Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Outline of the Book of Luke

Introduction and purpose for writing (1:1-4)
Birth of Jesus and his preparation for his ministry (1:5-4:13)
Jesus's ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:50)
Jesus's journey to Jerusalem
- Discipleship (9:51-11:13)
- Conflict and Jesus's grief (11:14-14:35)
- Parables about things that are lost and found. Parables about honesty and dishonesty (15:1-16:31)
- Kingdom of God (17:1-19:27)
- Jesus's entry into Jerusalem (19:28-44)
Jesus in Jerusalem (19:45-21:4)
Jesus's teaching about his second coming (21:5-36)
Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection (22:1-24:53)

What is the Gospel of Luke about?

The Gospel of Luke is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Luke wrote this gospel for a man named Theophilus. Luke wrote an accurate description of the life of Jesus so that Theophilus would be certain of what is true. However, Luke expected the gospel to encourage all believers, not just Theophilus.

Who wrote the Book of Luke?

This book does not give the name of the author. Since early Christian times, most Christians have thought Luke was the author of both the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts.

Luke

¹Many have taken on the work of putting together an account of the things that have been accomplished among us,²just as they were passed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.³So it seemed good to me also, because I have accurately investigated everything from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,⁴so that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

⁵In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zechariah from the division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.⁶They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.⁷But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in their days.

⁸Now it came about that Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties in the order of his division.⁹According to the customary way of choosing which priest would serve, he had been chosen by lot to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense.¹⁰The whole crowd of people was praying outside at the hour when the incense was burned.

¹¹Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him and stood at the right side of the incense altar.¹²When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him.¹³But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You will call his name John.

¹⁴You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.¹⁵For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb.

¹⁶Many of the descendants of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God.¹⁷He will go before the face of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him."

¹⁸Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in her days."¹⁹The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to bring you this good news.²⁰Behold! You will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place. This is because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the right time."

²¹Now the people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was spending so much time in the temple.²²But when he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the temple. He kept on making signs to them and remained silent.²³It came about that when the days of his service were over, he went to his house.

²⁴After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived and for five months she kept herself hidden. She said,²⁵"This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked at me with favor in order to take away my shame before people."

²⁶In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth,²⁷to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, who was a descendant of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.²⁸He came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."²⁹But she was very confused by his words, and she wondered what kind of greeting this could be.

³⁰The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.³¹See, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son. You will call his name 'Jesus.'³²He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.³³He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom."

³⁴Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen, since I have not known any man?"

³⁵The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will overshadow you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

³⁶See, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. This is the sixth month for her, she who was called barren.³⁷For nothing will be impossible for God."

³⁸Mary said, "See, I am the female servant of the Lord. Let it be for me according to your message." Then the angel left her.

³⁹Then Mary arose in those days and quickly went into the hill country, to a city in Judea.⁴⁰She went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.⁴¹Now it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

⁴²She cried out with a loud shout and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.⁴³Why has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?⁴⁴For see, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.⁴⁵Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were told her from the Lord."

⁴⁶Mary said,

"My soul praises the Lord,

⁴⁷and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

⁴⁸For he has looked

at the low condition of his female servant.

For see, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

⁴⁹For the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and his name is holy.

⁵⁰His mercy lasts from generation to generation

for those who fear him.

⁵¹He has displayed strength with his arm;

he has scattered those who were proud

about the thoughts of their hearts.

⁵²He has thrown down princes from their thrones

and he has raised up those of low condition.

⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things,

but the rich he has sent away empty-handed.

⁵⁴He has given help to Israel his servant,

so as to remember to show mercy

⁵⁵(as he said to our fathers)

to Abraham and his descendants forever."

⁵⁶Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her house.

⁵⁷Now the time had come for Elizabeth to deliver her baby and she gave birth to a son.⁵⁸Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

⁵⁹Now it happened on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the child. They would have called him "Zechariah," after the name of his father.⁶⁰But his mother answered and said, "No. He will be called John."⁶¹They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."

⁶²They made signs to his father as to how he wanted him to be named.⁶³His father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." They all were astonished at this.

⁶⁴Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed. He spoke and praised God.⁶⁵Fear came on all who lived around them. All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of Judea.⁶⁶All who heard them stored them in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child become?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

⁶⁷His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

⁶⁸"Praised be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has come to help

and he has accomplished redemption for his people.

⁶⁹He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

⁷⁰(as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago),

⁷¹salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us.

⁷²He will do this to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant,

⁷³the oath that he swore

to Abraham our father.

⁷⁴He swore to grant to us that we,

having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

would serve him without fear

⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness

before him all our days.

⁷⁶Yes, and you, child,

will be called a prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the face of the Lord

to prepare his paths,

to prepare people for his coming,

⁷⁷to give knowledge of salvation to his people

by the forgiveness of their sins.

⁷⁸This will happen because

of the tender mercy of our God,

because of which the sunrise

from on high will come to help us,

⁷⁹to shine on those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death.

He will do this to guide our feet

into the path of peace."

⁸⁰Now the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 1:1

of the things that have been accomplished among us

"about those events that have happened among us"

Luke 1:2

were eyewitnesses and servants of the word

"saw what had happened and served God by telling people his message"

Luke 1:3

I have accurately investigated

"I have carefully researched"

most excellent Theophilus

This phrase should use the style that your culture uses to address people of high status. Some people may prefer to put this greeting at the beginning of verse 1 and say, "To the most honorable Theophilus" or "Dear most noble Theophilus."

Luke 1:5

In the days of Herod, king of Judea

"When King Herod ruled over Judea"

from the division of Abijah

"from the group of priests who were descendants of Abijah." All of the priests were descendants of Aaron.

