BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary
for Sunday, June 10, 2001 (version 2.03)
This website is entirely the work of one individual and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any church or other organization.
This Bible lesson study aid includes a variety of resources: Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; and links to other resources that can enrich your study of the current Bible lesson.
The Bible lesson itself has three components: (1) the current Christian Science Quarterly magazine, (2) the Bible, and (3) Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (by Mary Baker Eddy). All three can be read or purchased at any Christian Science Reading Room. A worldwide listing of Reading Rooms is available at http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form.
The Christian Science Quarterly contains three months of weekly Bible Lessons. Each week's Bible lesson begins with a Golden Text and Responsive Reading and then lists six sections of (a) readings from the Bible and (b) correlative readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which help to explain each section's Bible passages.
Some questions regarding this week's Bible Lesson may be found at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bq010610.htm.
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.
KJV = King James Version, NRSV = New Revised Standard Version, TEV = Today's English Version
<GT> Genesis 17 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 1 …I am the Almighty God;…
NRSV - 1 ...I am God Almighty;...
TEV - "Circumcision, the Sign of the Covenant" - 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the Almighty God. Obey me and always do what is right. 2 I will make my covenant with you and give you many descendants." 3 Abram bowed down with his face touching the ground, and God said, 4 "I make this covenant with you: I promise that you will be the ancestor of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, because I am making you the ancestor of many nations. 6 I will give you many descendants, and some of them will be kings. You will have so many descendants that they will become nations.
KJV - 34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."
KJV - 13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's…
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:...
NRSV - 13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14 And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it." 16 And they brought one. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "The emperor's." 17 Jesus said to them, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."...
28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The first is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
TEV - "The Question about Paying Taxes" - 13 Some Pharisees and some members of Herod's party were sent to Jesus to trap him with questions. 14 They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you tell the truth, without worrying about what people think. You pay no attention to a man's status, but teach the truth about God's will for man. Tell us, is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor? Should we pay them or not?" 15 But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, "Why are you trying to trap me? Bring a silver coin, and let me see it." 16 They brought him one, and he asked, "Whose face and name are these?" "The Emperor's," they answered. 17 So Jesus said, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God." And they were amazed at Jesus.
"The Great Commandment" - 28 A teacher of the Law was there who heard the discussion. He saw that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer, so he came to him with a question: "Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29 Jesus replied, "The most important one is this: "Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second most important commandment is this: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment more important than these two."
<B1> Job 33 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
NRSV - 4 The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
TEV - "The Speeches of Elihu" - 1 And now, Job, listen carefully to all that I have to say. 2 I am ready to say what's on my mind. 3 All my words are sincere, and I am speaking the truth. 4 God's spirit made me and gave me life. 5 Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments. 6 You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay. 7 So you have no reason to fear me; I will not overpower you.
KJV - 1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;…
NRSV - 1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 1 I will proclaim your greatness, my God and king; I will thank you forever and ever. 2 Every day I will thank you; I will praise you forever and ever. 3 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised; his greatness is beyond understanding. 4 What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of your glory and majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 6 People will speak of your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim your greatness. 7 They will tell about all your goodness and sing about your kindness. 8 The LORD is loving and merciful, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He is good to everyone and has compassion on all he made.
15 All living things look hopefully to you, and you give them food when they need it. 16 You give them enough and satisfy the needs of all. 17 The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. 18 He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. 19 He supplies the needs of those who honor him; he hears their cries and saves them. 20 He protects everyone who loves him, but he will destroy the wicked. 21 I will always praise the LORD; let all his creatures praise his holy name forever.
KJV - 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
NRSV - 1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; 4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
TEV - "God Our Protector" - 1 Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, 2 can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." 3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. 4 He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. 5 You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day 6 or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.
9 You have made the LORD your defender, the Most High your protector, 10 and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. 11 God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. 13 You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.
KJV - 17 …We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
NRSV - 17 ...We give you thanks, Lord God Almighty, who are and who were, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.
TEV - "The Seventh Trumpet" - 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The power to rule over the world belongs now to our Lord and his Messiah, and he will rule forever and ever!" 16 Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, 17 saying: "Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was! We thank you that you have taken your great power and have begun to rule!
<B5> 2 Samuel 7 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 22 …thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
NRSV - 22 ...you are great, O LORD God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
TEV - "David's Prayer of Thanksgiving" - 19 Yet now you are doing even more, Sovereign LORD; you have made promises about my descendants in the years to come. And you let a man see this, Sovereign LORD! 20 What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. 21 It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. 22 How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God.
