I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Dedication to Theophilus
1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
1Many people have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
2Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
3With this in mind, since I myself have carefully looked into everything from the beginning, it seemed good to me also to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
The Birth of John Foretold
5There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
6Both of them were righteous in God's sight, living blamelessly according to all the Lord's commandments and decrees.
7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both well along in years.
8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
8Once, when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
9According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.
13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
13But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.
14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
16He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.
17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
18Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years."
19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
19The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.
20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
20And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time."
21And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.
22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
23And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
23When his time of service was completed, he returned home.
24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
24After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she remained in seclusion.
25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
25"The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."
The Announcement to Mary
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
26In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
33and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
37For no word from God will ever fail."
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me according to your word." Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elisabeth
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
42In a loud voice she exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"
Mary's Song of Praise
46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord,
47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors."
56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
The Birth of John
57Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,
60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."
61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."
62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.
63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."
64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.
65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
65All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.
66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.
Zacharias's Prophecy
67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,
70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
70as he said through his holy prophets of long ago,
71That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—
72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
72to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant,
73The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear,
75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Birth of Jesus
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
3And everyone went to their own town to register.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
14"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
17When they had seen him, they spread the word about what had been told them concerning this child,
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Circumcision and Presentation
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
22When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"),
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
Simeon's Blessing
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now let your servant depart in peace.
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Anna the Prophetess
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
36There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
41Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.
43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
43After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.
46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
John Begins Preaching
1Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
2Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
2during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
4As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
5Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
5Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
6And all people will see God's salvation.'"
John's Call to Repentance
7Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
9And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
9The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
10"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.
11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
11John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."
12Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
12Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"
13And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
13"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.
14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
14Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
John Points to the Coming One
15And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.
16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
16John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
17Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
17His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
18And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
18And with many other words John urged the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
19But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
19But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done,
20Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
20Herod added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.
The Baptism of Jesus
21Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
The Genealogy of Jesus
23And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
23Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
24Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
26Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josek, the son of Joda,
27Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
28Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
28the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
29Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
29the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
30Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
31Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
31the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
32Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,
33Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
33the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
34Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
36Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
36the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,
38Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
38the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Temptation in the Wilderness
1And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
5And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
6And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.
7If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
7If you worship me, it will all be yours."
8And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
9And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here.
10For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
10For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
12Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
13And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Rejection at Nazareth
14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
15He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
21He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?
22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
23Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself!' And you will tell me, 'Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'"
24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
24"Truly I tell you," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
25But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
27And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."
28And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.
30But he passing through the midst of them went his way,
30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
A Demon Cast Out in Capernaum
31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people.
32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
32They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
33And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,
34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
34"Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"
35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
35"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
36And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
36All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits, and they come out!"
37And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Healings at Simon's House
38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.
39And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.
40Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
40At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.
42And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him, and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.
43And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
43But he said, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."
44And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Calling of the First Disciples
1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him to hear the word of God.
2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
2He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."
11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything, and followed him.
A Leper Cleansed
12And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
13And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
14And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
15But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
A Paralyzed Man Forgiven and Healed
17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
17One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.
18And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
18Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
19And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
23Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?
24But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
24But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."
25And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on, and went home praising God.
26And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
The Call of Levi
27And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him,
28And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
28and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
29Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
30But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
31And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
31Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
The Question About Fasting
33And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
33They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."
34And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
34Jesus answered, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
35But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."
36And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
36He told them this parable: "No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.
37And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
38But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
38No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.
39No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
39And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, 'The old is better.'"
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Lord of the Sabbath
1And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat the kernels.
2And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
2Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"
3And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
3Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
4How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
4He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."
5And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
5Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Healing on the Sabbath
6And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
6On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.
7And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
7The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.
8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
8But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.
9Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
9Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"
10And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
10He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
11But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
The Twelve Apostles Chosen
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,
16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Crowds Seek Healing
17And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon,
18And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured,
19And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Blessings and Woes
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
20Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
22Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
24But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
26Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Love for Enemies
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
27But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
29If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
On Judging Others
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
39He also told them this parable: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?
40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
40The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
41Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in someone else's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
42How can you say, 'Friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from the other person's eye.
A Tree and Its Fruit
43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
43No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
45A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
The Two Foundations
46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
46Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
47As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.
48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
48They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete."
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Centurion's Faith
1Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
1When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.
2And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
2There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this,
5For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."
6Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."
10And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
The Widow's Son at Nain
11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.
12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
14Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"
15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."
17And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
John's Question from Prison
18And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
18John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them,
19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
19he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'"
21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
23Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
Jesus Speaks about John
24And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
24After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
25But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
25If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
26But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
26But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
27This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
27This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
28For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
28I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John.
