The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, May 2, 1999
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 Saturday, 4/24/99, at 11:55 pm (USA Eastern time). Revised/corrected Tuesday, 4/27/99, at 11:35 a.m. | Next week's at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-nw-ps.htm: This study aid is usually available by early Sunday morning, 7 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated, and it usually becomes "This week's" Bible Lesson study aid at around mindight on that same Sunday.
Instructions for importing the cross-reference into a Concord format: http://www.bibletexts.com/qa/qa024.htm
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 in light of the original texts of the Bible. To find out more about this webpage and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-info.htm.
Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? Though this website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization, the website administrator is a very active and supportive church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations. This website is dedicated to fellow-Christians everywhere and to all people who want to have a thoroughly honest understanding of the Bible, of earliest Christianity, and of the unconditional love (agape) that is at the heart of Christian practice.
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-tr.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 English language Bible versions primarily used by the BibleTexts.com website, 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. For a review of the several Bibles in English and Spanish, http://www.bibletexts.com/bibles.htm.
KJV w/Strong# - {8} ...with everlasting <05769> kindness <02617> will I have mercy <07355> on thee, saith <0559> the LORD <03068> thy Redeemer <01350>.
NRSV - 8 In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the LORD, your Redeemer.
TEV - "The LORD's Love for Israel" - 6 Israel, you are like a young wife, deserted by her husband and deeply distressed. But the LORD calls you back to him and says: 7 "For one brief moment I left you; with deep love I will take you back. 8 I turned away angry for only a moment, but I will show you my love forever." So says the LORD who saves you.
KJV w/Strong# - {5} For thou, Lord <0136>, [art] good <02896>, and ready to forgive <05546>; and plenteous <07227> in mercy <02617> unto all <03605> them that call <07121> upon thee.
{7} In the day <03117> of my trouble <06869> I will call <07121> upon thee: for thou wilt answer <06030> me.
{11} Teach <03384> me thy way <01870>, O LORD <03068>; I will walk <01980> in thy truth <0571>: unite <03161> my heart <03824> to fear <03372> thy name <08034>.
{16} O turn <06437> unto me, and have mercy <02603> upon me; give <05414> thy strength <05797> unto thy servant <05650>, and save <03467> the son <01121> of thine handmaid <0519>.
NRSV - 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the child of your serving girl.
TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 3 You are my God, so be merciful to me; I pray to you all day long. 4 Make your servant glad, O Lord, because my prayers go up to you. 5 You are good to us and forgiving, full of constant love for all who pray to you. 6 Listen, LORD, to my prayer; hear my cries for help. 7 I call to you in times of trouble, because you answer my prayers.
11 Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion. 12 I will praise you with all my heart, O Lord my God; I will proclaim your greatness forever. 13 How great is your constant love for me! You have saved me from the grave itself. 14 Proud men are coming against me, O God; a gang of cruel men is trying to kill me -- people who pay no attention to you. 15 But you, O Lord, are a merciful and loving God, always patient, always kind and faithful. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; strengthen me and save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
KJV w/Strong# - {67} Before <02962> I was afflicted <06031> I went <07683> astray <07683>: but now <06258> have I kept <08104> thy word <0565>.
{76} Let, I pray <07592> thee, thy merciful <02617> kindness <02617> be for my comfort <05162>, according to thy word <0565> unto thy servant <05650>. {77} Let thy tender mercies <07356> come <0935> unto me, that I may live <02421>: for thy law <08451> [is] my delight <08191>.
{101} I have refrained <03601> my feet <07272> from every <03605> evil <07451> way <0734>, that I might keep <08104> thy word <01697>.
{142} Thy righteousness <06666> [is] an everlasting <05769> righteousness <06664>, and thy law <08451> [is] the truth <0571>.
NRSV - 67 Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your word.
76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.
TEV - "The Value of the Law of the LORD" - 65 You have kept your promise, LORD, and you are good to me, your servant. 66 Give me wisdom and knowledge, because I trust in your commands. 67 Before you punished me, I used to go wrong, but now I obey your word. 68 How good you are -- how kind! Teach me your commands. 69 Proud men have told lies about me, but with all my heart I obey your instructions. 70 These men have no understanding, but I find pleasure in your law. 71 My punishment was good for me, because it made me learn your commands.
