The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
Bible Lesson Study Aid | This week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ps.htm: This particular webpage was first posted Sunday, 3/7/99, at 1:30 am (USA Eastern time). | Next week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ps.htm: This study aid is usually available by Saturday morning, 8 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated. It becomes "This week's Bible Lesson study aid" late Sunday evening or early Monday morning (USA Eastern time), 1 full week before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated.
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Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes regularly 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 enclosed in { }. Strong's numbers are enclosed in < > and identify the Hebrew or Greek words from which the KJV words were translated. For a list of study aids that are keyed to Strong's number system, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm.
Note: Strong's numbers in the KJV text do not necessarily represent the Hebrew and Greek words that were in the original texts, only those texts from which the KJV was translated. Some of the KJV -- and NKJV -- texts significantly differ from reliable modern versions, which are translated from today's more correct approximation of "the original texts." {See S&H 24:4.} For more details, browse: "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions" at http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.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.) For a review of the NRSV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
TEV (Today's English Version, Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society, also known as the Good News Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) The full paragraph is included on this webpage to help you read the Bible Lesson texts in the original author's intended context. For a review of the TEV, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
Footnotes: cross-references and textual and exegetical commentary. Cross-references are mostly the result of original research done by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], but a few came either from American Bible Society resources or from The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, by R.A. Torrey. All commentary was done by RNC, unless otherwise noted. Some additional resources used in the preparation of this Webpage are described in the bibliography at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm.
Which English Bible version is the best?
Of the three English language Bible versions below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts. Both the NRSV and the TEV are based upon the same highly reliable, definitive Hebrew and Greek biblical texts that are edited and published by the United Bible Societies.
Wherever there are substantial differences between the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the original texts, because the NRSV is translated from much more accurate Hebrew and Greek texts, and the NRSV translation team was very careful to ensure that the NRSV would be theologically objective. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) You can explore verse-by-verse explanations of most of those Hebrew and Greek text-based errors by browsing the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm. You can easily browse the BibleTexts' textual commentaries on each book of the Bible by clicking on the bulleted footnotes immediately below the TEV translation.
You can also find verse-by-verse explanations of many of the text-based errors in the following two books: Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible, by Emanuel Tov (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 1992) and A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Second Edition, by Bruce M. Metzger (New York: United Bible Societies, 1994). Many other English Bible translations are listed and recommended in the BibleTexts' bibliography at http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr/01bib-e.htm, which also notes the English language Bibles owned and used by Mary Baker Eddy.
<GT> John 6
KJV w/Strong# - {27} Labour <2038> not for the meat <1035> which <3588> perisheth <622>, but for that meat <1035> which <3588> endureth <3306> unto everlasting <166> life <2222>, which <3739> the Son <5207> of man <444> shall give <1325> unto you:...
NRSV - 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you...
TEV - "Jesus the Bread of Life" - 25 When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Teacher, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. 27 Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him."
KJV w/Strong# - {1} The same <1565> day <2250> went <1831> Jesus <2424> out of the house <3614>, and sat <2521> by the sea <2281> side <3844>. {2} And great <4183> multitudes <3793> were gathered <4863> together <4863> unto him, so <5620> that he went <1684> into <1519> a ship <4143>, and sat <2521>; and the whole <3956> multitude <3793> stood <2476> on <1909> the shore <123>.
{31} Another <243> parable <3850> put <3908> he forth <3908> unto them, saying <3004>, The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is like <3664> to a grain <2848> of mustard <4615> seed, which <3739> a man <444> took <2983>, and sowed <4687> in his field <68>: {32} Which <3739> indeed <3303> is the least <3398> of all <3956> seeds <4690>: but when <3752> it is grown <837>, it is the greatest <3187> among herbs <3001>, and becometh <1096> a tree <1186>, so <5620> that the birds <4071> of the air <3772> come <2064> and lodge <2681> in the branches <2798> thereof <846>.
{44} Again <3825>, the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is like <3664> unto treasure <2344> hid <2928> in a field <68>; the which <3739> when a man <444> hath found <2147>, he hideth <2928>, and for joy <5479> thereof <846> goeth <5217> and selleth <4453> all <3956> that he hath <2192>, and buyeth <59> that field <68>. {45} Again <3825>, the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is like <3664> unto a merchant <1713> man <444>, seeking <2212> goodly <2570> pearls <3135>: {46} Who <3739>, when he had found <2147> one <1520> pearl <3135> of great <4186> price <4186>, went <565> and sold <4097> all <3956> that he had <2192>, and bought <59> it.