30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
30But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
Children in the Marketplace
31And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
31Jesus went on to say, "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?
32They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'
33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
34The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'
35But wisdom is justified of all her children.
35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
36And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
36When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
37And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
37A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
38And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
38As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.
39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
41There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
41"Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
46My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
48And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Women Who Supported Jesus
1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,
2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had come out;
3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
3Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
The Parable of the Sower
4And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:
5A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering it, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.
6And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
6Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.
7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
8And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."
The Parable Explained
9And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
9His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
11This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
12Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
13Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature.
15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
A Lamp on a Stand
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
16No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.
17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
18Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them."
Jesus' True Family
19Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
19Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd.
20And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
20Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."
21And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
21He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."
Jesus Calms the Storm
22Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out.
23But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
25And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
The Gadarene Demoniac
26And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
26They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.
27And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
27When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.
28When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!"
29(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
29For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
30And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
30Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
31And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
31And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
32And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
32A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission.
33Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
33When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
34When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
34When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside,
35Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
35and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
36They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
36Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.
37Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
37Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.
38Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
39Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
39"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
The Woman Who Touched His Garment
40And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
41And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
41Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house
42For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.
43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years and had spent all she had on doctors, but no one could heal her.
44Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.
48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
Jairus's Daughter Raised
49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore."
50But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
51When he arrived at the house, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother.
52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
52Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
53They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
54But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!"
55And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
56And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Twelve Sent Out
1Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
2And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.
4And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.
5And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
5If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
6And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
6So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
Herod's Perplexity
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,
8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.
9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.
Feeding the Five Thousand
10And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
10When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida,
11And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
11but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
12And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
12Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."
13But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
13He replied, "You give them something to eat." They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd."
14For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
14(About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each."
15And they did so, and made them all sit down.
15The disciples did so, and everyone sat down.
16Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
16Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.
17And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
17They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Peter's Confession
18And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
18Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"
19They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
19They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."
20He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
20"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."
21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
21Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.
22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
22And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
The Cost of Discipleship
23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
23Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
25What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
26Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
27Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
The Transfiguration
28And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
30And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.
31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
31They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
34While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
35A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."
36And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
36When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
A Boy Freed from a Spirit
37And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
37The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
38And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
38A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
39And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
39A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him.
40And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
40I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not."
41And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.
41"You unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."
42And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
42Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
The Second Passion Prediction
43And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,
43And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples,
44Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
44"Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."
45But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
45But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Greatness and the Outsider Exorcist
46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.
48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest."
49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
49"Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Rejected by a Samaritan Village
51And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
51As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
52And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
52And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;
53And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
53but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.
54And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
54When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?"
55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
55But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of.
56For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
56For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people's lives, but to save them." And they went to another village.
The Cost of Following
57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
58Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
59He said to another man, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
61Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family."
62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
62Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
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King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Seventy Sent Out
1After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
1After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
2Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
5When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'
6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
6If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.
7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
7Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
8When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.
9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
10But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,
11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
11'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God has come near.'
12But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Woes on Unrepentant Towns
13Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
13Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
14But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
14But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.
15And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
15And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.
16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
16Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me."
The Seventy Return
17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
17The seventy returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
18He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
20However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus Rejoices in the Father
21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
22All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
23Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
24For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
24For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
The Good Samaritan
25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
27He answered, "'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, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.
31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
35The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
36Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Martha and Mary
38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
42but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Lord's Prayer
1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
2He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3Give us day by day our daily bread.
3Give us each day our daily bread.
4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Persistence in Prayer
5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
5Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.'
7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
7And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
8I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless persistence he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
9So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
10For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
11Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus and Beelzebub
14And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
14Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been unable to speak talked, and the crowd was amazed.
15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
15But some of them said, "By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons."
16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
16Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
17Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.
18If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
18If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul.
19And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
19Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
20But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.
22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
23He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
23Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit
24When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
24When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.'
25And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
25When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.
26Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
26Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first."
True Blessedness
27And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
The Sign of Jonah
29And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
29As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
30For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
30For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.
31The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.
32The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
32The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.
The Lamp of the Body
33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
33No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.
34The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
34Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.
35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
35See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
36If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
36Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you."
Woes against the Pharisees
37And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table.
38And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
38But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
40Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?
41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
41But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
42Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
43Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
44Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it."
Woes against the Lawyers
45Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.
45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."
46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
47Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
47Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.
48Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
48So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.
49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.'
50That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world,
51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.
52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
52Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
Growing Hostility
53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:
53When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions,
54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
54waiting to catch him in something he might say.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Beware of Hypocrisy
1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
3Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Whom to Fear
4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
4I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Confessing Christ before Men
8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
8I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.