"The Justice of the Law of the LORD" - 73 You created me, and you keep me safe; give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws. 74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your promise. 75 I know that your judgments are righteous, LORD, and that you punished me because you are faithful. 76 Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised me, your servant. 77 Have mercy on me, and I will live because I take pleasure in your law. 78 May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me; as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.
"Love for the Law of the LORD" - 97 How I love your law! I think about it all day long. 98 Your commandment is with me all the time and makes me wiser than my enemies. 99 I understand more than all my teachers, because I meditate on your instructions. 100 I have greater wisdom than old men, because I obey your commands. 101 I have avoided all evil conduct, because I want to obey your word. 102 I have not neglected your instructions, because you yourself are my teacher. 103 How sweet is the taste of your instructions -- sweeter even than honey!
"The Justice of the Law of the LORD" - 137 You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are just. 138 The rules that you have given are completely fair and right. 139 My anger burns in me like a fire, because my enemies disregard your commands. 140 How certain your promise is! How I love it! 141 I am unimportant and despised, but I do not neglect your teachings. 142 Your righteousness will last forever, and your law is always true. 143 I am filled with trouble and anxiety, but your commandments bring me joy.
<B1> Habakkuk 1
KJV w/Strong# - {12} [Art] thou not from everlasting <06924>, O LORD <03068> my God <0430>, mine Holy <06918> One <06918>?...
{13} [Thou art] of purer <02889> eyes <05869> than to behold <07200> evil <07451>, and canst <03201> not look <05027> on <0413> iniquity <05999>:...
NRSV - 12 Are you not from of old, O LORD my God, my Holy One? You shall not die. O LORD, you have marked them for judgment; and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment.
13 Your eyes are too pure to behold evil, and you cannot look on wrongdoing; why do you look on the treacherous, and are silent when the wicked swallow those more righteous than they?
TEV - "Habakkuk Complains to the LORD Again" - 12 LORD, from the very beginning you are God. You are my God, holy and eternal. LORD, my God and protector, you have chosen the Babylonians and made them strong so that they can punish us. 13 But how can you stand these treacherous, evil men? Your eyes are too holy to look at evil, and you cannot stand the sight of people doing wrong. So why are you silent while they destroy people who are more righteous than they are?
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Hear <08085> my prayer <08605>, O LORD <03068>, give ear <0238> to my supplications <08469>: in thy faithfulness <0530> answer <06030> me, [and] in thy righteousness <06666>.
{8} Cause me to hear <08085> thy lovingkindness <02617> in the morning <01242>; for in thee do I trust <0982>: cause me to know <03045> the way <01870> wherein <02098> I should walk <03212>; for I lift <05375> up my soul <05315> unto thee. {9} Deliver <05337> me, O LORD <03068>, from mine enemies <0341>: I flee <03680> unto thee to hide <03680> me. {10} Teach <03925> me to do <06213> thy will <07522>; for thou [art] my God <0430>: thy spirit <07307> [is] good <02896>; lead <05148> me into the land <0776> of uprightness <04334>.
NRSV - 1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness; answer me in your righteousness.
8 Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 9 Save me, O LORD, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.
TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 1 LORD, hear my prayer! In your righteousness listen to my plea; answer me in your faithfulness! 2 Don't put me, your servant, on trial; no one is innocent in your sight.
7 Answer me now, LORD! I have lost all hope. Don't hide yourself from me, or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead. 8 Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. 9 I go to you for protection, LORD; rescue me from my enemies. 10 You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Make a joyful <07321> noise <07321> unto the LORD <03068>, all <03605> ye lands <0776>.
{3} Know <03045> ye that the LORD <03068> he [is] God <0430>: [it is] he [that] hath made <06213> us, and not we ourselves <0587>; [we are] his people <05971>, and the sheep <06629> of his pasture <04830>. {4} Enter <0935> into his gates <08179> with thanksgiving <08426>, [and] into his courts <02691> with praise <08416>: be thankful <03034> unto him, [and] bless <01288> his name <08034>. {5} For the LORD <03068> [is] good <02896>; his mercy <02617> [is] everlasting <05769>; and his truth <0530> [endureth] to all generations <01755>.
