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.

The "Weekly Questions - Sunday School preparation aid" is at http://www.bibletexts.com/questions.htm.

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 "Weekly Questions - Sunday School preparation aid, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/quesions.htm."

Previous Bible Lesson study aids on the same subject

• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980308.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt980906.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt990307.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt990905.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000305.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bt000903.htm

KJV - 21 ...as the man is, so is his strength...

NRSV - 21 ...as the man is, so is his strength."...

TEV - "The Final Defeat of the Midianites" - 18 Then Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, "What about the men you killed at Tabor?" They answered, "They looked like you -- every one of them like the son of a king." 19 Gideon said, "They were my brothers, my own mother's sons. I solemnly swear that if you had not killed them, I would not kill you." 20 Then he said to Jether, his oldest son, "Go ahead, kill them!" But the boy did not draw his sword. He hesitated, because he was still only a boy. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said to Gideon, "Come on, kill us yourself. It takes a man to do a man's job." So Gideon killed them and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.

KJV - 1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

NRSV - 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

TEV - "A Lame Man Is Healed" - 1 One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o'clock in the afternoon, the hour for prayer. 2 There at the Beautiful Gate, as it was called, was a man who had been lame all his life. Every day he was carried to the gate to beg for money from the people who were going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John going in, he begged them to give him something. 4 They looked straight at him, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So he looked at them, expecting to get something from them. 6 But Peter said to him, "I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I order you to get up and walk!" 7 Then he took him by his right hand and helped him up. At once the man's feet and ankles became strong; 8 he jumped up, stood on his feet, and started walking around. Then he went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. 9 The people there saw him walking and praising God, 10 and when they recognized him as the beggar who had sat at the Beautiful Gate, they were all surprised and amazed at what had happened to him.

• Act 3:1 - KJV wording: THE NINTH HOUR - modern translation: about 3 p.m.
• The Greek literally states "ninth hour." The hour of the day was counted from sunrise, or about 6 a.m.; so 9 hours after 6 a.m. would have been about 3 p.m.
• Act 3:6 - Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." (NRSV)
• In modern times there has been speculation by a few people that Peter here was exemplifying a new, truly spiritual standard of philanthropy that rejected the practices of traditional philanthropy. Such speculation would have us believe that Peter felt that traditional philanthropy was no longer appropriate for the truly spiriually minded Christians or for Christian churches that practiced silent prayer and/or spoken blessings on behalf of those in need. This view is completely unsupported by the biblical record, as is evident from the following two facts:
1. In accordance with Jesus' instructions to his disciples, Peter literally had "no silver or gold." (See Mat 10:8.9.) He had permanently given up all to follow Christ. Only if one has given up all property, money, and other financial holdings as did Peter could that Christian profess the same position as Peter and thereby be able honestly to say, "I have no money or other means of financial support, but what I have I give you." Even then, that Peter-like Christian would actually need to demonstrate God's healing/saving power to practically meet the needs of the His children, or that Christian would naturally strive to show further Christian compassion consistent with Christian healing. Such practical Christian caring is certainly what Jesus, James, Peter, John and Paul taught in the first century as being a vital component of "primitive Christianity."
• Mat 25:34-36,40, TEV - Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me... I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these members of my family, you did it for me! [See Mat 25:31-46 in its entirety.]
• Jam 2: 15-18, TEV - Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don’t give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. But someone will say, “One person has faith, another has actions.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions.”
• 1Jo 3:16-19, TEV - This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers and sisters! Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God. My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
2. Peter and John, along with Jesus' brother James, still encouraged Paul to collect money from the churches to send to the poor in Jerusalem, as Paul describes in his letter to the church in Galatia (Gal 2:10). To explore some examples of Paul's carrying out this philanthropic mission througout his travels, see Act 11:29,30; Act 24:17; Rom 15:25-27; 1Co 16:1-3; 2Co 8:1-24; 2Co 9:1-15.
• Gal 2:10, TEV - James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be the leaders, recognized that God had given me this special task; so they shook hands with Barnabas and me, as a sign that we were all partners. We agreed that Barnabas and I would work among the Gentiles and they among the Jews. All they asked was that we should remember the needy in their group, which is the very thing I have been eager to do.
• To further explore philanthropy in "primitive Christianity" -- in the earliest church, browse: http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/wealth&poverty.htm.
• To explore philanthropy in as a legitimate component of local churches today, browse: http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/love-in-action.htm.
• Act 3:6 - RISE UP AND [contrary to many modern translations, keep this text intact]
• Note: you will find this phrase missing in many modern translations but present in many others. This is due to mixed conclusions regarding whether or not it was in the original text of Acts. Bruce Metzger explains the decision of the Editorial Committee of the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament to keep this wording. Their conclusions on this and other verses are reflected in the TEV and the NRSV, both of which rely on the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament, Fourth Revised Edition:
• It is difficult to decide whether the words egeire kai are a gloss, introduced by copyists who were influenced by such well-known passages as Mt 9.5; Mk 2.9; Luk 5:23; Jn 5:8, or were omitted in several witnesses as superfluous, since it is Peter himself who raises up the lame man (ver. 7). A majority of the Committee considered it more probable that the words were present originally; in deference, however to the strong combination of witnesses that support the shorter reading..., it was decided to enclose them within square brackets. (Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition, New York: United Bible Societies, 1994, page 267)
• Act 3:6
• Chr 53:33
• Chr 55:24

