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NOTE REGARDING "THE BIBLE" AND THE 3 BIBLE VERSIONS USED HERE: The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. 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.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used 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.

KJV - 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid:...

NRSV - 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,...

TEV - "Hymn of Thanksgiving" - 1 A day is coming when people will sing, "I praise you, LORD! You were angry with me, but now you comfort me and are angry no longer. 2 God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The LORD gives me power and strength; he is my savior. 3 As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God's people rejoice when he saves them."

KJV - 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

NRSV - 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. 11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life. In your righteousness bring me out of trouble.

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 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. 11 Rescue me, LORD, as you have promised; in your goodness save me from my troubles! 12 Because of your love for me, kill my enemies and destroy all my oppressors, for I am your servant.

KJV - 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear:...

14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

NRSV - 6 With the LORD on my side I do not fear...

14 The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly." 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. 29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 5 In my distress I called to the LORD; he answered me and set me free. 6 The LORD is with me, I will not be afraid; what can anyone do to me? 7 It is the LORD who helps me, and I will see my enemies defeated. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on human leaders. 10 Many enemies were around me; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD! 11 They were around me on every side; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD! 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them. 13 I was fiercely attacked and was being defeated, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD makes me powerful and strong; he has saved me. 15 Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God's people: "The LORD's mighty power has done it! 16 His power has brought us victory -- his mighty power in battle!" 17 I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 He has punished me severely, but he has not let me die. 19 Open to me the gates of the Temple; I will go in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the gate of the LORD; only the righteous can come in. 21 I praise you, LORD, because you heard me, because you have given me victory.

28 You are my God, and I give you thanks; I will proclaim your greatness. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good, and his love is eternal.

KJV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

NRSV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being

TEV - "The Word of Life" - 1 Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

• Joh 1:1 - THE WORD WAS GOD (KJV, NRSV) or: what God was, the Word was (Revised English Bible) or: the Word was the same as God (TEV, 1976 edition)
• [To read two detailed commentaries on this phrase, which address the significant theological controversy surrounding the interpretation of this phrase, browse:]
• http://www.bibletexts.com/versecom/joh01v01.htm
• http://www.bibletexts.com/qa/qa029.htm

KJV - 1 Be merciful unto me, O God:...

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

NRSV - 1 Be gracious to me, O God,...

3 when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?

9 Then my enemies will retreat in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.

12 My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.

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?

8 You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren't they listed in your book? 9 The day I call to you, my enemies will be turned back. I know this: God is on my side -- 10 the LORD, whose promises I praise. 11 In him I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can a mere human being do to me? 12 O God, I will offer you what I have promised; I will give you my offering of thanksgiving, 13 because you have rescued me from death and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of God, in the light that shines on the living.

KJV - 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

NRSV - 7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.

TEV - "God's Complete Knowledge and Care" - 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

KJV - 15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

NRSV - 15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.

20 he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 10 Some were living in gloom and darkness, prisoners suffering in chains, 11 because they had rebelled against the commands of Almighty God and had rejected his instructions. 12 They were worn out from hard work; they would fall down, and no one would help. 13 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of their gloom and darkness and broke their chains in pieces. 15 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 16 He breaks down doors of bronze and smashes iron bars. 17 Some were fools, suffering because of their sins and because of their evil; 18 they couldn't stand the sight of food and were close to death. 19 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He healed them with his command and saved them from the grave. 21 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 22 They must thank him with sacrifices, and with songs of joy must tell all that he has done.

KJV - 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

NRSV - 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

TEV - "The Word of Life" - 14 The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. 15 John spoke about him. He cried out, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, "He comes after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born." 16 Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. 17 God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

KJV - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

NRSV - 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!"

KJV - 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

NRSV - 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.

TEV - "The Sermon on the Mount" - 1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them:

"Teaching about the Law" - 17 "Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. 18 Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with -- not until the end of all things. 19 So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven.

KJV - 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

NRSV - 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"

21 Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. 22 And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. 23 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

TEV - "The Messengers from John the Baptist" - 18 When John's disciples told him about all these things, he called two of them 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask him, "Are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?" 20 When they came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to ask if you are the one he said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?" 21 At that very time Jesus healed many people from their sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people. 22 He answered John's messengers, "Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. 23 How happy are those who have no doubts about me!"

KJV - 2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

NRSV - 2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

TEV - "A Prayer for Guidance and Protection" - 1 To you, O LORD, I offer my prayer; 2 in you, my God, I trust. Save me from the shame of defeat; don't let my enemies gloat over me! 3 Defeat does not come to those who trust in you, but to those who are quick to rebel against you.

8 Because the LORD is righteous and good, he teaches sinners the path they should follow. 9 He leads the humble in the right way and teaches them his will. 10 With faithfulness and love he leads all who keep his covenant and obey his commands. 11 Keep your promise, LORD, and forgive my sins, for they are many. 12 Those who have reverence for the LORD will learn from him the path they should follow. 13 They will always be prosperous, and their children will possess the land. 14 The LORD is the friend of those who obey him and he affirms his covenant with them.

KJV - 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

NRSV - 27 Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever.

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" - 27 Turn away from evil and do good, and your descendants will always live in the land; 28 for the LORD loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people. He protects them forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be driven out. 29 The righteous will possess the land and live in it forever. 30 A good man's words are wise, and he is always fair. 31 He keeps the law of his God in his heart and never departs from it.

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 - 18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

NRSV - 18 We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

TEV - "Eternal Life" - 18 We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God -- in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

KJV - 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever...

NRSV - 12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the foremost. 16 But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever...

