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Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes used on this Webpage:
KJV w/Strong# (From the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, published by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.) Verse numbers are indicated by French brackets { }. Strong's numbers are enclosed in less-than and greater-than signs < > and identify the Hebrew or Greek words from which the KJV words were translated. For a list of some very helpful Bible study resources that are keyed to Strong's number system, browse or click on http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version, 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.)
TEV (Today's English Version, Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) The full paragraph is included on this webpage so that the Bible Lesson verses can be read in the original author's intended context.
KJV w/Strong# - {7} ...thou art <1488> no <3765> more <2089> a servant <1401>, but a son <5207>; and if <1487> a son <5207>, then <2532> an heir <2818> of God <2316> through <1223> Christ <5547>.
NRSV - 7 ...you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
TEV - 6 To show that you are his sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” 7 So then, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter. And since that is what you are, God will give you all that he has for his heirs.
KJV w/Strong# - {14} For as many <3745> as are led <71> by the Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, they are the sons <5207> of God <2316>. {15} For ye have not received <2983> the spirit <4151> of bondage <1397> again <3825> to fear <5401>; but ye have received <2983> the Spirit <4151> of adoption <5206>, whereby <3739> we cry <2896>, Abba <5>, Father <3962>. {16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>: {17} And if <1487> children <5043>, then <2531> heirs <2818>; heirs <2818> of God <2316>, and joint-heirs <4789> with Christ <5547>; if <1512> so be that we suffer <4841> with [him], that we may be also <2532> glorified <4888> together <4888>. {18} For I reckon <3049> that the sufferings <3804> of this <3588> present <3568> time <2540> [are] not worthy <514> [to be compared] with the glory <1391> which shall be revealed <601> in us. {19} For the earnest <603> expectation <603> of the creature <2937> waiteth <553> for the manifestation <602> of the sons <5207> of God <2316>. {20} For the creature <2937> was made <5293> subject <5293> to vanity <3153>, not willingly <1635>, but by reason <1223> of him who hath subjected <5293> [the same] in hope <1680>, {21} Because <3754> the creature <2937> itself <846> also <2532> shall be delivered <1659> from the bondage <1397> of corruption <5356> into <1519> the glorious <1391> liberty <1657> of the children <5043> of God <2316>.
NRSV - 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
TEV - 12 So then, my brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God’s children, and by the Spirit’s power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” 16 God’s Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God’s children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ’s suffering, we will also share his glory. 18 I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. 20 For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope 21that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. 23 But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God’s gifts also groan within ourselves, as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. 24 For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For which of us hopes for something we see? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
NOTE: "In hope" is the beginning of a prepositional clause that begins in Rom 8:20 and continues in Rom 8:21. Unfortunately, the KJV punctuates these verses poorly. The comma should precede "in hope" rather than follow it. And the Greek word hoti <Strong's # 3754> should be translated "that" instead of "because". This was a case where the KJV translators had the correct Greek text, but the translators themselves apparently did not understand the meaning. (When I read from the KJV, I freely change the punctuation to reflect the originally intended meaning.)
The original 1611 edition of the KJV read exactly as follows: "20 For the creature was made subiect to vanitie, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subiected the same in hope: 21 Because the creature it selfe also shall bee deliuered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious libertie of the children of God."
(There are no typographical errors in the above quote. The 1611 KJV used different spelling and punctuation than our current versions of the KJV. In some cases it also used different words than our several current versions. For more details on this issue, see "Part 3" of the webpage entitled, "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions," which can be read by browsing or clicking on http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm.)
The TEV translates these two verses: "[20] For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. {See Gen 3:17-19} Yet there was the hope [21] that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God."
The NRSV translates these two verses: "[20] for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."
Regarding this passage, the Harper's Bible Commentary (Edited by James Luther Mays, New York: Harper and Row, Publishers, Inc., 1988) writes, "The world’s futility and 'decay' (i.e., its vulnerability to the ravages of time), two of its most characteristic marks to Hellenistic thinking, are not the result of anything it has done; there is no 'fall' of creation. Rather, they are part of the created order and fall under God’s own 'expectation that the creation itself will be set free' to share in the glorious liberty of God’s children (Rom. 8:20-21), so bearing their own testimony to God’s transcending future."
