Bible Lesson Study Aids: | Current week's study aid in regular font | Current week's study aid in large font | These particular webpages were first posted Saturday, 6/20/98, at 11:30 am (USA East Coast Time). These webpages are sometimes ready by as early as 11 pm on Thursday (9 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). | Current week's Concord-formatted text-file of cross-references | Current week's full text of cross-references | The cross-references are sometimes ready as early as 11 pm on Fridays (8 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). Any of these may be updated at anytime.

When first posted more than a week early, this particular webpage is browsed by clicking on Next week's study aid in regular font or Next week's study aid in large font.

How can this Webpage and the Concord text file be helpful to you? This Bible study aid is intended to provide optional resources for the study of the weekly Bible Lesson. To find out more about this page and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, click here.

Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? No, the BibleTexts Website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization; however, the individual solely responsible for this Website is a very active church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations.

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. Please keep in mind that the Strong's numbers do not necessarily represent the Hebrew and Greek words in the original texts -- only those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. For more details on this issue, you can browse or click on http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm to read an article entitled, "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions."

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 (with the TEV's paragraph heading shown in quotes and underlined) is included on this webpage to help you read the Bible Lesson verses in the original author's intended context.

KJV w/Strong# - {11} ...thou shalt be like a watered <07302> garden <01588>, and like a spring <04161> of water <04325>, whose <0834> waters <04325> fail <03576> not.

NRSV - 11 ...you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

TEV - "True Fasting" - 8 "Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. "If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry.

KJV w/Strong# - {6} ...the LORD <03068> giveth <05414> wisdom <02451>: out of his mouth <06310> [cometh] knowledge <01847> and understanding <08394>. {7} He layeth <06845> up sound <08454> wisdom <08454> for the righteous <03477>: [he is] a buckler <04043> to them that walk <01980> uprightly <08537>.

NRSV - 6 ...the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,

TEV - "The Rewards of Wisdom" - 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.

KJV w/Strong# - {10} Hear <08085>, O my son <01121>, and receive <03947> my sayings <0561>; and the years <08141> of thy life <02416> shall be many <07235>. {11} I have taught <03384> thee in the way <01870> of wisdom <02451>; I have led <01869> thee in right <03476> paths <04570>. {12} When thou goest <03212>, thy steps <06806> shall not be straitened <03334>; and when <0518> thou runnest <07323>, thou shalt not stumble <03782>. {13} Take <02388> fast hold <02388> of instruction <04148>; let [her] not go <07503>: keep <05341> her; for she [is] thy life <02416>.

{20} My son <01121>, attend <07181> to my words <01697>; incline <05186> thine ear <0241> unto my sayings <0561>. {21} Let them not depart <03868> from thine eyes <05869>; keep <08104> them in the midst <08432> of thine heart <03824>. {22} For they [are] life <02416> unto those that find <04672> them, and health <04832> to all <03605> their flesh <01320>.

NRSV - 10 Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. 11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

20 My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

TEV - "The Benefits of Wisdom" - 10 Listen to me, son. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life. 11 I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live. 12 Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. 13 Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life -- guard it well. 14 Do not go where evil men go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. 15 Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. 16 Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone. 17 Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

20 Son, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. 21 Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. 22 They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. 24 Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. 25 Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. 26 Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. 27 Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.

KJV w/Strong# - {46} The LORD <03068> liveth <02416>; and blessed <01288> [be] my rock <06697>; and let the God <0430> of my salvation <03468> be exalted <07311>.

NRSV - 46 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation,

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 46 The LORD lives! Praise my defender! Proclaim the greatness of the God who saves me. 47 He gives me victory over my enemies; he subdues the nations under me 48 and saves me from my foes. O LORD, you give me victory over my enemies and protect me from violent men. 49 And so I praise you among the nations; I sing praises to you. 50 God gives great victories to his king; he shows constant love to the one he has chosen, to David and his descendants forever.

KJV w/Strong# - {1} How <04100> amiable <03039> [are] thy tabernacles <04908>, O LORD <03068> of hosts <06635>! {2} My soul <05315> longeth <03700>, yea <01571>, even <01571> fainteth <03615> for the courts <02691> of the LORD <03068>: my heart <03820> and my flesh <01320> crieth <07442> out for the living <02416> God <0410>.

{4} Blessed <0835> [are] they that dwell <03427> in thy house <01004>: they will be still <05750> praising <01984> thee.

NRSV - 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.