NRSV - 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 1 Sing to the LORD, all the world! 2 Worship the LORD with joy; come before him with happy songs! 3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. 4 Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him. 5 The LORD is good; his love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Behold <1492>, what <4217> manner <4217> of love <26> the Father <3962> hath bestowed <1325> upon us, that we should be called <2564> the sons <5043> of God <2316>:...
{9} Whosoever <3588> is born <1080> of God <2316> doth not commit <4160> sin <266>; for his seed <4690> remaineth <3306> in him: and he cannot <1410> sin <264>, because <3754> he is born <1080> of God <2316>.
NRSV - 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
9 Those who have been born of God do not sin, because God's seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God.
TEV - "Children of God" - 1 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children -- and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. 2 My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.
9 Whoever is a child of God does not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in him; and because God is his Father, he cannot continue to sin. 10 Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: anyone who does not do what is right or does not love his brother is not God's child.
<B5> Ecclesiastes 7
KJV w/Strong# - {29} Lo <07200>, this <02088> only <0905> have I found <04672>, that God <0430> hath made <06213> man <0120> upright <03477>; but they have sought <01245> out many <07227> inventions <02810>.
NRSV - 29 See, this alone I found, that God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes.
TEV - "Thoughts about Life" - 26 I found something more bitter than death -- woman. The love she offers you will catch you like a trap or like a net; and her arms around you will hold you like a chain. A man who pleases God can get away, but she will catch the sinner. 27 Yes, said the Philosopher, I found this out little by little while I was looking for answers. 28 I have looked for other answers but have found none. I found one man in a thousand that I could respect, but not one woman. 29 This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.
KJV w/Strong# - {28} All <03606> this came <04291> upon the king <04430> Nebuchadnezzar <05020>. {29} At the end <07118> of twelve months <03393> he walked <01981> in the palace <01965> of the kingdom <04437> of Babylon <0895>. {30} The king <04430> spake <06032>, and said <0560>, Is not this <01668> great <07227> Babylon <0895>, that I have built <01124> for the house <01005> of the kingdom <04437> by the might <08632> of my power <02632>, and for the honour <03367> of my majesty <01923>? {31} While <05751> the word <04406> [was] in the king's <04430> mouth <06433>, there fell <05308> a voice <07032> from heaven <08065>, [saying], O king <04430> Nebuchadnezzar <05020>, to thee it is spoken <0560>; The kingdom <04437> is departed <05709> from thee. {32} And they shall drive <02957> thee from men <0606>, and thy dwelling <04070> [shall be] with the beasts <02423> of the field <01251>: they shall make thee to eat <02939> grass <06211> as oxen <08450>, and seven <07655> times <05732> shall pass <02499> over <05922> thee, until <05704> thou know <03046> that the most <05943> High <05943> ruleth <07980> in the kingdom <04437> of men <0606>, and giveth <05415> it to whomsoever <04479> he will <06634>. {33} The same hour <08160> was the thing <04406> fulfilled <05487> upon Nebuchadnezzar <05020>:
and he was driven <02957> from men <0606>, and did eat <0399> grass <06211> as oxen <08450>, and his body <01655> was wet <06647> with the dew <02920> of heaven <08065>, till <05704> his hairs <08177> were grown <07236> like eagles <05403>' [feathers], and his nails <02953> like birds <06853>' [claws].
{34} And at the end <07118> of the days <03118> I Nebuchadnezzar <05020> lifted <05191> up mine eyes <05870> unto heaven <08065>, and mine understanding <04486> returned <07725> unto me, and I blessed <01289> the most <05943> High <05943>, and I praised <07624> and honoured <01922> him that liveth <02416> for ever <05957>, whose <01768> dominion <07985> [is] an everlasting <05957> dominion <07985>, and his kingdom <04437> [is] from generation <01859> to generation <01859>:
{37} Now <03705> I Nebuchadnezzar <05020> praise <07624> and extol <07313> and honour <01922> the King <04430> of heaven <08065>, all <03606> whose works <04567> [are] truth <07187>, and his ways <0735> judgment <01780>: and those <01768> that walk <01980> in pride <01466> he is able <03202> to abase <08214>.