{52} Then <1161> said <2036> he unto them, Therefore <5124> every <3956> scribe <1122> [which is] instructed <3100> unto the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is like <3664> unto a man <444> [that is] an householder <3617>, which <3748> bringeth <1544> forth <1544> out of his treasure <2344> [things] new <2537> and old <3820>.
NRSV - 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.
31 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
TEV - "The Parable of the Sower" - 1 That same day Jesus left the house and went to the lakeside, where he sat down to teach. 2 The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it, while the crowd stood on the shore. 3 He used parables to tell them many things. "Once there was a man who went out to sow grain. 4 As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep.
"The Parable of the Mustard Seed" - 31 Jesus told them another parable: "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches."
"The Parable of the Hidden Treasure" - 44 "The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field.
"The Parable of the Pearl" - 45 "Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls, 46 and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.
"New Truths and Old" - 51 "Do you understand these things?" Jesus asked them. "Yes," they answered. 52 So he replied, "This means, then, that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who takes new and old things out of his storage room."
<B1> Matthew 6
KJV w/Strong# - {19} Lay not up <2343> for yourselves <5213> treasures <2344> upon earth <1093>, where <3699> moth <4597> and rust <1035> doth corrupt <853>, and where <3699> thieves <2812> break <1358> through <1358> and steal <2813>: {20} But lay up <2343> for yourselves <5213> treasures <2344> in heaven <3772>, where <3699> neither <3777> moth <4597> nor <3777> rust <1035> doth corrupt <853>, and where <3699> thieves <2812> do not break <1358> through <1358> nor <3761> steal <2813>: {21} For where <3699> your <5216> treasure <2344> is, there <1563> will your <5216> heart <2588> be also <2532>.
NRSV - 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
TEV - "Riches in Heaven" - 19 "Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. 21 For your heart will always be where your riches are.
KJV w/Strong# - {13} Happy <0835> [is] the man <0120> [that] findeth <04672> wisdom <02451>, and the man <0120> [that] getteth <06329> understanding <08394>. {14} For the merchandise <05504> of it [is] better <02896> than the merchandise <05505> of silver <03701>, and the gain <08393> thereof than fine gold <02742>. {15} She [is] more precious <03368> than rubies <06443>: and all <03605> the things thou canst desire <02656> are not to be compared <07737> unto her.
{17} Her ways <01870> [are] ways <01870> of pleasantness <05278>, and all <03605> her paths <05410> [are] peace <07965>. {18} She [is] a tree <06086> of life <02416> to them that lay hold <02388> upon her: and happy <0835> [is every one] that retaineth <08551> her. {19} The LORD <03068> by wisdom <02451> hath founded <03245> the earth <0776>; by understanding <08394> hath he established <03559> the heavens <08064>.
NRSV - 13 Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. 19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
TEV - "Advice to Young Men" - 11 Son, when the LORD corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. 12 The LORD corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son of whom he is proud. 13 Happy is the man who becomes wise -- who comes to have understanding. 14 There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. 15 Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. 16 Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. 18 Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life. 19 The LORD created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.
KJV w/Strong# - {3} Commit <01556> thy works <04639> unto the LORD <03068>, and thy thoughts <04284> shall be established <03559>. {4} The LORD <03068> hath made <06466> all <03605> [things] for himself <04617>:...
NRSV - 3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. 4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose,...
TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 1 We may make our plans, but God has the last word. 2 You may think everything you do is right, but the LORD judges your motives. 3 Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out. 4 Everything the LORD has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction. 5 The LORD hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment. 6 Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the LORD and nothing evil will happen to you.
<B4> John 3
KJV w/Strong# - {16} For God <2316> so <3779> loved <25> the world <2889>, that he gave <1325> his only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207>, that whosoever <3588> believeth <4100> in him should not perish <622>, but have <2192> everlasting <166> life <2222>.
NRSV - 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
TEV - "Jesus and Nicodemus" - 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.
KJV w/Strong# - {12} ...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 - 12 ...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 - "The Word of Life" - 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 all mankind. 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.
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>. {13} The Pharisees <5330> therefore <3767> said <2036> unto him, Thou bearest <3140> record <3140> of thyself <4572>; thy record <3141> is not true <227>. {14} Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036> unto them, Though <2579> I bear <3140> record <3140> of myself <1683>, [yet] my record <3141> is true <227>: for I know <1492> whence <4159> I came <2064>, and whither <4226> I go <5217>; but ye cannot <1492> tell <1492> whence <4159> I come <2064>, and whither <4226> I go <5217>. {15} Ye judge <2919> after <2596> the flesh <4561>; I judge <2919> no <3762> man <3762>.