Luke 1:6

before God

"in God's sight" or "in God's judgment"

all the commandments and statutes of the Lord

"all that the Lord had commanded and required"

Luke 1:7

they were both advanced in their days

"they had both lived many days" or "they had both lived many years" or "they were both very old"

Luke 1:8

Now it came about that Zechariah

This phrase shows that Luke is starting to tell what happened to Zechariah. Alternate translation: "Now it happened that Zechariah" or "One day Zechariah"

Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties

"Zechariah was in God's temple, doing the work of a priest"

in the order of his division

"when it was his group's turn" or "when the time came for his group to serve"

Luke 1:9

the customary way

"the traditional method" or "the usual way"

he had been chosen by lot

A lot was a marked stone that was thrown or rolled on the ground in order to decide something. God guided the lot to show them which priest he wanted them to choose.

Luke 1:11

Now

This word marks the beginning of the action in the story.

appeared to him

"suddenly came to him" or "was suddenly there with Zechariah"

Luke 1:12

When Zechariah saw him

"When Zechariah saw the angel"

and fear fell on him

and felt afraid

Luke 1:13

your prayer has been heard

"God has heard your prayer"

will bear you a son

"will have a son for you" or "will give birth to your son"

Luke 1:14

at his birth

"because of his birth"

Luke 1:15

he will be great in the sight of the Lord

"he will be a very important person for the Lord" or "God will consider him to be very important"

he will be filled with the Holy Spirit

"he will be full of the Holy Spirit" or "the Holy Spirit will empower him" or "the Holy Spirit will guide him"

from his mother's womb

"even while he is in his mother's womb" or "even before he is born"

Luke 1:16

Many of the descendants of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God

"He will turn many of the descendants of Israel to the Lord their God" or "He will cause many of the people of Israel to repent and worship the Lord their God"

Luke 1:17

He will go before the face of the Lord

"He will go before the Lord" or "He will go ahead of the Lord"

in the spirit and power of Elijah

"with the same spirit and power that Elijah had." The word "spirit" either refers to God's Holy Spirit or to Elijah's attitude or way of thinking. Make sure that the word you use does not mean ghost or evil spirit.

to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children

"to persuade fathers to care about their children again" or "to cause fathers to restore their relationships with their children"

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

"and to persuade disobedient people to accept the wisdom of righteous people"

to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him

"to make the people ready for the Lord" or "to prepare the people for the Lord"

Luke 1:18

How can I know this?

"How can I know for sure that what you said will happen?" or "What can you do to prove to me that this will happen?"

Luke 1:19

I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God

“I am Gabriel. I stand in God’s presence.” This statement shows that Gabriel was important and had authority from God.

I was sent to speak to you

"God sent me to speak to you"

Luke 1:20

Behold

"Pay attention"

you did not believe my words

"you did not believe what I said"

Luke 1:21

Now

This marks a shift in the story from what happened inside the temple to what happened outside. Alternate translation: "While that was happening" or "Meanwhile"

Luke 1:23

It came about that when

This phrase moves the story ahead to when Zechariah's time of service at the temple ended. Alternate translation: "When"

he went to his house

Zechariah did not live in Jerusalem, where the temple was located. He traveled to his home town.

Luke 1:24

kept herself hidden

"did not leave her house"

Luke 1:25

This is what the Lord has done for me

This refers to the fact that the Lord allowed her to become pregnant.

he looked at me with favor

"he showed me favor" or "he regarded me kindly" or "he was kind to me"

my shame

"the shame I felt." She felt ashamed because she was not able to have children.

Luke 1:26

In the sixth month

"in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy"

the angel Gabriel was sent from God

"God told the angel Gabriel to go"

Luke 1:27

a virgin engaged to ... Joseph

Mary's parents had agreed that Mary would marry Joseph. Joseph and Mary had not had sexual relations, but Joseph would have thought and spoken of her as his wife.

Luke 1:28

He came to her

"The angel came to Mary"

Greetings

This was a common greeting. It means: "Rejoice" or "Be glad."

you who are highly favored!

"you who have received great grace!" or "you who have received special kindness!"

Luke 1:29

she was very confused by his words, and she wondered what kind of greeting this could be

Mary understood the meaning of the individual words, but she did not understand why the angel said this amazing greeting to her.

Luke 1:30

you have found favor with God

"God has decided to give you his grace" or "God is showing you his kindness"

Luke 1:31

you will conceive in your womb

"you will become pregnant"

Luke 1:32

and will be called

"and his title will be"

the Son of the Most High

This refers to the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.

the Most High

“The Most High” is a title for God. It means that God is greater or more powerful than everyone else. Alternate translation: “the Greatest One”

give him the throne of his ancestor David

The throne represents the king's authority to rule. Alternate translation: "give him authority to rule as king as his ancestor David did"

Luke 1:33

the house of Jacob

"Jacob's descendants"

there will be no end to his kingdom

"his kingdom will never end"

Luke 1:34

How will this happen

Mary did not understand how it could happen, but she did not doubt that it would happen.

I have not known any man

Mary used this polite expression to say that she had not engaged in sexual activity. Alternate translation: "I am a virgin"

Luke 1:35

The Holy Spirit will overshadow you

"The Holy Spirit will cover you like a shadow." God's Spirit would supernaturally cause Mary to become pregnant even while she still remained a virgin. Make sure this does not imply any physical or sexual union—this was a miracle.

So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God

"So the baby that will be born will be holy, and people will call him the Son of God" or "So the holy one who will be born will have the title Son of God"

Luke 1:36

your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age

"your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son, even though she is very old" or "Your relative Elizabeth, even though she is old, has also become pregnant and will bear a son." Make sure it does not sound as though both Mary and Elizabeth were old.

the sixth month for her

"the sixth month of her pregnancy"

Luke 1:37

nothing will be impossible for God

"everything is possible for God" or "God can do anything"

Luke 1:38

I am the female servant of the Lord

"I am the Lord's servant." This shows her humility and obedience to the Lord. She was not boasting about being the Lord's servant.