NRSV - 28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king said, "Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?" 31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven: "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has departed from you! 32 You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will." 33 Immediately the sentence was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from human society, ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers and his nails became like birds' claws.
34 When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; and he is able to bring low those who walk in pride.
TEV - "Daniel Explains the Dream" - 28 All this did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Only twelve months later, while he was walking around on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, 30 he said, "Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display my power and might, my glory and majesty." 31 Before the words were out of his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your royal power is now taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from human society, live with wild animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven years. Then you will acknowledge that the Supreme God has power over human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses." 33 The words came true immediately. Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human society and ate grass like an ox. The dew fell on his body, and his hair grew as long as eagle feathers and his nails as long as bird claws.
"Nebuchadnezzar Praises God" - 34 "When the seven years had passed," said the king, "I looked up at the sky, and my sanity returned. I praised the Supreme God and gave honor and glory to the one who lives forever. "He will rule forever, and his kingdom will last for all time. 35 He looks on the people of the earth as nothing; angels in heaven and people on earth are under his control. No one can oppose his will or question what he does. 36 "When my sanity returned, my honor, my majesty, and the glory of my kingdom were given back to me. My officials and my noblemen welcomed me, and I was given back my royal power with even greater honor than before. 37 "And now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, honor, and glorify the King of Heaven. Everything he does is right and just, and he can humble anyone who acts proudly."
KJV w/Strong# - {22} [It is of] the LORD'S <03068> mercies <02617> that we are not consumed <08552>, because <03588> his compassions <07355> fail <03615> not. {23} [They are] new <02319> every morning <01242>: great <07227> [is] thy faithfulness <0530>.
{40} Let us search <02664> and try <02713> our ways <01870>, and turn <07725> again <07725> to the LORD <03068>.
NRSV - 22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
40 Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD.
TEV - "Punishment, Repentance, and Hope" - 19 The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison. 20 I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed. 21 Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: 22 The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue, 23 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. 24 The LORD is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. 25 The LORD is good to everyone who trusts in him, 26 So it is best for us to wait in patience -- to wait for him to save us -- 27 And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.
37 The will of the Lord alone is always carried out. 38 Good and evil alike take place at his command. 39 Why should we ever complain when we are punished for our sin? 40 Let us examine our ways and turn back to the LORD. 41 Let us open our hearts to God in heaven and pray, 42 "We have sinned and rebelled, and you, O LORD, have not forgiven us.
<B8> Isaiah 43
KJV w/Strong# - {14} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, your redeemer <01350>, the Holy <06918> One of Israel <03478>;...
NRSV - 14 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation.
TEV - "Escape from Babylon" - 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!
KJV w/Strong# - {16} Wash <07364> you, make you clean <02135>; put <05493> away <05493> the evil <07455> of your doings <04611> from before <05048> mine eyes <05869>; cease <02308> to do evil <07489>; {17} Learn <03925> to do well <03190>; seek <01875> judgment <04941>, relieve <0833> the oppressed <02541>, judge <08199> the fatherless <03490>, plead <07378> for the widow <0490>.
{19} If <0518> ye be willing <014> and obedient <08085>, ye shall eat <0398> the good <02898> of the land <0776>:
NRSV - 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
TEV - "God Reprimands His People" - 15 "When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil 17 and learn to do right. See that justice is done -- help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows." 18 The LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. 19 If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. 20 But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the LORD, have spoken."
KJV w/Strong# - {10} Create <01254> in me a clean <02889> heart <03820>, O God <0430>; and renew <02318> a right <03559> spirit <07307> within <07130> me. {11} Cast <07993> me not away from thy presence <06440>; and take <03947> not thy holy <06944> spirit <07307> from me. {12} Restore <07725> unto me the joy <08342> of thy salvation <03468>; and uphold <05564> me [with thy] free <05082> spirit <07307>.
