I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
1The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
2It starts just as the prophets wrote: "Watch—I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will get your road ready."
3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
3"A voice shouts out in the wilderness: Clear the way for the Lord; make the path straight for him."
4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
4And so John appeared, baptizing out in the desert and calling people to turn their lives around and be baptized, so their sins could be forgiven.
5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
5People streamed out to him from all over Judea and from Jerusalem, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they openly admitted their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
6John wore a rough coat of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he lived on locusts and wild honey.
7And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
7His message was this: "Someone far stronger than I am is coming after me—I'm not even fit to bend down and untie his sandals.
8I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
The Baptism of Jesus
9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
9Around that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan.
10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
10The moment Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the sky torn open and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove.
11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
11And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, the one I love; I am fully pleased with you."
The Temptation in the Wilderness
12And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
12Right away the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,
13And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
13and he stayed there forty days, tested by Satan. He was among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Jesus Begins Preaching in Galilee
14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
14After John was thrown into prison, Jesus went into Galilee announcing the good news of God.
15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
15"The time has come," he said. "God's kingdom is near. Change your hearts and believe the good news."
Calling the First Disciples
16Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
16As he walked along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they were fishermen.
17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
17"Come, follow me," Jesus told them, "and I will teach you to catch people instead."
18And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
18At once they left their nets and went with him.
19And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
19A little farther on he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in their boat mending their nets.
20And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
20He called them right away, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Authority in the Capernaum Synagogue
21And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
21They went into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus went straight to the synagogue and began to teach.
22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
22The people were stunned at his teaching, because he taught with real authority, not like the scribes.
23And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
23Just then a man with an evil spirit was there in the synagogue, and he shouted out,
24Saying, 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.
24"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God's Holy One!"
25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
25Jesus ordered it sharply, "Be quiet, and come out of him."
26And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
26The evil spirit threw the man into convulsions, gave a loud shriek, and came out of him.
27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
27Everyone was so amazed that they asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching—and with such authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits, and they obey him."
28And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
28News about him spread quickly through the whole region of Galilee.
Healings at Simon's House
29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.
30But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
30Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once.
31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
31He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to wait on them.
32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
32That evening, after sunset, people brought him everyone who was sick or troubled by demons.
33And all the city was gathered together at the door.
33The whole town crowded around the door.
34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
34He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak, because they knew who he was.
Prayer and Preaching Throughout Galilee
35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
35Very early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went off to a lonely place to pray.
36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
36Simon and the others went looking for him,
37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.
37and when they found him they said, "Everyone is searching for you."
38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
38But he answered, "Let's go somewhere else, to the nearby villages, so I can preach there too. That is why I came."
39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
39So he traveled all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
40And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
40A man with leprosy came to him, fell on his knees, and begged, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."
41And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean."
42And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
42Instantly the leprosy left him, and he was clean.
43And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
43Jesus sent him off at once with a stern warning:
44And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
44"Don't tell anyone about this. Just go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifice Moses commanded for your cleansing, as proof to them."
45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
45But the man went out and started telling everyone, spreading the news so widely that Jesus could no longer go openly into a town. He stayed out in lonely places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Paralyzed Man Forgiven and Healed
1And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
1A few days later Jesus came back to Capernaum, and word got around that he was home.
2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
2So many people gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he was speaking the word to them.
3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
3Some men came carrying a paralyzed man, four of them holding him up.
4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
4When they couldn't get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him, dug through it, and lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.
5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
5Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
6Some of the scribes sitting there thought to themselves,
7Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
7"Why does this man talk like that? It's blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
8Jesus knew at once what they were thinking and said, "Why are you turning this over in your minds?
9Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
9Which is easier—to tell this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat, and walk'?
10But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
10But so you'll know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he turned to the paralyzed man—
11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
11"I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home."
12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
12The man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in plain sight of them all. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
The Call of Levi
13And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.
13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. The whole crowd came to him, and he taught them.
14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said, and Levi got up and followed him.
15And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
15Later, as Jesus was eating at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were sharing the meal with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
16When the scribes and Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with people like that?"
17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
17Hearing this, Jesus said, "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I didn't come to call those who think they're righteous, but sinners."
A Question About Fasting
18And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
18John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "Why do John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples fast, but yours don't?"
19And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
19Jesus answered, "Can the wedding guests fast while the groom is still with them? As long as he is there, they can't.
20But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
20But the day will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
21No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
21No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth onto an old coat; if they do, the new patch pulls away from the old and makes the tear worse.