This passage may be better understood in light of 1Co 15:22-24,45-58. S&H 566:1 also sheds some significant light on this, as do S&H 288:31-290:2 and S&H 316:3-7.
<B1> Romans 9
KJV w/Strong# - {8} ...They which are the children <5043> of the flesh <4561>, these <5023> [are] not the children <5043> of God <2316>: but the children <5043> of the promise <1860> are counted <3049> for the seed <4690>.
NRSV - 8 ...it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
TEV - 6 I am not saying that the promise of God has failed; for not all the people of Israel are the people of God. 7 Nor are all Abraham’s descendants the children of God. God said to Abraham, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised you.” 8 This means that the children born in the usual way are not the children of God; instead, the children born as a result of God’s promise are regarded as the true descendants. 9 For God’s promise was made in these words: “At the right time I will come back, and Sarah will have a son.”
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Comfort <05162> ye, comfort <05162> ye my people <05971>, saith <0559> your God <0430>.
{3} The voice <06963> of him that crieth <07121> in the wilderness <04057>, Prepare <06437> ye the way <01870> of the LORD <03068>, make straight <03474> in the desert <06160> a highway <04546> for our God <0430>.
{6} The voice <06963> said <0559>, Cry <07121>. And he said <0559>, What <04100> shall I cry <07121>? All <03605> flesh <01320> [is] grass <02682>, and all <03605> the goodliness <02617> thereof [is] as the flower <06731> of the field <07704>:
{8} The grass <02682> withereth <03001>, the flower <06731> fadeth <05034>: but the word <01697> of our God <0430> shall stand <06965> for ever <05769>.
NRSV - 1Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
3 A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
TEV - 1“Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them! 2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.”
3 A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God! 4 Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and the whole human race will see it. The Lord himself has promised this.”
6 A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!” “What message shall I proclaim?” I ask. “Proclaim that all human beings are like grass; they last no longer than wild flowers. 7 Grass withers and flowers fade, when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass. 8 Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures for ever.”
KJV w/Strong# - {22} Cease <02308> ye from man <0120>, whose <0834> breath <05397> [is] in his nostrils <0639>: for wherein <04100> is he to be accounted <02803> of?
NRSV - 22 Turn away from mortals, who have only breath in their nostrils, for of what account are they?
TEV - 17-18 Human pride will be ended, and human arrogance will be destroyed. Idols will completely disappear, and the Lord alone will be exalted on that day. 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 mortals. What are they worth?
KJV w/Strong# - {1} But now <06258> thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068> that created <01254> thee, O Jacob <03290>, and he that formed <03335> thee, O Israel <03478>, Fear <03372> not: for I have redeemed <01350> thee, I have called <07121> [thee] by thy name <08034>; thou [art] mine.
{6} I will say <0559> to the north <06828>, Give <05414> up; and to the south <08486>, Keep <03607> not back <03607>: bring <0935> my sons <01121> from far <07350>, and my daughters <01121> from the ends <07097> of the earth <0776>; {7} [Even] every <03605> one that is called <07121> by my name <08034>: for I have created <01254> him for my glory <03519>, I have formed <03335> him; yea <0637>, I have made <06213> him.
{21} This <02098> people <05971> have I formed <03335> for myself; they shall shew <05608> forth my praise <08416>.
NRSV - 1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
6 I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
TEV - 1 Israel, the Lord who created you says, “Do not be afraid—I will save you. I have called you by name—you are mine. 2 When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you. I will give up Egypt to set you free; I will give up Ethiopia and Seba. 4 I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honour. 5 Do not be afraid—I am with you! “From the distant east and the farthest west, I will bring your people home. 6 I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world. 7 They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory.”...
14 Israel’s holy God, the Lord who saves you, says, “To save you, I will send an army against Babylon; I will break down the city gates, and the shouts of her people will turn into crying. 15 I am the Lord, your holy God. I created you, Israel, and I am your king.” 16 Long ago the Lord made a road through the sea, a path through the swirling waters. 17 He led a mighty army to destruction, an army of chariots and horses. Down they fell, never to rise, snuffed out like the flame of a lamp! 18 But the Lord says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. 19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. 20 Even the wild animals will honour me; jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert to give water to my chosen people. 21 They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!”