TEV - "Longing for God's House" - 1 How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! 2 How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, LORD Almighty, my king and my God. 4 How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.

KJV w/Strong# - {4} I will abide <01481> in thy tabernacle <0168> for ever <05769>: I will trust <02620> in the covert <05643> of thy wings <03671>.

NRSV - 4 Let me abide in your tent forever, find refuge under the shelter of your wings.

TEV - "A Prayer for Protection" - 4 Let me live in your sanctuary all my life; let me find safety under your wings. 5 You have heard my promises, O God, and you have given me what belongs to those who honor you. 6 Add many years to the king's life; let him live on and on! 7 May he rule forever in your presence, O God; protect him with your constant love and faithfulness. 8 So I will always sing praises to you, as I offer you daily what I have promised.

KJV w/Strong# - {22} Then <1161> Paul <3972> stood <2476> in the midst <3319> of Mars <697>' hill <697>, and said <5346>, [Ye] men <435> of Athens <117>, I perceive <2334> that in all <3956> things ye are too <1174> superstitious <1174>. {23} For as I passed <1330> by, and beheld <333> your <5216> devotions <4574>, I found <2147> an altar <1041> with this <3739> inscription <1924>, TO THE UNKNOWN <57> GOD <2316>. Whom <3739> therefore <3767> ye ignorantly <50> worship <2151>, him declare <2605> I unto you. {24} 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>; {25} 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 all <3956> things;

{28} For in him we live <2198>, and move <2795>, and have our being <2070>; as certain <5100> also <2532> of your <5209> own <2596> poets <4163> have said <2046>, For we are also <2532> his <5120> offspring <1085>.

NRSV - 22 Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. 23 For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, "To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 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, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.

28 For "In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "For we too are his offspring.'

TEV - "In Athens" - 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.

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Hear <08085> ye the word <01697> of the LORD <03068>, O house <01004> of Jacob <03290>, and all <03605> the families <04940> of the house <01004> of Israel <03478>: {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, What <04100> iniquity <05766> have your fathers <01> found <04672> in me, that they are gone far <07368> from me, and have walked <03212> after <0310> vanity <01892>, and are become <01891> vain <01891>?

{11} Hath a nation <01471> changed <04171> [their] gods <0430>, which <01992> [are] yet no <03808> gods <0430>? but my people <05971> have changed <04171> their glory <03519> for [that which] doth not profit <03276>.

{13} For my people <05971> have committed <06213> two <08147> evils <07451>; they have forsaken <05800> me the fountain <04726> of living <02416> waters <04325>, [and] hewed <02672> them out cisterns <0877>, broken <07665> cisterns <0877>, that can hold <03557> no <03808> water <04325>.

NRSV - 4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?

11 Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.

13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.

TEV - "The Sin of Israel's Ancestors" - 4 Listen to the LORD's message, you descendants of Jacob, you tribes of Israel. 5 The LORD says: "What accusation did your ancestors bring against me? What made them turn away from me? They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves. 6 They did not care about me, even though I rescued them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness: a land of deserts and sand pits, a dry and dangerous land where no one lives and no one will even travel.

"The LORD's Case against His People" - 9 "And so I, the LORD, will state my case against my people again. I will bring charges against their descendants. 10 Go west to the island of Cyprus, and send someone eastward to the land of Kedar. You will see that nothing like this has ever happened before. 11 No other nation has ever changed its gods, even though they were not real. But my people have exchanged me, the God who has brought them honor, for gods that can do nothing for them. 12 And so I command the sky to shake with horror, to be amazed and astonished, 13 for my people have committed two sins: they have turned away from me, the spring of fresh water, and they have dug cisterns, cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all.

KJV w/Strong# - {3} For the customs <02708> of the people <05971> [are] vain <01892>: for [one] cutteth <03772> a tree <06086> out of the forest <03293>, the work <04639> of the hands <03027> of the workman <02796>, with the axe <04621>. {4} They deck <03302> it with silver <03701> and with gold <02091>; they fasten <02388> it with nails <04548> and with hammers <04717>, that it move <06328> not. {5} They [are] upright <04749> as the palm <08560> tree, but speak <01696> not: they must needs be borne <05375>, because <03588> they cannot <03808> go <06805>. Be not afraid <03372> of them; for they cannot <03808> do evil <07489>, neither also <01571> [is it] in them to do good <03190>.

{10} But the LORD <03068> [is] the true <0571> God <0430>, he [is] the living <02416> God <0430>, and an everlasting <05769> king <04428>:...