22And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
22And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; if they do, the wine bursts the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. New wine belongs in new skins."
Lord of the Sabbath
23And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
23One Sabbath Jesus was walking through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain as they went.
24And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
24The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what isn't allowed on the Sabbath?"
25And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
25He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his men were hungry and in need—
26How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
26how he went into the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and gave some to his men as well?"
27And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
27Then he told them, "The Sabbath was made for the good of people, not people for the Sabbath.
28Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
28So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Healing on the Sabbath
1And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
1Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.
2And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
2People were watching him closely to see whether he would heal the man on the Sabbath, so they could bring a charge against him.
3And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
3Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up here in front of everyone."
4And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
4Then he asked them, "Which is allowed on the Sabbath—to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?" But they said nothing.
5And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
5He looked around at them, angry and deeply grieved at how hard their hearts were, and said to the man, "Hold out your hand." He held it out, and it was completely restored.
6And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
6At that the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill him.
Crowds by the Sea
7But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
7Jesus withdrew to the lake with his disciples, and a huge crowd from Galilee followed, along with people from Judea,
8And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
8Jerusalem, Idumea, the lands east of the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. Great numbers came to him because they had heard all he was doing.
9And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
9Because of the crowd, he told his disciples to keep a small boat ready for him, so the people wouldn't crush him.
10For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
10He had healed so many that the sick kept pushing forward to touch him.
11And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
11Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and screamed, "You are the Son of God!"
12And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
12But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.
The Twelve Apostles Appointed
13And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
13Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to himself those he wanted, and they came to him.
14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
14He appointed twelve—calling them apostles—to be with him and to be sent out to preach,
15And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
15with authority to drive out demons.
16And Simon he surnamed Peter;
16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter;
17And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
17James son of Zebedee and his brother John, whom he named Boanerges, meaning "Sons of Thunder";
18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,
19And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
19and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. Then Jesus went into a house,
The Accusation of Beelzebub
20And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
20and again such a crowd gathered that he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat.
21And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
21When his family heard about it, they went to take charge of him, for people were saying, "He's out of his mind."
22And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
22And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Beelzebub; he drives out demons by the prince of demons."
23And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
23So Jesus called them over and spoke to them in comparisons: "How can Satan drive out Satan?
24And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
25If a household is divided against itself, that household cannot stand.
26And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
26And if Satan turns against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either—he is finished.
27No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
27No one can break into a strong man's house and carry off his goods without first tying up the strong man; only then can he rob the house.
28Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
28I tell you the truth: people can be forgiven all their sins and every blasphemy they speak,
29But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
29but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."
30Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
30He said this because they were claiming he had an evil spirit.
Jesus's True Family
31There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
31Then his mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.
32And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
32A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."
33And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
33"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he replied.
34And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
34Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.
35For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
35Whoever does what God wants is my brother and sister and mother."
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Parable of the Sower
1And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
1Again Jesus began to teach beside the lake. The crowd around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it on the water, while all the people stayed on the shore.
2And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
2He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said:
3Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
3"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.
4And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
4As he scattered it, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
5Some fell on rocky ground where there was little soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow,
6But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
6but when the sun rose it was scorched, and because it had no roots it withered away.
7And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
7Some fell among thornbushes, which grew up and choked it, so it produced no grain.
8And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
8But some fell on good soil, where it came up, grew, and produced a crop—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times what was sown."
9And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
9Then he said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."
The Purpose of Parables
10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
10When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.
11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
11He told them, "The secret of God's kingdom has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything comes in parables,
12That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
12so that 'they may look and look but never see, and listen and listen but never understand; otherwise they might turn back and be forgiven.'"
The Sower Explained
13And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
13Then he said, "Don't you understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the others?
14The sower soweth the word.
14The farmer sows the word.
15And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
15Some people are like the seed along the path: as soon as they hear the word, Satan comes and snatches away what was sown in them.
16And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
16Others are like seed on rocky ground: they hear the word and welcome it gladly at once,
17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
17but it takes no root in them and lasts only a little while. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
18And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
18Others are like seed sown among thorns: they hear the word,
19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
19but the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and cravings for other things move in and choke the word, so it bears no fruit.
20And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
20And others are like seed sown on good soil: they hear the word, take it in, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty, even a hundred times what was sown."
A Lamp on a Stand
21And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
21He went on, "Do you bring in a lamp just to put it under a basket or under the bed? Don't you set it on a stand?
22For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
22Nothing is hidden that won't be brought into the open, and nothing is concealed that won't be made known.