{25} Then <3767> said <3004> they unto him, Who <5101> art <1488> thou? And Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto them, Even <2532> [the same] that I said <2980> unto you from the beginning <746>.
{56} Your <5216> father <3962> Abraham <11> rejoiced <21> to see <1492> my day <2250>: and he saw <1492> [it], and was glad <5463>. {57} Then <3767> said <2036> the Jews <2453> unto him, Thou art <2192> not yet <2532> fifty <4004> years <2094> old, and hast thou seen <3708> Abraham <11>? {58} Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto them, Verily <281>, verily <281>, I say <3004> unto you, Before <4250> Abraham <11> was, I am <1510>.
NRSV - 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." 13 Then the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid." 14 Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I judge no one.
25 They said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Why do I speak to you at all?
56 Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad." 57 Then the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am."
TEV - "The Woman Caught in Adultery" - 1 {Then everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all. 4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" 6 They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger.
"Jesus the Light of the World" - 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 judgments in a purely human way; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I were to do so, my judgment 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." 19 "Where is your father?" they asked him. "You know neither me nor my Father," Jesus answered. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
"You Cannot Go Where I Am Going" - 25 "Who are you?" they asked him. Jesus answered, "What I have told you from the very beginning. 26 I have much to say about you, much to condemn you for. The one who sent me, however, is truthful, and I tell the world only what I have heard from him."
"Jesus and Abraham"- 54 Jesus answered, "If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worth nothing. The one who honors me is my Father -- the very one you say is your God. 55 You have never known him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see the time of my coming; he saw it and was glad." 57 They said to him, "You are not even fifty years old -- and you have seen Abraham?" 58 "I am telling you the truth," Jesus replied. "Before Abraham was born, "I Am'." 59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
<B7> Luke 4
KJV w/Strong# - {40} Now <1161> when the sun <2246> was setting <1416>, all <3956> they that had <2192> any sick <770> with divers <4164> diseases <3554> brought <71> them unto him; and he laid <2007> his hands <5495> on <2007> every <1538> one <1520> of them, and healed <2323> them.
NRSV - 40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
TEV - "Jesus Heals Many People" - 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon's home. Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they spoke to Jesus about her. 39 He went and stood at her bedside and ordered the fever to leave her. The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them. 40 After sunset all who had friends who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; he placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all. 41 Demons also went out from many people, screaming, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
KJV w/Strong# - {38} Now <1161> it came <1096> to pass, as they went <4198>, that he entered <1525> into <1519> a certain <5100> village <2968>: and a certain <5100> woman <1135> named <3686> Martha <3136> received <5264> him into <1519> her house <3624>. {39} And she <3592> had <1510> a sister <79> called <2564> Mary <3137>, which also <2532> sat <3869> at <3844> Jesus <2424>' feet <4228>, and heard <191> his word <3056>. {40} But Martha <3136> was cumbered <4049> about <4012> much <4183> serving <1248>, and came <2186> to him, and said <2036>, Lord <2962>, dost thou not care <3199> that my sister <79> hath left <2641> me to serve <1247> alone <3441>? bid <2036> her therefore <3767> that she help <4878> me. {41} And Jesus <2424> answered <611> and said <2036> unto her, Martha <3136>, Martha <3136>, thou art careful <3309> and troubled <5182> about <4012> many <4183> things: {42} But one <1520> thing is needful <5532>: and Mary <3137> hath chosen <1586> that good <18> part <3310>, which <3748> shall not be taken <851> away <851> from her.
NRSV - 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
TEV - "Jesus Visits Martha and Mary" - 38 As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him in her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching. 40 Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" 41 The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, 42 but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her."
KJV w/Strong# - {4} Abide <3306> in me, and I in you. As the branch <2814> cannot <1410> bear <5342> fruit <2590> of itself <1438>, except <3362> it abide <3306> in the vine <288>; no <3761> more <3761> can ye, except <3362> ye abide <3306> in me. {5} I am <1510> the vine <288>, ye [are] the branches <2814>: He that abideth <3306> in me, and I in him, the same <3778> bringeth <5342> forth much <4183> fruit <2590>: for without <5565> me ye can <1410> do <4160> nothing <3762>.
{10} If <1437> ye keep <5083> my commandments <1785>, ye shall abide <3306> in my love <26>; even <2531> as I have kept <5083> my Father's <3962> commandments <1785>, and abide <3306> in his love <26>.