NRSV - 3 For the customs of the peoples are false: a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an ax by the hands of an artisan; 4 people deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. 5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good.

10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King...

TEV - "Idolatry and True Worship" - 1 People of Israel, listen to the message that the LORD has for you. 2 He says, "Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified. 3 The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of the woodworker 4 and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over. 5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good."

8 All of them are stupid and foolish. What can they learn from wooden idols? 9 Their idols are covered with silver from Spain and with gold from Uphaz, all the work of artists; they are dressed in violet and purple cloth woven by skilled weavers. 10 But you, LORD, are the true God, you are the living God and the eternal king. When you are angry, the world trembles; the nations cannot endure your anger.

KJV w/Strong# - {1} In thee, O LORD <03068>, do I put my trust <02620>: let <03381> me never be put to confusion <0954>.

{3} Be thou my strong <06697> habitation <04583>, whereunto I may continually <08548> resort <0935>: thou hast given commandment <06680> to save <03467> me; for thou [art] my rock <05553> and my fortress <04686>.

{5} For thou [art] my hope <08615>, O Lord <0136> GOD <03069>: [thou art] my trust <04004> from my youth <05271>.

{7} I am as a wonder <04159> unto many <07227>; but thou [art] my strong <05797> refuge <04268>.

{17} O God <0430>, thou hast taught <03925> me from my youth <05271>: and hitherto <02008> have I declared <05046> thy wondrous <06381> works. {18} Now also <01571> when <05704> I am old <02209> and grayheaded <07872>, O God <0430>, forsake <05800> me not; until <05704> I have shewed <05046> thy strength <02220> unto [this] generation <01755>, [and] thy power <01369> to every <03605> one [that] is to come <0935>.

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

3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

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

7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.

17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. Your power...

TEV - "An Old Man's Prayer" - 1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated! 2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me! 3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense. 4 My God, rescue me from wicked men, from the power of cruel and evil men. 5 Sovereign LORD, I put my hope in you; I have trusted in you since I was young. 6 I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you. 7 My life has been an example to many, because you have been my strong defender. 8 All day long I praise you and proclaim your glory. 9 Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble. 10 My enemies want to kill me; they talk and plot against me. 11 They say, "God has abandoned him; let's go after him and catch him; there is no one to rescue him."

17 You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts. 18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come. 19 Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies. You have done great things; there is no one like you. 20 You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength; you will keep me from the grave. 21 You will make me greater than ever; you will comfort me again.

KJV w/Strong# - {4} For a thousand <0505> years <08141> in thy sight <05869> [are but] as yesterday <0865> when <03588> it is past <05674>, and [as] a watch <0821> in the night <03915>.

{14} O satisfy <07646> us early <01242> with thy mercy <02617>; that we may rejoice <07442> and be glad <08056> all <03605> our days <03117>.

{16} Let thy work <06467> appear <07200> unto thy servants <05650>, and thy glory <01926> unto their children <01121>. {17} And let the beauty <05278> of the LORD <03068> our God <0430> be upon us: and establish <03559> thou the work <04639> of our hands <03027> upon us; yea, the work <04639> of our hands <03027> establish <03559> thou it.

NRSV - 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

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

TEV - "Of God and Man" - 3 You tell man to return to what he was; you change him back to dust. 4 A thousand years to you are like one day; they are like yesterday, already gone, like a short hour in the night. 5 You carry us away like a flood; we last no longer than a dream. We are like weeds that sprout in the morning, 6 that grow and burst into bloom, then dry up and die in the evening. 7 We are destroyed by your anger; we are terrified by your fury. 8 You place our sins before you, our secret sins where you can see them.

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

KJV w/Strong# - {11} Why <04100> art thou cast <07817> down <07817>, O my soul <05315>? and why <04100> art thou disquieted <01993> within <05921> me? hope <03176> thou in God <0430>: for I shall yet <05750> praise <03034> him, [who is] the health <03444> of my countenance <06440>, and my God <0430>.

NRSV - 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

TEV - "The Prayer of a Man in Exile" - 9 To God, my defender, I say, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go on suffering from the cruelty of my enemies?" 10 I am crushed by their insults, as they keep on asking me, "Where is your God?" 11 Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Truly <0389> God <0430> [is] good <02896> to Israel <03478>, [even] to such as are of a clean <01249> heart <03824>. {2} But as for me, my feet <07373> were almost <04592> gone <05186>; my steps <0838> had well <0369> nigh <04952> slipped <08210>.