KJV - 3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

NRSV - 3 I will bring my knowledge from far away, and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. 5 "Surely God is mighty and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.

TEV - "The Speeches of Elihu" - 1...2 Be patient and listen a little longer to what I am saying on God's behalf. 3 My knowledge is wide; I will use what I know to show that God, my Creator, is just. 4 Nothing I say to you is false; you see before you a truly wise man. 5 How strong God is! He despises no one; there is nothing he doesn't understand. 6 He does not let sinners live on, and he always treats the poor with justice. 7 He protects those who are righteous; he allows them to rule like kings and lets them be honored forever. 8 But if people are bound in chains, suffering for what they have done, 9 God shows them their sins and their pride. 10 He makes them listen to his warning to turn away from evil. 11 If they obey God and serve him, they live out their lives in peace and prosperity.

KJV - 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

NRSV - 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 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.

• Psa 100:3
• Psa 95:7
• Mis 286:26

KJV - 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

NRSV - 32 the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.

35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has supported me; your help has made me great.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 30 This God -- how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. 31 The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. 32 He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe. 33 He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. 34 He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow. 35 O LORD, you protect me and save me; your care has made me great, and your power has kept me safe. 36 You have kept me from being captured, and I have never fallen. 37 I pursue my enemies and catch them; I do not stop until I destroy them. 38 I strike them down, and they cannot rise; they lie defeated before me. 39 You give me strength for the battle and victory over my enemies. 40 You make my enemies run from me; I destroy those who hate me. 41 They cry for help, but no one saves them; they call to the LORD, but he does not answer.

KJV - 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

NRSV - 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

TEV - "The Prayer of an Innocent Man" - 13 Come, LORD! Oppose my enemies and defeat them! Save me from the wicked by your sword; 14 save me from those who in this life have all they want. Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them; may there be enough for their children and some left over for their children's children! 15 But I will see you, because I have done no wrong; and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.

