The BIBLETEXTS
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Acknowledgements
TEV - Today's English Version heading and whole paragraph/s - (Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Since the two software editions of the TEV both use the 1976 edition, usually the TEV texts are taken from the 1976 edition. The 1992 edition is used only when it provides a significantly clearer translation.)
NRSV - New Revised Standard Version texts - (Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)
KJV/Strong's - Strong's numbers for the words in the King James Version (KJV) texts - (from the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, American Bible Society. Used by permission.) For a listing of some Bible study resources that are keyed to the Strong's number system, browse or click on http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/Strongs.html.
Textual and exegetical commentary, and cross references - Commentary: by Robert Nguyen Cramer, unless otherwise noted. Cross references: mostly from various American Bible Society materials
<GT> I Corinthians 8
"The Question about Food Offered to Idols" (TEV) - 4 So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. 5 Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," 6 yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.
I Corinthians 8:6, NRSV - ...for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
KJV/Strong's - ...to us [there is but] one <1520> God <2316>, the Father <3962>, of whom <3739> [are] all <3956> things, and we in him; and one <1520> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, by whom <3739> [are] all <3956> things, and we by him.
<RR> Exodus 15
"The Song of Moses" (TEV) - 1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: "I will sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will sing about his greatness. 3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
6 "Your right hand, LORD, is awesome in power; it breaks the enemy in pieces. 7 In majestic triumph you overthrow your foes; your anger blazes out and burns them up like straw. 8 You blew on the sea and the water piled up high; it stood up straight like a wall; the deepest part of the sea became solid. 9 The enemy said, "I will pursue them and catch them; I will divide their wealth and take all I want; I will draw my sword and take all they have." 10 But one breath from you, LORD, and the Egyptians were drowned; they sank like lead in the terrible water.
11 "LORD, who among the gods is like you? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work miracles and mighty acts like yours? 12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies. 13 Faithful to your promise, you led the people you had rescued; by your strength you guided them to your sacred land. 14 The nations have heard, and they tremble with fear; the Philistines are seized with terror.
15 The leaders of Edom are terrified; Moab's mighty men are trembling; the people of Canaan lose their courage. 16 Terror and dread fall upon them. They see your strength, O LORD, and stand helpless with fear until your people have marched past -- the people you set free from slavery. 17 You bring them in and plant them on your mountain, the place that you, LORD, have chosen for your home, the Temple that you yourself have built. 18 You, LORD, will be king forever and ever."
Exodus 15:1, NRSV - Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;...
KJV/Strong's - Then <0227> sang <07891> Moses <04872> and the children <01121> of Israel <03478> this <02063> song <07892> unto the LORD <03068>, and spake <0559>, saying <0559>, I will sing <07891> unto the LORD <03068>, for he hath triumphed <01342> gloriously:...
Exodus 15:2, NRSV - The LORD is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
KJV/Strong's - The LORD <03068> [is] my strength <05797> and song <02176>, and he is become <01961> my salvation <03444>: he [is] my God <0410>, and I will prepare him an habitation <05115>; my father's <01> God <0430>, and I will exalt <07311> him.
Exodus 15:6, NRSV - Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power --...
KJV/Strong's - Thy right <03225> hand <03225>, O LORD <03068>, is become <0142> glorious <0142> in power <03581>:...
Exodus 15:11, NRSV - "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?
KJV/Strong's - Who <04310> [is] like <03644> unto thee, O LORD <03068>, among the gods <0410>? who <04310> [is] like <03644> thee, glorious <0142> in holiness <06944>, fearful <03372> [in] praises <08416>, doing <06213> wonders <06382>?
Exodus 15:13, NRSV - "In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed; you guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
KJV/Strong's - Thou in thy mercy <02617> hast led <05148> forth the people <05971> [which] thou hast redeemed <01350>: thou hast guided <05095> [them] in thy strength <05797> unto thy holy <06944> habitation <05116>.
Exodus 15:17, NRSV - You brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your own possession, the place, O LORD, that you made your abode, the sanctuary, O LORD, that your hands have established.
KJV/Strong's - Thou shalt bring <0935> them in, and plant <05193> them in the mountain <02022> of thine inheritance <05159>, [in] the place <04349>, O LORD <03068>, [which] thou hast made <06466> for thee to dwell <03427> in, [in] the Sanctuary <04720>, O Lord <03068>, [which] thy hands <03027> have established <03559>.
