. 2 When John the Baptist heard in prison about the things that Christ was doing, he sent some of his disciples to him. 3 "Tell us," they asked Jesus, "are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4 Jesus answered, "Go back and tell John what you are hearing and seeing: 5 the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. 6 How happy are those who have no doubts about me!"

• Mat 11:3
• Luk 7:19
• S&H 131:26
• S&H 132:28
• No 46:3
• Mat 11:4
• Luk 7:22
• S&H 26:28
• S&H 131:26
• Mat 11:5
• Luk 7:22
• S&H 131:26

KJV - 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

NRSV - 1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, "At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you." See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

TEV - "Friendship with God through Christ" - 1 In our work together with God, then, we beg you who have received God's grace not to let it be wasted. 2 Hear what God says: "When the time came for me to show you favor, I heard you; when the day arrived for me to save you, I helped you." Listen! This is the hour to receive God's favor; today is the day to be saved!

• 2Co 6:1
• 2Co 1:24
• 2Co 6:2
• Luk 4:19,21

• "man as perfect" - to explore biblical references to man being perfect, browse "Perfect"at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/p.htm.