{15} O Lord <0136>, open <06605> thou my lips <08193>; and my mouth <06310> shall shew <05046> forth thy praise <08416>.
{17} The sacrifices <02077> of God <0430> [are] a broken <07665> spirit <07307>: a broken <07665> and a contrite <01794> heart <03820>, O God <0430>, thou wilt not despise <0959>.
NRSV - 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
TEV - "A Prayer for Forgiveness" - 10 Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. 14 Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. 15 Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. 16 You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.
KJV w/Strong# - {88} Quicken <02421> me after thy lovingkindness <02617>; so shall I keep <08104> the testimony <05715> of thy mouth <06310>.
NRSV - 88 In your steadfast love spare my life, so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
TEV - "A Prayer for Deliverance" - 88 Because of your constant love be good to me, so that I may obey your laws.
<B12> Psalm 55
KJV w/Strong# - {22} Cast <07993> thy burden <03053> upon the LORD <03068>, and he shall sustain <03557> thee: he shall never suffer <05414> the righteous <06662> to be moved <04131>.
NRSV - 22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
TEV - "The Prayer of a Man Betrayed by a Friend" - 20 My former companion attacked his friends; he broke his promises. 21 His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords. 22 Leave your troubles with the LORD, and he will defend you; he never lets honest men be defeated. 23 But you, O God, will bring those murderers and liars to their graves before half their life is over. As for me, I will trust in you.
KJV w/Strong# - {4} I sought <01875> the LORD <03068>, and he heard <06030> me, and delivered <05337> me from all <03605> my fears <04035>.
{17} [The righteous] cry <06817>, and the LORD <03068> heareth <08085>, and delivereth <05337> them out of all <03605> their troubles <06869>.
{19} Many <07227> [are] the afflictions <07451> of the righteous <06662>: but the LORD <03068> delivereth <05337> him out of them all <03605>.
NRSV - 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all.
TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. 5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. 6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. 7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. 8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. 9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. 10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good. 11 Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD. 12 Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness? 13 Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart. 15 The LORD watches over the righteous and listens to their cries; 16 but he opposes those who do evil, so that when they die, they are soon forgotten. 17 The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. 19 The good man suffers many troubles, but the LORD saves him from them all; 20 the LORD preserves him completely; not one of his bones is broken. 21 Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 The LORD will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared.
KJV w/Strong# - {23} The steps <04703> of a [good] man <01397> are ordered <03559> by the LORD <03068>: and he delighteth <02654> in his way <01870>. {24} Though <03588> he fall <05307>, he shall not be utterly cast <02904> down <02904>: for the LORD <03068> upholdeth <05564> [him with] his hand <03027>.
{37} Mark <08104> the perfect <08535> [man], and behold <07200> the upright <03477>: for the end <0319> of [that] man <0376> [is] peace <07965>.
NRSV - 23 Our steps are made firm by the LORD, when he delights in our way; 24 though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds us by the hand.
37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the peaceable.
TEV - "The Destiny of the Wicked and of the Good" - 21 The wicked man borrows and never pays back, but the good man is generous with his gifts. 22 Those who are blessed by the LORD will possess the land, but those who are cursed by him will be driven out. 23 The LORD guides a man in the way he should go and protects those who please him. 24 If they fall, they will not stay down, because the LORD will help them up.
35 I once knew a wicked man who was a tyrant; he towered over everyone like a cedar of Lebanon; 36 but later I passed by, and he wasn't there; I looked for him, but couldn't find him. 37 Notice the good man, observe the righteous man; a peaceful man has descendants, 38 but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out.
KJV w/Strong# - {22} ...the fruit <2590> of the Spirit <4151> is love <26>, joy <5479>, peace <1515>, longsuffering <3115>, gentleness <5544>, goodness <19>, faith <4102>, {23} Meekness <4236>, temperance <1466>: against <2596> such <5108> there is no <3756> law <3551>.