• Psa 17:15 - BEHOLD YOUR [GOD'S] FACE / SEE YOU [GOD]
• For additional references, browse "SEE GOD" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/s.htm.
• Psa 17:15 - AWAKE WITH THY LIKENESS / AWAKE... BEHOLDING YOUR LIKENESS
• For additional references, browse "AWAKE WITH THY LIKENESS / AWAKE... BEHOLDING YOUR LIKENESS" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/a.htm.
• Psa 17:15 - KJV wording: LIKENESS <08544> - modern translation: form (or: representation or similitude)
• The Hebrew is temunah. Temunah is translated in the KJV as follows:
• likeness: Exo 20:4; Deu 4:23,25; Deu 5:8; Psa 17:15
• similitude: Num 12:8, Deu 4:12-16
• image: Job 4:16
• Robert G. Bratcher and William D. Reyburn (A Handbook on Psalms, New York: United Bible Societies, 1991, page 159) comment regarding "likeness" or "form"or "presence:"
• Thy form recalls Num 12:8, where Yahweh [Jehovah] states that Moses has spoken to him face to face and has seen his "form." It is doubtful the psalmist thought of Yahweh as having a material body; so TEV "your presence"; NEB "a vision of thee"; NJV "the vision of You." The Septuagint translated "and I shall be filled at the appearance of your glory." TEV's "your presence" may need to be rendered "where you are." In some languages line 15b may be rendered idiomatically as "When I awake, my heart will sit cool because I am in the place where you are" or, nonfiguratively, "When I awake, I will be happy because I am near you."

KJV - 1 ...we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him…

NRSV - 1 ...we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

6 But someone has testified somewhere, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? 7 You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, 8 subjecting all things under their feet." Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control...

TEV - "The Great Salvation" - 1 ...we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. 2 The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and anyone who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment he deserved. 3 How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. 4 At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will.

"The One Who Leads Us to Salvation" - 5 God has not placed the angels as rulers over the new world to come -- the world of which we speak. 6 Instead, as it is said somewhere in the Scriptures: "What is man, O God, that you should think of him; mere man, that you should care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, 8 and made him ruler over all things." It says that God made man "ruler over all things"; this clearly includes everything. We do not, however, see man ruling over all things now.

KJV - 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

NRSV - 14 I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.

TEV - "A Time for Everything" - 9 What do we gain from all our work? 10 I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. 11 He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12 So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13 All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift. 14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. 15 Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again.

KJV - 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

NRSV - 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

TEV - "Fullness of Life in Christ" - 6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. 8 See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by men and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. 9 For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, 10 and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.

KJV - 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

NRSV - 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

TEV - "The Goodness of God" - 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud men attack me or wicked men make me run away.

• Psa 36:7
• Psa 17:8
• Psa 36:8
• Mis 127:7
• [The entire dedicatory sermon in Pul 1:1 to Pul 11:8 is based upon this verse.]
• Pul 1:1
• Pul 2:9-Pul 3:18
• Pul 4:20
• Pul 7:24
• Pul 9:16-21
• My 18:4
• Psa 36:9
• Pro 13:14
• Pro 14:27
• Pro 16:22
• S&H 190:21-31
• S&H 510:9

KJV - 16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us:…

NRSV - 16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands -- O prosper the work of our hands!

TEV - "Of God and Man" - 13 How much longer will your anger last? Have pity, O LORD, on your servants! 14 Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life. 15 Give us now as much happiness as the sadness you gave us during all our years of misery. 16 Let us, your servants, see your mighty deeds; let our descendants see your glorious might. 17 LORD our God, may your blessings be with us. Give us success in all we do!

• Psa 90:16
• Isa 5:12

KJV - 14 …sin shall not have dominion over you:...

NRSV - 14 ...sin will have no dominion over you,...

TEV - "Dead to Sin but Alive in Union with Christ" - 12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. 13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. 14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.

KJV - 22 For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.

NRSV - 22 For the LORD will not cast away his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.

TEV - "Samuel Addresses the People" - 21 Don't go after false gods; they cannot help you or save you, for they are not real. 22 The LORD has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people. 23 As for me, the LORD forbid that I should sin against him by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do. 24 Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. 25 But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed."

KJV - 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

NRSV - 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him; he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.

7 And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me." 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, with me here, my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" 10 And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not consent to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house, 12 she caught hold of his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.