<B5> John 1
KJV w/Strong# - {1} In the beginning <746> was the Word <3056>, and the Word <3056> was with God <2316>, and the Word <3056> was God <2316>.
{6} There was a man <444> sent <649> from God <2316>, whose <846> name <3686> [was] John <2491>. {7} The same <3778> came <2064> for a witness <3141>, to bear <3140> witness <3140> of the Light <5457>, that all <3956> [men] through <1223> him might believe <4100>. {8} He was not that Light <5457>, but [was sent] to bear <3140> witness <3140> of that Light <5457>. {9} [That] was the true <228> Light <5457>, which <3739> lighteth <5461> every <3956> man <444> that cometh <2064> into <1519> the world <2889>.
{11} He came <2064> unto his own, and his own received <3880> him not. {12} But as many <3745> as received <2983> him, to them gave <1325> he power <1849> to become <1096> the sons <5043> of God <2316>, [even] to them that believe <4100> on <1519> his name <3686>: {13} Which <3739> were born <1080>, not of blood <129>, nor <3761> of the will <2307> of the flesh <4561>, nor <3761> of the will <2307> of man <435>, but of God <2316>.
NRSV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
TEV - 1 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to humanity. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. 6 God sent his messenger, a man named John, 7 who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. 9 This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on everyone. 10 The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. 12 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God’s children. 13 They did not become God’s children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father.
He was the same as God appears in most translations as "the Word was God" [Revised Standard Version (RSV), JB, NAB]. NEB renders by "what God was, the Word was" and Mft "the Logos was divine" {Goodspeed (Gdsp) "the Word was divine"]. Zurcher Bible (Zur) has "the Word was God," with a footnote indicating that this means the Word possessed a divine nature.
These many differences in translation are due to the Greek sentence structure. In this type of equational sentence in Greek (A=B) the subject can be distinguished from the predicate by the fact that the subject has the article before it and the predicate does not. Since "God" does not have the article preceding it, "God" is clearly the predicate and "the Word" is the subject. This means that "God" is here the equivalent of an adjective, and this fact justifies the rendering he (the Word) was the same as God. John is not saying that "the Word" was God the Father, but he is affirming that the same divine predication can be made of "the Word" as can be made of God the Father and so "the Word" can be spoken of as God in the same sense.
Many languages have two quite different types of equational sentences. One type indicates complete identity in such as sensence as "my husband is John Smith" or "John Smith is my husband," that is, the two parts of the sentence are completely equivalent. In the second type, however, one may say "John Smith is a teacher" but cannot say "A teacher is John Smith." "A teacher" merely qualifies "John Smith" and indicates the class of persons to which he belongs. The latter is precisely the type of equational sentence which occurs in this verse. "God" completely characterizes "the Word," and all that is true of God is true of the Word. This does not mean, however, that the two elements can be inverted, and that one can translated "God was the Word" any more than one can one can make "Love is God" an inversion of the biblical statement "God is love." It is difficult for some people to recongize that this equational sentence in Greek belongs to the second class because in the predicate the term "God" refers to the unique object. Since this type of equational sentence may be misleading with "God" in the predicate, it is better to translate it "The Word was the same as God" or "Just what God was that is what the Word also was."
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Jesus <2424> went <4198> unto the mount <3735> of Olives <1636>. {2} And early <3722> in the morning he came <3854> again <3825> into <1519> the temple <2411>, and all <3956> the people <2992> came <2064> unto him; and he sat <2523> down <2523>, and taught <1321> them.
{12} Then <3767> spake <2980> Jesus <2424> again <3825> unto them, saying <3004>, I am <1510> the light <5457> of the world <2889>: he that followeth <190> me shall not walk <4043> in darkness <4653>, but shall have <2192> the light <5457> of life <2222>.
{51} Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> unto you, If <1437> a man <5100> keep <5083> my saying <3056>, he shall never <165> see <2334> death <2288>.
NRSV - 1 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them.