{26} My flesh <07607> and my heart <03824> faileth <03615>: [but] God <0430> [is] the strength <06697> of my heart <03824>, and my portion <02506> for ever <05769>.

NRSV - 1 Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

TEV - "The Justice of God" - 1 God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. 2 But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone 3 because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked.

21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.

KJV w/Strong# - {4} In God <0430> I will praise <01984> his word <01697>, in God <0430> I have put my trust <0982>; I will not fear <03372> what <04100> flesh <01320> can do <06213> unto me.

NRSV - 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?

TEV - "A Prayer of Trust in God" - 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. 2 All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. 3 When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?

KJV w/Strong# - {28} Hast thou not known <03045>? hast thou not heard <08085>, [that] the everlasting <05769> God <0430>, the LORD <03068>, the Creator <01254> of the ends <07098> of the earth <0776>, fainteth <03286> not, neither <03808> is weary <03021>? [there is] no <0369> searching <02714> of his understanding <08394>. {29} He giveth <05414> power <03581> to the faint <03287>; and to [them that have] no <0369> might <0202> he increaseth <07235> strength <06109>. {30} Even the youths <05288> shall faint <03286> and be weary <03021>, and the young men shall utterly fall <03782>: {31} But they that wait <06960> upon the LORD <03068> shall renew <02498> [their] strength <03581>; they shall mount <05927> up with wings <083> as eagles <05404>; they shall run <07323>, and not be weary <03021>; [and] they shall walk <03212>, and not faint <03286>.

NRSV - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

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

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Blessed <3107> [are] they that mourn <3996>: for they shall be comforted <3870>.

NRSV - 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

TEV - "True Happiness" - 3 "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 "Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 "Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 "Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> a certain <5100> [man] was sick <770>, [named] Lazarus <2976>, of Bethany <963>, the town <2968> of Mary <3137> and her sister <79> Martha <3136>.

{4} When Jesus <2424> heard <191> [that], he said <2036>, This <3778> sickness <769> is not unto death <2288>, but for the glory <1391> of God <2316>, that the Son <5207> of God <2316> might be glorified <1392> thereby <846>. {5} Now <1161> Jesus <2424> loved <25> Martha <3136>, and her sister <79>, and Lazarus <2976>.

{17} Then <3767> when Jesus <2424> came <2064>, he found <2147> that he had [lain] in the grave <3419> four <5064> days <2250> already <2235>. {18} Now <1161> Bethany <963> was nigh <1451> unto Jerusalem <2414>, about <5613> fifteen <1178> furlongs <4712> off <575>: {19} And many <4183> of the Jews <2453> came <2064> to Martha <3136> and Mary <3137>, to comfort <3888> them concerning <4012> their brother <80>. {20} Then <3767> Martha <3136>, as soon as she heard <191> that Jesus <2424> was coming <2064>, went <5221> and met <5221> him: but Mary <3137> sat <2516> [still] in the house <3624>.

{30} Now <1161> Jesus <2424> was not yet <3768> come <2064> into <1519> the town <2968>, but was in that place <5117> where <3699> Martha <3136> met <5221> him. {31} The Jews <2453> then <3767> which <3588> were with her in the house <3614>, and comforted <3888> her, when they saw <1492> Mary <3137>, that she rose <450> up hastily <5030> and went <1831> out, followed <190> her, saying <3004>, She goeth <5217> unto the grave <3419> to weep <2799> there <1563>. {32} Then <3767> when <5613> Mary <3137> was come <2064> where <3699> Jesus <2424> was, and saw <1492> him, she fell <4098> down at <1519> his feet <4228>, saying <3004> unto him, Lord <2962>, if <1487> thou hadst been <2258> here <5602>, my brother <80> had not died <599>.

{41} Then <3767> they took <142> away the stone <3037> [from the place] where <3757> the dead <2348> was laid <2749>. And Jesus <2424> lifted <142> up <507> [his] eyes <3788>, and said <2036>, Father <3962>, I thank <2168> thee that thou hast heard <191> me. {42} And I knew <1492> that thou hearest <191> me always <3842>: but because <1223> of the people <3793> which <3588> stand <4026> by I said <2036> [it], that they may believe <4100> that thou hast sent <649> me. {43} And when he thus <5023> had spoken <2036>, he cried <2905> with a loud <3173> voice <5456>, Lazarus <2976>, come <1204> forth <1854>. {44} And he that was dead <2348> came <1831> forth <1831>, bound <1210> hand <5495> and foot <4228> with graveclothes <2750>: and his face <3799> was bound <4019> about <4019> with a napkin <4676>. Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto them, Loose <3089> him, and let <863> him go <5217>.

