# verses

text:
And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [<f>[15]</f>cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.


text:
Whoever finds his [<f>[16]</f>lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].


text:
He who receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts you receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts Me, and he who receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts Me receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts Him Who sent Me.


text:
He who receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives <i>and</i> welcomes <i>and</i> accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.


text:
And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.


text:
When Jesus had finished His charge to His twelve disciples, He left there to teach and to preach in their [Galilean] cities.


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And asked Him, Are You the One Who was to come, or should we keep on expecting a different one? <f>ⓐ</f>


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The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed (by healing) and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have good news (the Gospel) preached to them. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[1]</f>to be envied) is he who takes no offense at Me <i>and</i> finds no cause for stumbling in <i>or</i> through Me <i>and</i> is not hindered from seeing the Truth.


text:
Then as these men went their way, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: What did you go out in the wilderness (desert) to see? A reed swayed by the wind?


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What did you go out to see then? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in the houses of kings.


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But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [<f>[2]</f>out of the common, more eminent, more remarkable, and] <f>[3]</f>superior to a prophet.


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This is the one of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who shall make ready Your way before You. <f>ⓒ</f>


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Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.


text:
And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize — a <f>[4]</f>share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].


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And if you are willing to receive <i>and</i> accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come [before the kingdom]. <f>ⓓ</f>


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He who has ears to hear, let him be listening <i>and</i> let him consider <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>perceive <i>and</i> comprehend by hearing.


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But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like little children sitting in the marketplaces who call to their playmates,


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We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn <i>and</i> beat your breasts <i>and</i> weep aloud.


text:
The Son of Man came eating and drinking [with others], and they say, Behold, a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors <i>and</i> [<f>[6]</f>especially wicked] sinners! Yet wisdom is justified <i>and</i> vindicated by what she does (her deeds) <i>and by</i> <f>[7]</f><i>her children</i>.


text:
Then He began to censure <i>and</i> reproach the cities in which most of His mighty works had been performed, because they did not repent [and their hearts were not changed].


text:
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes [and their hearts would have been changed].


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I tell you [further], it shall be more endurable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.


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And you, Capernaum, are you to be lifted up to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades [the region of the dead]! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have continued until today.


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But I tell you, it shall be more endurable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.


text:
At that time Jesus began to say, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [and <f>[8]</f>I acknowledge openly <i>and</i> joyfully to Your honor], that You have hidden these things from the wise <i>and</i> clever and learned, and revealed them to babies [to the <f>[9]</f>childish, untaught, and unskilled].


text:
All things have been entrusted <i>and</i> delivered to Me by My Father; and no one <f>[10]</f>fully knows <i>and</i> <f>[11]</f>accurately understands the Son except the Father, and no one <f>[12]</f>fully knows <i>and</i> <f>[13]</f>accurately understands the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son <f>[14]</f>deliberately wills to make Him known.


text:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden <i>and</i> overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will <f>[15]</f>ease and relieve and <f>[16]</f>refresh <f>[17]</f>your souls.]


text:
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (<f>[18]</f>relief and ease and refreshment and <f>[19]</f>recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. <f>ⓔ</f>


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For My yoke is wholesome (useful, <f>[20]</f>good — not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light <i>and</i> easy to be borne.


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At that <f>[1]</f>particular time Jesus went through the fields of standing grain on the Sabbath; and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pick off the spikes of grain and to eat. <f>ⓐ</f>


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And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, See there! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful <i>and</i> not permitted on the Sabbath.


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He said to them, Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, and those who accompanied him — <f>ⓑ</f>


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How he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the showbread — which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for the men who accompanied him, but for the priests only?


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Or have you never read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple violate the sanctity of the Sabbath [breaking it] and yet are guiltless? <f>ⓒ</f>


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But I tell you, Something greater <i>and</i> <f>[2]</f>more exalted <i>and</i> more majestic than the temple is here!


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And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice <i>and</i> sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless. <f>ⓓ</f>


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And behold, a man was there with one withered hand. And they said to Him, Is it lawful <i>or</i> allowable to cure people on the Sabbath days? — that they might accuse Him.


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But He said to them, What man is there among you, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit <i>or</i> ditch on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?


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How much better <i>and</i> of more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful <i>and</i> allowable to do good on the Sabbath days.


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Then He said to the man, Reach out your hand. And the man reached it out and it was restored, as sound as the other one.


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But being aware of this, Jesus went away from there. And many people <f>[3]</f>joined <i>and</i> accompanied Him, and He cured all of them,


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Behold, My Servant Whom I have chosen, My Beloved in <i>and</i> with Whom My soul is well pleased <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>has found its delight. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall proclaim <i>and</i> <f>[6]</f>show forth justice to the nations.


text:
He will not strive <i>or</i> wrangle or cry out loudly; nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets;


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A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings <f>[7]</f>justice <i>and</i> a just cause to victory.


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And in <i>and</i> on His name will the Gentiles (the <f>[8]</f>peoples outside of Israel) set their hopes. <f>ⓔ</f>


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Then a blind and dumb man under the power of a demon was brought to Jesus, and He cured him, so that the blind and dumb man both spoke and saw.


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And all the [crowds of] people were stunned with bewildered wonder and said, This cannot be the Son of David, can it?


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But the Pharisees, hearing it, said, This <f>[9]</f>Man drives out demons only by <i>and</i> with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of demons.


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And knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation <i>and</i> laid waste, and no city <i>or</i> house divided against itself will last <i>or</i> continue to stand.


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And if Satan drives out Satan, he has become divided against himself <i>and</i> disunified; how then will his kingdom last <i>or</i> continue to stand?


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And if I drive out the demons by [help of] Beelzebub, by whose [help] do your sons drive them out? <f>[10]</f>For this reason they shall be your judges.


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But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [<f>[11]</f>before you expected it].


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Or how can a person go into a strong man’s house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.


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He who is not with Me [definitely <f>[12]</f>on My side] is against Me, and he who does not [definitely] gather with Me <i>and</i> for <f>[13]</f>My side scatters.


text:
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy (every evil, abusive, <f>[14]</f>injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things) can be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit shall not <i>and</i> <f>[15]</f>cannot be forgiven.


text:
And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Spirit, the Holy One, will not be forgiven, either in this world <i>and</i> age or in the world <i>and</i> age to come.


text:
Either make the tree sound (healthy and good), and its fruit sound (healthy and good), or make the tree rotten (diseased and bad), and its fruit rotten (diseased and bad); for the tree is known <i>and</i> recognized <i>and</i> judged by its fruit.


text:
You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the <f>[16]</f>superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.


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The good man from his inner good treasure <f>[17]</f>flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse <f>[18]</f>flings forth evil things.


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But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every <f>[19]</f>idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.


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For by your words you will be justified <i>and</i> acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned <i>and</i> sentenced.


text:
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, Teacher, we desire to see a sign <i>or</i> miracle from You [proving that You are what You claim to be].


text:
But He replied to them, An evil and adulterous generation (a generation <f>[20]</f>morally unfaithful to God) seeks <i>and</i> demands a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.


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For even as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. <f>ⓕ</f>


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The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, Someone more <i>and</i> greater than Jonah is here! <f>ⓖ</f>


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The queen of the South will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, Someone more <i>and</i> greater than Solomon is here. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any.


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Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, <i>and</i> decorated.


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Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation.


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Jesus was still speaking to the people when behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him.


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<f>[21]</f><i>Someone said to Him, Listen! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.</i>


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And stretching out His hand toward [not only the twelve disciples but all] <f>[22]</f>His adherents, He said, Here are My mother and My brothers.


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But such great crowds gathered about Him that He got into a boat and remained sitting there, while all the throng stood on the shore.


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And He told them many things in parables (stories by way of illustration and comparison), saying, A sower went out to sow.


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Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil; and at once they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil.


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But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they dried up <i>and</i> withered away.


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Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain — some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty.


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He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening <i>and</i> let him <f>[1]</f>consider <i>and</i> <f>[2]</f>perceive <i>and</i> comprehend by hearing.


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And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets <i>and</i> mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.


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For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given <i>and</i> he will <f>[3]</f>be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.


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This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because <f>[4]</f>having the power of seeing, they do not see; and <f>[5]</f>having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp <i>and</i> understand.


text:
In them indeed is <f>[6]</f>the process of fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, which says: You shall indeed hear <i>and</i> hear but never grasp <i>and</i> understand; and you shall indeed look <i>and</i> look but never see <i>and</i> perceive.


text:
For this nation’s heart has grown gross (fat and dull), and their ears heavy <i>and</i> difficult of hearing, and their eyes they have tightly closed, lest they see <i>and</i> perceive with their eyes, and hear <i>and</i> comprehend the sense with their ears, and grasp <i>and</i> understand with their heart, and turn <i>and</i> I should heal them. <f>ⓐ</f>


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But blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[7]</f>to be envied) are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear.


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Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men [men who were upright and in right standing with God] yearned to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.


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<f>[8]</f>While anyone is hearing the Word of the kingdom and does not grasp <i>and</i> comprehend it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the roadside.


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As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes <i>and</i> accepts it with joy;


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Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, <f>[9]</f>lasts but a little while); and when affliction <i>or</i> trouble <i>or</i> persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and <f>[10]</f>begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] <i>and</i> he falls away.


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As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure <i>and</i> delight <i>and</i> glamour <i>and</i> deceitfulness of riches choke <i>and</i> suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit.


text:
As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the Word and grasps <i>and</i> comprehends it; he indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundred times as much as was sown, in another sixty times as much, and in another thirty.


text:
Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.


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But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way.


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And the servants of the owner came to him and said, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have darnel shoots in it?


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He replied to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and weed them out?


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But he said, No, lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), you root up the [true] wheat along with it.


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Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.


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Another story by way of comparison He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field.


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Of all the seeds it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and find shelter in its branches.


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He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (<f>[11]</f>sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal <i>or</i> flour till all of it was leavened. <f>ⓑ</f>


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These things <f>[12]</f>all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them.


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This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. <f>ⓒ</f>


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Then He left the throngs and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him saying, Explain to us the parable of the darnel in the field.


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The field is the world, and the good seed means the children of the kingdom; the darnel is the children of the evil one,


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And the enemy who sowed it is the devil. The harvest is the close <i>and</i> consummation of the age, and the reapers are angels.


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Just as the darnel (weeds resembling wheat) is gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the close of the age.


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The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [<f>[13]</f>persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity <i>and</i> act wickedly,


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And will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping <i>and</i> wailing and grinding of teeth.


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Then will the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be listening, <i>and</i> let him <f>[14]</f>consider <i>and</i> perceive <i>and</i> understand by hearing. <f>ⓓ</f>


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The kingdom of heaven is like <f>[15]</f>something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.


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Again the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine <i>and</i> <f>[16]</f>precious pearls,


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Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a <f>[17]</f>dragnet which was cast into the sea and gathered in fish of every sort.


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When it was full, men dragged it up on the beach, and sat down and sorted out the good fish into baskets, but the worthless ones they threw away.


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So it will be at the close <i>and</i> consummation of the age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God)


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And cast them [the wicked] into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping <i>and</i> wailing and grinding of teeth.


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Have you understood <f>[18]</f>all these things [parables] taken together? They said to Him, Yes, <i>Lord</i>.


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He said to them, Therefore every <f>[19]</f>teacher <i>and</i> interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about <i>and</i> trained for the kingdom of heaven and has <f>[20]</f>become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].


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And coming to His own country [Nazareth], He taught in their synagogue so that they were amazed with bewildered wonder, and said, Where did this <f>[21]</f>Man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?


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Is not this the carpenter’s Son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?


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And they took offense at Him [they were repelled and hindered from acknowledging His authority, and caused to stumble]. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.


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And He did not do many works of power there, because of their unbelief (their lack of faith <f>[22]</f>in the divine mission of Jesus).


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And he said to his attendants, This is John the Baptist; He has been raised from the dead, and that is why the powers <f>[1]</f>of performing miracles are at work in Him.


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For Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison [to <f>[2]</f>stow him out of the way] on account <i>and</i> for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,


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Although he wished to have him put to death, he was afraid of the people, for they regarded John as a prophet.


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But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst [before the company] and pleased <i>and</i> fascinated Herod,


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And she, being put forward <i>and</i> prompted by her mother, said, Give me the head of John the Baptist right here on a <f>[3]</f>platter.


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And the king was distressed <i>and</i> sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered it to be given her;


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And his head was brought in on a <f>[4]</f>platter and given <f>[5]</f>to the little maid, and she brought it to her mother.


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When Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there privately in a boat to a solitary place. But when the crowds heard of it, they followed Him [by land] on foot from the towns.


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When He went ashore and saw a great throng of people, He had compassion (pity and deep sympathy) for them and cured their sick.


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When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, This is a remote <i>and</i> barren place, and the day is now over; send the throngs away into the villages to buy food for themselves.


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Then He ordered the crowds to recline on the grass; and He took the five loaves and the two fish, and, looking up to heaven, He gave thanks <i>and</i> blessed and broke the loaves and handed the pieces to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.


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And they all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve [<f>[6]</f>small hand] baskets full of the broken pieces left over.


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Then He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent away the crowds.


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And after He had dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was still there alone.


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But the boat was by this time out on the sea, <i>many furlongs</i> [a furlong is one-eighth of a mile] <i>distant from the land</i>, beaten and tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them.


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And in the fourth watch [between 3:00 — 6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.


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And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright.


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But when he perceived <i>and</i> felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!


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Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught <i>and</i> held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?


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And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent around into all the surrounding country and brought to Him all who were sick


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And begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His garment; and as many as touched it were perfectly restored. <f>ⓒ</f>


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Why do Your disciples transgress <i>and</i> violate the rules handed down by the elders of the past? For they do not practice [ceremonially] washing their hands before they eat.


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He replied to them, And why also do you transgress <i>and</i> violate the commandment of God for the sake of the rules handed down to you by your forefathers (the elders)?


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For God commanded, Honor your father and your mother, and, He who curses <i>or</i> reviles <i>or</i> speaks evil of <i>or</i> abuses <i>or</i> treats improperly his father or mother, let him surely come to his end by death. <f>ⓐ</f>


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But you say, If anyone tells his father or mother, What you would have gained from me [that is, the money and whatever I have that might be used for helping you] is already dedicated as a gift to God, then he is exempt <i>and</i> no longer under obligation to honor <i>and</i> help his father <i>or his mother</i>.


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So for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers), you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect].


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These people <i>draw near Me with their mouths and</i> honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off <i>and</i> are far away from Me.


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It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean <i>and</i> defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean <i>and</i> defiles [him].


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Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were displeased <i>and</i> offended <i>and</i> indignant when they heard this saying?


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He answered, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots. <f>ⓒ</f>


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Let them alone <i>and</i> disregard them; they are blind guides <i>and</i> teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch.


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And He said, Are you also even yet dull <i>and</i> ignorant [without understanding and <f>[3]</f>unable to put things together]?


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Do you not see <i>and</i> understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the <f>[4]</f>abdomen and so passes on into the place where discharges are deposited?


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But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean <i>and</i> defiles [him].


text:
For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, <i>and</i> irreverent speech.


text:
These are what make a man unclean <i>and</i> defile [him]; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean <i>or</i> defile [him].


text:
And behold, a woman who was a Canaanite from that district came out and, with a [loud, troublesomely urgent] cry, begged, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably <i>and</i> distressingly <i>and</i> cruelly possessed by a demon!


text:
But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, Send her away, for she is crying out after us.


text:
And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the <f>[5]</f>little dogs.


text:
She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (<f>[6]</f>little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.


text:
Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that <f>[7]</f>moment.


text:
And Jesus went on from there and passed along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up into the hills and kept sitting there.


text:
And a great multitude came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them down at His feet; and He cured them,


text:
So that the crowd was amazed when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they <f>[8]</f>recognized <i>and</i> praised <i>and</i> thanked <i>and</i> glorified the God of Israel.


text:
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, I have pity <i>and</i> sympathy <i>and</i> am deeply moved for the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days and they have nothing [at all left] to eat; and I am not willing to send them away hungry, lest they faint <i>or</i> become exhausted on the way.


text:
And the disciples said to Him, Where are we to get bread sufficient to feed so great a crowd in this isolated <i>and</i> desert place?


text:
And Jesus asked them, How many loaves of bread do you have? They replied, Seven, and a few small fish.


text:
He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.


text:
And they all ate and were satisfied. And they gathered up seven [<f>[9]</f>large provision] baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.


text:
Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came up to Jesus, and they asked Him to show them a sign (spectacular miracle) from heaven [attesting His divine authority].


text:
He replied to them, <f>[1]</f><i>When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,</i>


text:
<i>And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.</i>


text:
A wicked and morally unfaithful generation craves a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of <i>the prophet</i> Jonah. Then He left them and went away. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
When the disciples reached the other side of the sea, they found that they had forgotten to bring any bread.


text:
Jesus said to them, Be careful <i>and</i> on your guard against the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.


text:
And they reasoned among themselves about it, saying, <i>It is</i> because we did not bring any bread.


text:
But Jesus, aware of this, asked, Why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? O you [men, how little trust you have in Me, how] little faith!


text:
Do you not yet discern (perceive and understand)? Do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many [<f>[2]</f>small hand] baskets you gathered?


text:
Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many [<f>[3]</f>large provision] baskets you took up?


text:
How is it that you fail to understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But beware of the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.


text:
Then they discerned that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.


text:
Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is?


text:
And they answered, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.


text:
Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[4]</f>to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven.


text:
And I tell you, you are <f>[5]</f>Peter [Greek, <i>Petros</i> — a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, <i>petra</i> — a <f>[6]</f>huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the <f>[7]</f>infernal region) shall <f>[8]</f>not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].


text:
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth <f>[9]</f>must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth <f>[10]</f>must be what is already loosed in heaven. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then He sternly <i>and</i> strictly charged <i>and</i> warned the disciples to tell no one that He was <i>Jesus</i> the Christ.


text:
From that time forth Jesus began [clearly] to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders and the high priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised <f>[11]</f>from death.


text:
Then Peter took Him aside <f>[12]</f>to speak to Him privately and began to reprove and <f>[13]</f>charge Him sharply, saying, God forbid, Lord! This must never happen to You!


text:
But Jesus turned <f>[14]</f>away from Peter and said to him, Get behind Me, Satan! You are in My way [an offense and a hindrance and a snare to Me]; for you are <f>[15]</f>minding what partakes not of the nature <i>and</i> quality of God, but of men.


text:
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [<f>[16]</f>cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].


text:
For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].


text:
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed <f>[17]</f>life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] <f>[18]</f>life [in the kingdom of God]?


text:
For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account <i>and</i> reward every man in accordance with what he has done.


text:
Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in (into) His kingdom.


text:
And six days after this, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.


text:
And His appearance underwent a change in their presence; and His face shone <f>[1]</f>clear and bright like the sun, and His clothing became as white as light.


text:
Then Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, Lord, it is good <i>and</i> delightful that we are here; if You approve, I will put up three booths here — one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.


text:
While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [<f>[2]</f>composed of light] overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am [and <f>[3]</f>have always been] delighted. Listen to Him! <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were <f>[4]</f>seized with alarm <i>and</i> struck with fear.


text:
And as they were going down the mountain, Jesus cautioned <i>and</i> commanded them, Do not mention to anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.


text:
But I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know <i>or</i> recognize him, but did to him as they liked. So also the Son of Man is going to be treated <i>and</i> suffer at their hands.


text:
Lord, do pity <i>and</i> have mercy on my son, for he has epilepsy (is <f>[5]</f>moonstruck) and he suffers terribly; for frequently he falls into the fire and many times into the water.


text:
And Jesus answered, O you unbelieving (<f>[6]</f>warped, wayward, rebellious) and <f>[7]</f>thoroughly perverse generation! How long am I to remain with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to Me.


text:
He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of <f>[8]</f>firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [<f>[9]</f>that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.


text:
When they were going about here and there in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is going to be turned over into the hands of men.


text:
And they will kill Him, and He will be raised [to life] again on the third day. And they were deeply <i>and</i> exceedingly grieved <i>and</i> distressed.


text:
When they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the half shekel [the temple tax] went up to Peter and said, Does not your Teacher pay the half shekel? <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
He answered, Yes. And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him [about it] first, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly rulers collect duties <i>or</i> tribute — from their own sons or from others <f>[11]</f>not of their own family?


text:
And when Peter said, From other people <f>[12]</f>not of their own family, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are exempt.


text:
However, in order not to give offense <i>and</i> cause them to stumble [that is, to cause them <f>[13]</f>to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel. Take it and give it to them to pay the temple tax for Me and for yourself.


text:
At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?


text:
And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].


text:
Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.


text:
And whoever receives <i>and</i> accepts <i>and</i> welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives <i>and</i> accepts <i>and</i> welcomes Me.


text:
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in <i>and</i> <f>[1]</f>acknowledge <i>and</i> cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (<f>[2]</f>more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea.


text:
Woe to the world for such temptations to sin <i>and</i> influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account <i>or</i> by whom the temptation comes!


text:
And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble <i>and</i> sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better (more profitable and wholesome) for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into everlasting fire.


text:
And if your eye causes you to stumble <i>and</i> sin, pluck it out and throw it away from you; it is better (more profitable and wholesome) for you to enter life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the hell (Gehenna) of fire.


text:
Beware that you do not despise <i>or</i> feel scornful toward <i>or</i> think little of one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always are in the presence of <i>and</i> look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven.


text:
<f>[3]</f><i>For the Son of man came to save [</i> <f>[4]</f><i>from the penalty of eternal death] that which was lost.</i>


text:
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray <i>and</i> gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?


text:
And if it should be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.


text:
Just so it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost <i>and</i> perish.


text:
If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.


text:
But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed <i>and</i> upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses.


text:
If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid <i>and</i> declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be <f>[5]</f>what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit <i>and</i> declare proper and lawful on earth must be <f>[6]</f>what is already permitted in heaven.


text:
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and <f>[7]</f>everything] they may ask, it will come to pass <i>and</i> be done for them by My Father in heaven.


text:
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him <i>and</i> <f>[8]</f>let it go? [As many as] up to seven times?


text:
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants.


text:
When he began the accounting, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents [probably about $10,000,000],


text:
And because he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made.


text:
So the attendant fell on his knees, begging him, Have patience with me and I will pay you everything.


text:
And his master’s heart was moved with compassion, and he released him and forgave him [cancelling] the debt.


text:
But that same attendant, as he went out, found one of his fellow attendants who owed him a hundred denarii [about twenty dollars]; and he caught him by the throat and said, Pay what you owe!


text:
So his fellow attendant fell down and begged him earnestly, Give me time, and I will pay you <i>all</i>!


text:
When his fellow attendants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and told everything that had taken place to their master.


text:
Then his master called him and said to him, You contemptible <i>and</i> wicked attendant! I forgave <i>and</i> cancelled all that [great] debt of yours because you begged me to.


text:
And should you not have had pity <i>and</i> mercy on your fellow attendant, as I had pity <i>and</i> mercy on you?


text:
And in wrath his master turned him over to the torturers (the jailers), till he should pay all that he owed.


text:
So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart <i>his offenses</i>.


text:
Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the part of Judea that is beyond the Jordan;


text:
And Pharisees came to Him and put Him to the test by asking, Is it lawful <i>and</i> right to dismiss <i>and</i> repudiate <i>and</i> divorce one’s wife for any <i>and</i> <f>[1]</f>every cause?


text:
And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).


text:
They said to Him, Why then did Moses command [us] to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss <i>and</i> repudiate a wife? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss <i>and</i> repudiate <i>and</i> divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been <f>[2]</f>so [ordained].


text:
I say to you: whoever dismisses (repudiates, divorces) his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery, <f>[3]</f><i>and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery</i>.


text:
The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable <i>nor</i> advisable to marry.


text:
But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given.


text:
For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it.


text:
Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.


text:
But He said, Leave the children alone! Allow the little ones to come to Me, and do not forbid <i>or</i> restrain <i>or</i> hinder them, for of such [as these] is the kingdom of heaven <i>composed</i>.


text:
And behold, there came a man up to Him, saying, Teacher, what excellent <i>and</i> perfectly <i>and</i> essentially good deed must I do to possess eternal life? <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And He said to him, Why do you ask Me about the perfectly <i>and</i> essentially good? There is only One Who is good [perfectly and essentially] — God. If you would enter into the Life, you must continually keep the commandments.


text:
He said to Him, What <f>[4]</f>sort of commandments? [Or, which ones?] And Jesus answered, You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, <f>[5]</f>have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, <f>[6]</f>be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me].


text:
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad (grieved and in much distress), for he had great possessions.


text:
And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you, it will be difficult for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven.


text:
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of heaven.


text:
When the disciples heard this, they were utterly puzzled (astonished, bewildered), saying, Who then can be saved [<f>[7]</f>from eternal death]?


text:
But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Then Peter answered Him, saying, Behold, we have left [our] all and have become <f>[8]</f>Your disciples [sided with Your party and followed You]. What then shall we receive?


text:
Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, in the new age [the <f>[9]</f>Messianic rebirth of the world], when the Son of Man shall sit down on the throne of His glory, you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.


text:
And anyone <i>and</i> everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for My name’s sake will receive <f>[10]</f>many [even a hundred] times more and will inherit eternal life.


text:
For the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of an estate who went out in the morning <f>[1]</f>along with the dawn to hire workmen for his vineyard.


text:
And he said to them, You go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will pay you. And they went.


text:
And about the eleventh hour (five o’clock) he went out and found still others standing around, and said to them, Why do you stand here idle all day?


text:
They answered him, Because nobody has hired us. He told them, You go out into the vineyard also <f>[2]</f><i>and you will get whatever is just and fair</i>.


text:
When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, Call the workmen and pay them their wages, beginning with the last and ending with the first. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Now when the first came, they supposed they would get more, but each of them also received a denarius.


text:
Saying, These [men] who came last worked no more than an hour, and yet you have made them rank with us who have borne the burden and the <f>[3]</f>scorching heat of the day.


text:
But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?


text:
Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?


text:
So those who [now] are last will be first [then], and those who [now] are first will be last [then]. <f>[4]</f><i>For many are called, but few chosen.</i>


text:
And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside along the way and said to them,


text:
Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes; and they will sentence Him to death


text:
And deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and whipped and crucified, and He will be raised [to life] on the third day.


text:
Then the mother of Zebedee’s children came up to Him with her sons and, kneeling, worshiped Him and asked a favor of Him.


text:
And He asked her, What do you wish? She answered Him, Give orders that these two sons of mine may sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left in Your kingdom.


text:
But Jesus replied, You do not realize what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink <f>[5]</f><i>and to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized</i>? They answered, We are able.


text:
He said to them, You will drink My cup, but seats at My right hand and at My left are not Mine to give, but they are for those for whom they have been <f>[6]</f>ordained <i>and</i> prepared by My Father.


text:
And Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men hold them in subjection [tyrannizing over them].


text:
Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free].


text:
And behold, two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, Lord, have pity <i>and</i> mercy on us, [You] Son of David!


text:
The crowds reproved them and told them to keep still; but they cried out all the more, Lord, have pity <i>and</i> mercy on us, [You] Son of David!


text:
And when they came near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples on ahead,


text:
Saying to them, Go into the village that is opposite you, and at once you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie [them] and bring [them] to Me.


text:
If anyone says anything to you, you shall reply, The Lord needs them, and he will let them go without delay.


text:
Say to the Daughter of Zion [inhabitants of Jerusalem], Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey [a beast of burden]. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their coats upon them, and He seated Himself on them [the clothing].


text:
And most of the crowd kept spreading their garments on the road, and others kept cutting branches from the trees and scattering them on the road.


text:
And the crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed Him kept shouting, Hosanna (<f>[1]</f>O be propitious, graciously inclined) to the Son of David, [<f>[2]</f>the Messiah]! Blessed (praised, glorified) is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna (O be favorably disposed) in the highest [heaven]! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And when He entered Jerusalem, all the city became agitated and <f>[3]</f>[trembling with excitement] said, Who is <f>[4]</f>This?


text:
And Jesus went into the temple (<f>[5]</f>whole temple enclosure) and drove out all who bought and sold in the <f>[6]</f>sacred place, and He turned over the <f>[7]</f>four-footed tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who sold doves.


text:
He said to them, The Scripture says, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And the blind and the lame came to Him in the <f>[8]</f>porches <i>and</i> courts of the temple, and He cured them.


text:
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He did and the boys <i>and</i> the girls <i>and</i> the <f>[9]</f>youths <i>and</i> the maidens crying out in the <f>[10]</f>porches <i>and</i> courts of the temple, Hosanna (O be propitious, graciously inclined) to the Son of David! they were indignant.


text:
And they said to Him, Do You hear what these are saying? And Jesus replied to them, Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have made (provided) perfect praise? <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And as He saw <f>[11]</f>one single leafy fig tree <f>[12]</f>above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [<f>[13]</f>seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once.


text:
When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once?


text:
And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a <f>[14]</f>firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done.


text:
And when He entered the sacred <f>[15]</f>enclosure of the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching and said, By what <f>[16]</f>power of authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this power of authority?


text:
Jesus answered them, I also will ask you a question, and if you give Me the answer, then I also will tell you by what <f>[17]</f>power of authority I do these things.


text:
The baptism of John — from where was it? From heaven or from men? And they reasoned <i>and</i> argued with one another, If we say, From heaven, <f>[18]</f>He will ask us, Why then did you not believe him?


text:
But if we say, From men — we are afraid of <i>and</i> must reckon with the multitude, for they all regard John as a prophet.


text:
So they answered Jesus, We do not know. And He said to them, Neither will I tell you by what <f>[19]</f>power of authority I do these things.


text:
What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard.


text:
Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go.


text:
Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you.


text:
For John came to you walking in the way of an upright man in right standing with God, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots did believe him; and you, even when you saw that, did not afterward change your minds and believe him [adhere to, trust in, and rely on what he told you].


text:
Listen to another parable: There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a hedge around it and dug a wine vat in it and built a watchtower. Then he let it out [for rent] to tenants and went into another country.


text:
When the fruit season drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his [share of the] fruit.