TEV - "Gratitude for God's Mercy" - 12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him, 13 even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing. 14 And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. 15 This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, 16 but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God -- to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

KJV - 14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

NRSV - 14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise.

TEV - "Jeremiah Asks the LORD for Help" - 14 LORD, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise! 15 The people say to me, "Where are those threats the LORD made against us? Let him carry them out now!"

KJV - 8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

NRSV - 8 They think that a deadly thing has fastened on me, that I will not rise again from where I lie.

TEV - "The Prayer of a Sick Man" - 7 All who hate me whisper to each other about me, they imagine the worst about me. 8 They say, "He is fatally ill; he will never leave his bed again." 9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted most, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.

KJV - 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God...

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people...

NRSV - 2 many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God."

3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!

TEV - "Morning Prayer for Help" - 1 I have so many enemies, LORD, so many who turn against me! 2 They talk about me and say, "God will not help him." 3 But you, O LORD, are always my shield from danger; you give me victory and restore my courage. 4 I call to the LORD for help, and from his sacred hill he answers me. 5 I lie down and sleep, and all night long the LORD protects me. 6 I am not afraid of the thousands of enemies who surround me on every side. 7 Come, LORD! Save me, my God! You punish all my enemies and leave them powerless to harm me. 8 Victory comes from the LORD -- may he bless his people.

KJV - 7 ...Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

NRSV - 7 Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; 8 hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon.

TEV - "A Crowd by the Lake" - 7 Jesus and his disciples went away to Lake Galilee, and a large crowd followed him. They had come from Galilee, from Judea, 8 from Jerusalem, from the territory of Idumea, from the territory on the east side of the Jordan, and from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing. 9 The crowd was so large that Jesus told his disciples to get a boat ready for him, so that the people would not crush him. 10 He had healed many people, and all the sick kept pushing their way to him in order to touch him. 11 And whenever the people who had evil spirits in them saw him, they would fall down before him and scream, "You are the Son of God!"

KJV - 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

20 And they brought him unto him:...

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

NRSV - 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so."

20 And they brought the boy to him...

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!" 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit" - 14 When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. 15 When the people saw Jesus, they were greatly surprised, and ran to him and greeted him. 16 Jesus asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?" 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has an evil spirit in him and cannot talk. 18 Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not." 19 Jesus said to them, "How unbelieving you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me!" 20 They brought him to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the father. "Ever since he was a child," he replied. 22 "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" 23 "Yes," said Jesus, "if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith." 24 The father at once cried out, "I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!" 25 Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit. "Deaf and dumb spirit," he said, "I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!" 26 The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him rise, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?" 29 "Only prayer can drive this kind out," answered Jesus; "nothing else can."

KJV - 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

NRSV - 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.

TEV - "A Prayer for Help" - 6 My enemies have spread a net to catch me; I am overcome with distress. They dug a pit in my path, but fell into it themselves. 7 I have complete confidence, O God; I will sing and praise you! 8 Wake up, my soul! Wake up, my harp and lyre! I will wake up the sun. 9 I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations. I will praise you among the peoples. 10 Your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness touches the skies. 11 Show your greatness in the sky, O God, and your glory over all the earth.

KJV - 9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

NRSV - 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 - 41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

NRSV - 41 Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus' feet and begged him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him.

49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer." 50 When Jesus heard this, he replied, "Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved." 51 When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and called out, "Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat.

TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people welcomed him, because they had all been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus arrived; he was an official in the local synagogue. He threw himself down at Jesus' feet and begged him to go to his home, 42 because his only daughter, who was twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went along, the people were crowding him from every side.

46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me, for I knew it when power went out of me." 47 The woman saw that she had been found out, so she came trembling and threw herself at Jesus' feet. There in front of everybody, she told him why she had touched him and how she had been healed at once. 48 Jesus said to her, "My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace." 49 While Jesus was saying this, a messenger came from the official's house. "Your daughter has died," he told Jairus; "don't bother the Teacher any longer." 50 But Jesus heard it and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; only believe, and she will be well." 51 When he arrived at the house, he would not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Everyone there was crying and mourning for the child. Jesus said, "Don't cry; the child is not dead -- she is only sleeping!" 53 They all made fun of him, because they knew that she was dead. 54 But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, "Get up, child!" 55 Her life returned, and she got up at once, and Jesus ordered them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what had happened.

KJV - 11 ...now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

NRSV - 11 ...it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;

TEV - "Duties toward One Another" - 11 You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day -- no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy.14 But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.

KJV - 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

NRSV - 9 Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

TEV - "God Will Rescue Jerusalem" - 9 Break into shouts of joy, you ruins of Jerusalem! The LORD will rescue his city and comfort his people. 10 The LORD will use his holy power; he will save his people, and all the world will see it.

KJV - 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

NRSV - 8 Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. 9 It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

TEV - "God Prepares a Banquet" - 6 Here on Mount Zion the LORD Almighty will prepare a banquet for all the nations of the world -- a banquet of the richest food and the finest wine. 7 Here he will suddenly remove the cloud of sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations. 8 The Sovereign LORD will destroy death forever! He will wipe away the tears from everyone's eyes and take away the disgrace his people have suffered throughout the world. The LORD himself has spoken. 9 When it happens, everyone will say, "He is our God! We have put our trust in him, and he has rescued us. He is the LORD! We have put our trust in him, and now we are happy and joyful because he has saved us."

KJV - 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them...

NRSV - 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

12 Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them!...

TEV - "The Woman and the Dragon" - 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused our brothers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. 11 Our brothers won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. 12 And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left."

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