TEV - "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife" - 1 Now the Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of the king's officers, who was the captain of the palace guard. 2 The LORD was with Joseph and made him successful. He lived in the house of his Egyptian master, 3 who saw that the LORD was with Joseph and had made him successful in everything he did. 4 Potiphar was pleased with him and made him his personal servant; so he put him in charge of his house and everything he owned. 5 From then on, because of Joseph the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian and everything that he had in his house and in his fields. 6 Potiphar turned over everything he had to the care of Joseph and did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Joseph was well-built and good-looking, 7 and after a while his master's wife began to desire Joseph and asked him to go to bed with her. 8 He refused and said to her, "Look, my master does not have to concern himself with anything in the house, because I am here. He has put me in charge of everything he has. 9 I have as much authority in this house as he has, and he has not kept back anything from me except you. How then could I do such an immoral thing and sin against God?" 10 Although she asked Joseph day after day, he would not go to bed with her. 11 But one day when Joseph went into the house to do his work, none of the house servants was there. 12 She caught him by his robe and said, "Come to bed with me." But he escaped and ran outside, leaving his robe in her hand. 13 When she saw that he had left his robe and had run out of the house, 14 she called to her house servants and said, "Look at this! This Hebrew that my husband brought to the house is insulting us. He came into my room and tried to rape me, but I screamed as loud as I could. 15 When he heard me scream, he ran outside, leaving his robe beside me."

• Gen 39:1-12 - Joseph's refusal of adultery with Potiphar's wife
• To explore "The three forms of adultery described by Jesus in the gospels -- and one's defense against adultery," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/adultery.htm.
• To explore other issues regarding marriage, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/marriage.htm.
• Gen 39:10 - or to be with her
• William D. Reyburn and Euan McG. Fry (A Handbook on Genesis, NY: United Bible Societies, 1997, pages 894-895) comment:
• Or to be with her is omitted in some ancient versions. Note TEV. Most modern versions keep this phrase. NEB/REB have "or be in her company." A suggested model translation for verse 10 is "Although she insisted day after day that Joseph sleep with her or keep her company, he refused to pay any attention to her."

KJV - 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils:…

NRSV - 22 Turn away from mortals, who have only breath in their nostrils,...

TEV - "Arrogance Will Be Destroyed" - 19 People will hide in caves in the rocky hills or dig holes in the ground to try to escape from the LORD's anger and to hide from his power and glory, when he comes to shake the earth. 20 When that day comes, they will throw away the gold and silver idols they have made, and abandon them to the moles and the bats. 21 When the LORD comes to shake the earth, people will hide in holes and caves in the rocky hills to try to escape from his anger and to hide from his power and glory. 22 Put no more confidence in mortal men. What are they worth?

KJV - 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

NRSV - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

TEV - "Israel's Incomparable God" - 27 Israel, why then do you complain that the LORD doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? 28 Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. 29 He strengthens those who are weak and tired. 30 Even those who are young grow weak; young men can fall exhausted. 31 But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

• Isa 40:31
• S&H 218:27
• S&H 254:3
• Mis 364:5

KJV - 13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the Lord is upright:…

NRSV - 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, 15 showing that the LORD is upright;...

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 12 The righteous will flourish like palm trees; they will grow like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 They are like trees planted in the house of the LORD, that flourish in the Temple of our God, 14 that still bear fruit in old age and are always green and strong. 15 This shows that the LORD is just, that there is no wrong in my protector.

KJV - 1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

NRSV - 1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

16 I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD, I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.

21 You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again.

TEV - "An Old Man's Prayer" - 1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated! 2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me! 3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense. 4 My God, rescue me from wicked men, from the power of cruel and evil men. 5 Sovereign LORD, I put my hope in you; I have trusted in you since I was young. 6 I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you.

12 Don't stay so far away, O God; my God, hurry to my aid! 13 May those who attack me be defeated and destroyed. May those who try to hurt me be shamed and disgraced. 14 I will always put my hope in you; I will praise you more and more. 15 I will tell of your goodness; all day long I will speak of your salvation, though it is more than I can understand. 16 I will go in the strength of the LORD God; I will proclaim your goodness, yours alone. 17 You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts. 18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come. 19 Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies. You have done great things; there is no one like you. 20 You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength; you will keep me from the grave. 21 You will make me greater than ever; you will comfort me again.