Exodus 15:18, NRSV - The LORD will reign forever and ever."
KJV/Strong's - The LORD <03068> shall reign <04427> for ever <05769> and ever <05703>.
<B1> Psalm 145
"A Hymn of Praise" (TEV) - 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.
Psalm 145:3, NRSV - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
KJV/Strong's - Great <01419> [is] the LORD <03068>, and greatly <03966> to be praised <01984>; and his greatness <01420> [is] unsearchable.
Psalm 145:5, NRSV - On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
KJV/Strong's - I will speak <07878> of the glorious <03519> honour <01926> of thy majesty <01935>, and of thy wondrous <06381> works <01697>.
<B2> Psalm 107
"In Praise of God's Goodness" (TEV) - 4 Some wandered in the trackless desert and could not find their way to a city to live in. 5 They were hungry and thirsty and had given up all hope. 6 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight road to a city where they could live. 8 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8, NRSV - Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
KJV/Strong's - Oh that [men] would praise <03034> the LORD <03068> [for] his goodness <02617>, and [for] his wonderful <06381> works to the children <01121> of men <0120>!
Psalm 107:9, NRSV - For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.
KJV/Strong's - For he satisfieth <07646> the longing <08264> soul <05315>, and filleth <04390> the hungry <07456> soul <05315> with goodness <02896>.
<B3> Psalm 86
"A Prayer for Help" (TEV) - 8 There is no god like you, O Lord, not one has done what you have done. 9 All the nations that you have created will come and bow down to you; they will praise your greatness. 10 You are mighty and do wonderful things; you alone are God.
Psalm 86:8, NRSV - There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
KJV/Strong's - Among the gods <0430> [there is] none <0369> like unto thee, O Lord <0136>; neither <0369> [are there any works <04639>] like unto thy works <04639>.
Psalm 86:9, NRSV - All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
KJV/Strong's - All <03605> nations <01471> whom <0834> thou hast made <06213> shall come <0935> and worship <07812> before <06440> thee, O Lord <0136>; and shall glorify <03513> thy name <08034>.
Psalm 86:10, NRSV - For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
KJV/Strong's - For thou [art] great <01419>, and doest <06213> wondrous <06381> things: thou [art] God <0430> alone <0905>.
<B4> Acts 17
"In Athens" (TEV) - 22 Paul stood up in front of the city council and said, "I see that in every way you Athenians are very religious. 23 For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship, I found an altar on which is written, "To an Unknown God.' That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you. 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in man-made temples. 25 Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone.
26 From one man he created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. 27 He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; 28 as someone has said, "In him we live and move and exist.' It is as some of your poets have said, "We too are his children.' 29 Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by the art and skill of man. 30 God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways.
Acts 17:24, NRSV - The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands,
KJV/Strong's - God <2316> that made <4160> the world <2889> and all <3956> things therein <846>, seeing that he is Lord <2962> of heaven <3772> and earth <1093>, dwelleth <2730> not in temples <3485> made <5499> with hands <5499>;
Acts 17:25, NRSV - nor is he served by human <442> hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and <2532> <3588> all things <3956>.
KJV/Strong's - Neither <3761> is worshipped <2323> with men's <444> hands <5495>, as though he needed <4326> any <5100> thing, seeing he giveth <1325> to all <3956> life <2222>, and breath <4157>, and <2532> <2596> all things <3956>;
Acts 17:26, NRSV - From one ancestor [_] <-> he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live,
KJV/Strong's - And hath made <4160> of one <1520> blood <129> all <3956> nations <1484> of men <444> for to dwell <2730> on <1909> all <3956> the face <4383> of the earth <1093>, and hath determined <3724> the times <2540> before <4384> appointed <4384>, and the bounds <3734> of their habitation <2733>;
Acts 17:27, NRSV - so that they would search for <3588> <2316> God and perhaps grope for him and find him -- though indeed he is not far from each one of us.
KJV/Strong's - That they should seek <2212> the <3588> Lord <2962>, if <1487> haply <686> they might feel <5584> after him, and find <2147> him, though <2544> he be not far <3112> from every <1538> one <1520> of us:
Acts 17:28, NRSV - For "In him we live and move and have our being';..