text:
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir; come on, let us kill him and have his inheritance.


text:
They said to Him, He will put those wretches to a miserable death and rent the vineyard to other tenants <f>[20]</f>of such a character that they will give him the fruits promptly in their season. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
Jesus asked them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: The very Stone which the builders rejected <i>and</i> threw away has become the Cornerstone; this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it.


text:
<f>[21]</f><i>And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom It falls will be crushed to powder [and It will</i> <f>[22]</f><i>winnow him</i>, <f>[23]</f><i>scattering him like dust]</i>. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables (comparisons, stories used to illustrate and explain), they perceived that He was talking about them.


text:
And although they were trying to arrest Him, they feared the throngs because they regarded Him as a prophet.


text:
And again Jesus spoke to them in parables (comparisons, stories used to illustrate and explain), saying,


text:
And sent his servants to summon those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they refused to come.


text:
Again he sent other servants, saying, Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have prepared my banquet; my bullocks and my fat calves are killed, and everything is prepared; come to the wedding feast.


text:
But they were not concerned <i>and</i> paid no attention [they ignored and made light of the summons, treating it with contempt] and they went away — one to his farm, another to his business,


text:
[Hearing this] the king was infuriated; and he sent his soldiers and put those murderers to death and burned their city.


text:
So go to the thoroughfares where they leave the city [where the main roads and those from the country end] and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.


text:
And those servants went out on the crossroads and got together as many as they found, both bad and good, so [the room in which] the wedding feast [was held] was filled with guests.


text:
But when the king came in to view the guests, he looked intently at a man there who had on no wedding garment.


text:
And he said, Friend, how did you come in here without putting on the [appropriate] wedding garment? And he was speechless (<f>[1]</f>muzzled, gagged).


text:
Then the king said to the attendants, Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the darkness outside; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.


text:
Then the Pharisees went and consulted <i>and</i> plotted together how they might entangle Jesus in His talk.


text:
And they sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that You are <f>[2]</f>sincere <i>and</i> what You profess to be and that You teach the way of God truthfully, regardless of consequences <i>and</i> being afraid of no man; for You are impartial <i>and</i> do not regard either the person <i>or</i> the position of anyone.


text:
Tell us then what You think about this: Is it lawful to pay tribute [levied on individuals and to be paid yearly] to Caesar or not?


text:
But Jesus, aware of their malicious plot, asked, Why do you put Me to the test <i>and</i> try to entrap Me, you pretenders (hypocrites)?


text:
They said, Caesar’s. Then He said to them, Pay therefore to Caesar the things that are due to Caesar, and pay to God the things that are due to God.


text:
The same day some Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection [of the dead], came to Him and they asked Him a question,


text:
Saying, Teacher, Moses said, If a man dies, leaving no children, his brother shall marry the widow and raise up a family for his brother. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married and died, and, having no children, left his wife to his brother.


text:
For in the resurrected state neither do [men] marry nor are [women] given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven.


text:
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And when the throng heard it, they were astonished <i>and</i> filled with [<f>[3]</f>glad] amazement at His teaching.


text:
Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced (<f>[4]</f>muzzled) the Sadducees, they gathered together.


text:
Teacher, which <f>[5]</f>kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light — which are heavy?]


text:
And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
He said to them, How is it then that David, under the influence of the [Holy] Spirit, calls Him Lord, saying,


text:
And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day did anyone venture <i>or</i> dare to question Him.


text:
So observe and practice all they tell you; but do not do what they do, for they preach, but do not practice.


text:
They tie up heavy loads, <i>hard to bear</i>, and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger to help bear them.


text:
They do all their works to be seen of men; for they make wide their phylacteries (<f>[1]</f>small cases enclosing certain Scripture passages, worn during prayer on the left arm and forehead) and make long their fringes [worn by all male Israelites, according to the command]. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And they <f>[2]</f>take pleasure in <i>and</i> [thus] love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,


text:
Whoever exalts himself [<f>[3]</f>with haughtiness and empty pride] shall be humbled (brought low), and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be <f>[4]</f>raised to honor.


text:
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces; for you neither enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are about to go in to do so.


text:
<f>[5]</f><i>Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you swallow up widows’ houses and for a pretense to cover it up make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation and the heavier sentence.</i>


text:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are.


text:
Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone swears by the <f>[6]</f>sanctuary of the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the <f>[7]</f>sanctuary, he is a debtor [bound by his oath].


text:
You blind fools! For which is greater: the gold, or the <f>[8]</f>sanctuary of the temple that has made the gold sacred? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
You say too, Whoever swears by the altar is not duty bound; but whoever swears by the offering on the altar, his oath is binding.


text:
And he who swears by the <f>[9]</f>sanctuary of the temple swears by it and by Him Who dwells in it. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected <i>and</i> omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law — right <i>and</i> justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others.


text:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence.


text:
You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.


text:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure.


text:
Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just <i>and</i> upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness <i>and</i> iniquity. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,


text:
Saying, If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have aided them in shedding the blood of the prophets.


text:
Thus you are testifying against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.


text:
Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ sins to the brim [so <f>[11]</f>that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].


text:
You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the <f>[12]</f>penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?


text:
Because of this, take notice: I am sending you prophets and wise men (interpreters and teachers) and scribes (men learned in the Mosaic Law and the Prophets); some of them you will kill, even crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue <i>and</i> persecute from town to town,


text:
So that upon your heads may come all the blood of the righteous (<f>[13]</f>those who correspond to the divine standard of right) shed on earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar [of burnt offering]. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Truly I declare to you, all these [<f>[14]</f>evil, calamitous times] will come upon this generation. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, murdering the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a mother fowl gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused!


text:
For I declare to you, you will not see Me again until you say, Blessed (magnified in worship, adored, and exalted) is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
Jesus departed from the temple <f>[1]</f>area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to the buildings of the temple <i>and</i> point them out to Him.


text:
But He answered them, Do you see all these? Truly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.


text:
While He was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and said, Tell us, when will this take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end (the completion, the consummation) of the age?


text:
Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].


text:
For many will come in (on the strength of) My name [<f>[2]</f>appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray.


text:
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened <i>or</i> troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.


text:
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place;


text:
All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the <f>[3]</f>birth pangs [of the <f>[4]</f>intolerable anguish].


text:
Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction <i>and</i> tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.


text:
And then many will be offended <i>and</i> repelled <i>and</i> will <f>[5]</f>begin to distrust <i>and</i> desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] <i>and</i> will stumble and fall away and betray one another <i>and</i> pursue one another with hatred.


text:
And the love of <f>[6]</f>the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness <i>and</i> iniquity,


text:
And this good news of the kingdom (the Gospel) will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then will come the end.


text:
So when you see the appalling sacrilege [the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place — let the reader take notice <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>ponder <i>and</i> consider <i>and</i> heed [this] — <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
For then there will be great tribulation (affliction, distress, and oppression) such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now — no, and never will be [again]. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would endure <i>and</i> survive, but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.


text:
If anyone says to you then, Behold, here is the Christ (the Messiah)! or, There He is! — do not believe it.


text:
For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive <i>and</i> lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones).


text:
So if they say to you, Behold, He is in the wilderness (desert) — do not go out there; if they tell you, Behold, He is in the secret places <i>or</i> inner rooms — do not believe it.


text:
For just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines <i>and</i> <f>[8]</f>is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.


text:
Wherever there is a fallen body (a corpse), there the vultures (or eagles) will flock together. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn <i>and</i> <f>[9]</f>beat their breasts <i>and</i> lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor]. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (His chosen ones) from the four winds, [even] from one end of the <f>[10]</f>universe to the other. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
From the fig tree learn this lesson: as soon as its <f>[11]</f>young shoots become soft and tender and it puts out its leaves, you know <f>[12]</f>of a surety that summer is near.


text:
So also when you see these signs, <f>[13]</f>all taken together, coming to pass, you may know <f>[14]</f>of a surety that He is near, at the very doors.


text:
Truly I tell you, this generation (<f>[15]</f>the whole multitude of people living at the same time, <f>[16]</f>in a definite, <f>[17]</f>given period) will not pass away till all these things <f>[18]</f>taken together take place.


text:
But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.


text:
For just as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, [men] marrying and [women] being given in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah went into the ark,


text:
And they did not know <i>or</i> understand until the flood came and swept them all away — so will be the coming of the Son of Man. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
Watch therefore [<f>[20]</f>give strict attention, be cautious and active], for you do not know in what kind of a day [<f>[21]</f>whether a near or remote one] your Lord is coming.


text:
But understand this: had the householder known in what [part of the night, whether in a <f>[22]</f>night or a morning] watch the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be <f>[23]</f>undermined <i>and</i> broken into.


text:
You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.


text:
Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, <i>and</i> wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food <i>and</i> supplies at the proper time?


text:
Blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[24]</f>to be envied) is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing.


text:
But if that servant is wicked and says to himself, My master is delayed <i>and</i> is going to be gone a long time,


text:
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware,


text:
And will punish him [<f>[25]</f>cut him up by scourging] and put him with the pretenders (hypocrites); there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.


text:
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.


text:
Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent).


text:
While the bridegroom lingered <i>and</i> was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep.


text:
But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.


text:
But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.


text:
Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour <i>when the Son of Man will come</i>.


text:
For it is like a man who was about to take a long journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his property.


text:
To one he gave five talents [probably about $5,000], to another two, to another one — to each in proportion to his own <f>[1]</f>personal ability. Then he departed <i>and</i> left the country.


text:
He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he gained five talents more.


text:
But he who had received the one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.


text:
And he who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, Master, you entrusted to me five talents; see, here I have gained five talents more.


text:
His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, <f>[2]</f>admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful <i>and</i> trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into <i>and</i> share the joy (the delight, the <f>[3]</f>blessedness) which your master enjoys.


text:
And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you entrusted two talents to me; here I have gained two talents more.


text:
His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, <f>[4]</f>admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful <i>and</i> trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into <i>and</i> share the joy (the delight, the <f>[5]</f>blessedness) which your master enjoys.


text:
He who had received one talent also came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a harsh <i>and</i> hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you had not winnowed [the grain].


text:
But his master answered him, You wicked <i>and</i> lazy <i>and</i> idle servant! Did you indeed know that I reap where I have not sowed and gather [grain] where I have not winnowed?


text:
Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest.


text:
For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be <f>[6]</f>furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.


text:
And throw the good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.


text:
When the Son of Man comes in His glory (His majesty and splendor), and all the <i>holy</i> angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.


text:
All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them [the people] from one another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father [you <f>[7]</f>favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation], inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.


text:
For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you <f>[8]</f>brought Me together with yourselves <i>and</i> welcomed <i>and</i> entertained <i>and</i> <f>[9]</f>lodged Me,


text:
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me <f>[10]</f>with help <i>and</i> ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then the just <i>and</i> upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink?


text:
And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed <i>and</i> entertained You, or naked and clothed You?


text:
And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [<f>[11]</f>in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!


text:
I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me <i>and</i> entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me <f>[12]</f>with help <i>and</i> ministering care.


text:
Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?


text:
And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [<f>[13]</f>in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just <i>and</i> upright <i>and</i> in right standing with God into eternal life. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
You know that the Passover is in two days — and the Son of Man will be delivered up <f>[1]</f>treacherously to be crucified.


text:
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the [<f>[2]</f>open] court of the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,


text:
But they said, It must not be during the Feast, for fear that there will be a riot among the people.


text:
A woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very precious perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table.


text:
But Jesus, fully aware of this, said to them, Why do you bother the woman? She has done a noble (praiseworthy and beautiful) thing to Me.


text:
Truly I tell you, wherever this good news (the Gospel) is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told also, in memory of her.


text:
And said, What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you? And they weighed out for <i>and</i> paid to him thirty pieces of silver [about twenty-one dollars and sixty cents]. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread [Passover week], the disciples came to Jesus and said <i>to Him</i>, Where do You wish us to prepare for You to eat the Passover supper?


text:
He said, Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, The Master says: My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.


text:
And accordingly the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they made ready the Passover supper. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
They were exceedingly pained <i>and</i> distressed <i>and</i> deeply hurt <i>and</i> sorrowful and began to say to Him one after another, <f>[3]</f>Surely it cannot be I, Lord, can it?


text:
The Son of Man is going just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better (more profitable and wholesome) for that man if he had never been born! <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Judas, the betrayer, said, <f>[4]</f>Surely it is not I, is it, Master? He said to him, You have stated [the fact].


text:
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, <f>[5]</f>praising God, gave thanks <i>and</i> asked Him to bless it to their use, and when He had broken it, He gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body.


text:
And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you;


text:
For this is My blood of the <i>new</i> covenant, which [<f>[6]</f>ratifies the agreement and] is <f>[7]</f>being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
I say to you, I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it with you new <i>and</i> <f>[8]</f>of superior quality in My Father’s kingdom.


text:
Then Jesus said to them, You will all be offended <i>and</i> stumble <i>and</i> fall away because of Me this night [distrusting and deserting Me], for it is written, I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Peter declared to Him, Though they all are offended <i>and</i> stumble <i>and</i> fall away because of You [and distrust and desert You], I will never do so.


text:
Jesus said to him, Solemnly I declare to you, this very night, before a <f>[9]</f>single rooster crows, you will deny <i>and</i> disown Me three times.


text:
Peter said to Him, Even if I must die with You, I will not deny <i>or</i> disown You! And all the disciples said the same thing.


text:
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, Sit down here while I go over yonder and pray.


text:
And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to <f>[10]</f>show grief <i>and</i> distress of mind and was <f>[11]</f>deeply depressed.


text:
Then He said to them, My soul is very sad <i>and</i> deeply grieved, so that <f>[12]</f>I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake <i>and</i> keep watch with Me.


text:
And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will <i>and</i> desire.


text:
And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake <i>and</i> keep watch with Me for one hour?


text:
All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) <i>and</i> watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.


text:
Again a second time He went away and prayed, My Father, if this cannot pass by unless I drink it, Your will be done.


text:
Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of <f>[13]</f>especially wicked sinners [<f>[14]</f>whose way or nature it is to act in opposition to God].


text:
As He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve [apostles], came up, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.


text:
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, Hail (greetings, good health to You, long life to You), Master! And he <f>[15]</f>embraced Him and kissed Him <f>[16]</f>with [pretended] warmth and devotion.


text:
Jesus said to him, Friend, for what are you here? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.


text:
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword and, striking the body servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.


text:
Then Jesus said to him, Put your sword back into its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
Do you suppose that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions [<f>[17]</f>more than 80,000] of angels?


text:
At that moment Jesus said to the crowds, Have you come out with swords and clubs as [you would] against a robber to capture Me? Day after day I was <f>[18]</f>accustomed to sit in the <f>[19]</f>porches <i>and</i> courts of the temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me.


text:
But all this has taken place in order that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted Him and, fleeing, escaped.


text:
But those who had seized Jesus took Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had assembled.


text:
But Peter followed Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest’s home; he even went inside and sat with the guards to see the end.


text:
Now the chief priests and the whole council (the Sanhedrin) sought to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death;


text:
And testified, This <f>[20]</f>Fellow said, I am able to tear down the <f>[21]</f>sanctuary of the temple of God and to build it up again in three days.


text:
And the high priest stood up and said, Have You no answer to make? What about this that these men testify against You?


text:
But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, <f>[22]</f>I call upon you to swear by the living God, and tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.


text:
Jesus said to him, <f>[23]</f>You have stated [the fact]. More than that, I tell you: You will in the future see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of <f>[24]</f>the Almighty and coming on the clouds of the sky. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
Then the high priest tore his clothes and exclaimed, He has uttered blasphemy! What need have we of further evidence? You have now heard His blasphemy. <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
Then they spat in His face and struck Him with their fists; and some <f>[25]</f>slapped Him in the face, <f>ⓙ</f>


text:
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and <f>[26]</f>one maid came up to him and said, You were also with Jesus the Galilean!


text:
And when he had gone out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, This fellow was with Jesus the Nazarene!


text:
After a little while, the bystanders came up and said to Peter, You certainly are one of them too, for even your accent betrays you.


text:
Then Peter began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, I do not even know the Man! And at that moment a rooster crowed.


text:
And Peter remembered Jesus’ words, when He had said, Before a <f>[29]</f>single rooster crows, you will deny <i>and</i> disown Me three times. And he went outside and wept bitterly.


text:
When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a consultation against Jesus to put Him to death;


text:
When Judas, His betrayer, saw that [Jesus] was condemned, [Judas was <f>[1]</f>afflicted in mind and troubled for his former folly; and] with remorse [with little more than a selfish dread of the consequences] he brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Saying, I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. They replied, What is that to us? See to that yourself.


text:
And casting the pieces of silver [forward] into the [Holy Place of the <f>[2]</f>sanctuary of the] temple, he departed; and he went off and hanged himself.


text:
But the chief priests, picking up the pieces of silver, said, It is not legal to put these in the [consecrated] treasury, for it is the price of blood.


text:
So after consultation they bought with them [the pieces of silver] the potter’s field [as a place] in which to bury strangers.


text:
Then were fulfilled the words spoken by Jeremiah the prophet when he said, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him on Whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Now Jesus stood before the governor [Pilate], and the governor asked Him, Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus said to him, You have stated [the fact].


text:
But when the charges were made against Him by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Then Pilate said to Him, Do You not hear how many <i>and</i> how serious are the things they are testifying against You?


text:
But He made no reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor marveled greatly.


text:
Now at the Feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free for the people any one prisoner whom they chose.


text:
So when they had assembled for this purpose, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to set free for you, Barabbas, or Jesus Who is called Christ?


text:
Also, while he was seated on the judgment bench, his wife sent him a message, saying, Have nothing to do with that just <i>and</i> upright Man, for I have had a painful experience today in a dream because of Him.


text:
But the chief priests and the elders prevailed on the people to ask for Barabbas, and put Jesus to death.


text:
Again the governor said to them, Which of the two do you wish me to release for you? And they said, Barabbas!


text:
They all replied, Let Him be crucified! And he said, Why? What has He done that is evil? But they shouted all the louder, Let Him be crucified!


text:
So when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but rather that a riot was about to break out, he took water and washed his hands in the presence of the crowd, saying, I am not guilty of <i>nor</i> responsible for this <f>[3]</f><i>righteous</i> Man’s blood; see to it yourselves. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the palace, and they gathered the whole battalion about Him.


text:
And they stripped off His clothes and put a scarlet robe (<f>[4]</f>garment of dignity and office worn by Roman officers of rank) upon Him,


text:
And, weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and put a reed (staff) in His right hand. And kneeling before Him, they made sport of Him, saying, Hail (greetings, good health to You, long life to You), King of the Jews!


text:
And when they finished making sport of Him, they stripped Him of the robe and put His own garments on Him and led Him away to be crucified.


text:
As they were marching forth, they came upon a man of Cyrene named Simon; this man they forced to carry the cross of Jesus.


text:
And when they had crucified Him, they divided <i>and</i> distributed His garments [among them] by casting lots <f>[5]</f><i>so that the prophet’s saying was fulfilled, They parted My garments among them and over My apparel they cast lots</i>. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
And over His head they put the accusation against Him (<f>[6]</f>the cause of His death), which read, This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.


text:
And those who passed by spoke reproachfully <i>and</i> abusively <i>and</i> jeered at Him, wagging their heads, <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
And they said, You Who would tear down the <f>[7]</f>sanctuary of the temple and rebuild it in three days, rescue Yourself <f>[8]</f>from death. If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.


text:
He rescued others <f>[9]</f>from death; Himself He cannot rescue <f>[10]</f>from death. He is the King of Israel? Let Him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in <i>and</i> <f>[11]</f>acknowledge <i>and</i> cleave to Him.


text:
He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now if He cares for Him <i>and</i> will have Him, for He said, I am the Son of God.


text:
And the robbers who were crucified with Him also abused <i>and</i> reproached <i>and</i> made sport of Him in the same way.


text:
Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (three o’clock).


text:
And about the ninth hour (three o’clock) Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? — that is, My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me [leaving Me <f>[12]</f>helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]? <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
And one of them immediately ran and took a sponge, soaked it with vinegar (a sour wine), and put it on a reed (staff), and was <f>[13]</f>about to give it to Him to drink. <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
And at once the curtain of the <f>[15]</f>sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split. <f>ⓙ</f>


text:
The tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep <f>[16]</f>in death were raised [to life];


text:
And coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.


text:
When the centurion and those who were with him keeping watch over Jesus observed the earthquake and all that was happening, they were terribly frightened <i>and</i> filled with awe, and said, Truly this was God’s Son!


text:
There were also numerous women there, looking on from a distance, who were of those who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him.


text:
Among them were Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.


text:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.


text:
And Joseph took the body and <f>[17]</f>rolled it up in a clean linen cloth <f>[18]</f>used for swathing dead bodies


text:
And laid it in his own fresh (<f>[19]</f>undefiled) tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a big boulder over the door of the tomb and went away.


text:
The next day, that is, the day after the day of Preparation [for the Sabbath], the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate


text:
And said, Sir, we have just remembered how that <f>[20]</f>vagabond Imposter said while He was still alive, After three days I will rise again.


text:
Therefore give an order to have the tomb made secure <i>and</i> safeguarded until the third day, for fear that His disciples will come and steal Him away and tell the people that He has risen from the dead, and the last deception <i>and</i> fraud will be worse than the first.


text:
Pilate said to them, You have a guard [of soldiers; take them and] go, make it as secure as you can.


text:
So they went off and made the tomb secure by sealing the boulder, a guard of soldiers being with them <i>and</i> remaining to watch.


text:
Now after the Sabbath, near dawn of the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to take a look at the tomb.


text:
And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled the boulder back and sat upon it.


text:
And those keeping guard were so frightened at the sight of him that they were agitated <i>and</i> they trembled and became like dead men.


text:
But the angel said to the women, Do not be alarmed <i>and</i> frightened, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified.


text:
Then go quickly and tell His disciples, He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.


text:
And <i>as they went</i>, behold, Jesus met them and said, Hail (greetings)! And they went up to Him and clasped His feet and worshiped Him.


text:
Then Jesus said to them, Do not be alarmed <i>and</i> afraid; go and tell My brethren to go into Galilee, and there they will see Me.


text:
While they were on their way, behold, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had occurred.


text:
And when they [the chief priests] had gathered with the elders and had consulted together, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers,


text:
And if the governor hears of it, we will appease him and make you safe <i>and</i> free from trouble <i>and</i> care.


text:
So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this story has been current among the Jews to the present day.


text:
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed <i>and</i> made appointment with them.


text:
Jesus approached and, <f>[1]</f>breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.


text:
Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them <f>[2]</f>into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,


text:
Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you <f>[3]</f>all the days (<f>[4]</f>perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close <i>and</i> consummation of the age. <f>[5]</f><i>Amen (so let it be).</i>


text:
The beginning [of the facts] of the good news (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, <f>[1]</f><i>the Son of God</i>.


text:
<f>[2]</f>Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will make ready Your way — <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
A voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord, make His <f>[3]</f>beaten tracks straight (level and passable)! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [<f>[4]</f>obligating] repentance (<f>[5]</f>a change of one’s mind for the better, heartily amending one’s ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order <f>[6]</f>to obtain forgiveness of <i>and</i> release from sins.


text:
And there kept going out to him [continuously] all the country of Judea and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, <f>[7]</f>as they were confessing their sins.


text:
And John wore clothing woven of camel’s hair and had a leather girdle around his loins and ate locusts and wild honey.


text:
And he preached, saying, After me comes He Who is stronger (more powerful and more valiant) than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy <i>or</i> fit to stoop down and unloose.


text:
And when He came up out of the water, at once he [John] saw the heavens torn open and the [Holy] Spirit like a dove coming down [<f>[8]</f>to enter] <f>[9]</f>into Him. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And there came a voice <f>[10]</f>out from within heaven, You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually].


text:
Now after John was arrested <i>and</i> put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the good news (the Gospel) <i>of the kingdom</i> of God,


text:
And saying, The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (<f>[11]</f>have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel).


text:
And passing along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net [to and fro] in the sea, for they were fishermen.


text:
And Jesus said to them, Come after Me <i>and</i> <f>[12]</f>be My disciples, and I will make you to become fishers of men.


text:
And at once they left their nets and [<f>[13]</f>yielding up all claim to them] followed [with] Him [<f>[14]</f>joining Him as disciples and siding with His party].


text:
He went on a little farther and saw James the <i>son</i> of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in [their] boat putting their nets in order.


text:
And immediately He called out to them, and [<f>[15]</f>abandoning all mutual claims] they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went off after Him [<f>[16]</f>to be His disciples, side with His party, and follow Him].


text:
And they entered into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He went into the synagogue and began to teach.


text:
And they were completely astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who possessed authority, and not as the scribes.


text:
Just at that time there was in their synagogue a man [who was in the power] of an unclean spirit; and now [immediately] he raised a deep <i>and</i> terrible cry from the depths of his throat, saying,


text:
What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!


text:
And the unclean spirit, throwing the man into convulsions and <f>[17]</f>screeching with a loud voice, came out of him.


text:
And they were all so amazed <i>and</i> <f>[18]</f>almost terrified that they kept questioning <i>and</i> demanding one of another, saying, What is this? What new (fresh) teaching! With authority He gives orders even to the unclean spirits and they obey Him!


text:
And immediately rumors concerning Him spread [everywhere] throughout all the region surrounding Galilee.


text:
And at once He left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John.


text:
Now Simon’s mother-in-law <f>[19]</f>had for some time been lying sick with a fever, and at once they told Him about her.


text:
And He went up to her and took her by the hand and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to wait on them.


text:
Now when it was evening, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those under the power of demons,


text:
And He cured many who were afflicted with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to talk because they knew Him [<f>[20]</f>intuitively].


text:
And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a <f>[21]</f>deserted place, and there He prayed.


text:
And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [<f>[22]</f>pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out],


text:
And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.


text:
And a leper came to Him, begging Him on his knees and saying to Him, If You are willing, You are able to make me clean.


text:
And being moved with pity <i>and</i> sympathy, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, and said to him, I am willing; be made clean!


text:
And Jesus charged him sternly (sharply and threateningly, and with earnest admonition) and [acting with deep feeling thrust him forth and] sent him away at once,


text:
And said to him, See that you tell nothing [of this] to anyone; but begone, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as a proof (an evidence and witness) to the people [that you are really healed]. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
But he went out and began to talk so freely about it and blaze abroad the news [spreading it everywhere] that [Jesus] could no longer openly go into a town but was outside in [lonely] desert places. But the people kept on coming to Him from <f>[23]</f>all sides <i>and</i> every quarter.


text:
And Jesus having returned to Capernaum, after some days it was rumored about that He was in the house [probably Peter’s].


text:
And so many people gathered together there that there was no longer room [for them], not even around the door; and He was discussing the Word.


text:
Then they came, bringing a paralytic to Him, who had been picked up <i>and</i> was being carried by four men.


text:
And when they could not get him to a place in front of Jesus because of the throng, they dug through the roof above Him; and when they had <f>[1]</f>scooped out an opening, they let down the [<f>[2]</f>thickly padded] quilt <i>or</i> mat upon which the paralyzed man lay.


text:
And when Jesus saw their faith [their confidence in God through Him], He said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven [you] <i>and</i> put away [that is, the <f>[3]</f>penalty is remitted, the sense of guilt removed, and you are made upright and in right standing with God].


text:
Now some of the scribes were sitting there, holding a dialogue with themselves as they questioned in their hearts,


text:
Why does this <f>[4]</f>Man talk like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins [<f>[5]</f>remove guilt, remit the penalty, and bestow righteousness instead] except God alone?


text:
And at once Jesus, becoming fully aware in His spirit that they thus debated within themselves, said to them, Why do you argue (debate, reason) about all this in your hearts?


text:
Which is easier: to say to the paralyzed man, Your sins are forgiven <i>and</i> <f>[6]</f>put away, or to say, Rise, take up your sleeping pad <i>or</i> mat, and start walking about [and <f>[7]</f>keep on walking]?


text:
But that you may know positively <i>and</i> beyond a doubt that the Son of Man has right <i>and</i> authority <i>and</i> power on earth to forgive sins — He said to the paralyzed man,


text:
I say to you, arise, pick up <i>and</i> carry your sleeping pad <i>or</i> mat, and be going on home.


text:
And he arose at once and picked up the sleeping pad <i>or</i> mat and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and <f>[8]</f> recognized <i>and</i> praised <i>and</i> thanked God, saying, We have never seen anything like this before!


text:
[Jesus] went out again along the seashore; and all the multitude kept gathering about Him, and He kept teaching them.


text:
And as He was passing by, He saw Levi (Matthew) son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, Follow Me! [Be <f>[9]</f>joined to Me as a disciple, side with My party!] And he arose and joined Him as His disciple <i>and</i> sided with His party <i>and</i> accompanied Him.


text:
And as Jesus, together with His disciples, sat at table in his [Levi’s] house, many tax collectors and persons [<f>[10]</f>definitely stained] with sin were dining with Him, for there were many who walked the same road (followed) with Him.


text:
And the scribes [belonging to the party] of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with [those <f>[11]</f>definitely known to be especially wicked] sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, Why does He eat <i>and drink</i> with tax collectors and [notorious] sinners?


text:
And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, Those who are strong <i>and</i> well have no need of a physician, but those who are weak <i>and</i> sick; I came not to call the righteous ones <i>to repentance</i>, but sinners (the <f>[12]</f>erring ones and <f>[13]</f>all those not free from sin).


text:
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were observing a fast; and [some people] came and asked Jesus, Why are John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fasting, but Your disciples are not doing so?


text:
Jesus answered them, Can the wedding guests fast (abstain from food and drink) while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.


text:
But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and they will fast in that day.


text:
No one sews a patch of unshrunken (new) goods on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and the rent (tear) becomes bigger <i>and</i> worse [than it was before].


text:
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the bottles destroyed; but new wine is to be put in new (fresh) wineskins.


text:
One Sabbath He was going along beside the fields of standing grain, and as they made their way, His disciples began to <f>[14]</f>pick off the grains. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And the Pharisees said to Him, Look! Why are they doing what is not permitted <i>or</i> lawful on the Sabbath?