NRSV - 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
TEV - "The Spirit and Human Nature" - 22 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25 The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26 We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
<B16> James 1
KJV w/Strong# - {17} Every <3956> good <18> gift <1394> and every <3956> perfect <5046> gift <1394> is from above <509>, and cometh down <2597> from the Father <3962> of lights <5457>, with whom <3739> is no <3756> variableness <3883>, neither <2228> shadow <644> of turning <5157>. {18} Of his own will <1014> begat <616> he us with the word <3056> of truth <225>, that we should be a kind <5100> of firstfruits <536> of his creatures <2938>.
NRSV - 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
TEV - "Testing and Tempting" - 16 Do not be deceived, my dear brothers! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.
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 me while 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 - "Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind" - 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 do 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 told him, "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.
KJV w/Strong# - {17} ...the mercy <02617> of the LORD <03068> [is] from everlasting <05769> to everlasting <05769> upon them that fear <03373> him, and his righteousness <06666> unto children's <01121> children <01121>;
NRSV - 17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,
TEV - "The Love of God" - 15 As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wild flower; 16 then the wind blows on it, and it is gone -- no one sees it again. 17 But for those who honor the LORD, his love lasts forever, and his goodness endures for all generations 18 of those who are true to his covenant and who faithfully obey his commands.
<B19> 1 John 4
KJV w/Strong# - {9} In this <5129> was manifested <5319> the love <26> of God <2316> toward <1722> us, because <3754> that God <2316> sent <649> his only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207> into <1519> the world <2889>, that we might live <2198> through <1223> him.
NRSV - 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
TEV - "God Is Love" - 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Stand <4739> fast therefore <3767> in the liberty <1657> wherewith <3739> Christ <5547> hath made <1659> us free <1659>, and be not entangled <1758> again <3825> with the yoke <2218> of bondage <1397>.
{7} Ye did run <5143> well <2573>; who <5101> did hinder <348> you that ye should not obey <3982> the truth <225>?
NRSV - 1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
7 You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?
TEV - "Preserve Your Freedom" - 1 Freedom is what we have -- Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.
7 You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you? 8 It was not done by God, who calls you. 9 "It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise," as they say. 10 But I still feel confident about you. Our life in union with the Lord makes me confident that you will not take a different view and that the man who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will be punished by God. 11 But as for me, my brothers, if I continue to preach that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? If that were true, then my preaching about the cross of Christ would cause no trouble. 12 I wish that the people who are upsetting you would go all the way; let them go on and castrate themselves!
KJV w/Strong# - {12} Wherefore <5620>, my beloved <27>, as ye have always <3842> obeyed <5219>, not as in my presence <3952> only <3440>, but now <3568> much <4183> more <3123> in my absence <666>, work <2716> out your <1438> own <1438> salvation <4991> with fear <5401> and trembling <5156>. {13} For it is God <2316> which <3588> worketh <1754> in you both <2532> to will <2309> and to do <1754> of [his] good pleasure <2107>. {14} Do <4160> all <3956> things without <5565> murmurings <1112> and disputings <1261>: {15} That ye may be blameless <273> and harmless <185>, the sons <5043> of God <2316>, without <298> rebuke <298>, in the midst <3319> of a crooked <4646> and perverse <1294> nation <1074>, among <1722> whom <3739> ye shine <5316> as lights <5458> in the world <2889>;
NRSV - 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.
TEV - "Shining as Lights in the World" - 12 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, 13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, 16 as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.
KJV w/Strong# - {14} Now <1161> thanks <5485> [be] unto God <2316>, which always <3842> causeth <2358> us to triumph <2358> in Christ <5547>, and maketh <5319> manifest <5319> the savour <3744> of his knowledge <1108> by us in every <3956> place <5117>.
NRSV - 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.
TEV - "Victory through Christ" - 14 But thanks be to God! For in union with Christ we are always led by God as prisoners in Christ's victory procession. God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. 15 For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost. 16 For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task? 17 We are not like so many others, who handle God's message as if it were cheap merchandise; but because God has sent us, we speak with sincerity in his presence, as servants of Christ.
EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE MANY WEBPAGES FOUND ON THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE
|
Webpages with additional references to the Bible |
Corresponding addresses / links |
|
|
Copyright 1996-1999 Robert Nguyen Cramer