Let it be for me according to your message

"Let this happen to me, according to your message" or "May what you have said happen to me"

Luke 1:39

Mary arose

"Mary got ready" or "Mary started out"

the hill country

"the hilly area" or "the mountainous part of Israel"

Luke 1:41

the baby in her womb jumped

"the baby in Elizabeth's womb moved suddenly"

Luke 1:42

cried out with a loud shout and said

The phrases "cried out" and "loud shout" mean the same thing and are used to show how excited Elizabeth was. You may want to combine them into one phrase. Alternate translation: "exclaimed loudly"

Blessed are you among women

"You are blessed more than any other woman"

the fruit of your womb

"the baby in your womb" or "the baby you will bear"

Luke 1:43

Why has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Elizabeth was surprised and very happy. Alternate translation: "How wonderful it is that the mother of my Lord has come to me!"

the mother of my Lord

It can be made clear that Elizabeth was calling Mary "the mother of my Lord" by adding the word "you." Alternate translation: "you, the mother of my Lord"

Luke 1:44

when the sound of your greeting came to my ears

"when I heard the sound of your greeting"

jumped for joy

"moved suddenly with joy" or "rolled over because he was so happy"

Luke 1:45

Blessed is she who believed ... that were told her from the Lord

Elizabeth is talking about Mary to Mary. Alternate translation: "Blessed are you who believed ... that were told you from the Lord"

Blessed is she who believed

"She is blessed because she believed" or "The Lord has blessed her because she believed"

there would be a fulfillment of the things that were told her from the Lord

"the things that were told her from the Lord would actually happen" or "the Lord's message to her would come true"

Luke 1:46

My soul praises

The word "soul" refers to the spiritual part of a person. Alternate translation: "My inner being praises" or "I praise"

Luke 1:47

my spirit has rejoiced

Both "soul" and "spirit" refer to the spiritual part of a person. Alternate translation: "my heart has rejoiced" or "I rejoice"

God my Savior

"God, the One who saves me" or "God, who saves me"

Luke 1:48

has looked at

"has looked at with concern" or "has cared about"

the low condition of his female servant

"the humble condition of his servant" or "his lowly servant" or "his unimportant servant"

from now on

"now and in the future"

all generations

"people in all generations"

Luke 1:49

the Mighty One has done great things

"God, the Powerful One, has done great things"

his name is holy

Here "name" refers to the entire person of God. Alternate translation: "he is holy"

Luke 1:50

from generation to generation

"through all generations" or "to people in every time period"

Luke 1:51

He has displayed strength with his arm

"He has shown that he is very powerful" or "He has shown his power by what he has done"

those who were proud about the thoughts of their hearts

"those who were proud in their thoughts" or "those who thought proudly in their hearts"

Luke 1:52

He has thrown down princes from their thrones

"He has taken away the authority of princes" or "He has made rulers stop ruling"

he has raised up those of low condition

"he has has made lowly people important" or "has given honor to humble people"

Luke 1:53

He has filled the hungry with good things

"He has given good food to hungry people" or "He has given poor people good things"

Luke 1:54

Israel his servant

If readers confuse this with the man named Israel, it could be translated as "his servant, the nation of Israel" or "Israel, his servants."

so as to remember to show mercy

Here "remember" represents doing what he promised. Alternate translation: "by remembering to show mercy" or "by continuing to show mercy"

Luke 1:55

as he said to our fathers

"just as he promised our ancestors he would do" or "because he promised our ancestors he would be merciful"

his descendants

"Abraham's descendants"

Luke 1:57

to deliver her baby

"to give birth to her baby"

Luke 1:58

had shown his great mercy to her

"had been very kind to her"

Luke 1:59

on the eighth day

"on the eighth day of the baby's life"

they came to circumcise the child

This was often a ceremony where one person circumcised the baby and friends were there to celebrate with the family. Alternate translation: "they came for the baby's circumcision ceremony"

after the name of his father

"his father's name" or "like his father"

Luke 1:61

who his called by this name

"who has that name"

Luke 1:62

They made signs to his father as to how he wanted him to be named

"They motioned to the baby's father to ask what name he wanted to give to the baby"

Luke 1:63

a writing tablet

"something on which to write"

astonished

greatly surprised or amazed

Luke 1:64

his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed

"God opened his mouth and freed his tongue" or "he was able to speak again"

Luke 1:65

Fear came on all who lived around them

"All who lived around them became afraid" or "All who lived around them were in awe of God"

All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of Judea

"All these matters were spoken about throughout all the hill country of Judea" or "People talked about all these events throughout the hill country of Judea "

Luke 1:66

stored them in their hearts

"thought carefully about these matters" or "thought a lot about these events"

What then will this child become?

Possible meanings are "What kind of great person will this baby grow up to be?" or "What a great man this child will become!"

the hand of the Lord was with him

The phrase "the hand of the Lord" refers to the Lord's power. Alternate translation: "the Lord's power was with him" or "the Lord was working in him powerfully"

Luke 1:67

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

See how you translated "filled with the Holy Spirit" in 1:15 and 1:41.

prophesied, saying

"prophesied by saying" or "prophesied, and this is what he said"

Luke 1:68

the God of Israel

"the God who reigns over Israel" or "the God whom the people of Israel worship"

Luke 1:69

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David

An animal's horn is a symbol of the animal's power to defend itself. The Bible often calls a powerful person a horn. Here, to raise up someone means to bring him into existence or to enable him to act. Alternate translation: "He has brought to us someone in the house of his servant David who has power to save us"

in the house of his servant David

David's "house" here represents his family, specifically, his descendants. Alternate translation: "in the family of his servant David" or "who is a descendant of his servant David"

Luke 1:70

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago

God speaking by the prophets' mouths represents God causing his prophets to say what he wanted them to say. Alternate translation: "as he caused his holy prophets who lived long ago to say"