text:
And He said to them, Have you never [even] read what David did when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were accompanying him? —


text:
How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was the high priest, and ate the sacred loaves set forth [before God], which it is not permitted <i>or</i> lawful for any but the priests to eat, and [how he] also gave [them] to those who were with him? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account <i>and</i> for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath; <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Again Jesus went into a synagogue, and a man was there who had one withered hand [<f>[1]</f>as the result of accident or disease].


text:
And [the Pharisees] kept watching Jesus [closely] to see whether He would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might get a charge to bring against Him [<f>[2]</f>formally].


text:
And He said to them, Is it lawful <i>and</i> right on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to take it? But they kept silence.


text:
And He glanced around at them with vexation <i>and</i> anger, grieved at the hardening of their hearts, and said to the man, Hold out your hand. He held it out, and his hand was [completely] restored.


text:
Then the Pharisees went out and immediately held a consultation with the Herodians against Him, how they might [devise some means to] put Him to death.


text:
And Jesus retired with His disciples to the lake, and a great throng from Galilee followed Him. Also from Judea


text:
And from Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from about Tyre and Sidon — a vast multitude, hearing all the many things that He was doing, came to Him.


text:
And He told His disciples to have a little boat in [constant] readiness for Him because of the crowd, lest they press hard upon Him <i>and</i> crush Him.


text:
For He had healed so many that all who had distressing bodily diseases kept falling upon Him <i>and</i> pressing upon Him in order that they might touch Him.


text:
And the spirits, the unclean ones, <f>[3]</f>as often as they might see Him, fell down before Him and kept screaming out, You are the Son of God!


text:
And He charged them strictly <i>and</i> severely under penalty again <i>and</i> again that they should not make Him known.


text:
And He went up on the hillside and called to Him [<f>[4]</f>for Himself] those whom He wanted <i>and</i> chose, and they came to Him.


text:
And He appointed twelve to <f>[5]</f>continue to be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach [as apostles or special messengers]


text:
James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, and He surnamed them Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder;


text:
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew (Nathaniel), and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus (Judas, not Iscariot), and Simon the Cananaean [also called Zelotes],


text:
Then He went to a house [probably Peter’s], but a throng came together again, so that Jesus and His disciples could not even take food.


text:
And when those <f>[6]</f>who belonged to Him (<f>[7]</f>His kinsmen) heard it, they went out to take Him by force, for they kept saying, He is out of <f>[8]</f>His mind (beside Himself, deranged)!


text:
And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and, By [the help of] the prince of demons He is casting out demons.


text:
And He summoned them to Him and said to them in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), How can Satan drive out Satan?


text:
And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.


text:
And if Satan has raised an insurrection against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is [surely] coming to an end.


text:
But no one can go into a strong man’s house and ransack his household goods right and left <i>and</i> seize them as plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may [thoroughly] plunder his house. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Truly <i>and</i> solemnly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever abusive <i>and</i> blasphemous things they utter;


text:
But whoever speaks abusively against <i>or</i> maliciously misrepresents the Holy Spirit can never get forgiveness, but is guilty of <i>and</i> is in the grasp of <f>[9]</f>an everlasting trespass.


text:
Then His mother and His brothers came and, standing outside, they sent word to Him, calling [for] Him.


text:
And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Your mother and Your brothers <i>and Your sisters</i> are outside asking for You.


text:
And looking around on those who sat in a circle about Him, He said, See! Here are My mother and My brothers;


text:
Again Jesus began to teach beside the lake. And a very great crowd gathered about Him, so that He got into a ship in order to sit in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was at the lakeside on the shore.


text:
And He taught them many things in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), and in His teaching He said to them:


text:
Other seed [of the same kind] fell on ground full of rocks, where it had not much soil; and at once it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil;


text:
Other seed [of the same kind] fell among thorn plants, and the thistles grew <i>and</i> pressed together <i>and</i> utterly choked <i>and</i> suffocated it, and it yielded no grain.


text:
And other seed [of the same kind] fell into good (well-adapted) soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing, and yielded up to thirty times as much, and sixty times as much, and even a hundred times as much as had been sown.


text:
And He said, He who has ears to hear, let him be hearing [and let him <f>[1]</f>consider, and comprehend].


text:
And as soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, with the Twelve [apostles], began to ask Him about the parables.


text:
And He said to them, To you has been entrusted the mystery of the kingdom of God [that is, <f>[2]</f>the secret counsels of God which are hidden from the ungodly]; but for those outside [<f>[3]</f>of our circle] everything becomes a parable,


text:
In order that they may [indeed] look <i>and</i> look but not see <i>and</i> perceive, and may hear <i>and</i> hear but not grasp <i>and</i> comprehend, <f>[4]</f>lest haply they should turn again, and it [<f>[5]</f>their willful rejection of the truth] should be forgiven them. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And He said to them, Do you not discern <i>and</i> understand this parable? How then is it possible for you to discern <i>and</i> understand all the parables?


text:
The ones along the path are those who have the Word sown [in their hearts], but when they hear, Satan comes at once and [by force] takes away the message which is sown in them.


text:
And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome it with joy;


text:
And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) <i>and</i> they stumble <i>and</i> fall away.


text:
Then the cares <i>and</i> anxieties of the world <i>and</i> distractions of the age, and the pleasure <i>and</i> delight <i>and</i> false glamour <i>and</i> deceitfulness of riches, and the craving <i>and</i> passionate desire for other things creep in and choke <i>and</i> suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.


text:
And those sown on the good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome it and bear fruit — some thirty times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much.


text:
And He said to them, Is the lamp brought in to be put under a <f>[6]</f>peck measure or under a bed, and not [to be put] on the lampstand?


text:
[<f>[7]</f>Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known.


text:
If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening <i>and</i> let him perceive <i>and</i> comprehend.


text:
And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure <f>[8]</f>[of thought and study] you give [to <f>[9]</f>the truth you hear] will be the measure <f>[10]</f>[of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you — and more [besides] will be given to you <i>who hear</i>.


text:
For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [<f>[11]</f>by force],


text:
And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows <i>and</i> <f>[12]</f>increases — he knows not how.


text:
The earth produces [acting] by itself — first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.


text:
But when the grain is ripe <i>and</i> permits, immediately he <f>[13]</f>sends forth [the reapers] <i>and</i> puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready.


text:
And He said, With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use to illustrate <i>and</i> explain it?


text:
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all seeds upon the earth;


text:
Yet after it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all garden herbs and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air are able to make nests <i>and</i> dwell in its shade.


text:
With many such parables [Jesus] spoke the Word to them, as they were able to hear <i>and</i> <f>[14]</f>to comprehend <i>and</i> understand.


text:
He did not tell them anything without a parable; but privately to His disciples (<f>[15]</f>those who were peculiarly His own) He explained everything [fully].


text:
On that same day [when] evening had come, He said to them, Let us go over to the other side [of the lake].


text:
And leaving the throng, they took Him with them, [just] as He was, in the boat [in which He was sitting]. And other boats were with Him.


text:
And a furious storm of wind [<f>[16]</f>of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled.


text:
But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing?


text:
And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (<f>[17]</f>sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (<f>[18]</f>a perfect peacefulness).


text:
He said to them, Why are you so timid <i>and</i> fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no <f>[19]</f>firmly relying trust)?


text:
And they were filled with great awe <i>and</i> <f>[20]</f>feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?


text:
And as soon as He got out of the boat, there met Him out of the tombs a man [under the power] of an unclean spirit.


text:
This man <f>[1]</f>continually lived among the tombs, and no one could subdue him any more, even with a chain;


text:
For he had been bound often with shackles for the feet and <f>[2]</f>handcuffs, but the handcuffs of [light] chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he rubbed <i>and</i> ground together <i>and</i> broke in pieces; and no one had strength enough to restrain <i>or</i> tame him.


text:
Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always <f>[3]</f>shrieking <i>and</i> screaming and <f>[4]</f>beating <i>and</i> bruising <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>cutting himself with stones.


text:
And crying out with a loud voice, he said, What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [What is there in common between us?] I <f>[6]</f>solemnly implore you by God, do not begin to torment me!


text:
And he kept begging Him urgently not to send them [himself and the other demons] away out of that region.


text:
So He gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out [of the man] and entered into the hogs; and the herd, numbering about 2,000, rushed headlong down the steep slope into the sea and were drowned in the sea.


text:
The hog feeders ran away, and told [it] in the town and in the country. And [the people] came to see what it was that had taken place.


text:
And they came to Jesus and looked intently <i>and</i> searchingly at the man who had been a demoniac, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, [the same man] who had had the legion [of demons]; and they were <f>[7]</f>seized with alarm <i>and</i> struck with fear.


text:
And those who had seen it related in full what had happened to the man possessed by demons and to the hogs.


text:
And when He had stepped into the boat, the man who had been controlled by the unclean spirits kept begging Him that he might be with Him.


text:
But Jesus refused to permit him, but said to him, Go home to your own [family and relatives and friends] and bring back word to them of how much the Lord has done for you, and [how He has] had sympathy for you <i>and</i> mercy on you.


text:
And he departed and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis [the region of the ten cities] how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people were astonished <i>and</i> marveled. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And when Jesus had recrossed in the boat to the other side, a great throng gathered about Him, and He was at the lakeshore.


text:
Then one of the rulers of the synagogue came up, Jairus by name; and seeing Him, he prostrated himself at His feet


text:
And begged Him earnestly, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, so that she may be healed <i>and</i> live.


text:
And Jesus went with him; and a great crowd kept following Him and pressed Him <f>[8]</f>from all sides [so as almost to suffocate Him].


text:
And who had endured much <f>[9]</f>suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse.


text:
She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment,


text:
And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [<f>[10]</f>suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [<f>[11]</f>distressing] ailment.


text:
And Jesus, recognizing in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around immediately in the crowd and said, Who touched My clothes?


text:
And the disciples kept saying to Him, You see the crowd pressing hard around You <f>[12]</f>from all sides, and You ask, Who touched Me?


text:
But the woman, knowing what had been done for her, though alarmed <i>and</i> frightened and trembling, fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.


text:
And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your <f>[13]</f>trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in <f>[14]</f>(into) peace and be continually healed <i>and</i> freed from your [<f>[15]</f>distressing bodily] disease.


text:
While He was still speaking, there came some from the ruler’s house, who said [to Jairus], Your daughter has died. Why bother <i>and</i> distress the Teacher any further?


text:
<f>[16]</f><i>Overhearing</i> but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm <i>and</i> struck with fear; only keep on believing.


text:
When they arrived at the house of the ruler of the synagogue, He <f>[17]</f>looked [carefully and with understanding] at [the] tumult and <i>the people</i> weeping and wailing loudly.


text:
And when He had gone in, He said to them, Why do you make an uproar and weep? The little girl is not dead but is sleeping.


text:
And they laughed <i>and</i> <f>[18]</f>jeered at Him. But He put them all out, and, taking the child’s father and mother and those who were with Him, He went in where the little girl was <i>lying</i>.


text:
Gripping her [firmly] by the hand, He said to her, Talitha cumi — which translated is, Little girl, I say to you, arise [<f>[19]</f>from the sleep of death]!


text:
And instantly the girl got up and started walking around — for she was twelve years old. And they were utterly astonished <i>and</i> overcome with amazement.


text:
And He strictly commanded <i>and</i> warned them that no one should know this, and He [<f>[20]</f>expressly] told them to give her [something] to eat.


text:
Jesus went away from there and came to His [own] country <i>and</i> hometown [Nazareth], and His disciples followed [with] Him.


text:
And on the Sabbath He began to teach in the synagogue; and many who listened to Him were utterly astonished, saying, Where did this <f>[1]</f>Man acquire all this? What is the wisdom [the broad and full intelligence which has been] given to Him? What mighty works <i>and</i> exhibitions of power are wrought by His hands!


text:
Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here among us? And they took offense at Him <i>and</i> <f>[2]</f>were hurt [that is, they <f>[3]</f>disapproved of Him, and it hindered them from acknowledging His authority] <i>and</i> they were caused to stumble <i>and</i> fall.


text:
But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor (deference, reverence) except in his [own] country and among [his] relatives and in his [own] house.


text:
And He was not able to do <f>[4]</f>even one work of power there, except that He laid His hands on a few sickly people [and] cured them.


text:
And He marveled because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in Him). And He went about among the surrounding villages and continued teaching.


text:
And He called to Him the Twelve [apostles] and began to send them out [as His ambassadors] two by two and gave them authority <i>and</i> power over the unclean spirits.


text:
He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick — no bread, <f>[5]</f>no wallet for a collection bag, no money in their belts (girdles, purses) —


text:
And if any community will not receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome you, and they refuse to listen to you, when you depart, shake off the dust that is on your feet, for a testimony against them. <f>[6]</f><i>Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the judgment day than for that town.</i>


text:
So they went out and preached that men should repent [<f>[7]</f>that they should change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins].


text:
King Herod heard of it, for [Jesus’] name had become well known. <f>[8]</f>He <i>and</i> they [of his court] said, John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why these mighty powers [<f>[9]</f>of performing miracles] are at work in Him.


text:
[But] others kept saying, It is Elijah! And others said, It is a prophet, like one of the prophets [of old].


text:
But when Herod heard [of it], he said, [<f>[10]</f>This very] John, whom I beheaded, has been raised [from the dead].


text:
For [this] Herod himself had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he [Herod] had married her.


text:
And Herodias was angry (enraged) with him <i>and</i> held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him; but she could not,


text:
For Herod had [<f>[11]</f>a reverential] fear of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and [continually] kept him safe [<f>[12]</f>under guard]. When he heard [John speak], he was much perplexed; and [yet] he heard him gladly.


text:
But an opportune time came [for Herodias] when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and the high military commanders and chief men of Galilee.


text:
For when the daughter <f>[13]</f>of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased <i>and</i> <f>[14]</f>fascinated Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you desire, and I will give it to you.


text:
And he put himself under oath to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Then she left the room and said to her mother, What shall I ask for [myself]? And she replied, The head of John the Baptist!


text:
And she rushed back instantly to the king and requested, saying, I wish you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.


text:
And the king was deeply pained <i>and</i> grieved <i>and</i> exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to slight her [by breaking faith with her].


text:
And immediately the king sent off one [of the soldiers] of his bodyguard and gave him orders to bring [John’s] head. He went and beheaded him in the prison


text:
The apostles [sent out as missionaries] came back <i>and</i> gathered together to Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught.


text:
And He said to them, [<f>[15]</f>As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while — for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat.


text:
Now many [people] saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the surrounding towns, and they got there ahead [of those in the boat].


text:
As Jesus landed, He saw a great crowd waiting, and He was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.


text:
And when <f>[16]</f>the day was already far gone, His disciples came to Him and said, This is a desolate <i>and</i> isolated place, and the hour is now late.


text:
Send the crowds away to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.


text:
But He replied to them, Give them something to eat yourselves. And they said to Him, Shall we go and buy 200 <f>[17]</f>denarii [about forty dollars] worth of bread and give it to them to eat? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And He said to them, How many loaves do you have? Go and see. And when they [had looked and] knew, they said, Five [loaves] and two fish.


text:
So they threw themselves down in ranks of hundreds and fifties [with the <f>[18]</f>regularity of an arrangement of beds of herbs, looking <f>[19]</f>like so many garden plots].


text:
And taking the five loaves and two fish, He looked up to heaven and, praising God, gave thanks and broke the loaves and kept on giving them to the disciples to set before the people; and He [also] divided the two fish among [them] all.


text:
And they took up twelve [<f>[20]</f>small hand] baskets full of broken pieces [from the loaves] and of the fish.


text:
And at once He insisted that the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He was sending the throng away.


text:
Now when evening had come, the boat was out in the middle of the lake, and He was by Himself on the land.


text:
And having seen that they were troubled <i>and</i> tormented in [their] rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night [between 3:00-6:00 a.m.] He came to them, walking [directly] on the sea. And He acted as if He meant to pass by them,


text:
But when they saw Him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and <f>[21]</f>raised a [deep, throaty] shriek of terror.


text:
For they all saw Him and were agitated (troubled and filled with fear and dread). But immediately He talked with them and said, Take heart! I AM! Stop being alarmed <i>and</i> afraid. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And He went up into the boat with them, and the wind ceased (<f>[22]</f>sank to rest as if exhausted by its own beating). And they were astonished exceedingly [beyond measure],


text:
For they failed to consider <i>or</i> understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had <f>[23]</f>grown callous [had become dull and had <f>[24]</f>lost the power of understanding].


text:
And when they had crossed over, they reached the land of Gennesaret and <f>[25]</f>came to [anchor at] the shore.


text:
And they ran about the whole countryside, and began to carry around sick people on their sleeping pads <i>or</i> mats to any place where they heard that He was.


text:
And wherever He came into villages or cities or the country, they would lay the sick in the marketplaces and beg Him that they might touch even the fringe of His outer garment, and as many as touched Him were restored to health.


text:
Now there gathered together to [Jesus] the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,


text:
For they had seen that some of His disciples ate with <f>[1]</f>common hands, that is, unwashed [with hands defiled and unhallowed, because they had not given them a <f>[2]</f>ceremonial washing] —


text:
For the Pharisees and all of the Jews do not eat unless [merely for ceremonial reasons] they wash their hands [diligently <f>[3]</f>up to the elbow] with clenched fist, adhering [carefully and faithfully] to the tradition of [practices and customs handed down to them by] their forefathers [to be observed].


text:
And [when they come] from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions [oral, man-made laws handed down to them, which they observe faithfully and diligently, such as], the washing of cups and wooden pitchers and widemouthed jugs and utensils of copper and <f>[4]</f>beds —


text:
And the Pharisees and scribes kept asking [Jesus], Why do Your disciples not order their way of living according to the tradition handed down by the forefathers [to be observed], but eat with hands unwashed <i>and</i> ceremonially not purified?


text:
But He said to them, Excellently <i>and</i> truly [<f>[5]</f>so that there will be no room for blame] did Isaiah prophesy of you, the pretenders <i>and</i> hypocrites, as it stands written: These people [constantly] honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off <i>and</i> are far distant from Me.


text:
In vain (fruitlessly and without profit) do they worship Me, ordering <i>and</i> teaching [to be obeyed] as doctrines the commandments <i>and</i> precepts of men. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
You disregard <i>and</i> give up <i>and</i> ask to depart from you the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men [keeping it carefully and faithfully].


text:
And He said to them, You have a fine way of rejecting [thus thwarting and nullifying and doing away with] the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition (your own human regulations)!


text:
For Moses said, Honor (revere with tenderness of feeling and deference) your father and your mother, and, He who curses <i>or</i> reviles <i>or</i> speaks evil of <i>or</i> abuses <i>or</i> treats improperly his father or mother, let him surely die. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
But [as for you] you say, A man is exempt if he tells [his] father or [his] mother, What you would otherwise have gained from me [everything I have that would have been of use to you] is Corban, that is, is a gift [already given as an offering to God],


text:
Then you no longer are permitting him to do anything for [his] father or mother [but are letting him off from helping them].


text:
Thus you are nullifying <i>and</i> making void <i>and</i> of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on. And many things of this kind you are doing.


text:
And He called the people to [Him] again and said to them, Listen to Me, all of you, and understand [what I say].


text:
There is not [even] one thing outside a man which by going into him can pollute <i>and</i> defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him <i>and</i> make him unhallowed <i>and</i> unclean.


text:
<f>[6]</f><i>If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening [and let him</i> <f>[7]</f><i>perceive and comprehend by hearing].</i>


text:
And when He had left the crowd and had gone into the house, His disciples began asking Him about the parable.


text:
And He said to them, Then are you also unintelligent <i>and</i> dull <i>and</i> without understanding? Do you not discern <i>and</i> see that whatever goes into a man from the outside cannot make him unhallowed <i>or</i> unclean,


text:
Since it does not reach <i>and</i> enter his heart but [only his] digestive tract, and so passes on [into the place designed to receive waste]? Thus He was making <i>and</i> declaring all foods [ceremonially] clean [that is, <f>[8]</f>abolishing the ceremonial distinctions of the Levitical Law].


text:
And He said, What comes out of a man is what makes a man unclean <i>and</i> renders [him] unhallowed.


text:
For from within, [that is] out of the hearts of men, come base <i>and</i> wicked thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, adultery,


text:
Coveting (a greedy desire to have more wealth), dangerous <i>and</i> destructive wickedness, deceit; <f>[9]</f>unrestrained (indecent) conduct; an evil eye (envy), slander (evil speaking, malicious misrepresentation, abusiveness), pride (<f>[10]</f>the sin of an uplifted heart against God and man), foolishness (folly, lack of sense, recklessness, thoughtlessness).


text:
All these evil [purposes and desires] come from within, and they make the man unclean <i>and</i> render him unhallowed.


text:
And Jesus arose and went away from there to the region of Tyre <i>and Sidon</i>. And He went into a house and did not want anyone to know [that He was there]; but it was not possible for Him to be hidden [from public notice].


text:
Instead, at once, a woman whose little daughter had (was under the control of) an unclean spirit heard about Him and came and flung herself down at His feet.


text:
Now the woman was a Greek (Gentile), a Syrophoenician by nationality. And she kept begging Him to drive the demon out of her little daughter.


text:
And He said to her, First let the children be fed, for it is not becoming <i>or</i> proper <i>or</i> right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the [little house] dogs.


text:
But she answered Him, Yes, Lord, yet even the small pups under the table eat the little children’s scraps of food.


text:
And He said to her, Because of this saying, you may go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter [permanently].


text:
Soon after this, Jesus, coming back from the region of Tyre, passed through Sidon on to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of Decapolis [the ten cities].


text:
And they brought to Him a man who was deaf and had difficulty in speaking, and they begged Jesus to place His hand upon him.


text:
And taking him aside from the crowd [privately], He thrust His fingers into the man’s ears and spat and touched his tongue;


text:
And his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak distinctly <i>and</i> as he should.


text:
And Jesus [<f>[11]</f>in His own interest] admonished <i>and</i> ordered them sternly <i>and</i> expressly to tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.


text:
And they were overwhelmingly astonished, saying, He has done everything excellently (commendably and nobly)! He even makes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak!


text:
In those days when [again] an immense crowd had gathered and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and told them,


text:
I have pity <i>and</i> sympathy for the people <i>and</i> My heart goes out to them, for they have been with Me now three days and have nothing [left] to eat;


text:
And if I send them away to their homes hungry, they will be feeble through exhaustion <i>and</i> faint along the road; and some of them have come a long way.


text:
And His disciples replied to Him, How can anyone fill <i>and</i> satisfy [these people] with loaves of bread here in [this] desolate <i>and</i> uninhabited region?


text:
And He commanded the multitude to recline upon the ground, and He [then] took the seven loaves [of bread] and, having given thanks, He broke them and kept on giving them to His disciples to put before [the people], and they placed them before the crowd.


text:
And they had a few small fish; and when He had <f>[1]</f>praised God <i>and</i> given thanks <i>and</i> asked Him to bless them [to their use], He ordered that these also should be set before [them].


text:
And they ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven [<f>[2]</f>large provision] baskets full of the broken pieces left over.


text:
And at once He got into the boat with His disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha (or Magdala).


text:
The Pharisees came and began to argue with <i>and</i> question Him, demanding from Him a sign (an attesting miracle from heaven) [maliciously] to test Him.


text:
And He groaned <i>and</i> sighed deeply in His spirit and said, Why does this generation demand a sign? Positively I say to you, no sign shall be given this generation.


text:
And He went away <i>and</i> left them and, getting into the boat again, He departed to the other side.


text:
Now they had [<f>[3]</f>completely] forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.


text:
And Jesus [repeatedly and expressly] charged <i>and</i> admonished them, saying, Look out; keep on your guard <i>and</i> beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod <f>[4]</f><i>and the Herodians</i>.


text:
And being aware [of it], Jesus said to them, Why are you reasoning <i>and</i> saying it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet discern or understand? Are your hearts in [a settled state of] hardness? <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Having eyes, do you not see [with them], and having ears, do you not hear <i>and</i> perceive <i>and</i> understand the sense of what is said? And do you not remember?


text:
When I broke the five loaves for the 5,000, how many [<f>[5]</f>small hand] baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? They said to Him, Twelve.


text:
And [when I broke] the seven loaves for the 4,000, how many [<f>[6]</f>large provision] baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? And they said to Him, Seven.


text:
And He <f>[8]</f>caught the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands upon him, He asked him, Do you [<f>[9]</f>possibly] see anything?


text:
Then He put His hands on his eyes again; and the man looked intently [that is, fixed his eyes on definite objects], and he was restored and saw everything distinctly [even what was <f>[10]</f>at a distance].


text:
And He sent him away to his house, telling [him], Do not [even] enter the village <f>[11]</f><i>or tell anyone there</i>.


text:
And Jesus went on with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He asked His disciples, Who do people say that I am?


text:
And they answered [Him], John the Baptist; and others [say], Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.


text:
And He asked them, But who do you yourselves say that I am? Peter replied to Him, You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).


text:
And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must of necessity suffer many things and be tested <i>and</i> disapproved <i>and</i> rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and after three days rise again [<f>[12]</f>from death].


text:
And He said this freely (frankly, plainly, and explicitly, making it unmistakable). And Peter took Him <f>[13]</f>by the hand <i>and</i> led Him aside and then [facing Him] began to rebuke Him.


text:
But turning around [His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have a mind <f>[14]</f>intent on promoting what God wills, but what pleases men [you are not on God’s side, but that of men].


text:
And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and <f>[15]</f>lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [<f>[16]</f>joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow <f>[17]</f>with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me].


text:
For whoever wants to save his [<f>[18]</f>higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the <f>[19]</f>lower, natural, temporal life <f>[20]</f>which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his <f>[21]</f>higher, spiritual life <f>[22]</f>in the eternal kingdom of God].


text:
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [<f>[23]</f>in the eternal kingdom of God]?


text:
For what can a man give as an exchange (<f>[24]</f>a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [<f>[25]</f>in the eternal kingdom of God]?


text:
For whoever <f>[26]</f>is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels.


text:
And Jesus said to them, Truly <i>and</i> solemnly I say to you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death before they see the kingdom of God come in [its] power.


text:
Six days after this, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves. And He was transfigured before them <i>and</i> became resplendent with divine brightness.


text:
And His garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller (cloth dresser, launderer) on earth could bleach them.


text:
And Elijah appeared [there] to them, accompanied by Moses, and they were <f>[1]</f>holding [a protracted] conversation with Jesus.


text:
And <f>[2]</f>Peter took up the conversation, saying, Master, it is good <i>and</i> suitable <i>and</i> beautiful for us to be here. Let us make three booths (tents) — one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.


text:
For he did not [really] know what to say, for they were in a violent fright (<f>[3]</f>aghast with dread).


text:
And a cloud threw a shadow upon them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, the [<f>[4]</f>most dearworthy] Beloved One. Be <f>[5]</f>constantly listening to <i>and</i> obeying Him!


text:
And as they were coming back down the mountain, He admonished <i>and</i> <f>[6]</f>expressly ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man should rise from among the dead.


text:
So they carefully <i>and</i> faithfully kept the matter to themselves, questioning <i>and</i> disputing with one another about what rising from among the dead meant.


text:
And He said to them, Elijah, it is true, does come first to restore all things <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>set them to rights. And how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things <i>and</i> be utterly despised <i>and</i> be treated with contempt <i>and</i> rejected? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and [people] did to him whatever they desired, as it is written of him.


text:
And when they came to the [nine] disciples, they saw a great crowd around them and scribes questioning <i>and</i> disputing with them.


text:
And immediately all the crowd, when they saw Jesus [<f>[8]</f>returning from the holy mount, His face and person yet glistening], they were greatly amazed and ran up to Him [and] greeted Him.


text:
And wherever it lays hold of him [so as to make him its own], it dashes him down <i>and</i> convulses him, and he foams [at the mouth] and grinds his teeth, <i>and</i> he [<f>[9]</f>falls into a motionless stupor and] is wasting away. And I asked Your disciples to drive it out, and they were not able [to do it].


text:
And He answered them, O unbelieving generation [without any faith]! How long <f>[10]</f>shall I [have to do] with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.


text:
So they brought [the boy] to Him, and when the spirit saw Him, at once it completely convulsed the boy, and he fell to the ground and kept rolling about, foaming [at the mouth].


text:
And [Jesus] asked his father, How long has he had this? And he answered, From the time he was a little boy.


text:
And it has often thrown him both into fire and into water, intending to kill him. But if You can do anything, do have pity on us and help us.


text:
And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!


text:
At once the father of the boy gave [an <f>[11]</f>eager, <f>[12]</f>piercing, inarticulate] cry <i>with tears</i>, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my <f>[13]</f>weakness of faith!


text:
But when Jesus noticed that a crowd [of people] came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, You dumb and deaf spirit, I charge you to come out of him and never go into him again.


text:
And after giving a [hoarse, clamoring, fear-stricken] shriek of anguish and convulsing him terribly, it came out; and the boy lay [pale and motionless] like a corpse, so that many of them said, He is dead.


text:
And He replied to them, This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer <f>[15]</f><i>and fasting</i>.


text:
They went on from there and passed along through Galilee. And He did not wish to have anyone know it,


text:
For He was [engaged for the time being in] teaching His disciples. He said to them, The Son of Man is being delivered into the hands of men, and they will put Him to death; and when He has been killed, after three days He will rise [<f>[16]</f>from death].


text:
But they did not comprehend what He was saying, and they were afraid to ask Him [what this statement meant].


text:
And they arrived at Capernaum; and when [they were] in the house, He asked them, What were you discussing <i>and</i> arguing about on the road?


text:
But they kept still, for on the road they had discussed <i>and</i> disputed with one another as to who was the greatest.


text:
And He sat down and called the Twelve [apostles], and He said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all.


text:
And He took a little child and put him in the center of their group; and taking him in [His] arms, He said to them,


text:
Whoever in My name <i>and</i> for My sake accepts <i>and</i> receives <i>and</i> welcomes one such child also accepts <i>and</i> receives <i>and</i> welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me receives not only Me but Him Who sent Me.


text:
John said to Him, Teacher, we saw a man who does not follow along with us driving out demons in Your name, and we forbade him to do it, because he <f>[17]</f>is not one of our band [of Your disciples].