NRSV - 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
TEV - "Jesus the Real Vine" - 1 "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 3 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. 4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. 6 Whoever does not remain in me is thrown out like a branch and dries up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. 9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
<B10> Hebrews 4
KJV w/Strong# - {12} For the word <3056> of God <2316> [is] quick <2198>, and powerful <1756>, and sharper <5114> than <5228> any <3956> twoedged <1366> sword <3162>, piercing <1338> even to the dividing <3311> asunder of soul <5590> and spirit <4151>, and of the joints <719> and marrow <3452>, and [is] a discerner <2924> of the thoughts <1761> and intents <1771> of the heart <2588>.
NRSV - 12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
TEV - "A Rest for God's People" - 12 The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of man's heart. 13 There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.
KJV w/Strong# - {18} And, behold <2400>, men <435> brought <5342> in a bed <2825> a man <444> which <3739> was taken with a palsy <3886>: and they sought <2212> [means] to bring <1533> him in, and to lay <5087> [him] before <1799> him. {19} And when they could not find <2147> by what <4169> [way] they might bring <1533> him in because <1223> of the multitude <3793>, they went <305> upon the housetop <1430>, and let <2524> him down <2524> through <1223> the tiling <2766> with [his] couch <2826> into <1519> the midst <3319> before <1715> Jesus <2424>. {20} And when he saw <1492> their faith <4102>, he said <2036> unto him, Man <444>, thy sins <266> are forgiven <863> thee. {21} And the scribes <1122> and the Pharisees <5330> began <756> to reason <1260>, saying <3004>, Who <5101> is this <3778> which <3739> speaketh <2980> blasphemies <988>? Who <5101> can <1410> forgive <863> sins <266>, but God <2316> alone <3441>? {22} But when Jesus <2424> perceived <1921> their thoughts <1261>, he answering <611> said <2036> unto them, What <5101> reason <1260> ye in your <5216> hearts <2588>? {23} Whether <5101> is easier <2123>, to say <2036>, Thy sins <266> be forgiven <863> thee; or <2228> to say <2036>, Rise <1453> up and walk <4043>? {24} But that ye may know <1492> that the Son <5207> of man <444> hath <2192> power <1849> upon earth <1093> to forgive <863> sins <266>, (he said <2036> unto the sick <3886> of the palsy <3886>,) I say <3004> unto thee, Arise <1453>, and take <142> up thy couch <2826>, and go <4198> into <1519> thine <4675> house <3624>. {25} And immediately <3916> he rose <450> up before <1799> them, and took <142> up that whereon <3739> he lay <2621>, and departed <565> to his own house <3624>, glorifying <1392> God <2316>.
NRSV - 18 Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; 19 but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. 20 When he saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." 21 Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, "Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22 When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, "Stand up and walk'? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the one who was paralyzed -- "I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home." 25 Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God.
TEV - "Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man" - 17 One day when Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the Law were sitting there who had come from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present for Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a bed, and they tried to carry him into the house and put him in front of Jesus. 19 Because of the crowd, however, they could find no way to take him in. So they carried him up on the roof, made an opening in the tiles, and let him down on his bed into the middle of the group in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, "Your sins are forgiven, my friend." 21 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who speaks such blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!" 22 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Why do you think such things? 23 Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, "Get up and walk'? 24 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!" 25 At once the man got up in front of them all, took the bed he had been lying on, and went home, praising God. 26 They were all completely amazed! Full of fear, they praised God, saying, "What marvelous things we have seen today!"
<B12> Luke 21
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And he looked <308> up, and saw <1492> the rich <4145> men casting <906> their gifts <1435> into <1519> the treasury <1049>. {2} And he saw <1492> also <2532> a certain <5100> poor <3998> widow <5503> casting <906> in thither <1563> two <1417> mites <3016>. {3} And he said <2036>, Of a truth <230> I say <3004> unto you, that this <3778> poor <4434> widow <5503> hath cast <906> in more <4119> than they all <3956>: {4} For all <537> these <3778> have of their abundance <4052> cast <906> in unto the offerings <1435> of God <2316>: but she of her penury <5303> hath cast <906> in all <537> the living <979> that she had <2192>.
NRSV - 1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
TEV - "The Widow's Offering" - 1 Jesus looked around and saw rich men dropping their gifts in the Temple treasury, 2 and he also saw a very poor widow dropping in two little copper coins. 3 He said, "I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all the others. 4 For the others offered their gifts from what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, gave all she had to live on."