Luke 1:71

salvation from our enemies

"who will save us from our enemies" or "He will save us from our enemies"

from the hand of all who hate us

"from the power of all who hate us" or "from the control of all who hate us"

Luke 1:72

to show mercy to our fathers

"to be merciful to our ancestors"

to remember his holy covenant

"to fulfill his holy covenant" or "to do what he said in his holy covenant he would do"

Luke 1:74

He swore to grant to us that we ... would serve him without fear

"He swore to make it possible for us ... to serve him without being afraid of our enemies"

to grant to us that we, having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies, would serve him without fear

"to rescue us from the control of our enemies and to make it possible for us to serve him without fear"

Luke 1:75

in holiness and righteousness

Possible meanings are "doing what is holy and righteous" or "being holy and righteous."

before him

"in his presence" or "in his sight"

Luke 1:76

you, child, will be called a prophet

"as for you, child, people will know that you are a prophet." Zechariah was speaking to his son, John.

of the Most High

"who serves the Most High" or "who speaks for God Most High"

will go before the face of the Lord

See how you translated a similar phrase in 1:17.

Luke 1:77

to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins

"to teach God's people about salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" or "to teach God's people how God saves people by forgiving their sins"

Luke 1:78

because of the tender mercy of our God

"because our God is compassionate and merciful"

the sunrise from on high

"the Savior, who is like the sunrise, will come from heaven"

Luke 1:79

to shine on those

"to give spiritual light to those"

those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death

Darkness can represent sin, separation from God, and the lack of spiritual truth. The shadow of death represents the threat of death. Alternate translation: "those who are in spiritual darkness and are in danger of dying"

to guide our feet into the path of peace

"to guide us into the path of peace" or "to teach us how to live at peace with God"

Luke 1:80

Now

This word is used here to mark a change in the main story. Luke quickly moves from the birth of John to the beginning of John's ministry as an adult.

became strong in spirit

"became spiritually mature" or "strengthened his relationship with God"

was in the wilderness

"lived in the wilderness." Luke does not say at what age John began to live in the wilderness.

until the day of his public appearance to Israel

"when he began to preach in public to Israel"

¹Now in those days, it came about that Caesar Augustus sent out a decree ordering that a census be taken of all the people living in the world.²This was the first census made while Quirinius was governor of Syria.³So everyone went to his own city to be registered for the census.

⁴Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.⁵He went there to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

⁶Now it came about that while they were there, the time came for her to deliver her baby.⁷She gave birth to a son, her firstborn child, and she wrapped him in long strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸There were shepherds in that region who were staying in the fields, guarding their flock at night.⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

¹⁰Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, because I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all the people.¹¹Today a Savior was born for you in the city of David! He is Christ the Lord!¹²This is the sign that will be given to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly there was together with the angel a great multitude from heaven, praising God and saying,

¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,

and may there be peace on earth

among people with whom he is pleased." ¹

¹⁵It came about that when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."¹⁶They hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger.

¹⁷After they had seen him, they made known what had been said to them about this child.¹⁸All who heard it were amazed at what was spoken to them by the shepherds.¹⁹But Mary kept thinking about all the things she had heard, treasuring them in her heart.²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, just as it had been spoken to them.

²¹When it was the end of the eighth day, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name he had been given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

²²When the required number of days for their purification had passed, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.²³As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb will be set apart to the Lord."²⁴So they offered a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

²⁵Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

²⁷Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple. When the parents brought in the infant Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,²⁸he took him into his arms and praised God, and he said,

²⁹"Now let your servant depart in peace, Lord,

according to your word.

³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,

³¹which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:

³²A light for revelation to the Gentiles

and glory to your people Israel."

³³His father and mother ² were amazed at what was said about him.³⁴Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in Israel and for a sign that is rejected—³⁵and a sword will pierce your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

³⁶A prophetess named Anna was there. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in her days. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her virginity,³⁷and was a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple but was serving with fastings and prayers, night and day.³⁸At that very hour she came near to them and began giving thanks to God, and she spoke about the child to everyone who had been waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹When they had finished everything they were required to do according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.⁴⁰The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

⁴¹His parents went every year to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.⁴²When he was twelve years old, they again went up at the customary time for the festival.⁴³After they had stayed the full number of days for the feast, they began to return home. But the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it.⁴⁴They assumed that he was with the group that was traveling with them, so they traveled a day's journey. Then they started to search carefully for him among their relatives and friends.

⁴⁵When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem and started to search carefully for him there.⁴⁶It came about that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.⁴⁷All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

⁴⁸When they saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."⁴⁹He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father's business?" ³⁵⁰But they did not understand what he meant by those words.

⁵¹Then he went back home with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

⁵²But Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature, and increased in favor with God and people.

¹Some ancient Greek copies have different spellings that suggest two possible meanings of the last phrase of verse 14, the second being preferred. The suggestions are: good will toward people or among people with whom he (God) is pleased .

²Some copies of the ancient Greek text have his father's name, Joseph .

³Some scholars translate "about my Father's business" as in my Father's house.

Luke 2:1

Now ... it came about that

These words mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

Caesar Augustus

"King Augustus" or "Emperor Augustus." He was the first emperor of the Roman Empire.

sent out a decree ordering

"sent messengers with a decree ordering"

that a census be taken of all the people living in the world

"that they count all the people in the world and write down their names"

the world

Here the word "world" represents the part of the world that Caesar August ruled. Alternate translation: "the Empire" or "the Roman world"

Luke 2:2

Quirinius

This is the name of a man.

Luke 2:3

his own city

This refers to the cities where people's ancestors lived. Alternate translation: "the city in which his ancestors lived" or "the city of his ancestors"

to be registered for the census

"to have his name written in the register" or "to be included in the official count"

Luke 2:4

to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem

"to Bethlehem, the city of King David" or "to Bethlehem, the town where King David had lived"

because he was of the house and family line of David

"because Joseph was a descendant of David"

Luke 2:5

who was engaged to him

"his fiancée" or "who was promised to him." An engaged couple was considered legally married, but they would not have been physically intimate.