text:
But Jesus said, Do not restrain <i>or</i> hinder <i>or</i> forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in My name will soon afterward be able to speak evil of Me.


text:
For I tell you truly, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to <i>and</i> bear the name of Christ will by no means fail to get his reward.


text:
And whoever causes one of these little ones (these believers) who <f>[18]</f>acknowledge <i>and</i> cleave to Me to stumble <i>and</i> sin, it would be better (more profitable and wholesome) for him if a [huge] millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.


text:
And if your hand puts a stumbling block before you <i>and</i> causes you to sin, cut it off! It is more profitable <i>and</i> wholesome for you to go into life [<f>[19]</f>that is really worthwhile] maimed than with two hands to go to hell (Gehenna), into the fire that cannot be put out. <f>[20]</f>


text:
And if your foot is a cause of stumbling <i>and</i> sin to you, cut it off! It is more profitable <i>and</i> wholesome for you to enter into life [that is really worthwhile] crippled than, having two feet, to be cast into hell (Gehenna) <f>[21]</f>.


text:
And if your eye causes you to stumble <i>and</i> sin, pluck it out! It is more profitable <i>and</i> wholesome for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell (Gehenna),


text:
Where their worm [<f>[22]</f>which preys on the inhabitants and is a symbol of the wounds inflicted on the man himself by his sins] does not die, and the fire is not put out. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Salt is good (beneficial), but if salt has lost its saltness, how will you restore [the saltness to] it? Have salt within yourselves, and be at peace <i>and</i> live in harmony with one another.


text:
And [Jesus] left there [Capernaum] and went to the region of Judea and beyond [east of] the Jordan; and crowds [constantly] gathered around Him again, and as was His custom, He began to teach them again.


text:
And some Pharisees came up, and, in order to test Him <i>and</i> try to find a weakness in Him, asked, Is it lawful for a man to <f>[1]</f>dismiss <i>and</i> repudiate <i>and</i> divorce his wife?


text:
But Jesus said to them, Because of your hardness of heart [<f>[2]</f>your condition of insensibility to the call of God] he wrote you this <f>[3]</f>precept in your Law.


text:
For this reason a man shall leave [behind] his father and his mother <f>[4]</f><i>and be</i> <f>[5]</f><i>joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently</i>,


text:
And He said to them, Whoever <f>[6]</f>dismisses (repudiates and divorces) his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;


text:
And if a woman dismisses (repudiates and divorces) her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.


text:
And they kept bringing young children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples were reproving them [for it].


text:
But when Jesus saw [it], He was indignant <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>pained and said to them, Allow the children to come to Me — do not forbid <i>or</i> prevent <i>or</i> hinder them — for to such belongs the kingdom of God.


text:
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all.


text:
And He took them [the children up <f>[8]</f>one by one] in His arms and [<f>[9]</f>fervently invoked a] blessing, placing His hands upon them.


text:
And as He was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him and asked Him, Teacher, [You are <f>[10]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[11]</f>morally] good, what must I do to inherit eternal life [that is, <f>[12]</f>to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?


text:
And Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me [<f>[13]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[14]</f>morally] good? There is no one [<f>[15]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[16]</f>morally] good — except God alone.


text:
You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And he replied to Him, Teacher, I have carefully guarded <i>and</i> observed all these <i>and</i> taken care not to violate them from my boyhood.


text:
And Jesus, looking upon him, loved him, and He said to him, You lack one thing; go and sell all you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come [and] accompany Me [<f>[17]</f>walking the same road that I walk].


text:
At that saying the man’s countenance fell <i>and</i> was gloomy, and he went away grieved <i>and</i> sorrowing, for he was holding great possessions.


text:
And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, With what difficulty will those who possess wealth <i>and</i> <f>[18]</f>keep on holding it enter the kingdom of God!


text:
And the disciples were amazed <i>and</i> bewildered <i>and</i> perplexed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it is <f>[19]</f><i>for those who trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches</i> to enter the kingdom of God!


text:
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.


text:
And they were shocked <i>and</i> exceedingly astonished, and said to Him <i>and</i> <f>[20]</f><i>to one another</i>, Then who can be saved?


text:
Jesus glanced around at them and said, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.


text:
Peter started to say to Him, Behold, we have <f>[21]</f>yielded up <i>and</i> abandoned everything [once and for all and <f>[22]</f>joined You as Your disciples, siding with Your party] and accompanied You [<f>[23]</f>walking the same road that You walk].


text:
Jesus said, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has given up <i>and</i> left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake and for the Gospel’s


text:
Who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time — houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions — and in the age to come, eternal life.


text:
They were on the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on in front of them; and they were bewildered <i>and</i> perplexed <i>and</i> greatly astonished, and those [who were still] following were seized with alarm <i>and</i> were afraid. And He took the Twelve [apostles] again and began to tell them what was about to happen to Him,


text:
[Saying], Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be turned over to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn <i>and</i> sentence Him to death and turn Him over to the Gentiles.


text:
And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and whip Him and put Him to death; but after three days He will rise again [<f>[24]</f>from death].


text:
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said to Him, Teacher, we desire You to do for us whatever we ask of You.


text:
And they said to Him, Grant that we may sit, one at Your right hand and one at [Your] left hand, in Your glory (Your majesty and splendor).


text:
But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism [of affliction] with which I am baptized?


text:
And they replied to Him, We are able. And Jesus told them, The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized,


text:
But to sit at My right hand or at My left hand is not Mine to give; but [it will be given to those] for whom it is ordained <i>and</i> prepared.


text:
But Jesus called them to [Him] and said to them, You know that those who are recognized as governing <i>and</i> are supposed to rule the Gentiles (the nations) lord it over them [ruling with absolute power, holding them in subjection], and their great men exercise authority <i>and</i> dominion over them.


text:
But this is not to be so among you; instead, whoever desires to be great among you must be your servant,


text:
For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (<f>[25]</f>instead of) many.


text:
Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, a son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.


text:
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have pity <i>and</i> mercy on me [<f>[26]</f>now]!


text:
And many <f>[27]</f>severely censured <i>and</i> reproved him, telling him to keep still, but he kept on shouting out all the more, You Son of David, have pity <i>and</i> mercy on me [now]!


text:
And Jesus stopped and said, Call him. And they called the blind man, telling him, Take courage! Get up! He is calling you.


text:
And Jesus said to him, What do you want Me to do for you? And the blind man said to Him, Master, let me receive my sight.


text:
And Jesus said to him, Go your way; your faith has healed you. And at once he received his sight and accompanied Jesus on the road. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
When they were getting near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent ahead two of His disciples


text:
And instructed them, Go into the village in front of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied, which has never been ridden by anyone; unfasten it and bring it [here].


text:
If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? answer, The Lord needs it, and He will send it back here presently.


text:
So they went away and found a colt tied at the door out in the [winding] open street, and they loosed it.


text:
And many [of the people] spread their garments on the road, and others [scattered a layer of] leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.


text:
And those who went before and those who followed cried out [<f>[1]</f>with a cry of happiness], Hosanna! [Be graciously inclined and propitious to Him!] Praised <i>and</i> blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Praised <i>and</i> blessed <i>in the name of the Lord</i> is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna (O save us) in the highest [heaven]!


text:
And Jesus went into Jerusalem and entered the temple [<f>[2]</f>enclosure]; and when He had looked around, surveying <i>and</i> observing everything, as it was already late, He went out to Bethany together with the Twelve [apostles].


text:
And seeing in the distance a fig tree [covered] with leaves, He went to see if He could find any [fruit] on it [<f>[3]</f>for in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. But when He came up to it, He found nothing but leaves, for the fig season had not yet come.


text:
And He said to it, No one ever again shall eat fruit from you. And His disciples were listening [to what He said].


text:
And they came to Jerusalem. And He went into the temple [area, the <f>[4]</f>porches and courts] and began to drive out those who sold and bought in the temple area, and He overturned the [<f>[5]</f>four-footed] tables of the money changers and the seats of those who dealt in doves;


text:
And He would not permit anyone to carry any household equipment through the temple enclosure [thus making the temple area a short-cut traffic lane].


text:
And He taught and said to them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have turned it into a den of robbers. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And the chief priests and the scribes heard [of this] and kept seeking some way to destroy Him, for they feared Him, because the entire multitude was struck with astonishment at His teaching.


text:
And when evening came on, <i>He and</i> <f>[6]</f><i>His disciples</i>, as accustomed, went out of the city.


text:
In the morning, when they were passing along, they noticed that the fig tree was withered [completely] away to its roots.


text:
And Peter remembered and said to Him, Master, look! The fig tree which You doomed has withered away!


text:
Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.


text:
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].


text:
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings <i>and</i> shortcomings <i>and</i> let them drop.


text:
<f>[8]</f><i>But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.</i>


text:
And they came again to Jerusalem. And when Jesus was walking about in the [<f>[9]</f>courts and porches of the] temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him,


text:
And they kept saying to Him, By what [sort of] authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do them?


text:
Jesus told them, I will ask you a question. Answer Me, and then I will tell you by what [sort of] authority I do these things.


text:
And they reasoned <i>and</i> argued with one another, If we say, From heaven, He will say, Why then did you not believe him?


text:
But [on the other hand] can we say, From men? For they were afraid of the people, because everybody considered <i>and</i> held John actually to be a prophet.


text:
So they replied to Jesus, We do not know. And Jesus said to them, Neither am I going to tell you what [sort of] authority I have for doing these things.


text:
And [Jesus] started to speak to them in parables [with comparisons and illustrations]. A man planted a vineyard and put a hedge around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower and let it out [for rent] to vinedressers and went into another country.


text:
When the season came, he sent a bond servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.


text:
Again he sent to them another bond servant, and they <i>stoned him and</i> wounded him in the head and treated him shamefully [sending him away with insults].


text:
And he sent another, and that one they killed; then many others — some they beat, and some they put to death.


text:
He had still one left [to send], a beloved son; last of all he sent him to them, saying, They will respect my son.


text:
But those tenants said to one another, Here is the heir; come on, let us put him to death, and [then] the inheritance will be ours.


text:
Now what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others.


text:
Have you not even read this [passage of] Scripture: The very Stone which [<f>[1]</f>after putting It to the test] the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner [Cornerstone];


text:
And they were trying to get hold of Him, but they were afraid of the people, for they knew that He spoke this parable with reference to <i>and</i> against them. So they left Him and departed. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
But they sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him for the purpose of entrapping Him in His speech.


text:
And they came up and said to Him, Teacher, we know that You are <f>[2]</f>sincere <i>and</i> what You profess to be, that You cannot lie, <i>and</i> that You have no personal bias for anyone; for You are not influenced by partiality <i>and</i> have no <f>[3]</f>regard for anyone’s external condition <i>or</i> position, but in [and on the basis of] truth You teach the way of God. Is it lawful (permissible and right) to give tribute (<f>[4]</f>poll taxes) to Caesar or not?


text:
Should we pay [them] or should we not pay [them]? But knowing their hypocrisy, He asked them, Why do you put Me to the test? Bring Me a coin (a denarius), so I may see it.


text:
And they brought [Him one]. Then He asked them, Whose image (picture) is this? And whose superscription (<f>[5]</f>title)? They said to Him, Caesar’s.


text:
Jesus said to them, Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to <f>[6]</f>God the things that are God’s. And they <f>[7]</f>stood marveling <i>and</i> greatly amazed at Him.


text:
And [some] Sadducees came to Him, [of that party] who say there is no resurrection, and they asked Him a question, saying,


text:
Teacher, Moses gave us [a law] that if a man’s brother died, leaving a wife but no child, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Jesus said to them, Is not this where you wander out of the way <i>and</i> go wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?


text:
For when they arise from among the dead, [men] do not marry nor are [women] given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven.


text:
But concerning the dead being raised — have you not read in the book of Moses, [in the passage] about the [burning] bush, how God said to him, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Then one of the scribes came up and listened to them disputing with one another, and, noticing that Jesus answered them fitly <i>and</i> admirably, he asked Him, Which commandment is first <i>and</i> most important of all [<f>[8]</f>in its nature]?


text:
Jesus answered, The first <i>and</i> principal <i>one of all commands</i> is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord;


text:
And you shall love the Lord your God <f>[9]</f>out of <i>and</i> with your whole heart and out of <i>and</i> with all your soul (your <f>[10]</f>life) and out of <i>and</i> with all your mind (with <f>[11]</f>your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of <i>and</i> with all your strength. <f>[12]</f><i>This is the first and principal commandment</i>. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
The second <i>is like it and</i> is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
And the scribe said to Him, Excellently <i>and</i> fitly <i>and</i> admirably answered, Teacher! You have said truly that He is One, and there is no other but Him;


text:
And to love Him out of <i>and</i> with all the heart and with all the understanding [with the <f>[13]</f>faculty of quick apprehension and intelligence and keenness of discernment] and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
And when Jesus saw that he answered intelligently (discreetly and <f>[14]</f>having his wits about him), He said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And after that no one ventured <i>or</i> dared to ask Him any further question.


text:
And as Jesus taught in [a <f>[15]</f>porch or court of] the temple, He said, How can the scribes say that the Christ is David’s Son?


text:
David himself, [inspired] in the Holy Spirit, declared, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies [a footstool] under Your feet. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
David himself calls Him Lord; so how can it be that He is his Son? Now the great mass of the people heard [Jesus] gladly [listening to Him with delight].


text:
And in [the course of] His teaching, He said, Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and [to get] greetings in the marketplaces [public forums],


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And [have] the front seats in the synagogues and the <f>[16]</f>chief couches (places of honor) at feasts,


text:
Who devour widows’ houses and to cover it up make long prayers. They will receive the heavier [sentence of] condemnation.


text:
And He sat down opposite the treasury and saw how the crowd was casting money into the treasury. Many rich [people] were throwing in large sums.


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And a widow who was poverty-stricken came and put in two copper mites [the smallest of coins], which together make <f>[17]</f>half of a cent.


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And He called His disciples [to Him] and said to them, Truly <i>and</i> surely I tell you, this widow, [she who is] poverty-stricken, has put in more than all those contributing to the treasury.


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For they all threw in out of their abundance; but she, out of her deep poverty, has put in everything that she had — [even] all she had on which to live.


text:
And as [Jesus] was coming out of the temple [<f>[1]</f>area], one of His disciples said to Him, Look, Teacher! Notice the sort <i>and</i> quality of these stones and buildings!


text:
And Jesus replied to him, You see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be loosened <i>and</i> torn down.


text:
And as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple [<f>[2]</f>enclosure], Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately,


text:
Tell us when is this to take place and what will be the sign when these things, all [of them], are about to be accomplished?


text:
Many will come in [<f>[3]</f>appropriating to themselves] the name [of Messiah] which belongs to Me [<f>[4]</f>basing their claims on the use of My name], saying, I am [He]! And they will mislead many.


text:
And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet.


text:
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines <i>and calamities</i>. This is but the beginning of the <f>[5]</f>intolerable anguish <i>and</i> suffering [only the first of the <f>[6]</f>birth pangs].


text:
But look to yourselves; for they will turn you over to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake as a testimony to them.


text:
Now when they take you [to court] and put you under arrest, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say <f>[7]</f><i>nor</i> [<i>even</i>] <i>meditate about it</i>; but say whatever is given you in that hour <i>and</i> at <f>[8]</f>the moment, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.


text:
And brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and [have] them put to death.


text:
And you will be hated <i>and</i> detested by everybody for My name’s sake, but he who patiently perseveres <i>and</i> endures to the end will be saved (<f>[9]</f>made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered <f>[10]</f>from spiritual death).


text:
But when you see the abomination of desolation <i>mentioned by Daniel the prophet</i> standing where it ought not to be — [and] let the one who reads take notice <i>and</i> consider <i>and</i> understand <i>and</i> heed [this] — then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Let him who is on the housetop not go down <i>into the house</i> nor go inside to take anything out of his house;


text:
For at that time there will be such affliction (oppression and tribulation) as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until this particular time — and <f>[11]</f>positively never will be [again].


text:
And unless the Lord had shortened the days, no human being would be saved (rescued); but for the sake of the elect, His chosen ones (those whom He <f>[12]</f>picked out for Himself), He has shortened the days. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And then if anyone says to you, See, here is the Christ (the Messiah)! or, Look, there He is! do not believe it.


text:
False Christs (Messiahs) and false prophets will arise and show signs and [work] miracles to deceive <i>and</i> lead astray, if possible, even the elect (those God has chosen out for Himself).


text:
But in those days, after [the affliction and oppression and distress of] that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great (kingly) power and glory (majesty and splendor). <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
And then He will send out the angels and will gather together His elect (those He has <f>[13]</f>picked out for Himself) from the four winds, from the farthest bounds of the earth to the farthest bounds of heaven.


text:
Now learn a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branch becomes tender and it puts forth its leaves, you recognize <i>and</i> know that summer is near.


text:
So also, when you see these things happening, you may recognize <i>and</i> know that He is near, at [the very] door.


text:
Surely I say to you, this generation (<f>[14]</f>the whole multitude of people living at that one time) positively will not perish <i>or</i> pass away before all these things take place.


text:
Heaven and earth will perish <i>and</i> pass away, but My words will not perish <i>or</i> pass away.


text:
But of that day or that hour not a [single] person knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.


text:
Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch <f>[15]</f><i>and pray</i>; for you do not know when the time will come.


text:
It is like a man [<f>[16]</f>already] going on a journey; when he leaves home, he puts his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and he gives orders to the doorkeeper to be constantly alert <i>and</i> on the watch.


text:
Therefore watch (give strict attention, be cautious and alert), for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming — in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning —


text:
And what I say to you I say to everybody: Watch (give strict attention, be cautious, active, and alert)!


text:
It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were all the while seeking to arrest [Jesus] by secrecy <i>and</i> deceit and put [Him] to death,


text:
For they kept saying, It must not be during the Feast, for fear that there might be a riot of the people.


text:
And while He was in Bethany, [a guest] in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining [at table], a woman came with an alabaster jar of ointment (<f>[1]</f>perfume) of pure nard, very costly <i>and</i> precious; and she broke the jar and poured [the perfume] over His head.


text:
But there were some who were moved with indignation and said to themselves, To what purpose was the ointment (<f>[2]</f>perfume) thus wasted?


text:
For it was possible to have sold this [perfume] for more than 300 denarii [a laboring man’s wages for a year] and to have given [the money] to the poor. And they censured <i>and</i> reproved her.


text:
But Jesus said, Let her alone; why are you troubling her? She has done a good <i>and</i> beautiful thing to Me [praiseworthy and noble].


text:
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you will not always have Me. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And surely I tell you, wherever the good news (the Gospel) is proclaimed in the entire world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.


text:
Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve [apostles], went off to the chief priests in order to betray <i>and</i> hand Him over to them.


text:
And when they heard it, they rejoiced <i>and</i> were delighted, and they promised to give him money. And he [busying himself continually] sought an opportunity to betray Him.


text:
On the first day [of the Feast] of Unleavened Bread, when [as was customary] they killed the Passover lamb, [Jesus’] disciples said to Him, Where do You wish us to go [and] prepare the Passover [supper] for You to eat?


text:
And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, Go into the city, and a man carrying an [earthen] jar <i>or</i> pitcher of water will meet you; follow him.


text:
And whatever [house] he enters, say to the master of the house, The Teacher says: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover [supper] with My disciples?


text:
And he will [himself] show you a large upper room, furnished [with carpets and with dining couches properly spread] and ready; there prepare for us.


text:
Then the disciples set out and came to the city and found [everything] just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.


text:
And while they were at the table eating, Jesus said, Surely I say to you, one of you will betray Me, [one] who is eating [here] with Me. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And they began to show that they were sad <i>and</i> hurt, and to say to Him one after another, Is it I? <i>or</i>, It is not I, is it?


text:
He replied to them, It is one of the Twelve [apostles], one who is dipping [bread] into the [same deep] dish with Me.


text:
For the Son of Man is going as it stands written concerning Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good (profitable and wholesome) for that man if he had never been born. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And while they were eating, He took a loaf [of bread], praised God <i>and</i> gave thanks <i>and</i> asked Him to bless it to their use. [Then] He broke [it] and gave to them and said, Take. <i>Eat</i>. This is My body.


text:
He also took a cup [of the juice of grapes], and when He had given thanks, He gave [it] to them, and they all drank of it.


text:
And He said to them, This is My blood [which ratifies] the <i>new</i> covenant, [the blood] which is being poured out for (on account of) many. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Solemnly <i>and</i> surely I tell you, I shall not again drink of the fruit of the vine till that day when I drink it <f>[3]</f>of a new <i>and</i> a higher quality in God’s kingdom.


text:
And Jesus said to them, You will all fall away <i>this night</i> [that is, you will be caused to stumble and will begin to distrust and desert Me], for it stands written, I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
But Peter said to Him, Even if they all fall away <i>and</i> are caused to stumble <i>and</i> distrust <i>and</i> desert You, yet I will not [do so]!


text:
And Jesus said to him, Truly I tell you, this very night, before a cock crows twice, you will utterly deny Me [disclaiming all connection with Me] three times.


text:
But [Peter] said more vehemently <i>and</i> repeatedly, [Even] if it should be necessary for me to die with You, I will not deny <i>or</i> disown You! And they all kept saying the same thing.


text:
Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, Sit down here while I pray.


text:
And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be <f>[4]</f>struck with terror <i>and</i> amazement and deeply troubled <i>and</i> depressed.


text:
And He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sad (overwhelmed with grief) so that it almost kills Me! Remain here and keep awake <i>and</i> be watching.


text:
And going a little farther, He fell on the ground and kept praying that if it were possible the [<f>[5]</f>fatal] hour might pass from Him.


text:
And He was saying, Abba, [which means] Father, everything is possible for You. Take away this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You [will].


text:
And He came back and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, Simon, are you asleep? Have you not the strength to keep awake <i>and</i> watch [with Me for] one hour?


text:
Keep awake <i>and</i> watch and pray [constantly], that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.


text:
And again He came back and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what answer to give Him.


text:
And He came back a third time and said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough [of that]! The hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinful men (men <f>[6]</f>whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God).


text:
And at once, while He was still speaking, Judas came, one of the Twelve [apostles], and with him a crowd of men with swords and clubs, [who came] from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders [of the Sanhedrin].


text:
Now the betrayer had given them a signal, saying, The One I shall kiss is [the Man]; seize Him and lead [Him] away safely [so as to prevent His escape].


text:
And when he came, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, Master! <i>Master</i>! and he <f>[7]</f>embraced Him <i>and</i> kissed Him fervently.


text:
But one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the bond servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.


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And Jesus said to them, Have you come out with swords and clubs as [you would] against a robber to capture Me?


text:
I was with you daily in the temple [<f>[8]</f>porches and courts] teaching, and you did not seize Me; but [this has happened] that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.


text:
And a young man was following Him, with nothing but a linen cloth (<f>[9]</f>sheet) thrown about [his] naked [body]; and they laid hold of him,


text:
And they led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes were gathered together.


text:
And Peter followed Him at a distance, even right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting [<f>[11]</f>in the firelight] with the guards and warming himself at the fire.


text:
Now the chief priests and the entire council (the Sanhedrin) were constantly seeking [to get] testimony against Jesus with a view to condemning Him <i>and</i> putting Him to death, but they did not find any.


text:
We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple (sanctuary) which is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, made without hands.


text:
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, Have You not even one answer to make? What [about this which] these [men] are testifying against You?


text:
But He kept still and did not answer at all. Again the high priest asked Him, Are You the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), the Son of the Blessed?


text:
And Jesus said, I AM; and you will [all] see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power (<f>[12]</f>the Almighty) and coming on the clouds of heaven. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
You have heard His blasphemy. What is your decision? And they all condemned Him as being guilty <i>and</i> deserving of death. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
And some of them began to spit on Him and to blindfold Him and to strike Him with their fists, saying to Him, Prophesy! And the guards received Him with blows <i>and</i> by slapping Him.


text:
And when she saw Peter warming himself, she gazed intently at him and said, You were with Jesus of Nazareth too.


text:
But he denied it <f>[13]</f>falsely <i>and</i> disowned Him, saying, I neither know nor understand what you say. Then he went outside [the courtyard and was] into the <f>[14]</f>vestibule. <f>[15]</f><i>And a cock crowed</i>.


text:
But again he denied it <f>[16]</f>falsely <i>and</i> disowned Him. And after a short while, again the bystanders said to Peter, <f>[17]</f>Really, you are one of them, for you are a Galilean <f>[18]</f><i>and your dialect shows it</i>.


text:
Then he commenced invoking a curse on himself [should he not be telling the truth] and swearing, I do not know the Man about Whom you are talking!


text:
And at once for the second time a cock crowed. And Peter remembered how Jesus said to him, Before a cock crows twice, you will <f>[19]</f>utterly deny Me [disclaiming all connection with Me] three times. And <f>[20]</f>having put his thought upon it [and remembering], he broke down <i>and</i> wept aloud <i>and</i> <f>[21]</f>lamented.


text:
And immediately when it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the whole council, held a consultation; and when they had bound Jesus, they took Him away [<f>[1]</f>violently] and handed Him over to Pilate. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And Pilate again asked Him, Have <f>[2]</f>You no answer to make? See how many charges they are bringing against You!


text:
And among the rioters in the prison who had committed murder in the insurrection there was a man named Barabbas.


text:
For he was aware that it was [<f>[3]</f>because they were prompted] by envy that the chief priests had delivered Him up.


text:
And again Pilate said to them, Then what shall I do with the Man Whom you call the King of the Jews?


text:
But Pilate said to them, Why? What has He done that is evil? But they shouted with all their might all the more, Crucify Him [<f>[4]</f>at once]!


text:
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, set Barabbas free for them; and after having Jesus whipped, he handed [Him] over to be crucified. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Then the soldiers led Him away to the courtyard inside the palace, that is, the Praetorium, and they called the entire detachment of soldiers together.


text:
And they dressed Him in [a] purple [robe], and, weaving together a crown of thorns, they placed it on Him.


text:
And they began to salute Him, Hail (greetings, good health to You, long life to You), King of the Jews!


text:
And they struck His head with a staff made of a [bamboo-like] reed and spat on Him and kept bowing their knees in homage to Him. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And when they had [finished] making sport of Him, they took the purple [robe] off of Him and put His own clothes on Him. And they led Him out [of the city] to crucify Him.


text:
And they forced a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the field (country), to carry His cross.


text:
And they crucified Him; and they divided His garments <i>and</i> distributed them among themselves, throwing lots for them to decide who should take what. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
<f>[5]</f><i>And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, He was counted among the transgressors</i>. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
And those who passed by kept reviling Him <i>and</i> reproaching Him abusively in harsh <i>and</i> insolent language, wagging their heads and saying, Aha! You Who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,


text:
So also the chief priests, with the scribes, made sport of Him to one another, saying, He rescued others [<f>[8]</f>from death]; Himself He is unable to rescue. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
Let the Christ (the Messiah), the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see [it] and trust in <i>and</i> rely on Him <i>and</i> adhere to Him! Those who were crucified with Him also reviled <i>and</i> reproached Him [speaking abusively, harshly, and insolently].


text:
And when the sixth hour (about midday) had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour (about three o’clock).


text:
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? — which means, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me [<f>[9]</f>deserting Me and leaving Me helpless and abandoned]? <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
And one man ran, and, filling a sponge with vinegar (a <f>[10]</f>mixture of sour wine and water), put it on a staff made of a [bamboo-like] reed and gave it to Him to drink, saying, Hold off! Let us see whether Elijah [does] come to take Him down. <f>ⓙ</f>


text:
And when the centurion who stood facing Him saw Him expire this way, he said, <f>[11]</f>Really, this Man was God’s Son!


text:
Now some women were there also, looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome,


text:
Who, when [Jesus] was in Galilee, were in the habit of accompanying and ministering to Him; and [there were] also many other [women] who had come up with Him to Jerusalem.


text:
As evening had already come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, [the day] before the Sabbath, <f>ⓚ</f>


text:
Joseph, he of Arimathea, noble <i>and</i> honorable in rank <i>and</i> a respected member of the council (Sanhedrin), who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, daring the consequences, took courage <i>and</i> ventured to go to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.


text:
But Pilate wondered whether He was dead so soon, and, having called the centurion, he asked him whether [Jesus] was already dead.


text:
And Joseph bought a [fine] linen cloth [<f>[12]</f>for swathing dead bodies], and, taking Him down from the cross, he <f>[13]</f>rolled Him up in the [fine] linen cloth and placed Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock. Then he rolled a [very large] stone against the door of the tomb. <f>ⓛ</f>


text:
And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses were [<f>[14]</f>attentively] observing where He was laid.


text:
And when the Sabbath was past [that is, after the sun had set], Mary Magdalene, and Mary [the mother] of James, and Salome purchased sweet-smelling spices, so that they might go and anoint [Jesus’ body].


text:
And they said to one another, Who will roll back the stone for us out of [the groove across the floor at] the door of the tomb?


text:
And when they looked up, they [distinctly] saw that the stone was already rolled back, for it was very large.


text:
And going into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting [there] on the right [side], clothed in a [<f>[1]</f>long, stately, sweeping] robe of white, and they were utterly amazed <i>and</i> struck with terror.


text:
And he said to them, Do not be amazed <i>and</i> terrified; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
But be going; tell the disciples and Peter, He goes before you into Galilee; you will see Him there, [just] as He told you. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then they went out [and] fled from the tomb, for trembling and bewilderment <i>and</i> consternation had seized them. And they said nothing about it to anyone, for they were held by alarm <i>and</i> fear.


text:
<f>[2]</f>Now Jesus, having risen [<f>[3]</f>from death] early on the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons.


text:
After this, He appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking [along the way] into the country.


text:
Afterward He appeared to the Eleven [apostles themselves] as they reclined at table; and He reproved <i>and</i> reproached them for their unbelief (their lack of faith) and their hardness of heart, because they had refused to believe those who had seen Him <i>and</i> looked at Him attentively after He had risen [<f>[4]</f>from death].


text:
And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach <i>and</i> publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole <f>[5]</f>human race].


text:
He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [<f>[6]</f>from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.


text:
And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;


text:
They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.