NRSV - 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,

17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.

30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

TEV - "The Death of Lazarus" - 1 A man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. (2 This Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.) 3 The sisters sent Jesus a message: "Lord, your dear friend is sick." 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, "The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus; this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory." 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he received the news that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. 7 Then he said to the disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."

"Jesus the Resurrection and the Life" - 17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother's death. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for." 23 "Your brother will rise to life," Jesus told her. 24 "I know," she replied, "that he will rise to life on the last day."

"Jesus Weeps' - 28 After Martha said this, she went back and called her sister Mary privately. "The Teacher is here," she told her, "and is asking for you." 29 When Mary heard this, she got up and hurried out to meet him. (30 Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.) 31 The people who were in the house with Mary comforting her followed her when they saw her get up and hurry out. They thought that she was going to the grave to weep there. 32 Mary arrived where Jesus was, and as soon as she saw him, she fell at his feet. "Lord," she said, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died!"

"Lazarus Is Brought to Life' - 38 Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. 39 "Take the stone away!" Jesus ordered. Martha, the dead man's sister, answered, "There will be a bad smell, Lord. He has been buried four days!" 40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?" 41 They took the stone away. Jesus looked up and said, "I thank you, Father, that you listen to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here, so that they will believe that you sent me." 43 After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 He came out, his hands and feet wrapped in grave cloths, and with a cloth around his face. "Untie him," Jesus told them, "and let him go."

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>. {8} They shall be abundantly <07301> satisfied <07301> with the fatness <01880> of thy house <01004>; and thou shalt make them drink <08248> of the river <05158> of thy pleasures <05730>. {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 - "The Goodness of God" - 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud men attack me or wicked men make me run away.

KJV w/Strong# - {2} In the visions <04759> of God <0430> brought <0935> he me into <0413> the land <0776> of Israel <03478>, and set <05117> me upon a very <03966> high <01364> mountain <02022>, by which [was] as the frame <04011> of a city <05892> on the south <05045>. {3} And he brought <0935> me thither <08033>, and, behold <02009>, [there was] a man <0376>, whose appearance <04758> [was] like the appearance <04758> of brass <05178>, with a line <06616> of flax <06593> in his hand <03027>, and a measuring <04060> reed <07070>; and he stood <05975> in the gate <08179>.

NRSV - 2 He brought me, in visions of God, to the land of Israel, and set me down upon a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south. 3 When he brought me there, a man was there, whose appearance shone like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand; and he was standing in the gateway.

TEV - "Ezekiel Is Taken to Jerusalem" - 1 It was the tenth day of the new year, which was the twenty-fifth year after we had been taken into exile and the fourteenth year after Jerusalem was captured. On that day I felt the powerful presence of the LORD, and he carried me away. 2 In a vision God took me to the land of Israel and put me on a high mountain. I saw in front of me a group of buildings that looked like a city. 3 He took me closer, and I saw a man who shone like bronze. He was holding a linen tape measure and a measuring rod and was standing by a gateway.

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Afterward he brought <07725> me again <07725> unto the door <06607> of the house <01004>; and, behold <02009>, waters <04325> issued <03318> out from under <08478> the threshold <04670> of the house <01004> eastward <06921>:...

{3} And when the man <0376> that had the line <06957> in his hand <03027> went <03318> forth <03318> eastward <06921>, he measured <04058> a thousand <0505> cubits <0520>, and he brought <05674> me through <05674> the waters <04325>; the waters <04325> [were] to the ankles <0657>. {4} Again he measured <04058> a thousand <0505>, and brought <05674> me through <05674> the waters <04325>; the waters <04325> [were] to the knees <01290>. Again he measured <04058> a thousand <0505>, and brought <05674> me through <05674>; the waters <04325> [were] to the loins <04975>. {5} Afterward he measured <04058> a thousand <0505>; [and it was] a river <05158> that I could <03201> not pass <05674> over <05674>: for the waters <04325> were risen <01342>, waters <04325> to swim <07813> in, a river <05158> that could not be passed <05674> over <05674>.