• Psa 71:16
• Ret 15:8

KJV - 37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

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

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

• Psa 37:37 - KJV wording: PERFECT <08535> - modern translation: complete, wholesome, morally innocent, or having integrity (The Hebrew word is tam. Tam is translated in the KJV as follows:)
• plain
• Gen 25:27
• perfect
• Job 1:1,8
• Job 8:20
• Job 9:20-22
• Psa 37:37
• Psa 64:4
• upright
• Pro 29:10
• undefiled
• Son 5:2
• Son 6:9
• To explore additional references in the Bible and other writings, browse "PERFECT" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/p.htm.
• Psa 37:37 - KJV wording: END <0319> - modern translation: result
• Psa 37:37
• Gen 39:7-9
• Ret 42:14

KJV - 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light:…

29 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

NRSV - 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.

27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light...

29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 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. 28 You are my God, and I give you thanks; I will proclaim your greatness. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good, and his love is eternal.

KJV - 46 …And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. 52 Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

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

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

• Joh 4:46-53
• This account in John appears to be the same incident that was described somewhat differently in the synopic gospels in Matthew (Mat 8:5-13) and Luke (Luk 7:1-10). To explore the relationship of the accounts in the four gospels, you can refer to pages 73-74 in Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Third Edition, edited by Kurt Aland (New York: United Bible Societies, 1979). This outstanding resource shows verse-by-verse the correspondence between accounts and teachings in the four gospels. - (available at 1-800-322-4253 or at http://www.americanbible.org).
• Joh 4:46 - KJV wording: JESUS - corrected wording: he - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 4:46
• Joh 2:1,9
• Joh 4:47 (after "besought") - omit KJV wording: HIM - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 4:48
• Joh 2:18
• 1Co 1:22
• Joh 4:51 - omit KJV wording: AND TOLD HIM - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 4:52 - KJV wording: AMEND - modern translation: mend
• Joh 4:52 - KJV wording: AND THEY SAID - corrected wording: they said therefore - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)

KJV - 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;…

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

NRSV - 5 for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely;...

24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

TEV - "Be Ready for the Lord's Coming" - 1 There is no need to write you, brothers, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. 3 When people say, "Everything is quiet and safe," then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober.

"Final Instructions and Greetings" - 19 Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; 20 do not despise inspired messages. 21 Put all things to the test: keep what is good 22 and avoid every kind of evil. 23 May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being -- spirit, soul, and body -- free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful. 25 Pray also for us, brothers. 26 Greet all the believers with a brotherly kiss. 27 I urge you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

• 2Co 6:14 - KJV wording: FELLOWSHIP <3352> - modern translation: partnership - (KJV Greek okay)
• 2Co 6:14 - KJV wording: AND <1161> - corrected wording: or <2228> - (based on original text's correction of KJV Greek text)
• 2Co 6:14 - KJV wording: COMMUNION <2842> - modern translation: or fellowship (or: commonality) - (KJV Greek okay)
• 2Co 6:14
• Eph 5:11
• 2Co 6:16 - KJV wording: YE <5210> - corrected wording: we <2249> - (based on original text's correction of KJV Greek text)
• 2Co 6:16
• 1Co 3:16
• 1Co 3:17
• 1Co 6:19
• S&H 365:28
• 2Co 6:17
• Rev 18:4
• 2Co 6:18
• Isa 43:6; Hos 2:1

KJV - 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

NRSV - 9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

TEV - "Servants of God" - 5 After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. 7 The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 8 There is no difference between the man who plants and the man who waters; God will reward each one according to the work he has done. 9 For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building.10 Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and another man is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.

18 No one should fool himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise by this world's standards, he should become a fool, in order to be really wise. 19 For what this world considers to be wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. As the scripture says, "God traps the wise in their cleverness"; 20 and another scripture says, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless." 21 No one, then, should boast about what men can do. Actually everything belongs to you: 22 Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future -- all these are yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

KJV - 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

NRSV - 14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness?

16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

TEV - "Warning against Pagan Influences" - 14 Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? 15 How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said, "I will make my home with my people and live among them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 17 And so the Lord says, "You must leave them and separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what is unclean, and I will accept you. 18 I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."