23If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
23If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear."
24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
24"Pay attention to what you hear," he said. "The measure you give will be the measure you get back—and you will receive even more.
25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
25Those who have will be given more; but from those who have little, even what they have will be taken away."
The Seed Growing Secretly
26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
26He also said, "This is what God's kingdom is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
27Night and day, whether he sleeps or is awake, the seed sprouts and grows, though he doesn't know how.
28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
28All by itself the soil produces grain—first the blade, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
29As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
The Mustard Seed
30And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
30Again he said, "What can we compare God's kingdom to? What picture can we use for it?
31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
31It's like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds when you plant it in the ground.
32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
32Yet once planted, it grows up and becomes the largest of garden plants, with branches so big that the birds can nest in its shade."
33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
33With many parables like these he spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.
34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
34He never spoke to them without using a parable, but when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Jesus Calms the Storm
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
35That day, when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let's cross over to the other side."
36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along in the boat, just as he was. Other boats went with him too.
37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
37A fierce windstorm came up, and the waves crashed over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
38Jesus was in the back, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said, "Teacher, don't you care that we're about to drown?"
39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
39He got up, ordered the wind to stop, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind died down, and everything was perfectly calm.
40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
40Then he asked them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
41They were terrified and said to one another, "Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!"
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Man Possessed by Legion
1And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
1They came across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.
2And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
2As soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him.
3Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
3He lived among the tombs, and no one could hold him anymore, not even with a chain.
4Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
4He had often been bound hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to control him.
5And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
5Night and day, among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and threw himself down before him,
7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
7shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God you won't torture me!"
8For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
8For Jesus had been saying to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit."
9And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for there are many of us."
10And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside,
12And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
12and the spirits begged him, "Send us into the pigs; let us go into them."
13And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand of them, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.
14And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
14Those tending the pigs ran off and spread the news in the town and countryside, and people came out to see what had happened.
15And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
15When they reached Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there, dressed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
16And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
16Those who had seen it told the others what had happened to the man and to the pigs.
17And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
17Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region.
18And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been freed begged to go with him.
19Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
19But Jesus would not let him. "Go home to your own people," he said, "and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you."
20And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
20So the man went off and began to tell everyone in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.
Jairus Pleads for His Daughter
21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
21When Jesus had crossed back over to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.
22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
22Then one of the synagogue leaders, a man named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus he fell at his feet
23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
23and pleaded with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and lay your hands on her so she will be healed and live."
24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
24So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed in around him.
The Woman with the Flow of Blood
25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
25A woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years.
26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
26She had suffered a great deal under many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she had grown worse.
27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,
28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
28for she thought, "If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed."
29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
29Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
30At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"
31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
31"You can see the crowd pressing against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'"
32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
32But he kept looking around to see who had done it.
33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
33Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, trembling with fear, and told him the whole truth.
34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
34He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering."
Jairus's Daughter Raised
35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
35While he was still speaking, people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the Teacher anymore?"
36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
36But Jesus paid no attention to what they said and told the synagogue leader, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
37He let no one follow him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
38When they came to the leader's house, Jesus saw the commotion—people weeping and wailing loudly.
39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
39He went in and asked them, "Why all this crying and confusion? The child isn't dead, only asleep."
40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
40But they laughed at him. After he had put them all outside, he took the child's father and mother and his three companions and went in to where the child was.
41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
41Taking her by the hand, he said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up."
42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
42Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around—she was twelve years old. They were completely astounded.
43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
43He gave them strict orders not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Rejection at Nazareth
1And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, with his disciples following him.
2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did he get all this?" they asked. "What is this wisdom he's been given, and these miracles he performs?
3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
3Isn't this the carpenter, Mary's son, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
4But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
4Jesus said to them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house."
5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
5He could not do any miracles there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
6He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then he went around the surrounding villages, teaching.
The Twelve Sent Out
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
7He called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits.
8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
8He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts.
9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
9They were to wear sandals but not take an extra shirt.
10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
10"Whatever house you enter," he said, "stay there until you leave that town.
11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet as you leave, as a warning to them."
12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
12So they went out and preached that people should repent.
13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
The Death of John the Baptist
14And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."
16But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
16But when Herod heard it, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"
17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
17For Herod himself had ordered John arrested, bound, and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.
18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
18John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not,
20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
20because Herod feared John, knowing he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he listened to John he was greatly disturbed, yet he liked to hear him.
21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
21Finally the right moment came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his officials, his military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee.
22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you."