KJV/Strong's - For in him we live <2198>, and move <2795>, and have our being <2070>;...
<B5> Psalm 21
"Praise for Victory" (TEV) - 13 We praise you, LORD, for your great strength! We will sing and praise your power.
Psalm 21:13, NRSV - Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.
KJV/Strong's - Be thou exalted <07311>, LORD <03068>, in thine own strength <05797>: [so] will we sing <07891> and praise <02167> thy power <01369>.
<B6> I Kings 18
"Elijah and the Prophets of Baal" (TEV) - 20 So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and the prophets of Baal to meet at Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went up to the people and said, "How much longer will it take you to make up your minds? If the LORD is God, worship him; but if Baal is God, worship him!" But the people didn't say a word. 22 Then Elijah said, "I am the only prophet of the LORD still left, but there are 450 prophets of Baal. 23 Bring two bulls; let the prophets of Baal take one, kill it, cut it in pieces, and put it on the wood -- but don't light the fire. I will do the same with the other bull. 24 Then let the prophets of Baal pray to their god, and I will pray to the LORD, and the one who answers by sending fire -- he is God." The people shouted their approval.
25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Since there are so many of you, you take a bull and prepare it first. Pray to your god, but don't set fire to the wood." 26 They took the bull that was brought to them, prepared it, and prayed to Baal until noon. They shouted, "Answer us, Baal!" and kept dancing around the altar they had built. But no answer came.
30 Then Elijah said to the people, "Come closer to me," and they all gathered around him. He set about repairing the altar of the LORD which had been torn down. 31 He took twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes named for the sons of Jacob, the man to whom the LORD had given the name Israel. 32 With these stones he rebuilt the altar for the worship of the LORD. He dug a trench around it, large enough to hold about four gallons of water. 33 Then he placed the wood on the altar, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the offering and the wood." They did so, 34 and he said, "Do it again" -- and they did. "Do it once more," he said -- and they did. 35 The water ran down around the altar and filled the trench.
36 At the hour of the afternoon sacrifice the prophet Elijah approached the altar and prayed, "O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove now that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant and have done all this at your command. 37 Answer me, LORD, answer me, so that this people will know that you, the LORD, are God and that you are bringing them back to yourself."(U)
38 The LORD sent fire down, and it burned up the sacrifice, the wood, and the stones, scorched the earth and dried up the water in the trench. 39 When the people saw this, they threw themselves on the ground and exclaimed, "The LORD is God; the LORD alone is God!" 40 Elijah ordered, "Seize the prophets of Baal; don't let any of them get away!" The people seized them all, and Elijah led them down to Kishon Brook and killed them.
I Kings 18:21, NRSV - Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." The people did not answer him a word.
KJV/Strong's - And Elijah <0452> came <05066> unto all <03605> the people <05971>, and said <0559>, How <05704> long <05704> halt <06452> ye between <05921> two <08147> opinions <05587>? if <0518> the LORD <03068> [be] God <0430>, follow him: but if <0518> Baal <01168>, [then] follow him. And the people <05971> answered <06030> him not a word <01697>.
I Kings 18:22, NRSV - Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets number four hundred fifty.
KJV/Strong's - Then said <0559> Elijah <0452> unto the people <05971>, I, [even] I only <0905>, remain <03498> a prophet <05030> of the LORD <03068>; but Baal's <01168> prophets <05030> [are] four <0702> hundred <03967> and fifty <02572> men <0376>.
I Kings 18:23, NRSV - Let two bulls be given to us; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it.
KJV/Strong's - Let them therefore give <05414> us two <08147> bullocks <06499>; and let them choose <0977> one <0259> bullock <06499> for themselves <01992>, and cut <05408> it in pieces, and lay <07760> [it] on <05921> wood <06086>, and put <07760> no <03808> fire <0784> [under]: and I will dress <06213> the other <0259> bullock <06499>, and lay <07760> [it] on <05921> wood <06086>, and put <07760> no <03808> fire <0784> [under]:
I Kings 18:24, NRSV - Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the LORD; the god who answers by fire is indeed God." All the people answered, "Well spoken!"
KJV/Strong's - And call <07121> ye on the name <08034> of your gods <0430>, and I will call <07121> on the name <08034> of the LORD <03068>: and the God <0430> that answereth <06030> by fire <0784>, let him be God <0430>. And all <03605> the people <05971> answered <06030> and said <0559>, It is well <02896> spoken <01697>.