text:
So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs <i>and</i> miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).


text:
Since [<f>[1]</f>as is well known] many have undertaken to put in order <i>and</i> draw up a [<f>[2]</f>thorough] narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished <i>and</i> fulfilled <f>[3]</f> in <i>and</i> among us,


text:
Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [<f>[4]</f>official] beginning [of Jesus’ ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of <f>[5]</f>the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God],


text:
It seemed good <i>and</i> desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after <f>[6]</f>having searched out diligently <i>and</i> followed all things closely <i>and</i> traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
[My purpose is] that you may know the full truth <i>and</i> understand with certainty <i>and</i> security against error the accounts (histories) <i>and</i> doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed <i>and</i> in which you have been <f>[7]</f>orally instructed.


text:
In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zachariah, <f>[8]</f>of the daily service (the division) of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.


text:
And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.


text:
As was the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter [the <f>[10]</f>sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your petition <f>[11]</f>was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John [God is favorable].


text:
For he will be great <i>and</i> distinguished in the sight of the Lord. And he must drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with <i>and</i> controlled by the Holy Spirit even <f>[12]</f>in <i>and</i> from his mother’s womb. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And he will [himself] go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn back the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient <i>and</i> incredulous <i>and</i> unpersuadable to the wisdom of the upright [which is <f>[13]</f>the knowledge and holy love of the will of God] — in order to make ready for the Lord a people [perfectly] prepared [in spirit, <f>[14]</f>adjusted and disposed and placed in the right moral state]. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And Zachariah said to the angel, By what shall I know <i>and</i> be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.


text:
And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
Now behold, you will be <i>and</i> <f>[15]</f>will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are <f>[16]</f>of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed <i>and</i> proper time.


text:
Now the people kept waiting for Zachariah, and they wondered at his delaying [so long] in the <f>[17]</f>sanctuary.


text:
But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them; and they [<f>[18]</f>clearly] perceived that he had seen a vision in the <f>[19]</f>sanctuary; and he kept making signs to them, still he remained dumb.


text:
Now after this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she secluded herself <f>[20]</f>entirely, saying, [I have hid myself]


text:
<f>[21]</f>Because thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He deigned to look on me to take away my reproach among men. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth,


text:
To a girl never having been married <i>and</i> a <f>[22]</f>virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.


text:
And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [<f>[23]</f>endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! <f>[24]</f><i>Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!</i>


text:
But <i>when she saw him</i>, she was greatly troubled <i>and</i> disturbed <i>and</i> confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean.


text:
And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (<f>[25]</f>free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God.


text:
And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.


text:
He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,


text:
And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born <i>of you</i> will be called the Son of God. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren.


text:
For with God nothing is ever impossible <i>and</i> no word from God shall be without power <i>or</i> impossible of fulfillment.


text:
Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.


text:
And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with <i>and</i> controlled by the Holy Spirit.


text:
And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb!


text:
And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?


text:
For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.


text:
And blessed (happy, <f>[26]</f>to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord.


text:
For He has looked upon the low station <i>and</i> humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations [of all ages] will call me blessed <i>and</i> declare me happy <i>and</i> <f>[27]</f>to be envied!


text:
For He Who is almighty has done great things for me — and holy is His name [to be venerated in His purity, majesty and glory]!


text:
And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation <i>and</i> age to age. <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
He has shown strength <i>and</i> <f>[28]</f>made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud <i>and</i> haughty in <i>and</i> by the imagination <i>and</i> purpose <i>and</i> designs of their hearts.


text:
He has filled <i>and</i> satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift].


text:
He has laid hold on His servant Israel [to help him, to espouse his cause], in remembrance of His mercy,


text:
And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] for about three months and [then] returned to her [own] home.


text:
And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy on her, and they rejoiced with her.


text:
And it occurred that on the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were intending to call him Zachariah after his father, <f>ⓚ</f>


text:
Then Zachariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, His name is John. And they were all astonished.


text:
And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak, blessing <i>and</i> praising <i>and</i> thanking God.


text:
And awe <i>and</i> reverential fear came on all their neighbors; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.


text:
And all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Whatever will this little boy be then? For the hand of the Lord was [<f>[29]</f>so evidently] with him [protecting and aiding him].


text:
Now Zachariah his father was filled with <i>and</i> controlled by the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,


text:
Blessed (praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and brought deliverance <i>and</i> redemption to His people!


text:
And He has raised up a Horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Helper, the Author of salvation] for us in the house of David His servant —


text:
This is as He promised by the mouth of His holy prophets from the most ancient times [in the memory of man] —


text:
That we should have deliverance <i>and</i> be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who detest <i>and</i> pursue us with hatred;


text:
To make true <i>and</i> show the mercy <i>and</i> compassion <i>and</i> kindness [promised] to our forefathers and to remember <i>and</i> carry out His holy covenant [to bless, which is <f>[30]</f>all the more sacred because it is made by God Himself],


text:
In holiness (divine consecration) and righteousness [in accordance with the everlasting principles of right] within His presence all the days of our lives.


text:
And you, little one, shall be called a prophet of the Most High; for you shall go on before the face of the Lord to make ready His ways, <f>ⓛ</f>


text:
To bring <i>and</i> give the knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness <i>and</i> remission of their sins.


text:
Because of <i>and</i> through the heart of tender mercy <i>and</i> loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us <i>and</i> visit [us] <f>ⓜ</f>


text:
To shine upon <i>and</i> give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct <i>and</i> guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. <f>ⓝ</f>


text:
And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts (wilderness) until the day of his appearing to Israel [the commencement of his public ministry].


text:
In those days it occurred that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole <f>[1]</f>Roman empire should be registered.


text:
And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,


text:
To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (<f>[2]</f>married) wife, who was about to become a mother. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room <i>or</i> place for them in the inn.


text:
And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night.


text:
And <i>behold</i>, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed <i>and</i> shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.


text:
But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.


text:
For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [<f>[3]</f>after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (<f>[4]</f>a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,


text:
Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [<f>[5]</f>men of goodwill, of His favor].


text:
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (<f>[6]</f>saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.


text:
So they went with haste and [<f>[7]</f>by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger.


text:
But Mary was keeping <f>[8]</f>within herself all these things (<f>[9]</f>sayings), weighing <i>and</i> pondering them in her heart.


text:
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.


text:
And at the end of eight days, when [the Baby] was to be circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.


text:
And when the time for their purification [the mother’s purification and the Baby’s dedication] came according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord — <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
As it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every [firstborn] male that opens the womb shall be set apart <i>and</i> dedicated <i>and</i> called holy to the Lord — <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
And [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.


text:
And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).


text:
And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [<f>[10]</f>enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law,


text:
And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word.


text:
A Light for <f>[11]</f>revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise <i>and</i> honor <i>and</i> glory to Your people Israel. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed <i>and</i> destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against — <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also — that the secret thoughts <i>and</i> purposes of many hearts may be brought out <i>and</i> disclosed.


text:
And there was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, <f>ⓙ</f>


text:
And as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple <f>[12]</f>enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer.


text:
And she too came up at that same hour, and she returned thanks to God and talked of [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem.


text:
And when they had done everything according to the Law of the Lord, they went back into Galilee to their own town, Nazareth.


text:
And the Child grew and became strong <i>in spirit</i>, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. <f>ⓚ</f>


text:
And when the Feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this,


text:
But, supposing Him to be in the caravan, they traveled on a day’s journey; and [then] they sought Him [diligently, looking up and down for Him] among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.


text:
And when they failed to find Him, they went back to Jerusalem, looking for Him [up and down] all the way.


text:
After three days they found Him [came upon Him] in the <f>[13]</f>[court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.


text:
And all who heard Him were astonished <i>and</i> overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence <i>and</i> understanding and His replies.


text:
And when they [Joseph and Mary] saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, Child, why have You treated us like this? Here Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You [distressed and tormented].


text:
And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see <i>and</i> know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me <f>[14]</f>to be in My Father’s house <i>and</i> [occupied] about My Father’s business?


text:
And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was [habitually] obedient to them; and his mother kept <i>and</i> closely and persistently guarded all these things in her heart.


text:
And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature <i>and</i> years, and in favor with God and man.


text:
In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign — when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene —


text:
In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God [<f>[1]</f>concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] came to John son of Zachariah in the wilderness (desert).


text:
And he went into all the country round about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance (<f>[2]</f>of hearty amending of their ways, with abhorrence of past wrongdoing) unto the forgiveness of sin.


text:
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert]: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten paths straight.


text:
Every valley <i>and</i> ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth;


text:
And all mankind shall see (behold and <f>[3]</f>understand and at last acknowledge) the salvation of God (the deliverance from eternal death <f>[4]</f>decreed by God). <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
So he said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, You offspring of vipers! Who <f>[5]</f>secretly warned you to flee from the coming wrath?


text:
Bear fruits that are deserving <i>and</i> consistent with [your] repentance [that is, <f>[6]</f>conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up descendants for Abraham.


text:
Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees, so that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.


text:
And he replied to them, He who has two tunics (undergarments), let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do it the same way.


text:
Those serving as soldiers also asked him, And we, what shall we do? And he replied to them, Never demand <i>or</i> enforce <f>[7]</f>by terrifying people or by accusing wrongfully, and always be satisfied with your rations (supplies) <i>and</i> with your allowance (wages).


text:
As the people were in suspense <i>and</i> waiting expectantly, and everybody reasoned <i>and</i> questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether he perhaps might be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).


text:
John answered them all by saying, I baptize you with water; but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not fit to unfasten. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.


text:
His winnowing shovel (fork) is in His hand to thoroughly clear <i>and</i> cleanse His [threshing] floor and to gather the wheat <i>and</i> store it in His granary, but the chaff He will burn with fire that cannot be extinguished.


text:
So with many other [various] appeals and admonitions he preached the good news (the Gospel) to the people.


text:
But Herod the tetrarch, who had been [repeatedly] told about his fault <i>and</i> reproved <i>with</i> rebuke <f>[8]</f>producing conviction by [John] for [having] Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the wicked things that Herod had done,


text:
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized, and [while He was still] praying, the [visible] heaven was opened


text:
And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, <i>saying</i>, You are My Son, My Beloved! In You I am well pleased <i>and</i> find delight! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Jesus Himself, when He began [His ministry], was about thirty years of age, being the Son, as was supposed, of Joseph, the son of Heli,


text:
The son of Aminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,


text:
The son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,


text:
Then Jesus, full of <i>and</i> controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in [by] the [Holy] Spirit


text:
For (during) forty days in the wilderness (desert), where He was tempted (<f>[1]</f>tried, tested exceedingly) by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they were completed, He was hungry. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf [of bread].


text:
And Jesus replied to him, It is written, Man shall not live <i>and</i> be sustained by (on) bread alone <f>[2]</f><i>but by every word and expression of God</i>. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [<f>[3]</f>in the twinkling of an eye].


text:
And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power <i>and</i> authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will.


text:
Therefore if You will do homage to <i>and</i> worship me [<f>[4]</f>just once], it shall all be Yours.


text:
And Jesus replied to him, <f>[5]</f><i>Get behind Me, Satan</i>! It is written, You shall do homage to <i>and</i> worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
Then he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on <f>[6]</f>a gable of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here;


text:
For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard <i>and</i> watch over you closely <i>and</i> carefully;


text:
And Jesus replied to him, [The Scripture] says, You shall not tempt (try, <f>[7]</f>test exceedingly) the Lord your God. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
And when the devil had ended every [the complete cycle of] temptation, he [temporarily] left Him [that is, <f>[8]</f>stood off from Him] until another more opportune <i>and</i> favorable time.


text:
Then Jesus went back full of <i>and</i> under the power of the [Holy] Spirit into Galilee, and the fame of Him spread through the whole region round about.


text:
And He Himself conducted [<f>[9]</f>a course of] teaching in their synagogues, being <f>[10]</f>recognized <i>and</i> honored <i>and</i> praised by all.


text:
So He came to Nazareth, [<f>[11]</f>that Nazareth] where He had been brought up, and He entered the synagogue, as was His custom on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read.


text:
And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written, <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],


text:
To proclaim the accepted <i>and</i> acceptable year of the Lord [the day <f>[12]</f>when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound]. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
Then He rolled up the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing [attentively] at Him.


text:
And He began to speak to them: Today this Scripture has been fulfilled <f>[13]</f>while you are present <i>and</i> hearing.


text:
And all spoke well of Him and marveled at the words of grace that came forth from His mouth; and they said, Is not this Joseph’s <f>[14]</f>Son?


text:
So He said to them, You will doubtless quote to Me this proverb: Physician, heal Yourself! What we have learned by hearsay that You did in Capernaum, do here also in Your [own] town.


text:
Then He said, Solemnly I say to you, no prophet is acceptable <i>and</i> welcome in his [own] town (country).


text:
But in truth I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were closed up for three years and six months, so that there came a great famine over all the land;


text:
And yet Elijah was not sent to a single one of them, but only to Zarephath in the country of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. <f>ⓗ</f>


text:
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and yet not one of them was cleansed [by being healed] — but only Naaman the Syrian. <f>ⓘ</f>


text:
And rising up, they pushed <i>and</i> drove Him out of the town, and [laying hold of Him] they led Him to the [projecting] upper part of the hill on which their town was built, that they might hurl Him headlong down [over the cliff].


text:
And He descended to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and there He continued to teach the people on the Sabbath days.


text:
And they were amazed at His teaching, for His word was with authority <i>and</i> ability <i>and</i> weight <i>and</i> power.


text:
Now in the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the foul spirit of a demon; and he cried out with a loud (deep, terrible) cry,


text:
Ah, <f>[15]</f><i>let us alone</i>! What have You to do with us [What have <f>[16]</f>we in common], Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are — the Holy One of God!


text:
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent (muzzled, gagged), and come out of him! And when the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out of him without injuring him in any <f>[17]</f>possible way.


text:
And they were all amazed and said to one another, What kind of talk is this? For with authority and power He commands the foul spirits and they come out!


text:
Then He arose and left the synagogue and went into Simon’s (Peter’s) house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering in the grip of a burning fever, and they pleaded with Him for her.


text:
And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began waiting on them.


text:
Now at the setting of the sun [indicating the end of the Sabbath], all those who had any [who were] sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon every one of them and cured them.


text:
And demons even came out of many people, screaming <i>and</i> crying out, You are the Son of God! But He rebuked them and would not permit them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ (the Messiah).


text:
And when daybreak came, He left [Peter’s house] and went into an isolated [desert] place. And the people looked for Him until they came up to Him and tried to prevent Him from leaving them.


text:
But He said to them, I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God to the other cities [and towns] also, for I was sent for this [purpose].


text:
Now it occurred that while the people pressed upon Jesus to hear the message of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee).


text:
And He saw two boats drawn up by the lake, but the fishermen had gone down from them and were washing their nets.


text:
And getting into one of the boats, [the one] that belonged to Simon (Peter), He requested him to draw away a little from the shore. Then He sat down and continued to teach the crowd [of people] from the boat.


text:
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul.


text:
And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night [<f>[1]</f>exhaustingly] and caught nothing [in our nets]. But <f>[2]</f>on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets [again].


text:
And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish; and as their nets were [<f>[3]</f>at the point of] breaking,


text:
They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and take hold with them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.


text:
But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.


text:
For he was gripped with bewildering amazement [allied to terror], and all who were with him, at the haul of fish which they had made;


text:
And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon (Peter). And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!


text:
And after they had run their boats on shore, they left everything and <f>[4]</f> joined Him as His disciples <i>and</i> sided with His party <i>and</i> accompanied Him.


text:
While He was in one of the towns, there came a man full of (covered with) leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, Lord, if You are willing, You are able to cure me <i>and</i> make me clean.


text:
And [Jesus] reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed! And immediately the leprosy left him.


text:
And [Jesus] charged him to tell no one [<f>[5]</f>that he might chance to meet], <f>[6]</f>until [He said] you go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your purification, as Moses commanded, for a testimony <i>and</i> proof to the people, that they may have evidence [of your healing]. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
But so much the more the news spread abroad concerning Him, and great crowds kept coming together to hear [Him] and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.


text:
One of those days, as He was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting by, who had come from every village <i>and</i> town of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was [present] with Him to heal <f>[7]</f><i>them</i>.


text:
And behold, some men were bringing on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed, and they tried to carry him in and lay him before [Jesus].


text:
But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him with his stretcher through the tiles into the midst, in front of Jesus.


text:
And when He saw [their confidence in Him, springing from] their faith, He said, Man, your sins are forgiven you!


text:
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason <i>and</i> question <i>and</i> argue, saying, Who is this [Man] Who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?


text:
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts <i>and</i> questionings, answered them, Why do you question in your hearts?


text:
But that you may know that the Son of Man has the [<f>[8]</f>power of] authority <i>and</i> right on earth to forgive sins, He said to the paralyzed man, I say to you, arise, pick up your litter (stretcher), and go to your own house!


text:
And instantly [the man] stood up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went away to his house, <f>[9]</f>recognizing <i>and</i> praising <i>and</i> thanking God.


text:
And overwhelming astonishment <i>and</i> ecstasy seized them all, and they <f>[10]</f>recognized <i>and</i> praised <i>and</i> thanked God; and they were filled with <i>and</i> controlled by reverential fear and kept saying, We have seen wonderful <i>and</i> strange <i>and</i> incredible <i>and</i> unthinkable things today!


text:
And after this, Jesus went out and looked [attentively] at a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, <f>[11]</f>Join Me as a disciple <i>and</i> side with My party <i>and</i> accompany Me.


text:
And he forsook everything and got up and followed Him [becoming His disciple and siding with His party].


text:
And Levi (Matthew) made a great banquet for Him in his own house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others who were reclining [at the table] with them.


text:
Now the Pharisees and their scribes were grumbling against Jesus’ disciples, saying, Why are you eating and drinking with tax collectors and [preeminently] sinful people?


text:
And Jesus replied to them, It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.


text:
I have not come to arouse <i>and</i> invite <i>and</i> call the righteous, but <f>[12]</f>the erring ones (<f>[13]</f>those not free from sin) to repentance [<f>[14]</f>to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins].


text:
Then they said to Him, The disciples of John practice fasting often and offer up prayers of [special] petition, and so do [the disciples] of the Pharisees also, but Yours eat and drink.


text:
And Jesus said to them, Can you make the wedding guests fast as long as the bridegroom is with them?


text:
But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; and then they will fast in those days.


text:
He told them a <f>[15]</f>proverb also: No one puts a patch from a new garment on an old garment; if he does, he will both tear the new one, and the patch from the new [one] will not match the old [garment].


text:
And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the fresh wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled and the skins will be ruined (destroyed).


text:
And no one after drinking old wine immediately desires new wine, for he says, The old is good <i>or</i> <f>[16]</f><i>better</i>.


text:
One Sabbath while Jesus was passing through the fields of standing grain, it occurred that His disciples picked some of the spikes and ate [of the grain], rubbing it out in their hands. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
But some of the Pharisees asked them, Why are you doing what is not permitted to be done on the Sabbath days? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And Jesus replied to them, saying, Have you never so much as read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him? — <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
How he went into the house of God and took and ate the [sacred] loaves of the showbread, which it is not permitted for any except only the priests to eat, and also gave to those [who were] with him? <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And it occurred on another Sabbath that when He went into the synagogue and taught, a man was present whose right hand was withered.


text:
And the scribes and the Pharisees kept watching Jesus to see whether He would [actually] heal on the Sabbath, in order that they might get [some ground for] accusation against Him.


text:
But He was aware all along of their thoughts, and He said to the man with the withered hand, Come and stand here in the midst. And he arose and stood there.


text:
Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful <i>and</i> right on the Sabbath to do good [<f>[1]</f>so that someone derives advantage from it] or to do evil, to save a life [and <f>[2]</f>make a soul safe] or to destroy it?


text:
Then He glanced around at them all and said to the man, Stretch out your hand! And he did so, and his hand was fully restored <f>[3]</f><i>like the other one</i>.


text:
But they were filled with lack of understanding <i>and</i> senseless rage and discussed (consulted) with one another what they might do to Jesus.


text:
Now in those days it occurred that He went up into a mountain to pray, and spent the whole night in prayer to God.


text:
And when it was day, He summoned His disciples and selected from them twelve, whom He named apostles (special messengers):


text:
They were Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew;


text:
And Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor (a treacherous, basely faithless person).


text:
And Jesus came down with them and took His stand on a level spot, with a great crowd of His disciples and a vast throng of people from all over Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to listen to Him and to be cured of their diseases —


text:
Even those who were disturbed <i>and</i> troubled with unclean spirits, and they were being healed [also].


text:
And all the multitude were seeking to touch Him, for healing power was all the while going forth from Him and curing them all [<f>[4]</f>saving them from severe illnesses or calamities].


text:
And solemnly lifting up His eyes on His disciples, He said: Blessed (happy — <f>[5]</f>with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition — and <f>[6]</f>to be envied) are you poor <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>lowly <i>and</i> afflicted (destitute of wealth, influence, position, and honor), for the kingdom of God is yours!


text:
Blessed (happy — <f>[8]</f>with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition — and <f>[9]</f>to be envied) are you who hunger <i>and</i> seek with eager desire now, for you shall be filled <i>and</i> completely satisfied! Blessed (happy — <f>[10]</f>with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition — and <f>[11]</f>to be envied) are you who weep <i>and</i> sob now, for you shall laugh!


text:
Blessed (happy — <f>[12]</f>with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition — and <f>[13]</f>to be envied) are you when people despise (hate) you, and when they exclude <i>and</i> excommunicate you [as disreputable] and revile <i>and</i> denounce you and defame <i>and</i> cast out <i>and</i> spurn your name as evil (wicked) on account of the Son of Man.


text:
Rejoice <i>and</i> be glad at such a time and exult <i>and</i> leap for joy, for behold, your reward is rich <i>and</i> great <i>and</i> strong <i>and</i> intense <i>and</i> abundant in heaven; for even so their forefathers treated the prophets.


text:
But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (<f>[14]</f>abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) <i>and</i> have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded you].


text:
Woe to (alas for) you who are full now (completely filled, luxuriously gorged and satiated), for you shall hunger <i>and</i> suffer want! Woe to (alas for) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep <i>and</i> wail!


text:
Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly <i>and</i> handsomely of you <i>and</i> praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets.


text:
But I say to you who are listening now to Me: [<f>[15]</f>in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you <i>and</i> pursue you with hatred,


text:
Invoke blessings upon <i>and</i> pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you].


text:
To the one who strikes you on the <f>[16]</f>jaw <i>or</i> cheek, offer the other <f>[17]</f>jaw <i>or</i> cheek also; and from him who takes away your outer garment, do not withhold your undergarment as well.


text:
Give away to everyone who begs of you [who is <f>[18]</f>in want of necessities], and of him who takes away from you your goods, do not demand <i>or</i> require them back again.


text:
If you [merely] love those who love you, what <f>[19]</f>quality of credit <i>and</i> thanks is that to you? For even <f>[20]</f>the [very] sinners love their lovers (those who love them).


text:
And if you are kind <i>and</i> good <i>and</i> do favors to <i>and</i> benefit those who are kind <i>and</i> good <i>and</i> do favors to <i>and</i> benefit you, what <f>[21]</f>quality of credit <i>and</i> thanks is that to you? For even <f>[22]</f>the preeminently sinful do the same.


text:
And if you lend money <f>[23]</f>at interest to those from whom you hope to receive, what <f>[24]</f>quality of credit <i>and</i> thanks is that to you? Even notorious sinners lend money <f>[25]</f>at interest to sinners, so as to recover as much again.


text:
But love your enemies and be kind <i>and</i> do good [doing favors <f>[26]</f>so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting <i>and</i> hoping for nothing in return <i>but</i> <f>[27]</f>considering nothing as lost <i>and</i> despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind <i>and</i> charitable <i>and</i> good to the ungrateful <i>and</i> the selfish and wicked.


text:
So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these].


text:
Judge not [neither pronouncing judgment nor subjecting to censure], and you will not be judged; do not condemn <i>and</i> pronounce guilty, and you will not be condemned <i>and</i> pronounced guilty; acquit <i>and</i> forgive <i>and</i> <f>[28]</f>release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted <i>and</i> forgiven <i>and</i> <f>[29]</f>released.


text:
Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour <f>[30]</f>into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.


text:
He further told them <f>[31]</f>a proverb: Can a blind [man] guide <i>and</i> direct a blind [man]? Will they not both stumble into a ditch <i>or</i> a <f>[32]</f>hole in the ground?


text:
A pupil is not superior to his teacher, but everyone [when he is] completely trained (readjusted, restored, set to rights, and perfected) will be like his teacher.


text:
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice <i>or</i> consider the beam [of timber] that is in your own eye?


text:
Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.


text:
For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit.


text:
For each tree is known <i>and</i> identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush.


text:
The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.


text:
For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words [in order to heed their teaching] and does them, I will show you what he is like:


text:
He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake <i>or</i> move it, because it had been securely built <i>or</i> <f>[33]</f><i>founded on a rock</i>.


text:
But he who merely hears and does not practice doing My words is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the torrent burst, and immediately it collapsed <i>and</i> fell, and the breaking <i>and</i> ruin of that house was great.


text:
After Jesus had finished all that He had to say in the hearing of the people [on the mountain], He entered Capernaum.


text:
Now a centurion had a bond servant who was held in honor <i>and</i> highly valued by him, who was sick and at the point of death.


text:
And when the centurion heard of Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and make his bond servant well.


text:
And when they reached Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that You should do this for him,


text:
And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not <f>[1]</f>sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof;


text:
Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You. But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed.


text:
For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it.


text:
Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this].


text:
And when the messengers who had been sent returned to the house, they found the bond servant <f>[2]</f><i>who had been ill</i> quite well again.


text:
<f>[3]</f>Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and His disciples and a great throng accompanied Him.


text:
[Just] as He drew near the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out — the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large gathering from the town was accompanying her.


text:
And He went forward and touched the funeral bier, and the pallbearers stood still. And He said, Young man, I say to you, arise [<f>[4]</f>from death]!


text:
Profound <i>and</i> reverent fear seized them all, and they began <f>[5]</f>to recognize God <i>and</i> praise <i>and</i> give thanks, saying, A great <f>[6]</f>Prophet has appeared among us! And God has visited His people [in order to help and care for and provide for them]!


text:
And this report concerning [Jesus] spread through the whole of Judea and all the country round about. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And John summoned to him a certain two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, saying, Are You He Who is to come, or shall we [continue to] look for another?


text:
So the men came to Jesus and said, John the Baptist sent us to You to ask, Are You the One Who is to come, or shall we [continue to] look for another?


text:
In that very hour Jesus was healing many [people] of sicknesses and distressing bodily plagues and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave [<f>[7]</f>a free, gracious, joy-giving gift of] sight.


text:
So He replied to 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 up, and the poor have the good news (the Gospel) preached to them. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
And blessed (happy — <f>[8]</f>with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions — and <f>[9]</f>to be envied) is he who takes no offense in Me <i>and</i> who is not hurt <i>or</i> resentful <i>or</i> annoyed <i>or</i> repelled <i>or</i> made to stumble [<f>[10]</f>whatever may occur].


text:
And the messengers of John having departed, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: What did you go out into the desert to gaze on? A reed shaken <i>and</i> swayed by the wind?


text:
Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed up in soft garments? Behold, those who wear fine apparel and live in luxury are in the courts <i>or</i> palaces of kings.


text:
What then did you go out to see? A prophet (a forthteller)? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.


text:
This is the one of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall make ready Your way before You. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; but <f>[11]</f>he that is inferior [to the other citizens] in the kingdom of God is greater [in incomparable privilege] than he.


text:
And all the people who heard Him, even the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God [in <f>[12]</f>calling them to repentance and in pronouncing future wrath on the impenitent], being baptized with the baptism of John.


text:
But the Pharisees and the lawyers [of the Mosaic Law] annulled <i>and</i> rejected <i>and</i> brought to nothing God’s purpose concerning themselves, by [refusing and] not being baptized by him [John].


text:
They are like little children sitting in the marketplace, calling to one another and saying, We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we sang dirges <i>and</i> wailed [playing funeral], and you did not weep.


text:
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a Man Who is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and notorious sinners.


text:
Yet wisdom is vindicated (<f>[13]</f>shown to be true and divine) by all her children [<f>[14]</f>by their life, character, and deeds].


text:
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to dine with him, and He went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.


text:
And behold, a woman of the town who was <f>[15]</f>an especially wicked sinner, when she learned that He was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment (perfume).


text:
And standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed them with the ointment (perfume).


text:
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw it, he said to himself, If this Man were a prophet, He would surely know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him — for she is a notorious sinner (a social outcast, devoted to sin).


text:
And Jesus, replying, said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. And he answered, Teacher, say it.


text:
A certain lender of money [at interest] had two debtors: one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.


text:
When they had no means of paying, he freely forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?


text:
Simon answered, The one, I take it, for whom he forgave <i>and</i> cancelled more. And Jesus said to him, You have decided correctly.


text:
Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.


text:
You gave Me no kiss, but she from the moment I came in has not ceased [<f>[16]</f>intermittently] to kiss My feet tenderly <i>and</i> caressingly.


text:
You did not anoint My head with <f>[17]</f>[cheap, ordinary] oil, but she has anointed My feet with <f>[18]</f>[costly, rare] perfume.


text:
Therefore I tell you, her sins, many [as they are], are forgiven her — because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little.


text:
Then those who were at table with Him began to say among themselves, Who is this Who even forgives sins?


text:
But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go (enter) <f>[19]</f>into peace [<f>[20]</f>in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin].


text:
Soon afterward, [Jesus] went on through towns and villages, preaching and bringing the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve [apostles] were with Him,


text:
And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been expelled;


text:
And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager; and Susanna; and many others, who ministered to <i>and</i> provided for <f>[1]</f><i>Him and</i> them out of their property <i>and</i> personal belongings.


text:
And when a very great throng was gathering together and people from town after town kept coming to Jesus, He said in a parable:


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A sower went out to sow seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the traveled path and was trodden underfoot, and the birds of the air ate it up.