23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
23And he swore an oath to her, "Whatever you ask, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
24She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.
25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
25At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
26The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her.
27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went and beheaded John in the prison,
28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
28brought back his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.
29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
29When John's disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Feeding the Five Thousand
30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
31And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
31Then he said to them, "Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." For so many people were coming and going that they didn't even have a chance to eat.
32And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
32So they went off by themselves in the boat to a solitary place.
33And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
34When Jesus came ashore and saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
35And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
35By now it was getting late, and his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late.
36Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
36Send the people away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat."
37He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
37But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take half a year's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread to feed them?"
38He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."
39And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
39Then he directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.
40And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.
41And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all.
42And they did all eat, and were filled.
42They all ate and were satisfied,
43And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
43and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread and fish.
44And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
44The number of men who had eaten was about five thousand.
Walking on the Water
45And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
45Right away Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away.
46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
46After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
47And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.
48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
48He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he came to them, walking on the water. He was about to pass by them,
49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
49but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost and cried out,
50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
50for they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
51Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,
52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
52for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Healings at Gennesaret
53And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.
54And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
54As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.
55And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
55They ran throughout that whole region and began carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
56And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
56And wherever he went—villages, towns, or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces and begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Tradition Versus God's Command
1Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
1The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus
2And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
2and saw some of his disciples eating with hands that were "defiled"—that is, unwashed.
3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.
4And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
4And when they come from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. They observe many other traditions too, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)
5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
5So the Pharisees and scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples live by the tradition of the elders instead of eating with defiled hands?"
6He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
7Their worship of me is empty; they teach human rules as if they were God's commands.'
8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
8You have let go of God's command and are holding on to human tradition."
9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
9And he said to them, "You have a fine way of setting aside God's command in order to keep your own tradition!
10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'
11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
11But you say that if people tell their father or mother, 'Whatever help you might have had from me is Corban' (that is, a gift dedicated to God),
12And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
12then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.
13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
13In this way you cancel out the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do many things like that."
What Truly Defiles a Person
14And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
14Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this:
15There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
15Nothing that goes into someone from the outside can make them unclean. It is what comes out of a person that makes them unclean."
16If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
16If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.
17And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
17After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this saying.
18And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
18"Are you also still so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing entering a person from the outside can make them unclean?
19Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
19It doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body." (By saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
20And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
20He went on, "What comes out of a person is what makes them unclean.
21For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
21For from within, out of the human heart, come evil thoughts, sexual sin, theft, murder, adultery,
22Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.
23All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
23All these evils come from inside, and they are what make a person unclean."
The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
24And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
24Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. He entered a house, not wanting anyone to know, yet he could not keep his presence secret.
25For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
25In fact, a woman whose little daughter had an evil spirit heard about him and came and fell at his feet.
26The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
26She was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia, and she begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."
28And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.
28"Lord," she replied, "even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
29And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."
30And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Healing of a Deaf Man
31And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
31Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.
32And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
32There some people brought him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
33And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
33Jesus took him aside, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man's ears, then spit and touched the man's tongue.
34And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
34He looked up to heaven, sighed deeply, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means "Be opened!").
35And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
35At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak plainly.
36And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
36Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he told them not to, the more they kept talking about it.
37And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
37People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Feeding the Four Thousand
1In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
1During those days another large crowd gathered, and since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said,
2I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
2"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.
3And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
3If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."
4And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
4His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place could anyone get enough bread to feed them?"
5And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
5"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied.
6And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
6He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so.
7And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
7They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them too and told the disciples to distribute them.
8So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
8The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of leftover pieces.
9And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
9About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away,
10And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
10he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Pharisees Demand a Sign
11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
11The Pharisees came and began to argue with him. To test him, they demanded a sign from heaven.
12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it."
13And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
13Then he left them, got back into the boat, and crossed to the other side.
The Leaven of the Pharisees
14Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.
15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
15"Watch out," Jesus warned them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."
16And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."
17And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?
19When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied.
20And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls did you pick up?" "Seven," they answered.
21And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
A Blind Man Healed in Stages
22And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.
23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?"
24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
24The man looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."
25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
26And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
26Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't even go into the village."
Peter Confesses Jesus as Christ
27And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"
28And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."
29And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
30And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Jesus Predicts His Death
31And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
32And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
32He spoke about this plainly, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
The Cost of Following Jesus
34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "Whoever wants to be my follower must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.
35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
35For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
36What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
37Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Transfiguration
1And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
1And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see God's kingdom come with power."