Luke 2:6

while they were there

"while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem"

the time came for her to deliver her baby

"it was time for her to give birth to her baby"

Luke 2:7

wrapped him in long strips of cloth

In some cultures mothers comfort their babies by wrapping them tightly in cloth or a blanket. Alternate translation: "wrapped cloths firmly around him" or "wrapped him tightly in a blanket"

laid him in a manger

A manger is a box or frame where people put hay or other food for animals to eat. Mary may have used dry hay as a cushion for the baby.

there was no room for them in the inn

"there was no space for them to stay in the guest room.

Luke 2:9

An angel of the Lord appeared to them

"An angel from the Lord came to them" or "An angel who served the Lord suddenly stood near the shepherds"

Luke 2:10

that will bring great joy to all the people

"that will make all the people very happy"

Luke 2:11

the city of David

This refers to Bethlehem.

Luke 2:12

This is the sign that will be given to you

"God will give you this sign"

the sign

This was either a sign that would help the shepherds recognize the baby, or it was a sign to prove that what the angel said was true.

Luke 2:13

a great multitude from heaven

"a large group of angels from heaven"

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest

Possible meanings are 1) "Give honor to God in the highest place" or 2) "Give the highest honor to God."

may there be peace on earth among people with whom he is pleased

"may those people on earth with whom God is pleased have peace"

Luke 2:15

Let us now go

"We should go now"

Luke 2:17

they made known what had been said to them about this child

the shepherds told people what the angels had said to them about the baby

Luke 2:18

what was spoken to them by the shepherds

"what the shepherds told them"

Luke 2:19

treasuring them in her heart

Mary considered the things she heard about her son to be precious like a treasure. Alternate translation: "keeping them like treasure in her heart" or "carefully remembering them"

Luke 2:20

The shepherds returned

"The shepherds went back to the sheep"

glorifying and praising God

"talking about God's greatness and praising him"

Luke 2:21

When it was the end of the eighth day, when he was circumcised

"When the eight days ended and they circumcised the baby" or "Eight days after the baby was born, they circumcised him, and"

he was named Jesus, the name he had been given by the angel

"they named him Jesus, the name the angel had called him"

Luke 2:22

When the required number of days ... had passed

"When the number of days that God required ... had ended"

for their purification

"for them to become ceremonially clean"

they brought him up to the temple

"Mary and Joseph brought the baby up to the temple"

to present him to the Lord

"to bring him to the Lord"

Luke 2:23

As it is written in the law of the Lord

"They did this because Moses wrote in the law of the Lord" or "They did this because the law of the Lord says"

Every male who opens the womb

"The first male that a mother gives birth to" or "Every firstborn male"

Luke 2:25

Behold

The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story.

was righteous and devout

"did what was right and feared God" or "obeyed God's laws and feared God"

the consolation of Israel

"the one who would comfort the people of Israel"

the Holy Spirit was upon him

"the Holy Spirit was with him." God was with Simeon in a special way and gave him wisdom and direction.

Luke 2:26

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

"The Holy Spirit had shown him" or "The Holy Spirit had told him"

he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ

"Simeon would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ" or "he would see the Lord's Messiah before he died"

Luke 2:27

Led by the Spirit

"As the Holy Spirit directed him"

into the temple

"into the temple courtyard." Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building.

Luke 2:28

he took him into his arms

"Simeon took the infant Jesus into his arms" or "Simeon held Jesus in his arms"

Luke 2:29

Now let your servant depart in peace

"I am your servant; let me die in peace" or "Let me, your servant, die in peace"

according to your word

"as you promised"

Luke 2:30

my eyes have seen

"I have personally seen" or "I, myself, have seen"

your salvation

"the savior whom you sent" or "the one whom you sent to save people"

Luke 2:31

which you

Depending on how you translate the previous phrase, this may need to be changed to "whom you."

Luke 2:32

A light for revelation to the Gentiles

"This child will be like a light that reveals God to the the Gentiles"

and glory to your people Israel

"and will bring glory to your people Israel" or "and he will be the reason that glory will come to your people Israel"

Luke 2:33

what was said about him

"the things that Simeon said about the child"

Luke 2:34

said to Mary his mother

"said to the child's mother, Mary." Make sure it does not sound like Mary is the mother of Simeon.

Behold

"Look" or "Listen." By saying this, Simeon tells Mary that what he is about to say next is extremely important.

this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in Israel

"this child will cause many people in Israel to fall or rise"

Luke 2:35

a sword will pierce your own soul

"your sadness will be painful as though a sword pierced your soul"

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed

"so that he may reveal the thoughts of many people" or "so that he may reveal what many people secretly think"

Luke 2:36

Phanuel

This is a man's name.

She was advanced in her days

"she had lived many days" or "she had lived many years" or "she was very old." See how you translated similar words in Luke 2:7.

after her virginity

"after she married him"

Luke 2:37

a widow for eighty-four years

Possible meanings are 1) she was a widow and was now 84 years old, or 2) she became a widow and lived another 84 years.