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And some [seed] fell on the rock, and as soon as it sprouted, it withered away because it had no moisture.


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And other [seed] fell in the midst of the thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it [off].


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And some seed fell into good soil, and grew up and yielded a crop a hundred times [as great]. As He said these things, He called out, He who has ears to hear, let him be listening <i>and</i> let him <f>[2]</f>consider <i>and</i> understand by hearing!


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He said to them, To you it has been given to [come progressively to] know (to recognize and understand more strongly and clearly) the mysteries <i>and</i> secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that, [though] looking, they may not see; and hearing, they may not comprehend. <f>ⓐ</f>


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Those along the traveled road are the people who have heard; then the devil comes and carries away the message out of their hearts, that they may not believe (<f>[3]</f>acknowledge Me as their Savior and devote themselves to Me) and be saved [here and hereafter].


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And those upon the rock [are the people] who, when they hear [the Word], receive <i>and</i> welcome it with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a while, and in time of trial <i>and</i> temptation fall away (withdraw and stand aloof).


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And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked <i>and</i> suffocated with the anxieties <i>and</i> cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection).


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But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (<f>[4]</f>noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.


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No one after he has lighted a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a [dining table] couch; but he puts it on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.


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For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open.


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Be careful therefore how you listen. For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>guesses <i>and</i> <f>[6]</f>supposes that he has will be taken away.


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Then Jesus’ mother and His brothers came along toward Him, but they could not get to Him because of the crowd.


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And it was told Him, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to have an interview with You.


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One of those days He and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, Let us go across to the other side of the lake. So they put out to sea.


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But as they were sailing, He fell off to sleep. And a <f>[7]</f> whirlwind revolving from below upwards swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in great danger.


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And the disciples came and woke Him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! And He, being thoroughly awakened, <f>[8]</f>censured <i>and</i> <f>[9]</f>blamed <i>and</i> rebuked the wind and the raging waves; and they ceased, and there came a calm.


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And He said to them, [Why are you so fearful?] Where is your faith (your trust, your confidence in Me — in My veracity and My integrity)? And they were seized with alarm <i>and</i> profound <i>and</i> reverent dread, and they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this, that He commands even wind and sea, and they obey Him?


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Now when Jesus stepped out on land, there met Him a certain man out of the town who had [was possessed by] demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but in the tombs.


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And when he saw Jesus, he raised a deep (terrible) cry [from the depths of his throat] and fell down before Him [in terror] and shouted loudly, What have You [to do] with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [<f>[10]</f>What have we in common?] I beg You, do not torment me!


text:
For Jesus was already commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had snatched <i>and</i> held him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and fetters, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilderness (desert).


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Now a great herd of swine was there feeding on the hillside; and [the demons] begged Him to give them leave to enter these. And He allowed them [to do so].


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Then the demons came out of the man and entered into the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep cliff into the lake and were drowned.


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And [people] went out to see what had occurred, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right (sound) mind; and they were seized with alarm <i>and</i> fear.


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And those [also] who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was restored [to health].


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Then all the people of the country surrounding the Gerasenes’ district asked [Jesus] to depart from them, for they were possessed <i>and</i> suffering with dread <i>and</i> terror; so He entered a boat and returned [to the west side of the Sea of Galilee].


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But the man from whom the demons had gone out kept begging <i>and</i> <f>[11]</f>praying that he might accompany Him <i>and</i> be with Him, but [Jesus] sent him away, saying,


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Return to your home, and recount [the story] of how many <i>and</i> great things God has done for you. And [the man] departed, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.


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Now when Jesus came back [to Galilee], the crowd received <i>and</i> welcomed Him gladly, for they were all waiting <i>and</i> looking for Him.


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And there came a man named Jairus, who had [for a <f>[12]</f>long time] been a director of the synagogue; and falling at the feet of Jesus, he begged Him to come to his house,


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For he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As [Jesus] went, the people pressed together around Him [almost suffocating Him].


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And a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years <f>[13]</f><i>and had spent all her living upon physicians</i>, and could not be healed by anyone,


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And Jesus said, Who is it who touched Me? When all were denying it, Peter <f>[14]</f><i>and those who were with him</i> said, Master, the multitudes surround You <i>and</i> press You on every side!


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And when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling, and, falling down before Him, she declared in the presence of all the people for what reason she had touched Him and how she had been instantly cured.


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And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) <f>[15]</f>into peace (<f>[16]</f>untroubled, undisturbed well-being).


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While He was still speaking, a man from the house of the director of the synagogue came and said [to Jairus], Your daughter is dead; do not <f>[17]</f>weary <i>and</i> trouble the Teacher any further.


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But Jesus, on hearing this, answered him, Do not be seized with alarm <i>or</i> struck with fear; simply believe [<f>[18]</f>in Me as able to do this], and she shall be made well.


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And when He came to the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother.


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And all were weeping for and bewailing her; but He said, Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.


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And her spirit returned [<f>[20]</f>from death], and she arose immediately; and He directed that she should be given something to eat.


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Then Jesus called together the Twelve [apostles] and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases,


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And He said to them, Do not take anything for your journey — neither walking stick, nor <f>[1]</f>wallet [for a collection bag], nor food of any kind, nor money, and do not have two undergarments (tunics).


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And wherever they do not receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome you, when you leave that town shake off [even] the dust from your feet, as a testimony against them.


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And departing, they went about from village to village, preaching the Gospel and restoring the afflicted to health everywhere.


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Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was being done by [Jesus], and he was [thoroughly] perplexed <i>and</i> troubled, because it was said by some that John [the Baptist] had been raised from the dead,


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And by others that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had come back to life.


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But Herod said, John I beheaded; but Who is this about Whom I [learn] such things by hearsay? And he sought to see Him.


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Upon their return, the apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done. And He took them [along with Him] and withdrew into privacy near a town called Bethsaida.


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But when the crowds learned of it, [they] followed Him; and He welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed restoration to health.


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Now the day began to decline, and the Twelve came and said to Him, Dismiss the crowds <i>and</i> send them away, so that they may go to the neighboring hamlets <i>and</i> villages and the surrounding country and find lodging and get a <f>[2]</f>supply of provisions, for we are here in an uninhabited (barren, solitary) place.


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But He said to them, You [yourselves] give them [food] to eat. They said, We have no more than five loaves and two fish — unless we are to go and buy food for all this crowd, <f>ⓐ</f>


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For there were about 5,000 men. And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Have them [sit down] reclining in table groups (companies) of about fifty each.


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And taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven and [praising God] gave thanks <i>and</i> asked Him to bless them [to their use]. Then He broke them and gave them to the disciples to place before the multitude.


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And all the people ate and were satisfied. And they gathered up what remained over — twelve [<f>[3]</f>small hand] baskets of broken pieces.


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Now it occurred that as Jesus was praying privately, the disciples were with Him, and He asked them, Who do men say that I am?


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And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back to life.


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And He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am? And Peter replied, The Christ of God!


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But He strictly charged and sharply commanded them [<f>[4]</f>under penalty] to tell this to no one [no one, <f>[5]</f>whoever he might be],


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Saying, The Son of Man must suffer many things and be [<f>[6]</f>deliberately] disapproved <i>and</i> repudiated <i>and</i> rejected on the part of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be put to death and on the third day be raised [again].


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And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [<f>[7]</f>disown himself, <f>[8]</f>forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, <f>[9]</f>refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [<f>[10]</f>cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].


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For whoever would preserve his life <i>and</i> save it will lose <i>and</i> destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve <i>and</i> save it [<f>[11]</f>from the penalty of eternal death].


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Because whoever is ashamed of Me and of My teachings, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in the [<f>[12]</f>threefold] glory (the splendor and majesty) of Himself and of the Father and of the holy angels.


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However I tell you truly, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.


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Now about eight days after these teachings, Jesus took with Him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.


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And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance became altered (different), and His raiment became dazzling white [<f>[13]</f>flashing with the brilliance of lightning].


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Who appeared in splendor <i>and</i> majesty <i>and</i> brightness and were speaking of His exit [from life], which He was about to bring to realization at Jerusalem.


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Now Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but when they fully awoke, they saw His glory (splendor and majesty and brightness) and the two men who stood with Him.


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And it occurred as the men were parting from Him that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is delightful <i>and</i> good that we are here; and let us construct three booths <i>or</i> huts — one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah! not noticing <i>or</i> knowing what he was saying.


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But even as he was saying this, a cloud came and began to overshadow them, and they were seized with alarm <i>and</i> struck with fear as they entered into the cloud.


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Then there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, My Chosen One <i>or</i> <f>[14]</f><i>My Beloved</i>; listen to <i>and</i> yield to <i>and</i> obey Him!


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And when the voice had died away, Jesus was found there alone. And they kept still, and told no one at that time any of these things that they had seen.


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Now it occurred the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him.


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And behold, a man from the crowd shouted out, Master, I implore You to look at my son, for he is my only child;


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And behold, a spirit seizes him and suddenly he cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and he is sorely shattered, and it will scarcely leave him.


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Jesus answered, O [faithless ones] unbelieving <i>and</i> without trust in God, a perverse (<f>[15]</f>wayward, <f>[16]</f>crooked and <f>[17]</f>warped) generation! Until when <i>and</i> how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here [to Me].


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And even while he was coming, the demon threw him down and [completely] convulsed him. But Jesus censured <i>and</i> severely rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child and restored him to his father.


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And all were astounded at the evidence of God’s mighty power <i>and</i> His majesty <i>and</i> magnificence. But [while] they were all marveling at everything Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples,


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Let these words sink into your ears: the Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men [<f>[18]</f>whose conduct is opposed to God].


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However, they did not comprehend this saying; and it was kept hidden from them, so that they should not grasp it <i>and</i> understand, and they were afraid to ask Him about the statement.


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But a controversy arose among them as to which of them might be the greatest [surpassing the others in excellence, worth, and authority].


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But Jesus, as He perceived the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and put him at His side


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And told them, Whoever receives <i>and</i> accepts <i>and</i> welcomes this child in My name <i>and</i> for My sake receives <i>and</i> accepts <i>and</i> welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me so also receives Him Who sent Me. For he who is least <i>and</i> lowliest among you all — he is [the one who is truly] great.


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John said, Master, we saw a man driving out demons in Your name and we commanded him to stop it, for he does not follow along with us.


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Now when the time was almost come for Jesus to be received up [to heaven], He steadfastly <i>and</i> determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem.


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And He sent messengers before Him; and they reached and entered a Samaritan village to make [things] ready for Him;


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But [the people] would not welcome <i>or</i> receive <i>or</i> accept Him, because His face was [set as if He was] going to Jerusalem.


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And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, <f>[19]</f><i>even as Elijah did</i>? <f>ⓑ</f>


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But He turned and rebuked <i>and</i> severely censured them. <f>[20]</f><i>He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,</i>


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<i>For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them</i> <f>[21]</f><i>[from the penalty of eternal death]</i>. And they journeyed on to another village.


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And it occurred that as they were going along the road, a man said to Him, <i>Lord</i>, I will follow You wherever You go.


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And Jesus told him, Foxes have lurking holes and the birds of the air have roosts <i>and</i> nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.


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And He said to another, <f>[22]</f>Become My disciple, side with My party, and accompany Me! But he replied, <i>Lord</i>, permit me first to go and bury (<f>[23]</f>await the death of) my father.


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But Jesus said to him, Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go <i>and</i> publish abroad <f>[24]</f>throughout all regions the kingdom of God.


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Another also said, I will follow You, Lord, <i>and</i> become Your disciple <i>and</i> side with Your party; but let me first say good-bye to those at my home.


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Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.


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Now after this the Lord chose <i>and</i> appointed seventy others and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come (visit).


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And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [<f>[1]</f>there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.


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Carry no purse, no provisions bag, no [change of] sandals; refrain from [retarding your journey by] saluting <i>and</i> wishing anyone well along the way.


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Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this household! [<f>[2]</f>Freedom from all the distresses that result from sin be with this family].


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And if anyone [worthy] of peace <i>and</i> blessedness is there, the peace <i>and</i> blessedness you wish shall come upon him; but if not, it shall come back to you.


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And stay on in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. <f>ⓐ</f>


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Whenever you go into a town and they receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome you, eat what is set before you;


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But whenever you go into a town and they do not receive <i>and</i> accept <i>and</i> welcome you, go out into its streets and say,


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Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we are wiping off against you; yet know <i>and</i> understand this: the kingdom of God has come near <i>you</i>.


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Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty miracles performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.


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And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted unto heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades (the regions of the dead).


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He who hears <i>and</i> heeds you [disciples] hears <i>and</i> heeds Me; and he who slights <i>and</i> rejects you slights <i>and</i> rejects Me; and he who slights <i>and</i> rejects Me slights <i>and</i> rejects Him who sent Me.


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Behold! I have given you authority <i>and</i> power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.


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Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven. <f>ⓒ</f>


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In that same hour He rejoiced <i>and</i> gloried in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and understanding <i>and</i> learned, and revealed them to babes (the childish, unskilled, and untaught). Yes, Father, for such was Your gracious <f>[3]</f>will <i>and</i> choice <i>and</i> good pleasure.


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All things have been given over into My power by My Father; and no one knows Who the Son is except the Father, or Who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son may choose to reveal <i>and</i> make Him known.


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Then turning to His disciples, He said privately, Blessed (happy, <f>[4]</f>to be envied) are those whose eyes see what you see!


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For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see and they did not see it, and to hear what you hear and they did not hear it.


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And then a certain lawyer arose to try (test, tempt) Him, saying, Teacher, what am I to do to inherit everlasting life [that is, to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?


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And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. <f>ⓓ</f>


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And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].


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Jesus, <f>[6]</f>taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [<f>[7]</f>unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.


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Now by <f>[8]</f>coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.


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A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].


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But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity <i>and</i> sympathy [for him],


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And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.


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And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.


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He answered, The one who showed pity <i>and</i> mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.


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Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received <i>and</i> welcomed Him into her house.


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And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.


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But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!


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But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;


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There is need of only one <i>or but</i> <f>[9]</f><i>a few things</i>. Mary has chosen the good portion [<f>[10]</f>that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.


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Then He was praying in a certain place; and when He stopped, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, [just] as John taught his disciples.


text:
And He said to them, When you pray, say: <i>Our</i> Father <i>Who is in heaven</i>, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. <i>Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven.</i>


text:
And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us [who has offended us or done us wrong]. And bring us not into temptation <i>but rescue us from evil</i>.


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And He said to them, Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and will say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread],


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And he from within will answer, Do not disturb me; the door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and supply you [with anything]?


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I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence <i>and</i> insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.


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So I say to you, Ask <i>and</i> <f>[2]</f>keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek <i>and</i> <f>[3]</f>keep on seeking and you shall find; knock <i>and</i> <f>[4]</f>keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.


text:
For everyone who asks <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks <i>and</i> <f>[6]</f>keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.


text:
What father among you, if his son asks for <f>[8]</f><i>a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for</i> a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent?


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If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts <f>[9]</f>that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask <i>and</i> <f>[10]</f>continue to ask Him!


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Now Jesus was driving out a demon that was dumb; and it occurred that when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke. And the crowds marveled.


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But some of them said, He drives out demons [because He is in league with and] by Beelzebub, the prince of demons,


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But He, [well] aware of their intent <i>and</i> purpose, said to them, Every kingdom split up against itself is doomed <i>and</i> brought to desolation, and so house falls upon house. [The disunited household will collapse.]


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And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom last? For you say that I expel demons with the help of <i>and</i> by Beelzebub.


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Now if I expel demons with the help of <i>and</i> by Beelzebub, with whose help <i>and</i> by whom do your sons drive them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.


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But if I drive out the demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has [already] come upon you.


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When the strong man, fully armed, [<f>[11]</f>from his courtyard] guards his own dwelling, his belongings are undisturbed [his property is at peace and is secure].


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But when one stronger than he attacks him and conquers him, he robs him of his whole armor on which he had relied and divides up <i>and</i> distributes all his goods as plunder (spoil).


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He who is not with Me [siding and believing with Me] is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me [engage in My interest], scatters.


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When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it roams through waterless places in search [of a place] of rest (release, refreshment, ease); and finding none it says, I will go back to my house from which I came.


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And when it arrives, it finds [the place] swept <i>and</i> put in order and furnished <i>and</i> decorated.


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And it goes and brings other spirits, seven [of them], more evil than itself, and they enter in, settle down, <i>and</i> dwell there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.


text:
Now it occurred that as He was saying these things, a certain woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, Blessed (happy and <f>[12]</f>to be envied) is the womb that bore You and the breasts that You sucked!


text:
But He said, Blessed (happy and <f>[13]</f>to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey <i>and</i> practice it!


text:
Now as the crowds were [increasingly] thronging Him, He began to say, This present generation is a wicked one; it seeks <i>and</i> demands a sign (miracle), but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah [the prophet]. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
For [just] as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will also the Son of Man be [a sign] to this age <i>and</i> generation. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
The queen of the South will arise in the judgment with the people of this age <i>and</i> generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the [inhabited] earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and notice, <f>[14]</f>here is more than Solomon. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
The men of Nineveh will appear as witnesses at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, <f>[15]</f>here is more than Jonah. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar <i>or</i> crypt or under a bushel measure, but on a lampstand, that those who are coming in may see the light.


text:
Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (<f>[16]</f>your conscience) is sound <i>and</i> fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound <i>and</i> is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness.


text:
If then your entire body is illuminated, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright [with light], as when a lamp with its bright rays gives you light.


text:
Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to take dinner with him, so He entered and reclined at table.


text:
But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed <i>and</i> robbery <i>and</i> extortion and malice <i>and</i> wickedness.


text:
You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?


text:
But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified <i>and</i> clean for you.


text:
But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard <i>and</i> neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
Woe to you, Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and [you love] to be greeted <i>and</i> bowed down to in the [public] marketplaces.


text:
Woe to you! For you are like graves which are not marked <i>or</i> seen, and men walk over them without being aware of it [and are ceremonially defiled].


text:
One of the experts in the [Mosaic] Law answered Him, Teacher, in saying this, You reproach <i>and</i> outrage <i>and</i> affront even us!


text:
But He said, Woe to you, the lawyers, also! For you load men with oppressive burdens hard to bear, and you do not personally [even <f>[17]</f>gently] touch the burdens with one of your fingers.


text:
Woe to you! For you are <f>[18]</f>rebuilding <i>and</i> repairing the tombs of the prophets, whom your fathers killed (destroyed).


text:
So you bear witness and give your full approval <i>and</i> consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they actually killed them, and you rebuild <i>and</i> repair monuments to them.


text:
For this reason also the wisdom of God said, I will send them prophets and apostles, [some] of whom they will put to death and persecute,


text:
So that the blood of all the prophets shed from the foundation of the world may be charged against <i>and</i> required of this age <i>and</i> generation,


text:
From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was slain between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against <i>and</i> required of this age <i>and</i> generation. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
Woe to you, lawyers (experts in the Mosaic Law)! For you have taken away the key to knowledge; you did not go in yourselves, and you hindered <i>and</i> prevented those who were entering.


text:
As He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees [followed Him closely, and they] began <f>[19]</f>to be enraged with <i>and</i> set themselves violently against Him and to draw Him out <i>and</i> provoke Him to speak of many things,


text:
Secretly watching <i>and</i> plotting <i>and</i> lying in wait for Him, to seize upon something He might say [that they might accuse Him].


text:
In the meanwhile, when so many thousands of the people had gathered that they were trampling on one another, Jesus commenced by saying primarily to His disciples, Be on your guard against the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy [producing unrest and violent agitation].


text:
Nothing is [so closely] covered up that it will not be revealed, or hidden that it will not be known.


text:
Whatever you have spoken in the darkness shall be heard <i>and</i> listened to in the light, and what you have whispered in [people’s] ears and behind closed doors will be proclaimed upon the housetops.


text:
I tell you, My friends, do not dread <i>and</i> be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.


text:
But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him!


text:
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten <i>or</i> uncared for in the presence of God.


text:
But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear <i>or</i> seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.


text:
And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] <i>and</i> confesses that he is My worshiper <i>and</i> acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare <i>and</i> confess <i>and</i> acknowledge him before the angels of God.


text:
But he who disowns <i>and</i> denies <i>and</i> rejects <i>and</i> refuses to acknowledge Me before men will be disowned <i>and</i> denied <i>and</i> rejected <i>and</i> refused acknowledgement in the presence of the angels of God.


text:
And everyone who makes a statement <i>or</i> speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit [that is, whoever <f>[1]</f>intentionally comes short of the reverence due the Holy Spirit], it will not be forgiven him [for him there is no forgiveness].


text:
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the magistrates and the authorities, do not be anxious [beforehand] how you shall reply in defense or what you are to say.


text:
For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour <i>and</i> <f>[2]</f>moment what [you] ought to say.


text:
Someone from the crowd said to Him, Master, order my brother to divide the inheritance <i>and</i> share it with me.


text:
And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man’s life does not consist in <i>and</i> is not derived from possessing <f>[3]</f>overflowing abundance <i>or</i> that which is <f>[4]</f>over and above his needs.


text:
Then He told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man was fertile <i>and</i> yielded plentifully.


text:
And he considered <i>and</i> debated within himself, What shall I do? I have no place [in which] to gather together my harvest.


text:
And he said, I will do this: I will pull down my storehouses and build larger ones, and there I will store all <f>[5]</f>my grain <i>or produce</i> and my goods.


text:
And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up, [enough] for many years. Take your ease; eat, drink, <i>and</i> enjoy yourself merrily.


text:
But God said to him, You fool! This very night <f>[6]</f> they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be? <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
So it is with the one who continues to lay up <i>and</i> hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relation] to God [this is how he fares].


text:
And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious <i>and</i> troubled [with cares] about your life, as to what you will [have to] eat; or about your body, as to what you will [have to] wear.


text:
Observe <i>and</i> consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn; and [yet] God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than the birds!


text:
And which of you by being overly anxious <i>and</i> troubled with cares can add a <f>[7]</f>cubit to his stature <i>or</i> a moment [unit] of time to his <f>[8]</f>age [the length of his life]?


text:
If then you are not able to do such a little thing as that, why are you anxious <i>and</i> troubled with cares about the rest?


text:
Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither [wearily] toil nor spin <i>nor</i> <f>[9]</f><i>weave</i>; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory (his splendor and magnificence) was not arrayed like one of these. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you [people] of little faith?


text:
And you, do not seek [by meditating and reasoning to inquire into] what you are to eat and what you are to drink; nor be of anxious (troubled) mind [<f>[10]</f>unsettled, excited, worried, and <f>[11]</f>in suspense];


text:
For all the pagan world is [greedily] seeking these things, and your Father knows that you need them.


text:
Only aim at <i>and</i> strive for <i>and</i> seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also.


text:
Do not be seized with alarm <i>and</i> struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!


text:
Sell what you possess and give donations to the poor; provide yourselves with purses <i>and</i> handbags that do not grow old, an unfailing <i>and</i> inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.


text:
And be like men who are waiting for their master to return home from the marriage feast, so that when he returns from the wedding and comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately.


text:
Blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[12]</f>to be envied) are those servants whom the master finds awake <i>and</i> alert <i>and</i> watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will gird himself and have them recline at table and will come and serve them!


text:
If he comes in the second watch (before midnight) or the third watch (after midnight), and finds them so, blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[13]</f>to be envied) are those servants!


text:
But of this be assured: if the householder had known at what time the burglar was coming, he would have been awake <i>and</i> alert <i>and</i> watching and would not have permitted his house to be dug through <i>and</i> broken into.


text:
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour <i>and</i> a <f>[14]</f>moment when you do not anticipate it.


text:
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful steward, the wise man whom his master will set over those in his household service to supply them their allowance of food at the appointed time?


text:
Blessed (happy and <f>[15]</f>to be envied) is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he arrives.


text:
But if that servant says in his heart, My master is late in coming, and begins to strike the menservants and the maids and to eat and drink and get drunk,


text:
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he does not know, and will punish him <i>and</i> cut him off and assign his lot with <f>[16]</f>the unfaithful.


text:
And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act as he would wish him to act shall be beaten with many [lashes].


text:
But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes]. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require <i>and</i> demand all the more. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and how greatly <i>and</i> sorely I am urged on (impelled, <f>[17]</f>constrained) until it is accomplished!


text:
For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three.


text:
They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
He also said to the crowds of people, When you see a cloud rising in the west, at once you say, It is going to rain! And so it does.


text:
You playactors (hypocrites)! You know how [intelligently] to discern <i>and</i> interpret <i>and</i> <f>[18]</f>prove the looks of the earth and sky; but how is it that you do not know how to discern <i>and</i> interpret <i>and</i> apply the proof to this present time?


text:
Then as you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make a diligent effort to settle <i>and</i> be quit (free) of him, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.


text:
Just at that time there [arrived] some people who informed Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.


text:
And He replied by saying to them, Do you think that these Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans because they have suffered in this way?


text:
I tell you, No; but unless you repent (<f>[1]</f>change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish <i>and</i> be lost <f>[2]</f>eternally.


text:
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them — do you think that they were more guilty offenders (debtors) than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem?


text:
I tell you, No; but unless you repent (<f>[3]</f>change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish <i>and</i> be lost <f>[4]</f>eternally.


text:
And He told them this parable: A certain man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find [any].


text:
So he said to the vinedresser, See here! For these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue also to use up the ground [to <f>[5]</f>deplete the soil, intercept the sun, and take up room]?


text:
But he replied to him, Leave it alone, sir, [just] this one more year, till I dig around it and put manure [on the soil].


text:
And there was a woman there who for eighteen years had had an <f>[6]</f>infirmity caused by a spirit (<f>[7]</f>a demon of sickness). She was <f>[8]</f>bent completely forward and utterly unable to straighten herself up <i>or</i> to <f>[9]</f>look upward.


text:
And when Jesus saw her, He called [her to Him] and said to her, Woman, you are released from your infirmity!


text:
Then He laid [His] hands on her, and instantly she was made straight, and she <f>[10]</f>recognized <i>and</i> thanked <i>and</i> praised God.


text:
But the <f>[11]</f>leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, There are six days on which work ought to be done; so come on those days and be cured, and not on the Sabbath day. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
But the Lord replied to him, saying, You playactors (hypocrites)! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it out to water it?


text:
And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?


text:
Even as He said this, all His opponents were put to shame, and all the people were rejoicing over all the glorious things that were being done by Him.


text:
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the wild birds <f>[12]</f>found shelter <i>and</i> roosted <i>and</i> nested in its branches.


text:
It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of wheat flour <i>or</i> meal until it was all leavened (fermented).


text:
And someone asked Him, Lord, will only a few be saved (rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, and made partakers of the salvation by Christ)? And He said to them,


text:
Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.


text:
When once the Master of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door [again and again], saying, Lord, open to us! He will answer you, I do not know where [<f>[13]</f>what household — certainly not Mine] you come from.


text:
But He will say, I tell you, I do not know where [<f>[14]</f>what household — certainly not Mine] you come from; depart from Me, all you wrongdoers!


text:
There will be weeping and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves being cast forth (banished, driven away).


text:
And [people] will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit down (feast at table) in the kingdom of God.


text:
And behold, there are some [now] last who will be first [then], and there are some [now] first who will be last [then].


text:
At that very hour some Pharisees came up and said to Him, Go away from here, for Herod is determined to kill You.


text:
And He said to them, Go and tell that fox [sly and crafty, skulking and cowardly], Behold, I drive out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish (complete) My course.


text:
Nevertheless, I must continue on My way today and tomorrow and the day after that — for it will never do for a prophet to be destroyed away from Jerusalem!


text:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who continue to kill the prophets and to stone those who are sent to you! How often I have desired <i>and</i> yearned to gather your children together [around Me], as a hen [gathers] her young under her wings, but you would not!


text:
Behold, your house is forsaken (abandoned, left to you destitute of God’s help)! And I tell you, you will not see Me again until the time comes when you shall say, Blessed (to be celebrated with praises) is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
It occurred one Sabbath, when [Jesus] went for a meal at the house of one of the ruling Pharisees, that they were [engaged in] watching Him [closely].


text:
And Jesus asked the lawyers and the Pharisees, Is it lawful <i>and</i> right to cure on the Sabbath or not?


text:
And He said to them, Which of you, having a son <f>[2]</f><i>or a donkey</i> or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not at once pull him out on the Sabbath day?


text:
Now He told a parable to those who were invited, [when] He noticed how they were selecting the places of honor, saying to them,


text:
When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not recline on the chief seat [in the place of honor], lest a more distinguished person than you has been invited by him, <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And he who invited both of you will come to you and say, Let this man have the place [you have taken]. Then, with humiliation <i>and</i> a guilty sense of impropriety, you will begin to take the lowest place.


text:
But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when your host comes in, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher! Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit [at table] with you.


text:
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or rewarded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank).


text:
Jesus also said to the man who had invited Him, When you give a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they also invite you in return, and so you are paid back.


text:
But when you give a banquet <i>or</i> a reception, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind.


text:
Then you will be blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[3]</f>to be envied), because they have no way of repaying you, and you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just (upright).


text:
When one of those who reclined [at the table] with Him heard this, he said to Him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[4]</f>to be envied) is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!


text:
And at the hour for the supper he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, Come, for all is now ready.


text:
But they all alike began to make excuses <i>and</i> to beg off. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of land, and I have to go out and see it; I beg you, have me excused.


text:
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>put my approval on them; I beg you, have me excused.


text:
So the servant came and reported these [answers] to his master. Then the master of the house said in wrath to his servant, Go quickly into the <f>[6]</f>great streets and the small streets of the city and bring in here the poor and the disabled and the blind and the lame.


text:
And the servant [returning] said, Sir, what you have commanded me to do has been done, and yet there is room.


text:
Then the master said to the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges and urge <i>and</i> constrain [them] to yield <i>and</i> come in, so that my house may be filled.


text:
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [<f>[7]</f>in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters — [yes] and even his own life also — he cannot be My disciple.


text:
Whoever does not persevere <i>and</i> carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple.


text:
For which of you, wishing to build a <f>[8]</f>farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it?