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
51 Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
TEV - [[1...Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered round him, and he sat down and began to teach them... ]]
12 Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. “I am the light of the world,” he said. “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” 13 The Pharisees said to him, “Now you are testifying on your own behalf; what you say proves nothing.” 14 “No,” Jesus answered, “even though I do testify on my own behalf, what I say is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. You do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15 You make judgements in a purely human way; I pass judgement on no one. 16 But if I were to do so, my judgement would be true, because I am not alone in this; the Father who sent me is with me. 17 It is written in your Law that when two witnesses agree, what they say is true. 18 I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me also testifies on my behalf.”
48 They asked Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you?” 49 “I have no demon,” Jesus answered. “I honour my Father, but you dishonour me. 50 I am not seeking honour for myself. But there is one who is seeking it and who judges in my favour. 51 I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”
KJV w/Strong# - {4} For whatsoever <3956> is born <1080> of God <2316> overcometh <3528> the world <2889>: and this <3778> is the victory <3529> that overcometh <3528> the world <2889>, [even] our faith <4102>. {5} Who <5101> is he that overcometh <3528> the world <2889>, but he that believeth <4100> that Jesus <2424> is the Son <5207> of God <2316>?
{11} And this <3778> is the record <3141>, that God <2316> hath given <1325> to us eternal <166> life <2222>, and this <3778> life <2222> is in his Son <5207>.
NRSV - 4 for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. 5 Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
11 And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
TEV - 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. 2 This is how we know that we love God’s children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. 3 For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, 4 because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 5 Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. 7 There are three witnesses: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. 9 We believe human testimony; but God’s testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 10 So all who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own hearts; but those who do not believe God have made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. 11 The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
<B8> John 9
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And as [Jesus] passed <3855> by, he saw <1492> a man <444> which was blind <5185> from [his] birth <1079>. {2} And his disciples <3101> asked <2065> him, saying <3004>, Master <4461>, who <5101> did sin <264>, this <3778> man, or <2228> his parents <1118>, that he was born <1080> blind <5185>? {3} Jesus <2424> answered <611>, Neither <3777> hath this <3778> man sinned <264>, nor <3777> his parents <1118>: but that the works <2041> of God <2316> should be made manifest <5319> in him. {4} I must <1163> work <2038> the works <2041> of him that sent <3992> me, while <2193> it is day <2250>: the night <3571> cometh <2064>, when <3753> no <3762> man <3762> can <1410> work <2038>. {5} As long <3752> as I am <1510> in the world <2889>, I am <1510> the light <5457> of the world <2889>. {6} When he had thus <5023> spoken <2036>, he spat <4429> on <5476> the ground <5476>, and made <4160> clay <4081> of the spittle <4427>, and he anointed <2025> <1909> the eyes <3788> of the blind <5185> man with the clay <4081>, {7} And said <2036> unto him, Go <5217>, wash <3538> in the pool <2861> of Siloam <4611>, (which is by interpretation <2059>, Sent <649>.) He went <565> his way therefore <3767>, and washed <3538>, and came <2064> seeing <991>.
NRSV - 1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent mewhile it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.
TEV - 1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been born blind. 2 His disciples asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused him to be born blind? Was it his own or his parents’ sin?” 3 Jesus answered, “His blindness has nothing to do with his sins or his parents’ sins. He is blind so that God’s power might be seen at work in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must keep on doing the work of him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.” 6 After he said this, Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the spittle; he rubbed the mud on the man’s eyes 7 and said, “Go and wash your face in the Pool of Siloam.” (This name means “Sent”.) So the man went, washed his face, and came back seeing. 8 His neighbours, then, and the people who had seen him begging before this, asked, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “He is the one,” but others said, “No he isn’t; he just looks like him.” So the man himself said, “I am the man.” 10 “How is it that you can now see?” they asked him. 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made some mud, rubbed it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash my face. So I went, and as soon as I washed, I could see.”
KJV w/Strong# - {7} How <04100> excellent <03368> [is] thy lovingkindness <02617>, O God <0430>! therefore the children <01121> of men <0120> put their trust <02620> under the shadow <06738> of thy wings <03671>.
{9} For with thee [is] the fountain <04726> of life <02416>: in thy light <0216> shall we see <07200> light <0216>.
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 - 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.