I Kings 18:26, NRSV - So they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no answer. They limped about the altar that they had made.
KJV/Strong's - And they took <03947> the bullock <06499> which was given <05414> them, and they dressed <06213> [it], and called <07121> on the name <08034> of Baal <01168> from morning <01242> even until <05704> noon <06672>, saying <0559>, O Baal <01168>, hear <06030> us. But [there was] no <0369> voice <06963>, nor <0369> any that answered <06030>. And they leaped <06452> upon the altar <04196> which <0834> was made <06213>.
I Kings 18:30, NRSV - Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come closer to me"; and all the people came closer to him. First he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down;
KJV/Strong's - And Elijah <0452> said <0559> unto all <03605> the people <05971>, Come <05066> near <05066> unto me. And all <03605> the people <05971> came <05066> near <05066> unto him. And he repaired <07495> the altar <04196> of the LORD <03068> [that was] broken <02040> down.
I Kings 18:33, NRSV - Next he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood."
KJV/Strong's - And he put <06186> the wood <06086> in order <06186>, and cut <05408> the bullock <06499> in pieces, and laid <07760> [him] on <05921> the wood <06086>, and said <0559>, Fill <04390> four <0702> barrels <03537> with water <04325>, and pour <03332> [it] on <05921> the burnt <05930> sacrifice, and on <05921> the wood <06086>.
I Kings 18:36, NRSV - At the time of the offering of the oblation, the prophet Elijah came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding.
KJV/Strong's - And it came <01961> to pass at [the time of] the offering <05927> of the [evening] sacrifice <04503>, that Elijah <0452> the prophet <05030> came <05066> near <05066>, and said <0559>, LORD <03068> God <0430> of Abraham <085>, Isaac <03327>, and of Israel <03478>, let it be known <03045> this <02088> day <03117> that thou [art] God <0430> in Israel <03478>, and [that] I [am] thy servant <05650>, and [that] I have done <06213> all <03605> these <0428> things <01697> at thy word <01697>.
I Kings 18:38, NRSV - Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench.
KJV/Strong's - Then the fire <0784> of the LORD <03068> fell <05307>, and consumed <0398> the burnt <05930> sacrifice, and the wood <06086>, and the stones <068>, and the dust <06083>, and licked <03897> up the water <04325> that [was] in the trench <08565>.
I Kings 18:39, NRSV - When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD indeed is God; the LORD indeed is God."
KJV/Strong's - And when all <03605> the people <05971> saw <07200> [it], they fell <05307> on <05921> their faces <06440>: and they said <0559>, The LORD <03068>, he [is] the God <0430>; the LORD <03068>, he [is] the God <0430>.
<B7> Acts 15
"The Meeting at Jerusalem" (TEV) - 16 "After this I will return, says the Lord, and restore the kingdom of David. I will rebuild its ruins and make it strong again. 17 And so all the rest of mankind will come to me, all the Gentiles whom I have called to be my own. So says the Lord, who made this 18 known long ago.'
Acts 15:18, NRSV - known from long ago.' [_]
KJV/Strong's - Known <1110> unto God <3588> <2316> are <1510> all <3956> his <846> works <2041> from <575> the beginning of the world <165>.
{In the original text of this verse in Acts, there were only three Greek words, "gnowsta ap aiownos" [known from ages]. Bruce Metzger (Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition, NY: United Bible Societies, 1994, page 379) comments:
Since the quotation from Am 9.12 ends with tauta [these things], the concluding words [in verse 18] are James's comment. The reading gnowsta ap aiownos, however, is so elliptical an expression that copyists made various attempts to recast the phrase, rounding it out as an independent sentence.}
<B8> Proverbs 2
"The Rewards of Wisdom" (TEV) - 1 Son, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do. 2 Listen to what is wise and try to understand it. 3 Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. 4 Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure. 5 If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD and you will succeed in learning about God. 6 It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. 7 He provides help and protection for righteous, honest men. 8 He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him.
Proverbs 2:6, NRSV - For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
KJV/Strong's - For the LORD <03068> giveth <05414> wisdom <02451>: out of his mouth <06310> [cometh] knowledge <01847> and understanding <08394>.