text:
Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock <i>and</i> jeer at him,


text:
Or what king, going out to engage in conflict with another king, will not first sit down and consider <i>and</i> take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand [men] to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?


text:
And if he cannot [do so], when the other king is still a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks the terms of peace.


text:
So then, any of you who does not forsake (renounce, surrender claim to, give up, <f>[10]</f>say good-bye to) all that he has cannot be My disciple.


text:
Salt is good [an excellent thing], but if salt has lost its strength <i>and</i> has become saltless (insipid, flat), how shall its saltness be restored?


text:
It is fit neither for the land nor for the manure heap; men throw it away. He who has ears to hear, let him listen <i>and</i> consider <i>and</i> comprehend by hearing!


text:
Now the tax collectors and [notorious and <f>[1]</f>especially wicked] sinners were all coming near to [Jesus] to listen to Him.


text:
And the Pharisees and the scribes kept muttering <i>and</i> indignantly complaining, saying, This man accepts <i>and</i> receives <i>and</i> welcomes [<f>[2]</f>preeminently wicked] sinners and eats with them.


text:
What man of you, if he has a hundred sheep and should lose one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness (desert) and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?


text:
And when he gets home, he summons together [his] friends and [his] neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep which was lost.


text:
Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [<f>[3]</f>especially] wicked person who repents (<f>[4]</f>changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance.


text:
Or what woman, having ten [silver] drachmas [each one equal to a day’s wages], if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and look carefully <i>and</i> diligently until she finds it?


text:
And when she has found it, she summons her [women] friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the silver coin which I had lost.


text:
Even so, I tell you, there is joy among <i>and</i> in the presence of the angels of God over one [<f>[5]</f>especially] wicked person who repents (<f>[6]</f>changes his mind for the better, heartily amending his ways, with abhorrence of his past sins).


text:
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the part of the property that falls [to me]. And he divided the estate between them. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And not many days after that, the younger son gathered up all that he had and journeyed into a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless <i>and</i> loose [from restraint] living.


text:
And when he had spent all he had, a <f>[7]</f>mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind <i>and</i> be in want.


text:
So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs.


text:
And he would gladly have fed on <i>and</i> <f>[8]</f><i>filled his belly with</i> the <f>[9]</f>carob pods that the hogs were eating, but [they could not satisfy his hunger and] nobody gave him anything [better]. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger!


text:
I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.


text:
So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity <i>and</i> tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [<f>[10]</f>fervently].


text:
And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]!


text:
But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
And bring out <f>[11]</f>that [wheat-]fattened calf and kill it; and let us <f>[12]</f>revel <i>and</i> feast <i>and</i> be happy <i>and</i> make merry,


text:
Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to <f>[13]</f>revel <i>and</i> feast <i>and</i> make merry.


text:
But his older son was in the field; and as he returned and came near the house, he heard music and dancing.


text:
And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed <f>[14]</f>that [wheat-]fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and well.


text:
But [the elder brother] was angry [with deep-seated wrath] and resolved not to go in. Then his father came out and began to plead with him,


text:
But he answered his father, Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me [so much as] a [little] kid, that I might <f>[15]</f>revel <i>and</i> feast <i>and</i> be happy <i>and</i> make merry with my friends;


text:
But when this son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you have killed for him <f>[16]</f>that [wheat-] fattened calf!


text:
But it was fitting to make merry, to <f>[17]</f>revel <i>and</i> feast and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!


text:
Also [Jesus] said to the disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a <f>[1]</f>manager of his estate, and accusations [against this man] were brought to him, that he was squandering his [master’s] possessions.


text:
And he called him and said to him, What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management [of my affairs], for you can be [my] manager no longer.


text:
And the manager of the estate said to himself, What shall I do, seeing that my master is taking the management away from me? I am not able to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.


text:
I have come to know what I will do, so that they [my master’s debtors] may accept <i>and</i> welcome me into their houses when I am put out of the management.


text:
So he summoned his master’s debtors one by one, and he said to the first, How much do you owe my master?


text:
He said, A hundred measures [about 900 gallons] of oil. And he said to him, Take back your written acknowledgement of <f>[2]</f>obligation, and sit down quickly and write fifty [about 450 gallons].


text:
After that he said to another, And how much do you owe? He said, A hundred measures [about 900 bushels] of wheat. He said to him, Take back your written acknowledgement of <f>[3]</f>obligation, and write eighty [about 700 bushels].


text:
And [his] master praised the dishonest (unjust) manager for acting <f>[4]</f>shrewdly <i>and</i> <f>[5]</f>prudently; for the sons of this age are shrewder <i>and</i> more prudent <i>and</i> wiser in [<f>[6]</f>relation to] their own generation [to their own age and <f>[7]</f>kind] than are the sons of light.


text:
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon (<f>[8]</f>deceitful riches, money, possessions), so that when it fails, they [those you have favored] may receive <i>and</i> welcome you into the everlasting habitations (dwellings).


text:
He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest <i>and</i> unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest <i>and</i> unjust also in much.


text:
Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (<f>[9]</f>deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches?


text:
And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, <f>[10]</f>the true riches]?


text:
No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by <i>and</i> be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or <f>[11]</f>anything in which you trust and on which you rely).


text:
Now the Pharisees, who were covetous <i>and</i> lovers of money, heard all these things [taken together], and they began to sneer at <i>and</i> ridicule <i>and</i> scoff at Him.


text:
But He said to them, You are the ones who declare yourselves just <i>and</i> upright before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted <i>and</i> highly thought of among men is detestable <i>and</i> abhorrent (an abomination) in the sight of God. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Until John came, there were the Law and the Prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone strives violently to go in [would force his <f>[12]</f>own way rather than God’s way into it].


text:
Yet it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to fail <i>and</i> become void.


text:
Whoever divorces (dismisses and repudiates) his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.


text:
There was a certain rich man who [habitually] clothed himself in purple and fine linen and <f>[13]</f>reveled <i>and</i> feasted <i>and</i> made merry in splendor every day.


text:
And at his gate there <f>[14]</f>was [carelessly] dropped down <i>and</i> left a certain <f>[15]</f>utterly destitute man named Lazarus, [reduced to begging alms and] covered with [<f>[16]</f>ulcerated] sores.


text:
He [eagerly] desired to be satisfied with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs even came and licked his sores.


text:
And it occurred that the man [reduced to] begging died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.


text:
And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom.


text:
And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity <i>and</i> mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.


text:
But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime fully received [what is due you in] comforts <i>and</i> delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts <i>and</i> distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish.


text:
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who want to pass from this [place] to you may not be able, and no one may pass from there to us.


text:
For I have five brothers — so that he may give [solemn] testimony <i>and</i> warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment.


text:
But he answered, No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent (<f>[17]</f>change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins).


text:
He said to him, If they do not hear <i>and</i> listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded <i>and</i> convinced <i>and</i> believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead.


text:
And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come, but woe to him by <i>or</i> through whom they come!


text:
It would be more profitable for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea than that he should cause to sin <i>or</i> be a snare to one of these little ones [<f>[1]</f>lowly in rank or influence].


text:
<f>[2]</f>Pay attention <i>and</i> always be on your guard [looking out for one another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so <i>and</i> reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him.


text:
And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).


text:
The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God).


text:
And the Lord answered, If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.


text:
Will any man of you who has a servant plowing or tending sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, Come at once and take your place at the table?


text:
Will he not instead tell him, Get my supper ready and gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; then afterward you yourself shall eat and drink?


text:
Even so on your part, when you have done everything that was assigned <i>and</i> commanded you, say, We are unworthy servants [possessing no merit, for we have not gone beyond our obligation]; we have [merely] done what was our duty to do.


text:
As He went on His way to Jerusalem, it occurred that [Jesus] was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee.


text:
And when He saw them, He said to them, Go [at once] and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cured <i>and</i> made clean. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, <f>[3]</f>recognizing <i>and</i> thanking <i>and</i> praising God with a loud voice;


text:
Was there no one found to return and to <f>[4]</f>recognize <i>and</i> give thanks <i>and</i> praise to God except this alien?


text:
And He said to him, Get up and go on your way. Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health.


text:
Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed <i>or</i> with visible display,


text:
Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] <i>and</i> among you [surrounding you].


text:
And He said to the disciples, The time is coming when you will long to see [even] one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see [it].


text:
And they will say to you, Look! [He is] there! or, Look! [He is] here! But do not go out or follow [them].


text:
For like the lightning, that flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His [own] day.


text:
But first He must suffer many things and be disapproved <i>and</i> repudiated <i>and</i> rejected by this age <i>and</i> generation.


text:
[People] ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
So also [it was the same] as it was in the days of Lot. [People] ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;


text:
But on the [very] day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all.


text:
On that day let him who is on the housetop, with his belongings in the house, not come down [and go inside] to carry them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back.


text:
Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and <f>[5]</f>quicken it.


text:
I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left.


text:
Then they asked Him, Where, Lord? He said to them, Wherever the dead body is, there will the vultures <i>or</i> eagles be gathered together.


text:
Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to <f>[1]</f>turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).


text:
He said, In a certain city there was a judge who neither reverenced <i>and</i> feared God nor respected <i>or</i> considered man.


text:
And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, Protect <i>and</i> defend <i>and</i> give me justice against my adversary.


text:
And for a time he would not; but later he said to himself, Though I have neither reverence <i>or</i> fear for God nor respect <i>or</i> consideration for man,


text:
Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend <i>and</i> protect <i>and</i> avenge her, lest she give me <f>[2]</f>intolerable annoyance <i>and</i> wear me out by her continual coming <i>or</i> <f>[3]</f>at the last she come and rail on me <i>or</i> <f>[4]</f>assault me <i>or</i> <f>[5]</f>strangle me.


text:
And will not [our just] God defend <i>and</i> protect <i>and</i> avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He <f>[6]</f>defer them <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>delay help on their behalf?


text:
I tell you, He will defend <i>and</i> protect <i>and</i> avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [<f>[8]</f>persistence in] faith on the earth?


text:
He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves <i>and</i> were confident that they were righteous [that they were upright and in right standing with God] and scorned <i>and</i> made nothing of all the rest of men:


text:
Two men went up into the temple [<f>[9]</f>enclosure] to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.


text:
The Pharisee <f>[10]</f>took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before <i>and</i> with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men — extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers — or even like this tax collector here.


text:
But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favorable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the <f>[11]</f>especially wicked sinner that I am!


text:
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified (forgiven and made upright and in right standing with God), rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.


text:
Now they were also bringing [even] babies to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples noticed it, they reproved them.


text:
But Jesus called them [<f>[12]</f>the parents] to Him, saying, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such [as these] belongs the kingdom of God.


text:
Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept <i>and</i> receive <i>and</i> welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all].


text:
And a certain ruler asked Him, Good Teacher [You who are <f>[13]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[14]</f>morally good], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?


text:
Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me [<f>[15]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[16]</f>morally] good? No one is [<f>[17]</f>essentially and perfectly <f>[18]</f>morally] good — except God only.


text:
You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not witness falsely, honor your father and your mother. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And when Jesus heard it, He said to him, One thing you still lack. Sell everything that you have and <f>[19]</f>divide [the money] among the poor, and you will have [rich] treasure in heaven; and come back [and] follow Me [become My disciple, join My party, and accompany Me].


text:
But when he heard this, he became distressed <i>and</i> very sorrowful, for he was rich — exceedingly so.


text:
Jesus, observing him, said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!


text:
For it is easier for a camel to enter through a needle’s eye than [for] a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.


text:
And Peter said, See, we have left our own [things — home, family, and business] and have followed You.


text:
And He said to them, I say to you truly, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God


text:
Then taking the Twelve [apostles] aside, He said to them, Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written about the Son of Man through <i>and</i> by the prophets will be fulfilled. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
For He will be handed over to the Gentiles and will be made sport of <i>and</i> scoffed <i>and</i> jeered at and insulted and spit upon. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
But they understood nothing of these things; His words were a mystery <i>and</i> hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what He was telling them.


text:
But those who were in front reproved him, telling him to keep quiet; yet he <f>[20]</f>screamed <i>and</i> shrieked so much the more, Son of David, take pity <i>and</i> have mercy on me!


text:
And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight! Your faith (<f>[21]</f>your trust and confidence that spring from your faith in God) has healed you.


text:
And instantly he received his sight and began to follow Jesus, <f>[22]</f>recognizing, praising, <i>and</i> honoring God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.


text:
And he was trying to see Jesus, which One He was, but he could not on account of the crowd, because he was small in stature.


text:
So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass that way.


text:
And when Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.


text:
And when the people saw it, they all <f>[1]</f>muttered among themselves <i>and</i> indignantly complained, He has gone in to be the guest of <i>and</i> lodge with a man who is devoted to sin <i>and</i> preeminently a sinner.


text:
So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
And Jesus said to him, Today is [<f>[2]</f>Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham;


text:
Now as they were listening to these things, He proceeded to tell a parable, because He was approaching Jerusalem and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to be brought to light <i>and</i> shown forth immediately.


text:
He therefore said, A certain nobleman went into a distant country to obtain for himself a kingdom and then to return.


text:
Calling ten of his [own] bond servants, he gave them ten minas [each equal to about one hundred days’ wages or nearly twenty dollars] and said to them, <f>[3]</f>Buy <i>and</i> sell with these <f>[4]</f>while I go <i>and</i> then return.


text:
But his citizens detested him and sent an embassy after him to say, We do not want this man to become ruler over us.


text:
When he returned after having received the kingdom, he ordered these bond servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know how much each one had made by <f>[5]</f>buying <i>and</i> selling.


text:
And he said to him, Well done, excellent bond servant! Because you have been faithful <i>and</i> trustworthy in a very little [thing], you shall have authority over ten cities.


text:
Then another came and said, Lord, here is your mina, which I have kept laid up in a <f>[6]</f>handkerchief.


text:
For I was [constantly] afraid of you, because you are a stern (hard, severe) man; you pick up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.


text:
He said to the servant, I will judge <i>and</i> condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked slave! You knew [did you] that I was a stern (hard, severe) man, picking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow?


text:
Then why did you not put my money in a bank, so that on my return, I might have collected it with interest?


text:
And he said to the bystanders, Take the mina away from him and give it to him who has the ten minas.


text:
And [said Jesus,] I tell you that to everyone who gets <i>and</i> has will more be given, but from the man who does not get <i>and</i> does not have, even what he has will be taken away.


text:
[The indignant king ended by saying] But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them — bring them here and <f>[7]</f>slaughter them in my presence!


text:
When He came near Bethphage and Bethany at the mount called [the Mount of] Olives, He sent two of His disciples,


text:
Telling [them], Go into the village yonder; there, as you go in, you will find a donkey’s colt tied, on which no man has ever yet sat. Loose it and bring [it here].


text:
And they brought it to Jesus; then they threw their garments over the colt and set Jesus upon it. <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
As He was approaching [the city], at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice and to praise God [extolling Him exultantly and] loudly for all the mighty miracles <i>and</i> works of power that they had witnessed,


text:
Crying, Blessed (celebrated with praises) is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven [<f>[8]</f>freedom there from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin] and glory (majesty and splendor) in the highest [heaven]! <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
Exclaiming, Would that you had known personally, even at least in this your day, the things that make for peace (for <f>[10]</f>freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin and upon which your peace — your <f>[11]</f>security, safety, prosperity, and happiness — depends)! But now they are hidden from your eyes.


text:
For a time is coming upon you when your enemies will throw up a <f>[12]</f>bank [with pointed stakes] about you and surround you and shut you in on every side. <f>ⓕ</f>


text:
And they will dash you down to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, [all] because you did not come progressively to recognize <i>and</i> know <i>and</i> understand [from observation and experience] the time of your visitation [that is, when God was visiting you, the time <f>[13]</f>in which God showed Himself gracious toward you and offered you salvation through Christ].


text:
Telling them, It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer; but you have made it a <f>[15]</f>cave of robbers. <f>ⓖ</f>


text:
And He continued to teach day after day in the temple [<f>[16]</f>porches and courts]. The chief priests and scribes and the leading men of the people were seeking to put Him to death,


text:
But they did not discover anything they could do, for all the people hung upon His words <i>and</i> <f>[17]</f>stuck by Him.


text:
One day as Jesus was instructing the people in the temple [<f>[1]</f>porches] and preaching the good news (the Gospel), the chief priests and the scribes came up with the elders (members of the Sanhedrin)


text:
And said to Him, Tell us by what [sort of] authority You are doing these things? Or who is it who gave You this authority?


text:
And they argued <i>and</i> discussed [it] <i>and</i> reasoned together <f>[2]</f>with themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven, He will say, Why then did you not believe him?


text:
But if we answer, From men, all the people will stone us <f>[3]</f>to death, for they are <f>[4]</f>long since firmly convinced that John was a prophet.


text:
Then He began to relate to the people this parable (<f>[5]</f>this story to figuratively portray what He had to say): A man planted a vineyard and leased it to some vinedressers and went into another country for a long stay. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
When the [right] season came, he sent a bond servant to the tenants, that they might give him [his part] of the fruit of the vineyard; but the tenants beat (<f>[6]</f>thrashed) him and sent him away empty-handed.


text:
And he sent still another servant; him they also beat (<f>[7]</f>thrashed) and dishonored <i>and</i> insulted him <f>[8]</f>disgracefully and sent him away empty-handed.


text:
Then the owner of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it is <f>[9]</f>probable that they will respect him.


text:
But when the tenants saw him, they argued among themselves, saying, This is the heir; let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.


text:
So they drove him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?


text:
He will come and [<f>[10]</f>utterly] put an end to those tenants and will give the vineyard to others. When they [the chief priests and the scribes and the elders] heard this, they said, May it never be!


text:
But [Jesus] looked at them and said, What then is [the meaning of] this that is written: The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the chief Stone of the corner [Cornerstone]? <f>ⓑ</f>


text:
Everyone who falls on that Stone will be broken [in pieces]; but upon whomever It falls, It will crush him [winnow him and <f>[11]</f>scatter him as dust]. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
The scribes and the chief priests desired <i>and</i> tried to find a way to arrest Him at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; for they discerned that He had related this parable against them.


text:
So they watched [for an opportunity to ensnare] Him, and sent spies who pretended to be upright (honest and sincere), that they might lay hold of something He might say, so as to turn Him over to the control and authority of the governor.


text:
They asked Him, Teacher, we know that You speak and teach what is right, and that You show no partiality to anyone but teach the way of God honestly <i>and</i> in truth.


text:
But He recognized <i>and</i> understood their cunning <i>and</i> <f>[12]</f>unscrupulousness and said to them,


text:
He said to them, Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, <f>[13]</f>and to God the things that are God’s.


text:
So they could not in the presence of the people take hold of anything He said to turn it against Him; but marveling at His reply, they were silent.


text:
And they asked Him a question, saying, Teacher, Moses wrote for us [a law] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife and no children, the man shall take the woman and raise up offspring for his brother. <f>ⓓ</f>


text:
And Jesus said to them, The people of this world <i>and</i> present age marry and are given in marriage;


text:
But those who are considered worthy to gain that other world <i>and</i> that future age and to attain to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage;


text:
For they cannot die again, but they are <f>[14]</f>angel-like <i>and</i> <f>[15]</f>equal to angels. And being sons of <i>and</i> <f>[16]</f>sharers in the resurrection, they are sons of God.


text:
But that the dead are raised [<f>[17]</f>from death] — even Moses made known <i>and</i> showed in the passage concerning the [burning] bush, where he calls the Lord, The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all men are alive [whether in the body or out of it] <i>and</i> they are alive [not dead] unto Him [in definite relationship to Him].


text:
And some of the scribes replied, Teacher, you have spoken well <i>and</i> expertly [<f>[18]</f>so that there is no room for blame].


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But He asked them, How can people say that the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is David’s Son?


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Beware of the scribes, who like to walk about in long robes and love to be saluted [with honor] in places where people congregate and love the front <i>and</i> best seats in the synagogues and places of distinction at feasts,


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Who make away with <i>and</i> devour widows’ houses, and [to cover it up] with pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation (the heavier sentence, the severer punishment).


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For they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack <i>and</i> her want, putting in all that she had on which to live.


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And as some were saying of the temple that it was decorated with handsome (shapely and magnificent) stones and consecrated offerings [<f>[1]</f>laid up to be kept], He said,


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As for all this that you [thoughtfully] look at, the time will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.


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And they asked Him, Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when this is about to occur?


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And He said, Be on your guard <i>and</i> be careful that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name [<f>[2]</f>appropriating to themselves the name Messiah which belongs to Me], saying, I am He! and, The time is at hand! Do not go out after them.


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And when you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed <i>and</i> panic-stricken <i>and</i> terrified; for all this must take place first, but the end will not [come] immediately.


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There will be mighty <i>and</i> violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: <f>[3]</f>malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven.


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But previous to all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be led away before kings and governors for My name’s sake.


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Resolve <i>and</i> settle it in your minds not to meditate <i>and</i> prepare beforehand how you are to make your defense <i>and</i> how you will answer.


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For I [Myself] will give you a mouth <i>and</i> such utterance and wisdom that all of your foes combined will be unable to stand against or refute.


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You will be delivered up <i>and</i> betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and [some] of you they will put to death.


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By your steadfastness <i>and</i> patient endurance you <f>[4]</f>shall win the <f>[5]</f>true life of your souls.


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But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know <i>and</i> understand that its desolation has come near.


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Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside [the city] get out of it, and let not those who are out in the country come into it;


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For those are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], that all things that are written may be fulfilled.


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Alas for those who are pregnant and for those who have babies which they are nursing in those days! For great misery <i>and</i> anguish <i>and</i> distress shall be upon the land and indignation <i>and</i> punishment <i>and</i> retribution upon this people.


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They will fall by <f>[6]</f>the mouth <i>and</i> the edge of the sword and will be led away as captives to <i>and</i> among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed). <f>ⓒ</f>


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And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment <i>and</i> perplexity [<f>[7]</f>without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (<f>[8]</f>the echo) of the tossing of the sea, <f>ⓓ</f>


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Men swooning away <i>or</i> expiring with fear <i>and</i> dread <i>and</i> apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken <i>and</i> <f>[9]</f>caused to totter.


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And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor). <f>ⓔ</f>


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Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near.


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When they put forth their buds <i>and</i> come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and perceive <i>and</i> know that summer is already near.


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Even so, when you see these things taking place, understand <i>and</i> know that the kingdom of God is at hand.


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Truly I tell you, this generation (<f>[10]</f>those living at that definite period of time) will not perish <i>and</i> pass away until all has taken place.


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The <f>[11]</f>sky and the earth (<f>[12]</f>the universe, the world) will pass away, but My words will not pass away.


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But take heed to yourselves <i>and</i> be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened <i>and</i> depressed (weighed down) with the <f>[13]</f>giddiness <i>and</i> headache <i>and</i> <f>[14]</f>nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries <i>and</i> cares pertaining to [the <f>[15]</f>business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap <i>or</i> a noose;


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Keep awake then <i>and</i> watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength <i>and</i> ability <i>and</i> be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.


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Now in the daytime Jesus was teaching in [<f>[16]</f>the porches and courts of] the temple, but at night He would go out and stay on the mount called Olivet.


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And early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple [<f>[17]</f>porches or courts] to listen to Him.


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And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to do away with [Jesus], for they feared the people.


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And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him <i>and</i> deliver Him up to them.


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So he agreed [to this], and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them [without an uprising] in the absence of the throng.


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He said to them, Behold, when you have gone into the city, a man carrying an earthen jug <i>or</i> pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into the house which he enters,


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And say to the master of the house, The Teacher asks you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover [meal] with My disciples?


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And he will show you a large room upstairs, furnished [with carpets and with couches properly spread]; there make [your] preparations.


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And they went and found it [just] as He had said to them; and they made ready the Passover [supper].


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And He said to them, I have earnestly <i>and</i> intensely desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;


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And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He said, Take this and divide <i>and</i> distribute it among yourselves;


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For I say to you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine at all until the kingdom of God comes.


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Then He took a loaf [of bread], and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and gave it to them saying, This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.


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And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament <i>or</i> covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you.


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But, behold, the hand of him who <f>[1]</f>is now engaged in betraying Me is with Me on the table. <f>ⓑ</f>


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For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined <i>and</i> appointed, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed <i>and</i> delivered up!


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Now <f>[2]</f>an eager contention arose among them [as to] which of them was considered <i>and</i> reputed to be the greatest.


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But Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles <f>[3]</f>are deified by them <i>and</i> exercise lordship [<f>[4]</f>ruling as emperor-gods] over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors <i>and</i> well-doers.


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But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief <i>and</i> leader like one who serves.


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For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table (the master), or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as One Who serves.


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And as My Father has appointed a kingdom <i>and</i> conferred it on Me, so do I confer on you [the privilege and decree],


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That you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.


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Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan <f>[5]</f>has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, <f>ⓓ</f>


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But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen <i>and</i> establish your brethren.


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But Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, before a [single] cock shall crow this day, you will three times [utterly] deny that you know Me.


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And He said to them, When I sent you out with no purse or [provision] bag or sandals, did you lack anything? They answered, Nothing!


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Then He said to them, But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword.


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For I tell you that this Scripture must yet be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted <i>and</i> classed among the wicked (the outlaws, the criminals); for what is written about Me has its fulfillment [has reached its end and is finally settled]. <f>ⓔ</f>


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And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him.


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And when He came to the place, He said to them, Pray that you may not [at all] enter into temptation.


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Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [<f>[6]</f>always] Yours be done.


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And being in an agony [of mind], He prayed [all the] more earnestly <i>and</i> intently, and His sweat became like great <f>[7]</f>clots of blood dropping down upon the ground.


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And He said to them, Why do you sleep? Get up and pray that you may not enter [at all] into temptation.


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And while He was still speaking, behold, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the Twelve [apostles], was going before [leading] them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss Him,


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And when those who were around Him saw what was about to happen, they said, Lord, shall we strike with the sword?


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But Jesus said, Permit <f>[8]</f>them to go so far [as to seize Me]. And He touched the <f>[9]</f>little (insignificant) ear and healed him.


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Then Jesus said to those who had come out against Him — the chief priests and captains of the temple and elders [of the Sanhedrin] — Have you come out with swords and clubs as [you would] against a robber?


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When I was with you day after day in the temple [<f>[10]</f>enclosure], you did not stretch forth [your] hands against Me. But this is your hour — and the power [which] darkness [gives you has its way].


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Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the house of the high priest. Peter was following at a distance.


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And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and were seated together, Peter sat among them.


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Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and gazing [intently] at him, said, This man too was with <f>[11]</f>Him.


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And a little later someone else saw him and said, You are one of them also. But Peter said, Man, I am not!


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And when about an hour more had elapsed, still another emphatically insisted, It is the truth that this man also was with Him, for he too is a Galilean!


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But Peter said, Man, I do not know what you are talking about. And instantly, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.


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And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter recalled the Lord’s words, how He had told him, Before the cock crows today, you will deny Me thrice.


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Now the men who had Jesus in custody treated Him with contempt <i>and</i> scoffed at <i>and</i> ridiculed Him and beat Him;


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And they said many other evil <i>and</i> slanderous <i>and</i> insulting words against Him, reviling Him.


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As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led Him into their council (the Sanhedrin), and they said,


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If You are the Christ (the Messiah), tell us. But He said to them, If I tell you, you will not believe (trust in, cleave to, and rely on what I say),


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But hereafter (from this time on), the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God. <f>ⓕ</f>


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And they all said, You are the Son of God, then? And He said to them, <f>[13]</f>It is just as you say; I AM.


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And they said, What further evidence do we need? For we have heard [it] ourselves from His own mouth!


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And they began to accuse Him, asserting, We found this <f>[1]</f>Man perverting (misleading, corrupting, and turning away) our nation and forbidding to pay tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), a King!


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So Pilate asked Him, Are You the King of the Jews? And He answered him, [<f>[2]</f>It is just as] you say. [I AM.]


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But they were urgent <i>and</i> emphatic, saying, He stirs up <i>and</i> excites the people, teaching throughout all Judea — from Galilee, where He began, even to this place.


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And when he found out [certainly] that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him up to Herod [a higher authority], who was also in Jerusalem in those days.


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Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had eagerly desired to see Him for a long time because of what he had heard concerning Him, and he was hoping to witness some sign (some striking evidence or spectacular performance) done by Him.


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Meanwhile, the chief priests and the scribes stood by, continuing vehemently <i>and</i> violently to accuse Him.


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And Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt and scoffed at <i>and</i> ridiculed Him; then, dressing Him up in bright <i>and</i> gorgeous apparel, he sent Him back to Pilate. <f>ⓑ</f>


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And that very day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other — [though] they had been at enmity before this.


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And said to them, You brought this Man before me as One Who was perverting <i>and</i> misleading <i>and</i> <f>[3]</f>turning away <i>and</i> corrupting the people; and behold, after examining Him before you, I have not found any offense (crime or guilt) in this Man in regard to your accusations against Him;


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No, nor indeed did Herod, for he sent Him back to us; behold, He has done nothing deserving of death.


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I will therefore chastise Him <i>and</i> <f>[4]</f>deliver Him amended (reformed, taught His lesson) and release Him.


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But they all together raised a deep cry [from the depths of their throats], saying, Away with this Man! Release to us Barabbas!


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A third time he said to them, Why? What wrong has He done? I have found [no offense or crime or guilt] in Him nothing deserving of death; I will therefore chastise Him [<f>[6]</f>in order to teach Him better] and release Him.


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But they were insistent <i>and</i> urgent, demanding with loud cries that He should be crucified. And their voices prevailed (accomplished their purpose).


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So he released the man who had been thrown into prison for riot and murder, for whom they continued to ask, but Jesus he delivered up to be done with as they willed.


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And as they led Him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross and made him carry it behind Jesus.


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And there accompanied [Jesus] a great multitude of the people, [including] women who bewailed and lamented Him.


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But Jesus, turning toward them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.


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For behold, the days are coming during which they will say, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and <f>[7]</f>to be envied) are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the breasts that have never nursed [babies]!


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Then they will begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us! and to the hills, Cover (conceal, hide) us!


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And when they came to the place which is called The Skull [Latin: Calvary; Hebrew: Golgotha], there they crucified Him, and [along with] the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.