2And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
2Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves, and there he was transformed before their eyes.
3And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could ever bleach them.
4And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
4And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
5And Peter answered and said to 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.
5Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "Teacher, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
6He didn't know what to say, because they were so frightened.
7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
7Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, the one I love. Listen to him!"
8And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
Coming Down: Elijah Has Come
9And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
9As they came down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" could mean.
11And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
12And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
12He replied, "Elijah does come first and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be treated with contempt?
13But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, just as it is written about him."
A Father's Struggling Faith
14And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
14When they came back to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.
15And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
15As soon as the people saw Jesus, they were filled with wonder and ran to greet him.
16And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.
18And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't."
19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
19"You unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
20So they brought him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered.
22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
23"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for the one who believes."
24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
24Immediately the boy's father cried out, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
25When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."
27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he stood to his feet.
28And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
Second Prediction of Death
30And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were,
31For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
31because he was teaching his disciples. He told them, "The Son of Man is going to be handed over to men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."
32But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
Who Is the Greatest
33And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"
34But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
34But they kept quiet, because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."
36And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
36He took a little child and had the child stand among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them,
37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
Whoever Is Not Against Us
38And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
38"Teacher," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he wasn't one of us."
39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
39"Don't stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me.
40For he that is not against us is on our part.
40For whoever is not against us is for us.
41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
41Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
Warnings Against Causing Sin
42And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
42And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around their neck.
43And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
43If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
44Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
44There the worms that eat them never die, and the fire is never put out.
45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
45And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.
46Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
46There the worms that eat them never die, and the fire is never put out.
47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
47And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out. It is better to enter God's kingdom with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
48Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
48where "the worms that eat them never die, and the fire is never put out."
49For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
49Everyone will be salted with fire.
50Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
50Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Teaching on Divorce
1And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
1Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him, and as was his custom, he taught them.
2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
2Some Pharisees came to test him. "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" they asked.
3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.
4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."
5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied.
6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'
7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,
8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
8and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
9Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
10And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.
11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.
12And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
Jesus Blesses the Children
13And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
13People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded them.
14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
15Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
16And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.
The Rich Young Man
17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up and knelt before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
19You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."
21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Riches and the Kingdom
23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"
24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
26The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"
27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
28Then Peter spoke up, "We have left everything to follow you!"
29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
29"Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel
30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
31But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Third Prediction of Death
32And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.
33Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
33"We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles,
34And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
34who will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him. And after three days he will rise."
Servant Greatness
35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."
36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
36"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
37They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
37They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."
38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
38"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink, or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
39And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
39"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,
40But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."
41And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.
42But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials throw their weight around.
43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Blind Bartimaeus Receives Sight
46And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man named Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside begging.
47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you," they said.
50And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
51And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
51"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Triumphal Entry
1And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,
2And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
2telling them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
3And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
3If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'"
4And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
4They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,
5And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
5some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"
6And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
6They answered as Jesus had told them, and the people let them go.
7And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
7When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.
8And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.
9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
9Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
11Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
The Fig Tree Cursed
12And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
12The next day, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
Cleansing the Temple
15And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,
16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
16and he would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
18The chief priests and the scribes heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
19And when even was come, he went out of the city.
19When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.
The Withered Tree, Faith and Forgiveness
20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.
21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.
23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
23"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
26But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your sins."
The Question of Authority
27And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
27They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him.
28And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
28"By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?"
29And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
29Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
30The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
30John's baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Answer me!"
31And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
31They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
32But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
32But if we say, 'Of human origin'—" they were afraid of the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.
33And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
33So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Then neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
1And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
1Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.
2And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
2At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.
3And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
3But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.
4And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
4Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully.
5And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
5He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed.
6Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
6He had one left to send, a son whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
7But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be our’s.
7But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'
8And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
8So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.
9What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
9What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
10And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
10Haven't you read this passage of Scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
11This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
11the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"
12And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
12Then the leaders looked for a way to arrest him, because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.
Paying Taxes to Caesar
13And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
13Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.
14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
14They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn't we?"
15Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
15But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."
16And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s.
16They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied.
17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
17Then Jesus said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.
The Sadducees and the Resurrection
18Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
18Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
19Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
19"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.
20Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
20Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children.
21And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
21The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third.
22And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
22In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too.
23In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
23At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"
24And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
24Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?
25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
25When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
26And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
26Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?
27He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
27He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"
The Greatest Commandment
28And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
28One of the scribes came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
31And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
32And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
33And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Whose Son Is the Messiah
35And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?