Proverbs 2:7, NRSV - he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
KJV/Strong's - He layeth <06845> up sound <08454> wisdom <08454> for the righteous <03477>: [he is] a buckler <04043> to them that walk <01980> uprightly <08537>.
Proverbs 2:8, NRSV - guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
KJV/Strong's - He keepeth <05341> the paths <0734> of judgment <04941>, and preserveth <08104> the way <01870> of his saints <02623>.
<B9> Proverbs 3
"Advice to Young Men" (TEV) - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. 8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. 9 Honor the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. 10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.
Proverbs 3:5, NRSV - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
KJV/Strong's - Trust <0982> in the LORD <03068> with all <03605> thine heart <03820>; and lean <08172> not unto thine own understanding <0998>.
Proverbs 3:6, NRSV - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
KJV/Strong's - In all <03605> thy ways <01870> acknowledge <03045> him, and he shall direct <03474> thy paths <0734>.
Proverbs 3:7, NRSV - Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
KJV/Strong's - Be not wise <02450> in thine own eyes <05869>: fear <03372> the LORD <03068>, and depart <05493> from evil <07451>.
Proverbs 3:8, NRSV - It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.
KJV/Strong's - It shall be health <07500> to thy navel <08270>, and marrow <08250> to thy bones <06106>.
<B10> Isaiah 30
"God Will Bless His People" (TEV) - 19 You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The LORD is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. 20 The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. 21 If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, "Here is the road. Follow it." 22 You will take your idols plated with silver and your idols covered with gold, and will throw them away like filth, shouting, "Out of my sight!" 23 Whenever you plant your crops, the Lord will send rain to make them grow and will give you a rich harvest, and your livestock will have plenty of pasture. 24 The oxen and donkeys that plow your fields will eat the finest and best fodder.
Isaiah 30:21, NRSV - And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
KJV/Strong's - And thine ears <0241> shall hear <08085> a word <01697> behind <0310> thee, saying <0559>, This <02088> [is] the way <01870>, walk <03212> ye in it, when <03588> ye turn to the right <0541> hand <03027>, and when <03588> ye turn to the left <08041>.
<B11> Jeremiah 23
"Jeremiah's Message about the Prophets" (TEV) - 23 "I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their fathers forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.
Jeremiah 23:23, NRSV - Am I a God near by, says the LORD, and not a God far off?
KJV/Strong's - [Am] I a God <0430> at hand <07138>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, and not a God <0430> afar <07350> off?
Jeremiah 23:24, NRSV - Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.
KJV/Strong's - Can any <0376> hide <05641> himself in secret <04565> places that I shall not see <07200> him? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>. Do not I fill <04390> heaven <08064> and earth <0776>? saith <05002> the LORD <03068>.
<B12> Psalm 75
"God the Judge" (TEV) - 1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks to you! We proclaim how great you are and tell of(G) the wonderful things you have done.
Psalm 75:1, NRSV - We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.
KJV/Strong's - To the chief Musician <05329>, Altaschith <0408> <07843>, A Psalm <04210> [or] Song <07892> of Asaph <0623>. Unto thee, O God <0430>, do <06213> we give thanks <03034>, [unto thee] do <06213> we give thanks <03034>: for [that] thy name <08034> is near <07138> thy wondrous <06381> works declare <05608>.
<B13> Psalm 139
"God's Complete Knowledge and Care" (TEV) - 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
Psalm 139:7, NRSV - Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
KJV/Strong's - Whither <0575> shall I go <03212> from thy spirit <07307>? or whither <0575> shall I flee <01272> from thy presence <06440>?
Psalm 139:8, NRSV - If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
KJV/Strong's - If <0518> I ascend <05927> up into heaven <08064>, thou [art] there <08033>: if I make <03331> my bed <03331> in hell <07585>, behold <02009>, thou [art there].
Psalm 139:9, NRSV - If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
KJV/Strong's - [If] I take <05375> the wings <03671> of the morning <07837>, [and] dwell <07931> in the uttermost <0319> parts of the sea <03220>;
Psalm 139:10, NRSV - even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.
KJV/Strong's - Even <01571> there <08033> shall thy hand <03027> lead <05148> me, and thy right <03225> hand <03225> shall hold <0270> me.