9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
9But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.
10And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
11When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
12For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
The Rich Fool
13And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"
15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'
18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
18Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
20But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
21This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."
Do Not Worry
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
27Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Be Ready for the Master
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
35Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
36like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
The Faithful and Unfaithful Steward
41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.
44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
44Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.
46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
47The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.
48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Not Peace but Division
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
49I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
50But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!
51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Reading the Signs of the Times
54And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
54He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does.
55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
55And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is.
56Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
56Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
57Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
57Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?
58When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
58As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.
59I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
59I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny."
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Repent or Perish
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?
3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
The Barren Fig Tree
6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
6Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.
7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
7So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'
8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
8"'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it.
9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
9If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"
A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath
10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
10On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,
11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
11and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
12When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity."
13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
13Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
14Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."
15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
15The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?
16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
16Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"
17And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
17When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
The Mustard Seed and the Leaven
18Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
18Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?
19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
19It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches."
20And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
20Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?
21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough."
The Narrow Door
22And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.
23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them,
24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.
25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
26Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'
27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
27But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
28There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.
29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
30And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Jesus Laments over Jerusalem
31The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
31At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."
32And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'
33Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
33In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.
35Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
XIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Healing a Man on the Sabbath
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
2And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
2There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body.
3And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
3Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
4And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
4But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.
5And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
5Then he asked them, "If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?"
6And they could not answer him again to these things.
6And they had nothing to say.
Take the Lowest Place
7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:
8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.
9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.
11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
11For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Invite Those Who Cannot Repay
12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
12Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
The Parable of the Great Supper
15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.
17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
19Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
20Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
21The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
22'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
23Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
24I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
25And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
27And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
28Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
29For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,
30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
30saying, 'This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'
31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
31Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.
33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
33In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Salt That Loses Its Flavor
34Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
34Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
35It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."
XV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Lost Sheep
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.
2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
3Then Jesus told them this parable:
4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Lost Coin
8Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
8Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The Prodigal Son Returns
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
13Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
17When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.'
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
21The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
22But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
The Elder Brother's Resentment
25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
25Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.
27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
28The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
31"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
XVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Shrewd Manager
1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
1Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.
2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
2So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
3The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg—
4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
4I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
5So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
6'Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied. The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.'
7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
7Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?' 'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied. He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
8The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Faithful in Little and in Much
10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
10Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?
12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
13No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
13No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
The Pharisees and the Law
14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.
16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
16The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.
17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
17It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
18Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
The Rich Man and Lazarus
19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
19There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores
21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
22The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
25But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
27He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family,
28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
30'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
XVII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Stumbling Blocks and Forgiveness
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.
2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
2It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
3So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.
4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
4Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive them."
Faith and Humble Service
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
7Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'?
8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
8Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?
9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
9Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?
10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Ten Lepers and One Grateful Samaritan
11And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.
12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
18Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?"
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The Kingdom Is Among You
20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
20Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed,
21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst."
The Day of the Son of Man
22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
22Then he said to his disciples, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
23People will tell you, 'There he is!' or 'Here he is!' Do not go running off after them.
24For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
24For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.
25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
25But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
26Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
27People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
28It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.
29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
29But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.
30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
30It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
31On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything.
32Remember Lot’s wife.
32Remember Lot's wife!
33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
33Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.
34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
34I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.
35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
35Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
36Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left."
37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
37"Where, Lord?" they asked. He replied, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather."
XVIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Persistent Widow
1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.
3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
4For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think,
5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'"
6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.
7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
13But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
14I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Jesus Welcomes Little Children
15And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
15People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
16But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
17Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
The Rich Ruler
18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
20You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
21"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.
24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
25For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
26And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
26Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."
28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
28Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
29And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,
29"Truly I tell you," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God
30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
30will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
31Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.
32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
32He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him;
33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
33they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again."
34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
34The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.
A Blind Beggar Near Jericho
35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
38He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,
41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
41"What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
XIX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Zacchaeus Meets Jesus
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.
2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.
4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner."
8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
The Parable of the Ten Pounds
11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.
12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.
13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
14But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
15He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
16The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
17'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
18The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'
19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
19His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'
20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
20Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.
21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'
22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
22His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?
23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
24Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
25'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
26He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"
The King Enters Jerusalem
28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,
30Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
31And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'"
32And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.
33And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
34And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
34They replied, "The Lord needs it."
35And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
36And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it
42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
Cleansing the Temple
45And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
45When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling.
46Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
46"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
47And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.
48And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
XX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
By What Authority?
1And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him.
2And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
2"Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"
3And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
3He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me:
4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
4John's baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?"