She never left the temple

"She was always at the temple" or "She never stopped going to the temple"

with fastings and prayers

"by abstaining from food on many occasions and by offering prayers"

Luke 2:38

she came near to them

"she approached Mary and Joseph"

for the redemption of Jerusalem

"for God to redeem Jerusalem" or "for the one who would rescue Jerusalem" or "for the one who would set Jerusalem free"

Luke 2:39

When they had finished everything they were required to do according to the law of the Lord

"When Joseph and Mary had finished doing everything the law of the Lord required them to do"

their own town of Nazareth

"the town of Nazareth, where they lived"

Luke 2:40

he was full of wisdom

"he was becoming wiser" or "he was learning what was wise"

the grace of God was upon him

"God blessed him" or "God was with him in a special way"

Luke 2:42

they again went up

“they again went to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was in a region of high hills.

at the customary time

"at the normal time" or "as they did every year"

Luke 2:43

After they had stayed the full number of days for the feast

"After celebrating the feast for the required number of days" or "When the days for the feast ended"

Luke 2:44

They assumed

"They thought"

they traveled a day's journey

"they traveled one day" or "they went as far as people walk in one day"

Luke 2:46

in the temple

"in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"

in the middle of the teachers

"among the teachers" or "together with the teachers" or "surrounded by those who taught people about God"

Luke 2:47

at his understanding

"at how much he understood" or "that he understood so much"

and his answers

"and at how well he answered them" or "and that he answered their questions so well"

Luke 2:48

When they saw him

"When Mary and Joseph found Jesus"

why have you treated us this way?

They rebuked Jesus because he had not gone with them and this had caused the to worry about him. Alternate translation: "you should not have treated us like this!" or "you should not have done this to us!"

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention"

Luke 2:49

Why were you searching for me?

Jesus uses two questions to mildly rebuke his parents. Alternate translation: "You did not need to look for me."

Did you not know ... business?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have known ... business."

I had to be about my Father's business

Possible meanings are "I had to do the work my Father gave me" or "I had to be in my Father's house."

Luke 2:51

he went back home with them

"Jesus went back home with Mary and Joseph"

was obedient to them

"obeyed them" or "was always obeying them"

treasured all these things in her heart

See how you translated a similar phrase in 2:19.

Luke 2:52

to grow in wisdom and stature

"to become wiser and stronger." This refers to mental and physical growth.

and increased in favor with God and people

“and God and people were more and more pleased with him”

¹In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,²during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

³He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

⁴As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

"A voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

'Make ready the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

⁵Every valley will be filled,

and every mountain and hill will be made low,

and the crooked roads will be made straight,

and the uneven places will be built into roads,

⁶and all flesh will see the salvation of God.'"

⁷So John said to the crowds who were coming out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to run away from the wrath that is coming?

⁸Therefore, produce fruits that are worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

⁹Even now the ax is set against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire."

¹⁰Then the crowds kept asking him, saying, "What then are we to do?"

¹¹He answered and said to them, "If someone has two tunics, he should share with a person who has none, and the one having food should do the same."

¹²Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

¹³He said to them, "Do not collect more money than you have been ordered to collect."

¹⁴Some soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"

He said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, and do not accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your wages."

¹⁵Now as the people were eagerly expecting the Christ to come, everyone was wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ.¹⁶John answered by saying to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

¹⁷His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put out."

¹⁸With many other exhortations also, John was announcing the good news to the people.¹⁹When Herod the tetrarch had been reproved for marrying his brother's wife Herodias, and for all the other evil things that Herod had done,²⁰he added this to them all, that he locked John up in prison.

²¹Now it came about, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while he was praying, the heavens opened,²²and the Holy Spirit in bodily form came down on him like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: "You are my beloved Son. I am pleased with you."

²³When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years of age. He was the son (as it was assumed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,²⁴the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph.

²⁵Joseph was the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,²⁶the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda.

²⁷Joda was the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Salathiel, the son of Neri,²⁸the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

²⁹the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi.

³⁰Levi was the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

³¹the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,³²the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon.

³³Nahshon was the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,³⁴the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

³⁵the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah.

³⁶Shelah was the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

³⁷the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,³⁸the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Luke 3:1

Tiberius ... Pontius Pilate ... Herod ... Philip ... Lysanias

These are the names of men.

Judea ... Galilee ... Iturea ... Trachonitis ... Abilene

These are names of regions or territories.

tetrarch

"ruler"

Luke 3:2

during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas

"while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests"

the word of God came to John

"God spoke his message to John"

Luke 3:3

preaching a baptism of repentance

"and he preached that people should be baptized to show that they were repenting"

for the forgiveness of sins

"so that their sins would be forgiven" or "so that God would forgive their sins"

Luke 3:4

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

"This happened as Isaiah the prophet had written in the book that contains his words:" or "John fulfilled the message that the prophet Isaiah had written in his book:"

A voice of one crying out in the wilderness

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"

Make ready the way of the Lord

"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents preparing to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes"

Luke 3:5

Every valley will be filled ... every mountain and hill will be made low

When people prepare the road for an important person who is coming, they make the road level. This is part of the image started in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "They will fill in every valley ... they will level every mountain and hill" or "They will fill in every low place in the road ... they will remove every high place in the road"

Luke 3:6

will see the salvation of God

"will see how God saves people" or "will learn how God saves people from sin"

Luke 3:7

to be baptized by him

"for John to baptize them"

You offspring of vipers

Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. Here "offspring of" means "being like." Alternate translation: "You evil poisonous snakes" or "You are evil, like poisonous snakes"

Who warned you ... coming?

John was rebuking the people because they wanted him to baptize them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: "You cannot flee from God's wrath like this!" or "You cannot escape from God's wrath just by being baptized!"

from the wrath that is coming

"from the punishment that God is sending" or "from God's wrath on which he is about to act"

Luke 3:8

produce fruits that are worthy of repentance

Just as a plant is expected to produce fruit that is appropriate for that kind of plant, a person who says that he has repented is expected to live righteously. Alternate translation: "produce the fruit of righteousness that shows that you have repented"

to say within yourselves

"saying to yourselves" or "thinking"

We have Abraham for our father

"Abraham is our ancestor" or "We are Abraham's descendants." If it is unclear why they would say this, you may add the implied information: "so God will not punish us."

to raise up children for Abraham

"to create children for Abraham"

Luke 3:9

the ax is set against the root of the trees

This is an image of the punishment that is about to begin. Alternate translation: "God is like a man who has placed his ax against the root of the trees"

every tree ... is chopped down and thrown into the fire

"he chops down every tree ... and throws it into the fire"

Luke 3:10

kept asking him, saying

"kept asking him and said" or "kept asking John"

Luke 3:11

answered and said to them

"answered them, saying" or "answered them" or "said"

should do the same

"should share it with a person who does not have food"

Luke 3:13

than you have been ordered to collect

"than the government has told you to take"

Luke 3:14

What about us? What must we do?