<B10> Isaiah 8
KJV w/Strong# - {19} And when <03588> they shall say <0559> unto you, Seek <01875> unto them that have familiar spirits <0178>, and unto wizards <03049> that peep <06850>, and that mutter <01897>: should not a people <05971> seek <01875> unto their God <0430>? ...
NRSV - 19 Now if people say to you, “Consult the ghosts and the familiar spirits that chirp and mutter; should not a people consult their gods,...
TEV - 16 You, my disciples are to guard and preserve the messages that God has given me. The Lord has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him. 18 Here I am with the children the Lord has given me. The Lord Almighty, whose throne is on Mount Zion, has sent us as living messages to the people of Israel. 19 But people will tell you to ask for messages from fortune tellers and mediums, who chirp and mutter. They will say, “After all, people should ask for messages from the spirits and consult the dead on behalf of the living.” 20 You are to answer them, “Listen to what the Lord is teaching you! Don’t listen to mediums—what they tell you cannot keep trouble away.”
KJV w/Strong# - {6} Let no <3367> man <3367> deceive <538> you with vain <2756> words <3056>:...
{8} For ye were sometimes <4218> darkness <4655>, but now <3568> [are ye] light <5457> in the Lord <2962>: walk <4043> as children <5043> of light <5457>: {9} (For the fruit <2590> of the Spirit <4151> [is] in all <3956> goodness <19> and righteousness <1343> and truth <225>;) {10} Proving <1381> what <5101> is acceptable <2101> unto the Lord <2962>. {11} And have no <3361> fellowship <4790> with the unfruitful <175> works <2041> of darkness <4655>, but rather <3123> reprove <1651> [them]. {12} For it is a shame <149> even <2532> to speak <3004> of those <3588> things which are done <1096> of them in secret <2931>. {13} But all <3956> things that are reproved <1651> are made <5319> manifest <5319> by the light <5457>: for whatsoever <3956> doth make <5319> manifest <5319> is light <5457>. {14} Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>, Awake <1453> thou that sleepest <2518>, and arise <450> from the dead <3498>, and Christ <5547> shall give thee light <2017>.
{17} Wherefore <5124> be ye not unwise <878>, but understanding <4920> what <5101> the will <2307> of the Lord <2962> [is].
NRSV - 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words,...
8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
TEV - 1 Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like him. 2 Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. 3 Since you are God’s people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. 4 Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. 5 You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God’s anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 So have nothing at all to do with such people. 8 You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord’s people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 Try to learn what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the worthless things that people do, things that belong to the darkness. Instead, bring them out to the light. 12 (It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.) 13 And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; 14 for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like ignorant people, but like wise people. 16 Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. 17 Don’t be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.
<B12> John 2
KJV w/Strong# - {13} And the Jews <2453>' passover <3957> was at <1451> hand <1451>, and Jesus <2424> went <305> up to Jerusalem <2414>, {14} And found <2147> in the temple <2411> those <3588> that sold <4453> oxen <1016> and sheep <4263> and doves <4058>, and the changers <2773> of money <2773> sitting <2521>: {15} And when he had made <4160> a scourge <5416> of small <4979> cords <4979>, he drove <1544> them all <3956> out of the temple <2411>, and the sheep <4263>, and the oxen <1016>; and poured <1632> out the changers <2855>' money <2772>, and overthrew <390> the tables <5132>; {16} And said <2036> unto them that sold <4453> doves <4058>, Take <142> these <5023> things hence <1782>; make <4160> not my Father's <3962> house <3624> an house <3624> of merchandise <1712>.
{18} Then <3767> answered <611> the Jews <2453> and said <2036> unto him, What <5101> sign <4592> shewest <1166> thou unto us, seeing that thou doest <4160> these <5023> things? {19} Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036> unto them, Destroy <3089> this <5126> temple <3485>, and in three <5140> days <2250> I will raise <1453> it up. {20} Then <3767> said <2036> the Jews <2453>, Forty <5062> and six <1803> years <2094> was this <3778> temple <3485> in building <3618>, and wilt thou rear <1453> it up in three <5140> days <2250>? {21} But he spake <3004> of the temple <3485> of his body <4983>. {22} When <3753> therefore <3767> he was risen <1453> from the dead <3498>, his disciples <3101> remembered <3415> that he had said <3004> this <5124> unto them; and they believed <4100> the scripture <1124>, and the word <3056> which <3739> Jesus <2424> had said <2036>.