KJV w/Strong# - {18} ...we look <4648> not at <4648> the things which are seen <991>, but at <4648> the things which are not seen <991>: for the things which are seen <991> [are] temporal <4340>; but the things which are not seen <991> [are] eternal <166>.
NRSV - 18 ...we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
TEV - "Living by Faith" - 16 For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. 17 And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 18 For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.
KJV w/Strong# - {2} Set <5426> your affection <5426> on things above <507>, not on things on <1909> the earth <1093>.
{16} Let the word <3056> of Christ <5547> dwell <1774> in you richly <4146> in all <3956> wisdom <4678>; teaching <1321> and admonishing <3560> one <1438> another <1438> in psalms <5568> and hymns <5215> and spiritual <4152> songs <5603>, singing <103> with grace <5485> in your <5216> hearts <2588> to the Lord <2962>.
{23} And whatsoever <1437> ye do <4160>, do <2038> [it] heartily <5590>, as to the Lord <2962>, and not unto men <444>; {24} Knowing <1492> that of the Lord <2962> ye shall receive <618> the reward <469> of the inheritance <2817>: for ye serve <1398> the Lord <2962> Christ <5547>.
NRSV - 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.
TEV - "Dying and Living with Christ" - 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 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!
"The Old Life and the New" - 12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.
"Personal Relations in the New Life" - 22 Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for men. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. 25 And every wrongdoer will be repaid for the wrong things he does, because God judges everyone by the same standard.
<B15> Hebrews 11
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> faith <4102> is the substance <5287> of things <4229> hoped <1679> for, the evidence <1650> of things not seen <991>. {2} For by it the elders <4245> obtained <3140> a good report <3140>. {3} Through faith <4102> we understand <3539> that the worlds <165> were framed <2675> by the word <4487> of God <2316>, so <1519> that things which <3588> are seen <991> were not made <1096> of things which do appear <5316>.
{8} By faith <4102> Abraham <11>, when he was called <2564> to go <1831> out into <1519> a place <5117> which <3739> he should <3195> after <3195> receive <2983> for an inheritance <2817>, obeyed <5219>; and he went <1831> out, not knowing <1987> whither <4226> he went <2064>. {9} By faith <4102> he sojourned <3939> in the land <1093> of promise <1860>, as [in] a strange <245> country, dwelling <2730> in tabernacles <4633> with Isaac <2464> and Jacob <2384>, the heirs <4789> with him of the same promise <1860>: {10} For he looked <1551> for a city <4172> which hath <2192> foundations <2310>, whose <3739> builder <5079> and maker <1217> [is] God <2316>.
NRSV - 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
TEV - "Faith" - 1 To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. 2 It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval. 3 It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. 4 It was faith that made Abel offer to God a better sacrifice than Cain's. Through his faith he won God's approval as a righteous man, because God himself approved of his gifts. By means of his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
8 It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the country that God had promised him. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who received the same promise from God. 10 For Abraham was waiting for the city which God has designed and built, the city with permanent foundations.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Therefore <3767> being justified <1344> by faith <4102>, we have <2192> peace <1515> with God <2316> through <1223> our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>: {2} By whom <3739> also <2532> we have <2192> access <4318> by faith <4102> into <1519> this <5026> grace <5485> wherein <1722> <3739> we stand <2476>, and rejoice <2744> in hope <1680> of the glory <1391> of God <2316>. {3} And not only <3440> [so], but we glory <2744> in tribulations <2347> also <2532>: knowing <1492> that tribulation <2347> worketh <2716> patience <5281>; {4} And patience <5281>, experience <1382>; and experience <1382>, hope <1680>: {5} And hope <1680> maketh <2617> not ashamed <2617>; because <3754> the love <26> of God <2316> is shed <1632> abroad <1632> in our hearts <2588> by the Holy <40> Ghost <4151> which <3588> is given <1325> unto us.
NRSV - 1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
TEV - "Right with God" - 1 Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! 3 We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. 5 This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us.
KJV w/Strong# - {58} Therefore <5620>, my beloved <27> brethren <80>, be ye stedfast <1476>, unmoveable <277>, always <3842> abounding <4052> in the work <2041> of the Lord <2962>, forasmuch as ye know <1492> that your <5216> labour <2873> is not in vain <2756> in the Lord <2962>.
NRSV - 58 Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
TEV - "The Resurrection Body" - 55 "Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?" 56 Death gets its power to hurt from sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. 57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So then, my dear brothers, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.
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