"What must we soldiers do?"

do not accuse anyone falsely

"do not say that an innocent person has done something illegal"

Be content with your wages

"Be satisfied with your pay"

Luke 3:15

everyone was wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ

"they were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Christ"

Luke 3:16

I baptize you with water

"I baptize you using water" or "I baptize you by means of water"

not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals

"not important enough even to loosen the straps of his sandals." This was a duty of a slave. John was saying that the one who would come is so great that John was not even worthy enough to be his slave.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire

"He will baptize you using the Holy Spirit and fire" or "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire"

Luke 3:17

His winnowing fork is in his hand

John speaks of the Christ coming to judge people as being like a farmer who is ready to separate wheat seeds from chaff. Alternate translation: "He is like a farmer whose winnowing fork is in his hand"

winnowing fork

This is a tool for tossing wheat grains into the air to separate the wheat seed from the chaff. The heavier seed falls back down and the unwanted chaff is blown away by the wind.

threshing floor

The threshing floor was the place where people beat the wheat stalks so that the grains would fall off of them. Then they would winnow the grain.

to gather the wheat

"to gather the wheat seeds." This is the part of the wheat that is stored and used for food.

will burn up the chaff

The chaff is not useful for anything, so people burn it up.

Luke 3:18

With many other exhortations

"With many other strong urgings"

Luke 3:19

When Herod the tetrarch had been reproved

"When John reproved Herod the tetrarch"

for marrying his brother's wife Herodias

"because Herod married Herodias, his own brother's wife." This was evil because Herod's brother was still alive.

Luke 3:20

he locked John up in prison

Herod probably locked John up by ordering his soldiers to lock him up. Alternate translation: "Herod had his soldiers lock John up in prison" or "he told his soldiers to put John in prison"

Luke 3:21

General Information:

The events in verses 21 and 22 happened before John was arrested.

Now it came about

This phrase marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

when all the people were baptized

"while John baptized all the people." The phrase "all the people" refers to the people who were there with John.

Jesus also was baptized

"John baptized Jesus also"

the heavens opened

"the sky opened" or "the sky became open." This is more than a simple clearing of clouds. It might mean that a hole appeared in the sky.

Luke 3:22

the Holy Spirit in bodily form came down on him like a dove

"in physical form the Holy Spirit came down like a dove onto Jesus"

a voice came from heaven

"a voice from heaven said" or "God spoke to Jesus from heaven, saying"

my beloved Son

God was calling Jesus his own Son. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.

Luke 3:23

General Information:

Luke lists the ancestors of Jesus through the line of Joseph.

thirty years of age

"30 years old"

He was the son (as it was assumed) of Joseph

"It was thought that he was the son of Joseph" or "People assumed that he was the son of Joseph" or "People thought that Joseph was his father"

the son of Heli

"who was the Son of Heli" or "Joseph was the son of Heli" or "Joseph's father was Heli"

Luke 3:27

the son of Salathiel

The name Salathiel may be a different spelling of the name Shealtiel, which is in some versions.

Luke 3:38

Adam, the son of God

This list goes all the way back to the first man, Adam. God created Adam, and Luke indicates that God was Adam’s father.

¹Then Jesus, being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,²where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of that time he was hungry.

³The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

⁴Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"

⁵Then the devil led Jesus up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant of time.⁶The devil said to him, "I will give to you all this authority and all their glory, for they have been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.⁷So then, if you will bow down and worship me, it will be yours."

⁸But Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'You will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him.'"

⁹Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on the very highest point of the temple building, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.¹⁰For it is written,

'He will give orders to his angels regarding you,

to protect you,'

¹¹and, 'They will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

¹²Answering him, Jesus said, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

¹³When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he went away and left him until another time.

¹⁴Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire surrounding region.¹⁵Then he began to teach in their synagogues and he was praised by all.

¹⁶He came into Nazareth, where he had been raised, and, as was his custom, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read aloud.¹⁷The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the scroll and found the place where it was written,

¹⁸"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he anointed me

to announce good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set free those who are oppressed,

¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

²⁰Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.²¹He began to speak to them: "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

²²Everyone there spoke well of him and they were amazed at the gracious words which were coming out of his mouth, and they asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"

²³He said to them, "Surely you will say this proverb to me, 'Doctor, heal yourself. Whatever we heard that you did in Capernaum, do the same in your hometown.'"²⁴But he said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is received in his own hometown.

²⁵But in truth I tell you that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months and a great famine came upon all the land.²⁶But Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath in Sidon, to a widow living there.²⁷There were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."

²⁸All the people in the synagogue were filled with rage when they heard these things.²⁹They got up, forced him out of the town, and led him to the cliff of the hill on which their town was built, so they might throw him off the cliff.³⁰But he passed through the middle of them and he went to another place.

³¹Then he went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and he began to teach them on the Sabbath.³²They were astonished at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.

³³Now in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,³⁴"Ah! What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"

³⁵Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, "Do not speak! Come out of him!" When the demon had thrown the man down in the middle of them, he came out of him, and did not harm him in any way.

³⁶All the people were very amazed, and they kept talking about it with one another. They said, "What kind of words are these? He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out."³⁷So news about him began to spread into every part of the surrounding region.

³⁸Then Jesus left the synagogue and entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering with a high fever, and they pleaded with him on her behalf.³⁹So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and started serving them.