{8} Then said <0559> he unto me, These <0428> waters <04325> issue <03318> out toward the east <06930> country <01552>, and go <03381> down <03381> into <05921> the desert <06160>, and go <0935> into the sea <03220>: [which being] brought <03318> forth <03318> into the sea <03220>, the waters <04325> shall be healed <07495>. {9} And it shall come <01961> to pass, [that] every <03605> thing <05315> that liveth <02416>, which <0834> moveth <08317>, whithersoever the rivers <05158> shall come <0935>, shall live <02421>:...

NRSV - 1 Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east);...

3 Going on eastward with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. 5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed.

8 He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. 9 Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live,...

TEV - "The Stream Flowing from the Temple" - 1 The man led me back to the entrance of the Temple. Water was coming out from under the entrance and flowing east, the direction the Temple faced. It was flowing down from under the south part of the Temple past the south side of the altar. 2 The man then took me out of the Temple area by way of the north gate and led me around to the gate that faces east. A small stream of water was flowing out at the south side of the gate. 3 With his measuring rod the man measured 560 yards downstream to the east and told me to wade through the stream there. The water came only to my ankles. 4 Then he measured another 560 yards, and the water came up to my knees. Another 560 yards farther down, the water was up to my waist. 5 He measured 560 yards more, and there the stream was so deep I could not wade through it. It was too deep to cross except by swimming. 6 He said to me, "Mortal man, note all this carefully." Then the man took me back to the riverbank, 7 and when I got there, I saw that there were very many trees on each bank. 8 He said to me, "This water flows through the land to the east and down into the Jordan Valley and to the Dead Sea. When it flows into the Dead Sea, it replaces the salt water of that sea with fresh water. 9 Wherever the stream flows, there will be all kinds of animals and fish. The stream will make the water of the Dead Sea fresh, and wherever it flows, it will bring life. 10 From the Springs of Engedi all the way to the Springs of Eneglaim, there will be fishermen on the shore of the sea, and they will spread out their nets there to dry. There will be as many different kinds of fish there as there are in the Mediterranean Sea.

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS COMMENTARY (such as a/r=alternate rendering, c/m=changed meaning since KJV translation, omit=omit wording not found in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated but not in the original Hebrew or Greek texts, add=add wording that was omitted from the KJV's Hebrew or Greek texts but were found in the original Hebrew or Greek texts). Also other information about this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/abbrev.htm)

BIBLETEXTS HOMEPAGE - This is the homepage for the entire BibleTexts Website. (http://www.bibletexts.com)

BIBLETEXTS ONLINE BIBLE COMMENTARY - THE UNABRIDGED EDITION (http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm)

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BIBLE RESEARCH MATERIALS - This is a listing and description of 200 of the biblical resources used for this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Webpage that lists articles from early issues of the Christian Science periodical -- articles that give insights on how Mary Baker Eddy and early Bible Lesson Committee members viewed the Bible Lessons. (http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - OFFICIAL WEBPAGE - This is a link to an official Webpage that describes and gives textual and audio examples of the actual Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons. (http://168.203.8.7/GV/CSPS/Quarterly.html)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - ESSENTIAL STUDY MATERIALS - This is a link to a webpage describing the essential Bible Lesson study materials (theBible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and the Christian Science Quarterly) and how to obtain them, as well as how to obtain some optional Bible Lesson study aids. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm)

CHURCHES OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, AND READING ROOMS - OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF LISTINGS - This is an official Website listing all of the churches, societies, and Reading Rooms listed in The Christian Science Journal. (http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form)

DAILY RELIGIOUS ARTICLE from today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor. (http://www.csmonitor.com/todays_paper/graphical/today/home/relarticle.1.html)

STRONG'S-BASED BIBLE STUDY AIDS - This is a Webpage that describes various  Bible study aids that are keyed to the Strong's number system. These materials will enable you to use the above "KJV/Strong's" texts and <numbers> to explore the actual meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which the English wording was translated. (http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm)

TOPICAL INDEX OF CROSS-REFERENCES AND COMMENTARIES (http://www.bibletexts.com/topical.htm)

WHY THE KING JAMES VERSION DIFFERS WITH MODERN VERSIONS? This thoroughly researched document addresses in detail three topics: Part 1. The King James Version and its dependence on the Textus Receptus; Part 2. Descriptions of four significant Bible study aids used by this website; Part 3. The importance of the original texts to Mary Baker Eddy, and the use of non-KJV Bible versions in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy (from at least 1881) and in the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons (from 1890-1914). (http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm)

EMAIL THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - You are welcome to email comments and/or recommendations to the BibleTexts website administrator. (support@bibletexts.com)