<B14> Psalm 91
"God Our Protector" (TEV) - 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(H) 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.
Psalm 91:2, NRSV - will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
KJV/Strong's - I will say <0559> of the LORD <03068>, [He is] my refuge <04268> and my fortress <04686>: my God <0430>; in him will I trust <0982>.
Psalm 91:4, NRSV - he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
KJV/Strong's - He shall cover <05526> thee with his feathers <084>, and under <08478> his wings <03671> shalt thou trust <02620>: his truth <0571> [shall be thy] shield <06793> and buckler <05507>.
Psalm 91:9, NRSV - Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,
KJV/Strong's - Because <03588> thou hast made <07760> the LORD <03068>, [which is] my refuge <04268>, [even] the most <05945> High <05945>, thy habitation <04583>;
Psalm 91:10, NRSV - no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
KJV/Strong's - There shall no <03808> evil <07451> befall <0579> thee, neither <03808> shall any plague <05061> come <07126> nigh <07126> thy dwelling <0168>.
Psalm 91:11, NRSV - For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
KJV/Strong's - For he shall give his angels <04397> charge <06680> over thee, to keep <08104> thee in all <03605> thy ways <01870>.
<B15> Isaiah 35
"The Road of Holiness" (TEV) - 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.
Isaiah 35:3, NRSV - Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
KJV/Strong's - Strengthen <02388> ye the weak <07504> hands <03027>, and confirm <0553> the feeble <03782> knees <01290>.
Isaiah 35:4, NRSV - Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
KJV/Strong's - Say <0559> to them [that are] of a fearful <04116> heart <03820>, Be strong <02388>, fear <03372> not: behold <02009>, your God <0430> will come <0935> [with] vengeance <05359>, [even] God <0430> [with] a recompence <01576>; he will come <0935> and save <03467> you.
Isaiah 35:5, NRSV - Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
KJV/Strong's - Then <0227> the eyes <05869> of the blind <05787> shall be opened <06491>, and the ears <0241> of the deaf <02795> shall be unstopped <06605>.
Isaiah 35:6, NRSV - then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy...
KJV/Strong's - Then <0227> shall the lame <06455> [man] leap <01801> as an hart <0354>, and the tongue <03956> of the dumb <0483> sing <07442>:..
<B16> John 5
"The Healing at the Pool" (TEV) - 1 After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. 2 Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool(H) with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha.(I)
3 A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches -- the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed.(J) 5 A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7 The sick man answered, "Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first."
8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk." 9 Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. The day this happened was a Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish authorities told the man who had been healed, "This is a Sabbath, and it is against our Law for you to carry your mat." 11 He answered, "The man who made me well told me to pick up my mat and walk." 12 They asked him, "Who is the man who told you to do this?" 13 But the man who had been healed did not know who Jesus was, for there was a crowd in that place, and Jesus had slipped away.
John 5:2, NRSV - Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes.
KJV/Strong's - Now <1161> there is at <1722> Jerusalem <2414> by the sheep <4262> [market] a pool <2861>, which <3588> is called <1951> in the Hebrew <1447> tongue <1447> Bethesda <964>, having <2192> five <4002> porches <4745>.
John 5:3, NRSV - In these lay many invalids -- blind, lame, and paralyzed.
KJV/Strong's - In these <5025> lay <2621> a great <4183> multitude <4128> of impotent <770> folk, of blind <5185>, halt <5560>, withered <3584>, waiting <1551> for the moving <2796> of the water <5204>.
John 5:4, NRSV - [Entire verse omitted in NRSV]
KJV/Strong's - For an angel <32> went <2597> down <2597> at <2596> a certain season <2540> into <1722> the pool <2861>, and troubled <5015> the water <5204>: whosoever <3588> then <3767> first <4413> after <3326> the troubling <5016> of the water <5204> stepped <1684> in was made <1096> whole <5199> of whatsoever <1221> disease <3553> he had <2722>.
John 5:5, NRSV - One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.
KJV/Strong's - And a certain <5100> man <444> was there <1563>, which had <2192> an <3588> <846> infirmity <769> thirty <5144> and eight <3638> years <2094>.
John 5:6, NRSV - When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"
KJV/Strong's - When Jesus <2424> saw <1492> him lie <2621>, and knew <1097> that he had been <2192> now <2235> a long <4183> time <5550> [in that case], he saith <3004> unto him, Wilt <2309> thou be made <1096> whole <5199>?