NRSV - 13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!”
18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
TEV - 13 It was almost time for the Passover Festival, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 There in the Temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and pigeons, and also the moneychangers sitting at their tables. 15 So he made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the Temple, both the sheep and the cattle; he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins; 16 and he ordered those who sold the pigeons, “Take them out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market place!” 17 His disciples remembered that the scripture says, “My devotion to your house, O God, burns in me like a fire.” 18 The Jewish authorities replied with a question, “What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?” 19 Jesus answered, “Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again.” 20 “Are you going to build it again in three days?” they asked him. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple!” 21 But the temple Jesus was speaking about was his body. 22 So when he was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said.
KJV w/Strong# - {14} And God <2316> hath both <2532> raised <1453> up the Lord <2962>, and will also <2532> raise <1825> up us by his own <848> power <1411>.
NRSV - 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.
TEV - 12 Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes; but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave. 13 Someone else will say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” Yes; but God will put an end to both. The body is not to be used for sexual immorality, but to serve the Lord; and the Lord provides for the body. 14 God raised the Lord from death, and he will also raise us by his power.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} For we know <1492> that if <1437> our earthly <1919> house <3614> of [this] tabernacle <4636> were dissolved <2647>, we have <2192> a building <3619> of God <2316>, an house <3614> not made <886> with hands <886>, eternal <166> in the heavens <3772>. {2} For in this <5129> we groan <4727>, earnestly <1971> desiring <1971> to be clothed <1902> upon with our house <3613> which <3588> is from heaven <3772>:
{4} For we that are in [this] tabernacle <4636> do groan <4727>, being burdened <916>: not for that we would <2309> be unclothed <1562>, but clothed <1902> upon, that mortality <2349> might be swallowed <2666> up of life <2222>.
NRSV - 1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling—...
4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
TEV - 1 For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last for ever. 2 And now we sigh, so great is our desire that our home which comes from heaven should be put on over us; 3 by being clothed with it we shall not be without a body. 4 While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. 5 God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.
<B15> Colossians 3
KJV w/Strong# - {1} If <1487> ye then <3767> be risen <4891> with Christ <5547>, seek <2212> those <3588> things which are above <507>, where <3757> Christ <5547> sitteth <2521> on <1722> the right <1188> hand of God <2316>. {2} Set <5426> your affection <5426> on things above <507>, not on things on <1909> the earth <1093>.
{4} When <3752> Christ <5547>, [who is] our life <2222>, shall appear <5319>, then <5119> shall ye also <2532> appear <5319> with him in glory <1391>. {5} Mortify <3499> therefore <3767> your <5216> members <3196> which <3588> are upon the earth <1093>;...
{9} Lie <5574> not one <240> to another <240>, seeing that ye have put <554> off <554> the old <3820> man <444> with his deeds <4234>; {10} And have put <1746> on <1746> the new <3501> [man], which <3588> is renewed <341> in knowledge <1922> after <2596> the image <1504> of him that created <2936> him:
{12} Put <1746> on <1746> therefore <3767>, as the elect <1588> of God <2316>, holy <40> and beloved <25>, bowels <4698> of mercies <3628>, kindness <5544>, humbleness <5012> of mind, meekness <4236>, longsuffering <3115>; {13} 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. {14} And above <1909> all <3956> these <5125> things [put on] charity <26>, which <3748> is the bond <4886> of perfectness <5047>.
NRSV - 1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly:...
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 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. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
TEV - 1 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right-hand side of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory! 5 You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God’s anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have taken off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. 11 As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all. 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 each other with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. 17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.
KJV w/Strong# - {17} Therefore <5620> if <1487> any <1536> man [be] in Christ <5547>, [he is] a new <2537> creature <2937>: old <744> things are passed <3928> away; behold <2400>, all <3956> things are become <1096> new <2537>.
NRSV - 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
TEV - 16 No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards, we no longer do so. 17 Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. 18 All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. 19 Our message is that God was making the whole human race his friends through Christ. God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends.
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