35While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "Why do the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David?
36For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
36David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.'
37David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
37David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with delight.
Warning Against the Scribes
38And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
38As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces,
39And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
39and to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
40Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
40They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."
The Widow's Two Coins
41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Temple's Destruction Foretold
1And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
1As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"
2And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
2"Do you see all these great buildings?" Jesus replied. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
3As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
4Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
4"Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"
5And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.
6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.
7And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
8For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Persecution and Endurance
9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
9You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
10And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.
11But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
12Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
13Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The Abomination and Great Distress
14But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
14When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
15And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
15Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out.
16And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
16Let no one in the field go back for their cloak.
17But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
17How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!
18And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
18Pray that this will not take place in winter,
19For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
19because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.
20And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
20If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the chosen ones, he has shortened them.
21And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
21At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.
22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
22For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
23But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
23So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
The Coming of the Son of Man
24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
24But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;
25And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
25the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly powers will be shaken.'
26And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
26At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
27And he will send his angels and gather his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
28Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
29So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
29In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.
30Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
30Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Watch, for No One Knows the Hour
32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
32But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
33Be on guard! Stay alert! You do not know when that time will come.
34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
34It's like a man going away: he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
35Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
36Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
37And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
37What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!"
XIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Plot to Kill Jesus
1After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
1Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the scribes were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.
2But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
2"But not during the festival," they said, "or the people may riot."
Anointed at Bethany
3And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
4Some of those present were indignant and said to one another, "Why this waste of perfume?
5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
5It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they scolded her harshly.
6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
6"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have me.
8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.
9Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
9Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
10And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
11And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
11They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Preparing the Passover, and a Betrayer Named
12And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
12On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?"
13And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
13So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.
14And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
14Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'
15And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
15He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
16And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
16The disciples left, went into the city, and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
17And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
17When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.
18And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
18While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."
19And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
19They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely you don't mean me?"
20And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
20"It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me.
21The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
21The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
The Lord's Supper
22And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
23Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
24"This is my blood of the covenant," he said to them, "which is poured out for many.
25Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
25Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the day I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
26And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Peter's Denial Foretold
27And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'
28But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
30"Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times."
31But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
31But Peter insisted all the more, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
Gethsemane
32And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."
33And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
33He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
36"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Couldn't you keep watch for one hour?
38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
39And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.
40And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
42Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer."
The Arrest of Jesus
43And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.
44And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard."
45And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.
46And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
46The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
47And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
47Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
48"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
49I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."
50And they all forsook him, and fled.
50Then everyone deserted him and fled.
51And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
51A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,
52And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
52he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
53They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together.
54And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
54Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
55The chief priests and the whole council were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they found none.
56For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
57And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
57Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him:
58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
58"We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'"
59But neither so did their witness agree together.
59Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
60And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?"
61But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
61But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"
62And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
62"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
63Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
63The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked.
64Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
64"You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death.
65And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.
Peter Denies Jesus
66And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest's servant girls came by.
67And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
68But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway, and the rooster crowed.
69And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
69When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them."
70And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
70Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
71But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
71He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
72And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
72Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
XV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Jesus Before Pilate
1And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
1Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the scribes, and the whole council, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
2And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
2"Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "You have said so," Jesus replied.
3And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
3The chief priests accused him of many things.
4And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
4So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
5But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
5But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned
6Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
6Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested.
7And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder in an uprising.
8And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate,
10For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.
11But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
12And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
12"What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13And they cried out again, Crucify him.
13"Crucify him!" they shouted.
14Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
14"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
15And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
15Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
16The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers.
17And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
17They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him.
18And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
18And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!"
19And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
19Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they mocked him in homage.
20And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
20And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
The Crucifixion
21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
21A man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
22And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
22They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means "the place of the skull").
23And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
23Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
24And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
24And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
25And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
25It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.
26And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
26The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
27They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.
28And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
28And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "He was counted among the lawless."
29And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
29Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,
30Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
30come down from the cross and save yourself!"
31Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
31In the same way the chief priests and the scribes mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!
32Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
32Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
33And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
33At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
34And at three Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
35And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
36Someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a staff, and offered it to him to drink. "Now leave him alone," he said. "Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down."
37And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
39And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
39And when the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
40Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
41(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
41In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
The Burial of Jesus
42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
42It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,
43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
44And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
44Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus had been dead for some time.
45And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
45When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.
46And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
46Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance.
47And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
XVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Empty Tomb
1And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.
2And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb.
3And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
3They asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
4And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled away.
5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
8And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Longer Ending
9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.
11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
11But when they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
19After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.
20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
20Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.