John 5:7, NRSV - The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me."
KJV/Strong's - The impotent <770> man answered <611> him, Sir <2962>, I have <2192> no <3756> man <444>, when <3752> the water <5204> is troubled <5015>, to put <906> me into <1519> the pool <2861>: but while <3739> I am coming <2064>, another <243> steppeth <2597> down <2597> before <4253> me.
John 5:8, NRSV - Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk."
KJV/Strong's - Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto him, Rise <1453>, take <142> up thy bed <2895>, and walk <4043>.
John 5:9, NRSV - At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk...
KJV/Strong's - And immediately <2112> the man <444> was made <1096> whole <5199>, and took <142> up his bed <2895>, and walked <4043>:...
<B17> Isaiah 2
"Everlasting Peace" (TEV) - 2 In days to come the mountain where the Temple stands will be the highest one of all, towering above all the hills. Many nations will come streaming to it, 3 and their people will say, "Let us go up the hill of the LORD,(D) to the Temple of Israel's God. He will teach us what he wants us to do; we will walk in the paths he has chosen. For the LORD's teaching comes from Jerusalem; from Zion he speaks to his people."
4 He will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again. 5 Now, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light which the LORD gives us!
Isaiah 2:2, NRSV - In days to come the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.
KJV/Strong's - And it shall come <01961> to pass in the last <0319> days <03117>, [that] the mountain <02022> of the LORD'S <03068> house <01004> shall be established <03559> in the top <07218> of the mountains <02022>, and shall be exalted <05375> above the hills <01389>; and all <03605> nations <01471> shall flow <05102> unto it.
Isaiah 2:3, NRSV - Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
KJV/Strong's - And many <07227> people <05971> shall go <01980> and say <0559>, Come <03212> ye, and let us go <05927> up to the mountain <02022> of the LORD <03068>, to the house <01004> of the God <0430> of Jacob <03290>; and he will teach <03384> us of his ways <01870>, and we will walk <03212> in his paths <0734>: for out of Zion <06726> shall go <03318> forth <03318> the law <08451>, and the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> from Jerusalem <03389>.
Isaiah 2:4, NRSV - He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
KJV/Strong's - And he shall judge <08199> among <0996> the nations <01471>, and shall rebuke <03198> many <07227> people <05971>: and they shall beat <03807> their swords <02719> into plowshares <0855>, and their spears <02595> into pruninghooks <04211>: nation <01471> shall not lift <05375> up sword <02719> against <0413> nation <01471>, neither <03808> shall they learn <03925> war <04421> any more <05750>.
Isaiah 2:5, NRSV - O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
KJV/Strong's - O house <01004> of Jacob <03290>, come <03212> ye, and let us walk <03212> in the light <0216> of the LORD <03068>.
<B18> Colossians 3
"The Old Life and the New" (TEV) - 12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.
Colossians 3:12, NRSV - As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion <3628, singular>, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
KJV/Strong's - Put <1746> on <1746> therefore <3767>, as the elect <1588> of God <2316>, holy <40> and beloved <25>, bowels <4698> of mercies <3628, plural>, kindness <5544>, humbleness <5012> of mind, meekness <4236>, longsuffering <3115>;
Colossians 3:13, NRSV - Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
KJV/Strong's - Forbearing <430> one <240> another <240>, and forgiving <5483> one <1438> another <1438>, if <1437> any <5100> man have <2192> a quarrel <3437> against <4314> any <5100>: even <2532> as Christ <5547> forgave <5483> you, so <3779> also <2532> [do] ye.
Colossians 3:14, NRSV - Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
KJV/Strong's - And above <1909> all <3956> these <5125> things [put on] charity <26>, which <3748> is the bond <4886> of perfectness <5047>.
<B19> II Corinthians 13
"Final Warnings and Greetings" (TEV) - 11 And now, my brothers, good-bye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a brotherly kiss. 13 All of God's people send you their greetings. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
II Corinthians 13:11, NRSV - ...Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
KJV/Strong's - ...Be perfect <2675>, be of good comfort <3870>, be of one <846> mind <5426>, live <1514> in peace <1514>; and the God <2316> of love <26> and peace <1515> shall be with you.
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