5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
5They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?'
6But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
6But if we say, 'Of human origin,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
7And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
7So they answered, "We don't know where it was from."
8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
8Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
9Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
9He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.
10And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
11And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed.
12And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.
13Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
13Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'
14But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
14But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'
15So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
16He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.
16He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "God forbid!"
17And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'?
18Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed."
19And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
Rendering to Caesar
20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.
21And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
21So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
23But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
23He saw through their duplicity and said to them,
24Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.
24"Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," they replied.
25And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.
25He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
26And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.
Marriage and the Resurrection
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
27Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question.
28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
28"Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.
29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
29Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless.
30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
30The second one married her and died childless,
31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
31and then the third married her, and in the same way all seven died and left no children.
32Last of all the woman died also.
32Finally, the woman died too.
33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
33Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"
34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
34Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.
35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
35But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage,
36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
36and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.
37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
37But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'
38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
39Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!"
40And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
40And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
David's Son and David's Lord
41And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?
41Then Jesus said to them, "Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David?
42And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
42David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand
43Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
43until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'
44David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
44David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"
Beware of the Scribes
45Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples,
46Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
47Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."
XXI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Widow's Two Coins
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
1As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.
2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
3"Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.
4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
The Temple's Fall Foretold
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,
6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
8He replied, "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.
9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
9When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Persecution and Endurance
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
12But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
13And so you will bear testimony to me.
14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.
15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
17Everyone will hate you because of me.
18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
18But not a hair of your head will perish.
19In your patience possess ye your souls.
19Stand firm, and you will win life.
The Desolation of Jerusalem
20And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
20When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.
21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.
22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.
23But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.
24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The Coming of the Son of Man
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
25There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
29And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees.
30When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.
31So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
32Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Watch and Pray
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
34Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
35For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Days in the Temple
37And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,
38And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
38and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
XXII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
1Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
1Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,
2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
2and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.
3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
4And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
4And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.
5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.
6And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Preparing the Passover
7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.
8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."
9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
9"Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked.
10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters,
11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'
12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
12He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there."
13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
The Last Supper
14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.
15And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
15And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you.
18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
18For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
20In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
21But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.
22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
22The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!"
23And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
23They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
True Greatness
24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.
25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.
26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
28You are those who have stood by me in my trials.
29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,
30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Peter's Denial Foretold
31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
31Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
33But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
34Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."
Purse, Bag, and Sword
35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
35Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered.
36Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
36He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
37It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."
38And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
38The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied.
Prayer on the Mount of Olives
39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
42"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
46"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
The Arrest
47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,
48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
48but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
49When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"
50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
51But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?
53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
53Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns."
Peter Denies Jesus
54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
55And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.
56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
56A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."
57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
57But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
58A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
59About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."
60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
60Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
62And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus Mocked and Beaten
63And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
63The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.
64And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
64They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?"
65And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
65And they said many other insulting things to him.
Before the Council
66And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.
67Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
67"If you are the Messiah," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me,
68And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
68and if I asked you, you would not answer.
69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
70Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
70They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You say that I am."
71And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
71Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
XXIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Jesus before Pilate
1And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
1Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.
2And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
2And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king."
3And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
3So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "You have said so," Jesus replied.
4Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."
5And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
Jesus before Herod
6When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.
7And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.
9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.
10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.
11And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.
12And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
12That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.
Pilate Yields to the Crowd
13And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people,
14Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.
15No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.
16I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."
17(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
17(Now he was obliged to release one prisoner to them at the festival.)
18And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
18But the whole crowd shouted, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!"
19(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.
21But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
21But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
22For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."
23And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.
24And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
24So Pilate decided to grant their demand.
25And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
The Road to Calvary
26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
26As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.
27And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.
28But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
28Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.
29For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
29For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'
30Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
30Then they will say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!'
31For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
31For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
The Crucifixion
32And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.
33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is God's Messiah, the Chosen One."
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him sour wine
37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
The Two Criminals
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
43Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
The Death of Jesus
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
44It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,
45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man,
51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.
52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
52Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body.
53And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.
54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
54It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.
56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
56Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
XXIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Empty Tomb
1Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?
6He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
7Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
7'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"
8And they remembered his words,
8Then they remembered his words.
9And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
10It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.
12Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
The Road to Emmaus
13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast.
18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
19"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
23but did not find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus."
25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
26Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together
34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."
35And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
38And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
41And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
42And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
42They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43And he took it, and did eat before them.
43and he took it and ate it in their presence.
The Scriptures Opened and the Mission
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
46He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
47and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48And ye are witnesses of these things.
48You are witnesses of these things.
49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
52And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.