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And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided His garments <i>and</i> distributed them by casting lots for them. <f>ⓓ</f>


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Now the people stood by [<f>[8]</f>calmly and leisurely] watching; but the rulers scoffed <i>and</i> sneered (<f>[9]</f>turned up their noses) at Him, saying, He rescued others [<f>[10]</f>from death]; let Him now rescue Himself, if He is the Christ (the Messiah) of God, His Chosen One!


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The soldiers also ridiculed <i>and</i> made sport of Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar (a sour wine mixed with water) <f>ⓔ</f>


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For there was also an inscription above Him <f>[12]</f><i>in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew</i>: This is the King of the Jews.


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One of the criminals who was suspended kept up a railing at Him, saying, Are You not the Christ (the Messiah)? Rescue Yourself and us [<f>[13]</f>from death]!


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But the other one reproved him, saying, Do you not even fear God, seeing you yourself are under the same sentence of condemnation <i>and</i> suffering the same penalty?


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And we indeed suffer it justly, receiving the due reward of our actions; but this Man has done nothing out of the way [nothing <f>[14]</f>strange or eccentric or perverse or unreasonable].


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It was now about the sixth hour (midday), and darkness enveloped the whole land <i>and</i> earth until the ninth hour (about three o’clock in the afternoon),


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While the sun’s light faded <i>or</i> <f>[16]</f><i>was darkened</i>; and the curtain [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two. <f>ⓕ</f>


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And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit! And with these words, He expired. <f>ⓖ</f>


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Now the centurion, having seen what had taken place, <f>[17]</f>recognized God <i>and</i> thanked <i>and</i> praised Him, and said, Indeed, without question, this Man was upright (just and innocent)!


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And all the throngs that had gathered to see this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned to their homes, beating their breasts.


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And all the acquaintances of [Jesus] and the women who had followed Him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched these things.


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Now notice, there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council (the Sanhedrin), and a good (upright, <f>[18]</f>advantageous) man, and righteous (in right standing with God and man),


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Who had not agreed with <i>or</i> assented to the purpose and action of the others; and he was expecting <i>and</i> waiting for the kingdom of God.


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Then he took it down and <f>[19]</f>rolled it up in a linen cloth <f>[20]</f>for swathing dead bodies and laid Him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid.


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The women who had come with [Jesus] from Galilee followed closely and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.


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Then they went back and made ready spices and ointments (perfumes). On the Sabbath day they rested in accordance with the commandment. <f>ⓗ</f>


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But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had made ready.


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And while they were perplexed <i>and</i> wondering what to do about this, behold, two men in dazzling raiment suddenly stood beside them.


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And as [the women] were frightened and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead?


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That the Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men (men <f>[1]</f>whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God) and be crucified and on the third day rise [<f>[2]</f>from death]. <f>ⓐ</f>


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And having returned from the tomb, they reported all these things [taken together] to the eleven apostles and to all the rest.


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Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who reported these things to the apostles.


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But these reports seemed to the men an idle tale (<f>[3]</f>madness, <f>[4]</f>feigned things, <f>[5]</f>nonsense), and they did not believe the women.


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But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; and stooping down and looking in, he saw the linen cloths alone by themselves, and he went away, wondering about <i>and</i> marveling at what had happened.


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And behold, that very day two of [the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, [which is] about seven miles from Jerusalem.


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And while they were conversing and discussing together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them.


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And He said to them, What is this discussion that you are exchanging (<f>[6]</f>throwing back and forth) between yourselves as you walk along? And they stood still, looking sad <i>and</i> downcast.


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Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, Do you alone dwell as a stranger in Jerusalem and not know the things that have occurred there in these days?


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And He said to them, What [kind of] things? And they said to Him, About Jesus of Nazareth, Who was a Prophet mighty in work and word before God and all the people —


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But we were hoping that it was He Who would redeem <i>and</i> set Israel free. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things occurred.


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And moreover, some women of our company astounded us <i>and</i> <f>[7]</f>drove us out of our senses. They were at the tomb early [in the morning]


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But did not find His body; and they returned saying that they had [even] seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive!


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So some of those [who were] with us went to the tomb and they found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.


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And [Jesus] said to them, O foolish ones [sluggish in mind, dull of perception] and slow of heart to believe (adhere to and trust in and rely on) everything that the prophets have spoken!


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Was it not necessary <i>and</i> <f>[8]</f>essentially fitting that the Christ (the Messiah) should suffer all these things before entering into His glory (His majesty and splendor)?


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Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the Prophets, He went on explaining <i>and</i> interpreting to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning <i>and</i> referring to Himself.


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But they urged <i>and</i> insisted, saying to Him, Remain with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. So He went in to stay with them.


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And it occurred that as He reclined at table with them, He took [a loaf of] bread and praised [God] <i>and</i> gave thanks <i>and</i> asked a blessing, and then broke it and was giving it to them


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When their eyes were [instantly] opened and they [clearly] recognized Him, and He vanished (<f>[9]</f>departed invisibly).


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And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved <i>and</i> burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened <i>and</i> explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures?


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And rising up that very hour, they went back to Jerusalem, where they found the Eleven [apostles] gathered together and those who were with them,


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Then they [themselves] <f>[10]</f>related [in full] what had happened on the road, and how He was known <i>and</i> recognized by them in the breaking of bread.


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Now while they were talking about this, Jesus Himself took His stand among them and said to them, Peace (<f>[11]</f>freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin) be to you!


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And He said to them, Why are you disturbed <i>and</i> troubled, and why do such doubts <i>and</i> questionings arise in your hearts?


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See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Feel <i>and</i> handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.


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And while [since] they still could not believe it for sheer joy and marveled, He said to them, Have you anything here to eat?


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Then He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you: everything which is written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.


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And said to them, Thus it is written that the Christ (the Messiah) should suffer and on the third day rise from (<f>[12]</f> among) the dead, <f>ⓑ</f>


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And that repentance [with a view to and as the condition of] forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.


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And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high.


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Then He conducted them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His hands, He invoked a blessing on them.


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And they were continually in the temple <i>celebrating with praises and</i> blessing <i>and</i> extolling God. <i>Amen (so be it).</i>


text:
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (<f>[1]</f>Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God <f>[2]</f>Himself. <f>ⓐ</f>


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All things were made <i>and</i> came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.


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And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].


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This man came to witness, that he might testify of the Light, that all men might believe in it [adhere to it, trust it, and rely upon it] through him.


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There it was — the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him].


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He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own — His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him <i>and</i> did not welcome Him.


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But to as many as did receive <i>and</i> welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name — <f>ⓓ</f>


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Who owe their birth neither to <f>[3]</f>bloods nor to the will of the flesh [that of physical impulse] nor to the will of man [that of a natural father], but to God. [They are born of God!]


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And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. <f>ⓔ</f>


text:
John testified about Him and cried out, This was He of Whom I said, He Who comes after me has priority over me, for He was before me. [He takes rank above me, for He existed before I did. He has advanced before me, because He is my Chief.]


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For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another <i>and</i> spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing <i>and</i> even favor upon favor <i>and</i> gift [heaped] upon gift.


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For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (<f>[4]</f>unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. <f>ⓕ</f>


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No man has ever seen God at any time; <i>the only</i> <f>[5]</f><i>unique Son</i>, <i>or</i> <f>[6]</f>the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known]. <f>ⓖ</f>


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And this is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?


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He confessed (admitted the truth) and did not try to conceal it, but acknowledged, I am not the Christ!


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They asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? And he said, I am not! Are you the Prophet? And he answered, No! <f>ⓗ</f>


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Then they said to him, Who are you? Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?


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He said, I am the voice of one crying aloud in the wilderness [the voice of one shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord [level, straighten out, the path of the Lord], as the prophet Isaiah said. <f>ⓘ</f>


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And they asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?


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John answered them, I [only] baptize <f>[7]</f>in (with) water. Among you there stands One Whom you do not recognize <i>and</i> with Whom you are not acquainted <i>and</i> of Whom you know nothing. <f>ⓙ</f>


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It is He Who, coming after me, is preferred before me, the string of Whose sandal I am not worthy to unloose.


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These things occurred in Bethany (Bethabara) across the Jordan [<f>[8]</f>at the Jordan crossing], where John was then baptizing.


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The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! <f>ⓚ</f>


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This is He of Whom I said, After me comes a Man Who has priority over me [Who takes rank above me] because He was before me <i>and</i> existed before I did.


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And I did not know Him <i>and</i> did not recognize Him [myself]; but it is in order that He should be made manifest <i>and</i> be revealed to Israel [be brought out where we can see Him] that I came baptizing <f>[9]</f>in (with) water.


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John gave further evidence, saying, I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it dwelt on Him [never to depart].


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And I did not know Him <i>nor</i> recognize Him, but He Who sent me to baptize <f>[10]</f>in (with) water said to me, Upon Him Whom you shall see the Spirit descend and remain, that One is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.


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And I have seen [that happen — I actually did see it] and my testimony is that this is the Son of God!


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But Jesus turned, and as He saw them following Him, He said to them, What are you looking for? [And what is it you wish?] And they answered Him, Rabbi — which translated is Teacher — where are You staying?


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He said to them, Come and see. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him <f>[11]</f> that day. It was then about the tenth hour (about four o’clock in the afternoon).


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He first sought out <i>and</i> found his own brother Simon and said to him, We have found (discovered) the Messiah! — which translated is the Christ (the Anointed One).


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Andrew then led (brought) Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas — which translated is Peter [Stone].


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The next day Jesus desired <i>and</i> decided to go into Galilee; and He found Philip and said to him, Join Me as My attendant <i>and</i> follow Me.


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Philip sought <i>and</i> found Nathanael and told him, We have found (discovered) the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about — Jesus from Nazareth, the [legal] son of Joseph!


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Nathanael answered him, [Nazareth!] Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip replied, Come and see!


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Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said concerning him, See! Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no guile <i>nor</i> deceit <i>nor</i> falsehood <i>nor</i> duplicity!


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Nathanael said to Jesus, How do You know me? [How is it that You know these things about me?] Jesus answered him, Before [ever] Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.


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Jesus replied, Because I said to you, I saw you beneath the fig tree, do you believe in <i>and</i> rely on <i>and</i> trust in Me? You shall see greater things than this!


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Then He said to him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you all, you shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man! <f>ⓛ</f>


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Jesus said to her, [<f>[1]</f>Dear] woman, what is that to you and to Me? [What do we have in common? Leave it to Me.] My time (hour to act) has not yet come. <f>ⓐ</f>


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Now there were six waterpots of stone standing there, as the Jewish custom of purification (ceremonial washing) demanded, holding twenty to thirty gallons apiece.


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Then He said to them, Draw some out now and take it to the manager of the feast [to the one presiding, the superintendent of the banquet]. So they took him some.


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And when the manager tasted the water just now turned into wine, not knowing where it came from — though the servants who had drawn the water knew — he called the bridegroom


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And said to him, Everyone else serves his best wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then he serves that which is not so good; but you have kept back the good wine until now!


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This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him]. <f>ⓑ</f>


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After that He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.


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There He found in the temple [<f>[2]</f>enclosure] those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers sitting there [also at their stands].


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And having made a lash (a whip) of cords, He drove them all out of the temple [<f>[3]</f>enclosure] — both the sheep and the oxen — spilling <i>and</i> scattering the brokers’ money and upsetting <i>and</i> tossing around their trays (their stands).


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Then to those who sold the doves He said, Take these things away (out of here)! Make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise (a marketplace, a sales shop)! <f>ⓒ</f>


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And His disciples remembered that it is written [in the Holy Scriptures], Zeal (the fervor of love) for Your house will eat Me up. [I will be consumed with jealousy for the honor of Your house.] <f>ⓓ</f>


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Then the Jews retorted, What sign can <f>[4]</f>You show us, seeing You do these things? [What sign, miracle, token, indication can You give us as evidence that You have authority and are commissioned to act in this way?]


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Then the Jews replied, It took forty-six years to build this temple (sanctuary), and will You raise it up in three days?


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When therefore He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this. And so they believed <i>and</i> trusted <i>and</i> relied on the Scripture and the word (message) Jesus had spoken. <f>ⓔ</f>


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But when He was in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast, many believed in His name [identified themselves with His party] after seeing His signs (wonders, miracles) which He was doing.


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And He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man [needed no evidence from anyone about men], for He Himself knew what was in human nature. [He could read men’s hearts.] <f>ⓕ</f>


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Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews,


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Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know <i>and</i> are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles — and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him.


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Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.


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Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born?


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Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [<f>[1]</f>even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. <f>ⓐ</f>


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What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.


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Marvel not [do not be surprised, astonished] at My telling you, You must all be born anew (from above).


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The wind blows (breathes) where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.


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Jesus replied, Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet do not know <i>nor</i> understand these things? [Are they strange to you?]


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I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, We speak only of what we know [we know absolutely what we are talking about]; we have actually seen what we are testifying to [we were eyewitnesses of it]. And still you do not receive our testimony [you reject and refuse our evidence — that of Myself and of all those who are born of the Spirit].


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If I have told you of things that happen right here on the earth and yet none of you believes Me, how can you believe (trust Me, adhere to Me, rely on Me) if I tell you of heavenly things?


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And yet no one has ever gone up to heaven, but there is One Who has come down from heaven — the Son of Man [Himself], <f>[2]</f><i>Who is (dwells, has His home) in heaven.</i>


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And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], <f>ⓑ</f>


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In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may <f>[3]</f><i>not perish, but</i> have eternal life <i>and</i> [actually] live forever!


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For God so greatly loved <i>and</i> dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (<f>[4]</f>unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.


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For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation <i>and</i> be made safe <i>and</i> sound through Him.


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He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation — he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in <i>and</i> trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.]


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The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than <i>and</i> more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. <f>ⓒ</f>


text:
For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light <i>but</i> shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed <i>and</i> reproved.


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But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are — wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence upon Him].


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After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the land (the countryside) of Judea, where He remained with them, and baptized.


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But John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, for there was an abundance of water there, and the people kept coming and being baptized.


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Therefore there arose a controversy between some of John’s disciples and a Jew in regard to purification.


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So they came to John and reported to him, Rabbi, the Man Who was with you on the other side of the Jordan [<f>[5]</f>at the Jordan crossing] — and to Whom you yourself have borne testimony — notice, here He is baptizing too, and everybody is flocking to Him!


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John answered, A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing, he can <f>[6]</f>take unto himself nothing] except as it has been granted to him from heaven. [A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven; there is no other source.]


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You yourselves are my witnesses [you personally bear me out] that I stated, I am not the Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), but I have [only] been sent before Him [in advance of Him, to be His appointed forerunner, His messenger, His announcer]. <f>ⓓ</f>


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He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the groomsman who stands by and listens to him rejoices greatly <i>and</i> heartily on account of the bridegroom’s voice. This then is my pleasure <i>and</i> joy, and it is now complete. <f>ⓔ</f>


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He Who comes from above (heaven) is [far] above all [others]; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and talks the language of earth [his words are from an earthly standpoint]. He Who comes from heaven is [far] above all others [far superior to all others in prominence and in excellence].


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It is to what He has [actually] seen and heard that He bears testimony, and yet no one accepts His testimony [no one receives His evidence as true].


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Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal of approval to this: God is true. [That man has definitely certified, acknowledged, declared once and for all, and is himself assured that it is divine truth that God cannot lie].


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For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly <i>or</i> by measure, <i>but</i> boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit! <f>ⓖ</f>


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And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but [instead] the wrath of God abides on him. [God’s displeasure remains on him; His indignation hangs over him continually.] <f>ⓘ</f>


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Now when the Lord knew (learned, became aware) that the Pharisees had been told that Jesus was winning and baptizing more disciples than John —


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And in doing so, He arrived at a Samaritan town called Sychar, near the tract of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.


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And Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, tired as He was from His journey, sat down [to rest] by the well. It was then about the sixth hour (about noon).


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The Samaritan woman said to Him, How is it that <f>[1]</f>You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan [and a] woman, for a drink? — For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans —


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Jesus answered her, If you had only known <i>and</i> had recognized God’s gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water.


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She said to Him, Sir, You have nothing to draw with [no drawing bucket] and the well is deep; how then can You provide living water? [Where do You get Your living water?]


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Are You greater than <i>and</i> superior to our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also?


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But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.


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The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come [continually all the way] here to draw.


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The woman answered, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have spoken truly in saying, I have no husband.


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For you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. In this you have spoken truly.


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Our forefathers worshiped on this mountain, but you [Jews] say that Jerusalem is the place where it is necessary <i>and</i> proper to worship.


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Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither [merely] in this mountain nor [merely] in Jerusalem.


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You [Samaritans] do not know what you are worshiping [you worship what you do not comprehend]. We do know what we are worshiping [we worship what we have knowledge of and understand], for [after all] salvation comes from [among] the Jews.


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A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.


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God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship <i>Him</i> in spirit and in truth (reality).


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The woman said to Him, I know that Messiah is coming, He Who is called the Christ (the Anointed One); and when He arrives, He will tell us everything we need to know <i>and</i> make it clear to us.


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Just then His disciples came and they wondered (were surprised, astonished) to find Him talking with a woman [a married woman]. However, not one of them asked Him, What are You inquiring about? <i>or</i> What do You want? or, Why do You speak with her?


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Come, see a Man Who has told me everything that I ever did! Can this be [is not this] the Christ? [Must not this be the Messiah, the Anointed One?]


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But He assured them, I have food (nourishment) to eat of which you know nothing <i>and</i> have no idea.


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Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish <i>and</i> completely finish His work.


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Do you not say, It is still four months until harvest time comes? Look! I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields <i>and</i> see how they are already white for harvesting.


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Already the reaper is getting his wages [he who does the cutting now has his reward], for he is gathering fruit (crop) unto life eternal, so that he who does the planting and he who does the reaping may rejoice together.


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I sent you to reap a crop for which you have not toiled. Other men have labored and you have stepped in to reap the results of their work.


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Now numerous Samaritans from that town believed in <i>and</i> trusted in Him because of what the woman said when she declared <i>and</i> testified, He told me everything that I ever did.


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Then many more believed in <i>and</i> adhered to <i>and</i> relied on Him because of His personal message [what He Himself said].


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And they told the woman, Now we no longer believe (trust, have faith) just because of what you said; for we have heard Him ourselves [personally], and we know that He truly is the Savior of the world, <i>the Christ</i>.


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However, when He came into Galilee, the Galileans also welcomed Him <i>and</i> took Him to their hearts eagerly, for they had seen everything that He did in Jerusalem during the Feast; for they too had attended the Feast.


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So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son was lying ill in Capernaum.


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Having heard that Jesus had come back from Judea into Galilee, he went away to meet Him and began to beg Him to come down and cure his son, for he was lying at the point of death.


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Then Jesus said to him, Unless you see signs and miracles happen, you [people] never will believe (trust, have faith) at all.


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Jesus answered him, Go in peace; your son will live! And the man put his trust in what Jesus said and started home.


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But even as he was on the road going down, his servants met him and reported, saying, Your son lives!


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So he asked them at what time he had begun to get better. They said, Yesterday during the seventh hour (about one o’clock in the afternoon) the fever left him.


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Then the father knew that it was at that very hour when Jesus had said to him, Your son will live. And he and his entire household believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus).


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This is the second sign (wonderwork, miracle) that Jesus performed after He had come out of Judea into Galilee.


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Now there is in Jerusalem a pool near the Sheep Gate. This pool in the Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porches (alcoves, colonnades, doorways).


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In these lay a great number of sick folk — some blind, some crippled, and some paralyzed (shriveled up) — <f>[1]</f><i>waiting for the bubbling up of the water</i>.


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<i>For an angel of the Lord went down at appointed seasons into the pool and moved and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was cured of whatever disease with which he was afflicted.</i>


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There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated <i>and</i> lingering disorder for thirty-eight years.


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When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]


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The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come [into it] myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me.


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Instantly the man became well <i>and</i> recovered his strength and picked up his bed and walked. But that happened on the Sabbath.


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So the Jews kept saying to the man who had been healed, It is the Sabbath, and you have no right to pick up your bed [it is not lawful].


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He answered them, The <f>[2]</f>Man Who healed me <i>and</i> gave me back my strength, He Himself said to me, Pick up your bed and walk!


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Now the invalid who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had quietly gone away [had passed on unnoticed], since there was a crowd in the place.


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Afterward, when Jesus found him in the temple, He said to him, See, you are well! Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.


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For this reason the Jews began to persecute (annoy, torment) Jesus <f>[3]</f><i>and sought to kill Him</i>, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.


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But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I, too, must be at [divine] work.


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This made the Jews more determined than ever to kill Him [to do away with Him]; because He not only was breaking (weakening, violating) the Sabbath, but He actually was speaking of God as being [in a special sense] His own Father, making Himself equal [putting Himself on a level] with God.


text:
So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].


text:
The Father dearly loves the Son and discloses to (shows) Him everything that He Himself does. And He will disclose to Him (let Him see) greater things yet than these, so that you may marvel <i>and</i> be full of wonder <i>and</i> astonishment.


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Just as the Father raises up the dead and gives them life [makes them live on], even so the Son also gives life to whomever He wills <i>and</i> is pleased to give it.


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Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son,


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So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him.


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I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes <i>and</i> trusts in <i>and</i> clings to <i>and</i> relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life.


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Believe Me when I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the time is coming and is here now when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear it shall live.


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For even as the Father has life in Himself <i>and</i> is self-existent, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself <i>and</i> be self-existent.


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And He has given Him authority <i>and</i> granted Him power to execute (exercise, practice) judgment because He is <f>[4]</f>a Son of man [very man].


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Do not be surprised <i>and</i> wonder at this, for the time is coming when all those who are in the tombs shall hear His voice,


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And they shall come out — those who have practiced doing good [will come out] to the resurrection of [new] life, and those who have done evil will be raised for judgment [raised to meet their sentence]. <f>ⓐ</f>


text:
I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord — but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek <i>or</i> consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will <i>and</i> pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.


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There is Another Who testifies concerning Me, and I know <i>and</i> am certain that His evidence on My behalf is true and valid.


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But I do not receive [a mere] human witness [the evidence which I accept on My behalf is not from man]; but I simply mention all these things in order that you may be saved (made and kept safe and sound).


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John was the lamp that kept on burning and shining [to show you the way], and you were willing for a while to delight (sun) yourselves in his light.


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But I have as My witness something greater (weightier, higher, better) than that of John; for the works that the Father has appointed Me to accomplish <i>and</i> finish, the very same works that I am now doing, are a witness <i>and</i> proof that the Father has sent Me.


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And the Father Who sent Me has Himself testified concerning Me. Not one of you has ever given ear to His voice or seen His form (His face — what He is like). [You have always been deaf to His voice and blind to the vision of Him.]


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And you have not His word (His thought) living in your hearts, because you do not believe <i>and</i> adhere to <i>and</i> trust in <i>and</i> rely on Him Whom He has sent. [That is why you do not keep His message living in you, because you do not believe in the Messenger Whom He has sent.]


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You search <i>and</i> investigate <i>and</i> pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose <i>and</i> trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!


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I have come in My Father’s name <i>and</i> with His power, and you do not receive Me [your hearts are not open to Me, you give Me no welcome]; but if another comes in his own name <i>and</i> his own power <i>and</i> with no other authority but himself, you will receive him <i>and</i> give him your approval.


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How is it possible for you to believe [how can you learn to believe], you who [are content to seek and] receive praise <i>and</i> honor <i>and</i> glory from one another, and yet do not seek the praise <i>and</i> honor <i>and</i> glory which come from Him Who alone is God?


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Put out of your minds the thought <i>and</i> do not suppose [as some of you are supposing] that I will accuse you before the Father. There is one who accuses you — it is Moses, the very one on whom you have built your hopes [in whom you trust].


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For if you believed <i>and</i> relied on Moses, you would believe <i>and</i> rely on Me, for he wrote about Me [personally].


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But if you do not believe <i>and</i> trust his writings, how then will you believe <i>and</i> trust My teachings? [How shall you cleave to and rely on My words?]


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And a great crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (miracles) which He [continually] performed upon those who were sick.


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Jesus looked up then, and seeing that a vast multitude was coming toward Him, He said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that all these people may eat?


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Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennies’ (forty dollars) worth of bread is not enough that everyone may receive even a little.


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There is a little boy here, who has [with him] five barley loaves, and two small fish; but what are they among so many people?


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Jesus said, Make all the people recline (sit down). Now the ground (a pasture) was covered with thick grass at the spot, so the men threw themselves down, about 5,000 in number.


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Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed <f>[1]</f><i>to the disciples and the disciples</i> to the reclining people; so also [He did] with the fish, as much as they wanted.


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When they had all had enough, He said to His disciples, Gather up now the fragments (the broken pieces that are left over), so that nothing may be lost <i>and</i> wasted.


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So accordingly they gathered them up, and they filled twelve [<f>[2]</f>small hand] baskets with fragments left over by those who had eaten from the five barley loaves.


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When the people saw the sign (miracle) that Jesus had performed, they began saying, Surely <i>and</i> beyond a doubt this is the Prophet Who is to come into the world! <f>ⓐ</f>


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Then Jesus, knowing that they meant to come and seize Him that they might make Him king, withdrew again to the hillside by Himself alone.


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And they took a boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and still Jesus had not [yet] come back to them.


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Meanwhile, the sea was getting rough <i>and</i> rising high because of a great <i>and</i> violent wind that was blowing.


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[However] when they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching the boat. And they were afraid (terrified).


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Then they were quite willing <i>and</i> glad for Him to come into the boat. And now the boat went at once to the land they had steered toward. [And immediately they reached the shore toward which they had been slowly making their way.]


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The next day the crowd [that still remained] standing on the other side of the sea realized that there had been only one small boat there, and that Jesus had not gone into it with His disciples, but that His disciples had gone away by themselves.


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But now some other boats from Tiberias had come in near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.


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So the people, finding that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, themselves got into the small boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.


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And when they found Him on the other side of the lake, they said to Him, Rabbi! When did You come here?


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Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the miracles <i>and</i> signs but because you were fed with the loaves and were filled <i>and</i> satisfied.


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Stop toiling <i>and</i> doing <i>and</i> producing for the food that perishes <i>and</i> decomposes [in the using], but strive <i>and</i> work <i>and</i> produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized <i>and</i> certified Him <i>and</i> put His seal of endorsement upon Him.


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They then said, What are we to do, that we may [habitually] be working the works of God? [What are we to do to carry out what God requires?]


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Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].


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Therefore they said to Him, What sign (miracle, wonderwork) will <f>[3]</f>You perform then, so that we may see it and believe <i>and</i> rely on <i>and</i> adhere to You? What [supernatural] work have You [to show what You can do]?


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Our forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as the Scripture says, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat. <f>ⓒ</f>


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Jesus then said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Moses did not give you the Bread from heaven [what Moses gave you was not the Bread from heaven], but it is My Father Who gives you the true heavenly Bread.


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Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in <i>and</i> cleaves to <i>and</i> trusts in <i>and</i> relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).


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But [as] I told you, although you have seen Me, still you do not believe <i>and</i> trust <i>and</i> have faith.


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All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me].


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For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will <i>and</i> purpose but to do the will <i>and</i> purpose of Him Who sent Me.


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And this is the will of Him Who sent Me, that I should not lose any of all that He has given Me, but that I should give new life <i>and</i> raise [them all] up at the last day.


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For this is My Father’s will <i>and</i> His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in <i>and</i> cleaves to <i>and</i> trusts in <i>and</i> relies on Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.


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Now the Jews murmured <i>and</i> found fault with <i>and</i> grumbled about Jesus because He said, I am [Myself] the Bread that came down from heaven.


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They kept asking, Is not this Jesus, the <f>[4]</f>Son of Joseph, Whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, I have come down from heaven?


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No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts <i>and</i> draws him <i>and</i> gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.


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It is written in [the book of] the Prophets, And they shall all be taught of God [have Him in person for their Teacher]. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me — <f>ⓓ</f>


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Which does not imply that anyone has seen the Father [not that anyone has ever seen Him] except He [Who was with the Father] Who comes from God; He [alone] has seen the Father.


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I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes <i>in Me</i> [who adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me] has (now possesses) eternal life.


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I [Myself] am this Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and also the Bread that I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh (body).


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Then the Jews angrily contended with one another, saying, How is He able to give us His flesh to eat?


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And Jesus said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you cannot have any life in you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood [unless you appropriate His life and the saving merit of His blood].


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He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has (possesses now) eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.


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He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him.


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Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food <i>and</i> is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through <i>and</i> because of Me.


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This is the Bread that came down from heaven. It is not like the manna which our forefathers ate, and yet died; he who takes this Bread for his food shall live forever.


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When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard <i>and</i> difficult <i>and</i> strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?]


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But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining <i>and</i> protesting <i>and</i> grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block <i>and</i> an offense to you? [Does this upset and displease and shock and scandalize you?]


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What then [will be your reaction] if you should see the Son of Man ascending to [the place] where He was before?


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It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.


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But [still] some of you fail to believe <i>and</i> trust <i>and</i> have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe <i>and</i> had no faith and who would betray Him <i>and</i> be false to Him.


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And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.


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After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.


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And we have learned to believe <i>and</i> trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are <i>the Holy One of God</i>, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.


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Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And [yet] one of you is a devil (of the evil one and a false accuser).


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He was speaking of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for he was about to betray Him, [although] he was one of the Twelve.


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After this, Jesus went from place to place in Galilee, for He would not travel in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.


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So His brothers said to Him, Leave here and go into Judea, so that <f>[1]</f>Your disciples [there] may also see the works that You do. [This is no place for You.]


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For no one does anything in secret when he wishes to be conspicuous <i>and</i> secure publicity. If You [must] do these things [if You must act like this], show Yourself openly <i>and</i> make Yourself known to the world!


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For [even] His brothers did not believe in <i>or</i> adhere to <i>or</i> trust in <i>or</i> rely on Him either.


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Whereupon Jesus said to them, My time (opportunity) has not come yet; but any time is suitable for you <i>and</i> your opportunity is ready any time [is always here].


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The world cannot [be expected to] hate you, but it does hate Me because I denounce it for its wicked works <i>and</i> reveal that its doings are evil.