KJV - 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
NRSV - 14 Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
TEV - "God Will Judge the Nations" - 12 "The nations must get ready and come to the Valley of Judgment. There I, the LORD, will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 They are very wicked; cut them down like grain at harvest time; crush them as grapes are crushed in a full wine press until the wine runs over." 14 Thousands and thousands are in the Valley of Judgment. It is there that the day of the LORD will soon come. 15 The sun and the moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine.
KJV - 5 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
NRSV - 5 How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!
TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 5 How great are your actions, LORD! How deep are your thoughts! 6 This is something a fool cannot know; a stupid man cannot understand: 7 the wicked may grow like weeds, those who do wrong may prosper; yet they will be totally destroyed, 8 because you, LORD, are supreme forever. 9 We know that your enemies will die, and all the wicked will be defeated. 10 You have made me as strong as a wild ox; you have blessed me with happiness. 11 I have seen the defeat of my enemies and heard the cries of the wicked.
KJV - 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
NRSV - 8 Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.
TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 7 Answer me now, LORD! I have lost all hope. Don't hide yourself from me, or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead. 8 Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. 9 I go to you for protection, LORD; rescue me from my enemies. 10 You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.
KJV - 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness:…
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
NRSV - 4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
TEV - "The Happiness of a Good Person" - 1 Praise the LORD! Happy is the person who honors the LORD, who takes pleasure in obeying his commands. 2 The good man's children will be powerful in the land; his descendants will be blessed. 3 His family will be wealthy and rich, and he will be prosperous forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for good men, for those who are merciful, kind, and just. 5 Happy is the person who is generous with his loans, who runs his business honestly. 6 A good person will never fail; he will always be remembered. 7 He is not afraid of receiving bad news; his faith is strong, and he trusts in the LORD. 8 He is not worried or afraid; he is certain to see his enemies defeated. 9 He gives generously to the needy, and his kindness never fails; he will be powerful and respected. 10 The wicked see this and are angry; they glare in hate and disappear; their hopes are gone forever.
<B10> Hebrew 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
NRSV - 12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
TEV - "A Rest for God's People" - 12 The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of man's heart. 13 There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.
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. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
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. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
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.
<B12> Matthew 21 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
NRSV - 22 Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive."
TEV - "Jesus Curses the Fig Tree" - 18 On his way back to the city early next morning, Jesus was hungry. 19 He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to the tree, "You will never again bear fruit!" At once the fig tree dried up. 20 The disciples saw this and were astounded. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked. 21 Jesus answered, "I assure you that if you believe and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I have done to this fig tree. And not only this, but you will even be able to say to this hill, "Get up and throw yourself in the sea,' and it will. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
KJV - 14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.
NRSV - 14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise.
TEV - "Jeremiah Asks the LORD for Help" - 14 LORD, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise! 15 The people say to me, "Where are those threats the LORD made against us? Let him carry them out now!"
KJV - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
NRSV - 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
TEV - "Introduction" - 1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ -- To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours: 2 May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
"God's Call and Choice" - 3 God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. 4 In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 5 For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; 6 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; 7 to your godliness add brotherly affection; and to your brotherly affection add love. 8 These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is so shortsighted that he cannot see and has forgotten that he has been purified from his past sins. 10 So then, my brothers, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. 11 In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
<B15> Jeremiah 31 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - 16 Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears:…
25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
NRSV - 16 Thus says the LORD: Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there is a reward for your work, says the LORD: they shall come back from the land of the enemy;
25 I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish.
TEV - "The LORD's Mercy on Israel" - 15 The LORD says, "A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; they are gone, and she refuses to be comforted. 16 Stop your crying and wipe away your tears. All that you have done for your children will not go unrewarded; they will return from the enemy's land. 17 There is hope for your future; your children will come back home. I, the LORD, have spoken.
"The Future Prosperity of God's People" - 23 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says, "When I restore the people to their land, they will once again say in the land of Judah and in its towns, "May the LORD bless the sacred hill of Jerusalem, the holy place where he lives.' 24 People will live in Judah and in all its towns, and there will be farmers, and shepherds with their flocks. 25 I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger. 26 So then, people will say, "I went to sleep and woke up refreshed.'
KJV - 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:…
NRSV - 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;...
TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 1 If the LORD does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless; if the LORD does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard. 2 It is useless to work so hard for a living, getting up early and going to bed late. For the LORD provides for those he loves, while they are asleep.
KJV - 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. 6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. 7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
NRSV - 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The LORD protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. 9 I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
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. 8 The LORD saved me from death; he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. 9 And so I walk in the presence of the LORD in the world of the living. 10 I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely crushed," 11 even when I was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted." 12 What can I offer the LORD for all his goodness to me? 13 I will bring a wine offering to the LORD, to thank him for saving me. 14 In the assembly of all his people I will give him what I have promised.
KJV - 3 …Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
NRSV - 3 ..."See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away."
TEV - "The New Heaven and the New Earth" - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. 2 And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: "Now God's home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared."
<B19> Ezekiel 34 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]
KJV - For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:…
22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey;…
26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.
NRSV - 11 For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak,...
22 I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged;...
26 I will make them and the region around my hill a blessing; and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.
31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture and I am your God, says the Lord GOD.
TEV - "The Good Shepherd" - 11 "I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12 in the same way as a shepherd takes care of his sheep that were scattered and are brought together again. I will bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark, disastrous day. 13 I will take them out of foreign countries, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. I will lead them back to the mountains and the streams of Israel and will feed them in pleasant pastures. 14 I will let them graze in safety in the mountain meadows and the valleys and in all the green pastures of the land of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 16 "I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right. 17 "Now then, my flock, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge each of you and separate the good from the bad, the sheep from the goats. 18 Some of you are not satisfied with eating the best grass; you even trample down what you don't eat! You drink the clear water and muddy what you don't drink! 19 My other sheep have to eat the grass you trample down and drink the water you muddy. 20 "So now, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge between you strong sheep and the weak sheep. 21 You pushed the sick ones aside and butted them away from the flock. 22 But I will rescue my sheep and not let them be mistreated any more. I will judge each of my sheep and separate the good from the bad. 23 I will give them a king like my servant David to be their one shepherd, and he will take care of them. 24 I, the LORD, will be their God, and a king like my servant David will be their ruler. I have spoken. 25 I will make a covenant with them that guarantees their security. I will get rid of all the dangerous animals in the land, so that my sheep can live safely in the fields and sleep in the forests. 26 "I will bless them and let them live around my sacred hill. There I will bless them with showers of rain when they need it. 27 The trees will bear fruit, the fields will produce crops, and everyone will live in safety on his own land. When I break my people's chains and set them free from those who made them slaves, then they will know that I am the LORD. 28 The heathen nations will not plunder them any more, and the wild animals will not kill and eat them. They will live in safety, and no one will terrify them. 29 I will give them fertile fields and put an end to hunger in the land. The other nations will not sneer at them any more. 30 Everyone will know that I protect Israel and that they are my people. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 31 "You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people, and I am your God," says the Sovereign LORD.
Some questions regarding this week's Bible Lesson (version 2.01)
The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in the "Bible Lesson study aid" at http://www.bibletexts.com/bl.htm, or (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is http://www.bibletexts.com.
| Other Relevant Webpages | File name | Comments | ||
| "Bible Lesson study aid" for next week and for past weeks | http://www.bibletexts.com/bl.htm | This webpage lists and provides links to the weekly "Bible Lesson study aid" -- for next week and for past weeks | ||
| Essential Bible Lesson study materials | http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm | This webpage describes the essential Bible Lesson study materials and how to obtain them. | ||
| Info about the Bible Lesson Study Aid | http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-info.htm | This webpage provides details about the "Bible Lesson Study Aid" webpage's purpose and about the Bible versions used. | ||
| Sunday School preparation aid | http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm | This is an optional aid for preparing for Sunday School. | ||
| Articles about the Bible Lessons and the Bible -- from early issues of the periodicals | http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm | This webpage includes excerpts from some articles, links to the full text of other articles, and a listing of some other articles. | ||
| Homepages (the first two) and backup homepages (the last two) of the BibleTexts website | http://www.bibletexts.com | There have been occasions when the primary homepage (www.BibleTexts.com) or even the entire BibleTexts website has been unavailable, due to technical problems with the web hosting service. If such problems arise, the other homepages listed here can enable the BibleTexts website to be available again quickly, if you email the BibleTexts website administrator (support@bibletexts.com) the details about a problem. | ||
* Copyright 1996-2001 Robert Nguyen Cramer *