⁴⁰When the sun was setting, people brought to Jesus everyone who was sick with various kinds of diseases. He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.⁴¹Demons also came out from many of them, crying out and saying, "You are the Son of God!" Jesus rebuked the demons and would not let them speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

⁴²When daybreak came, he went out into a solitary place. Crowds of people were looking for him and came to the place where he was. They tried to keep him from going away from them.⁴³But he said to them, "I must also preach the gospel about the kingdom of God to many other cities, because this is the reason I was sent here."

⁴⁴Then he continued to preach in the synagogues throughout Judea.

Luke 4:1

and was led by the Spirit

"and the Spirit led him"

Luke 4:2

he was tempted by the devil

"the devil tempted Jesus" or "the devil tried to persuade him to disobey God"

He ate nothing

"Jesus ate nothing"

Luke 4:3

If you are the Son of God

The devil challenges Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God.

Luke 4:4

Jesus answered him, "It is written ... alone.'"

Jesus's answer shows that he would not turn the stone into bread. Alternate translation: "Jesus replied, 'I will not do that because it is written ... alone."'"

It is written

"The scriptures say"

Man does not live on bread alone

The word "bread" refers to food in general. Food is not enough to keep people alive; people need God. Jesus quotes this scripture to tell why he would not turn the stone into bread. Alternate translation: "People cannot live by only eating bread" or "It is not just food that makes a person live"

Luke 4:5

Then the devil led Jesus up ... world

"Then the devil led Jesus up to a very high place ... world." We do not know where the devil led Jesus and how he showed him all the kingdoms of the world.

in an instant of time

"in a moment of time" or "instantly"

Luke 4:7

it will be yours

"it will belong to you"

Luke 4:8

Jesus answered and said to him

"Jesus replied" or "Jesus said"

It is written

Again Jesus quoted scripture to tell why he would not do what the devil told him to do.

Luke 4:9

the very highest point

This was the corner of the temple roof. If someone fell from there, they would be seriously injured or die.

throw yourself down

"jump down to the ground"

Luke 4:10

For it is written

The devil is about to quote from the Psalms. He implies that if Jesus is really the Son of God, he will not be hurt if he jumps. Alternate translation: "For the scriptures say" or "You will not be hurt, because it is written"

He will give orders

"He" refers to God.

Luke 4:12

It is said

Jesus tells the devil why he will not do what the devil told him to do. Alternate translation: or "The scripture says" or "No, because it is said"

Do not put the Lord your God to the test

"Do not test the Lord your God"

Luke 4:13

had finished tempting Jesus

"had finished trying to persuade Jesus to sin"

he went away ... until another time

"the devil went away ... until another occasion"

Luke 4:14

in the power of the Spirit

"and the Spirit was giving him power"

news about him spread

"people spread the news about Jesus" or "people told other people about Jesus"

throughout the entire surrounding region

This refers to the areas or places around Galilee.

Luke 4:15

he was praised by all

"everyone said great things about him" or "all the people spoke about him in a good way"

Luke 4:16

where he had been raised

"where his parents had raised him" or "where he grew up" or "where he lived when he was a child"

as was his custom

"as he normally did." It was his usual practice to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

Luke 4:17

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him

"Someone gave him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah"

scroll of the prophet Isaiah

Isaiah had written his prophecy many years before, and someone else had copied it onto a scroll.

the place where it was written

"the place in the scroll with these words"

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

"The Holy Spirit is with me in a special way"

he anointed me

In the Old Testament, someone would pour ceremonial oil on a person when God chose that person do a special task. Alternate translation: "he poured oil on me" or "he chose me"

the poor

"poor people"

to proclaim freedom to the captives

"to tell people who are being held captive that they can go free" or "to set free the prisoners of war"

recovery of sight to the blind

"to give sight to the blind" or "to make the blind able to see again"

to set free those who are oppressed

"to set free those whom others treat harshly"

Luke 4:19

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

"to tell everyone that the Lord is ready to bless his people" or "to announce that this is the year that the Lord will show his kindness"

Luke 4:20

rolled up the scroll

People closed scrolls by rolling them like tubes to protect the writing inside.

the attendant

This refers to a synagogue worker who brought out and put away with proper care and reverence the scrolls containing the scriptures.

sat down

It was customary for teachers to be seated while teaching.

were fixed on him

"were focused on him" or "were looking intently at him"

Luke 4:21

this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing

"I am fulfilling what this scripture says right now while you are listening to me"

Luke 4:22

they were amazed at the gracious words which were coming out of his mouth

"They were surprised about the gracious things that he was saying."

Is this not the son of Joseph?

People thought that Joseph was Jesus's father. Joseph was not a religious leader, so they were surprised that his son would preach what he did. Alternate translation: "This is just Joseph's son!" or "His father is only Joseph!"

Luke 4:23

Doctor, heal yourself

If someone claims to be a doctor, some people might believe it only if he can heal himself. Jesus was saying that the people in Nazareth would not believe that he is a prophet. Instead they would challenge him to prove it by showing them some miracles.

Luke 4:24

Truly I say to you

"It is certainly true" or "I am telling you the truth." Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance, truth, and accuracy of the statement that follows.

no prophet is received in his own hometown

"people in a prophet's hometown do not accept him" or "people do not believe a prophet who comes from their own town."

Luke 4:25

during the time of Elijah

"when Elijah was prophesying in Israel"

when the sky was shut up

"when no rain fell down from the sky" or "when there was no rain at all"

a great famine came upon all the land

"there was a serious lack of food in all the land"

Luke 4:26

to Zarephath in Sidon, to a widow living there

The people of Sidon were Gentiles. Alternate translation: "to a Gentile widow living in the town of Zarephath in Sidon"

Luke 4:27

none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian

"the only one of them who was cleansed was Naaman the Syrian" or "the only one of them whom God cleansed was Naaman from the country of Syria"

were cleansed

People who had leprosy were considered to be unclean. When they were healed from leprosy, they were clean. Alternate translation: "were healed"

Naaman the Syrian

"the Gentile Naaman from Syria." Namaan was a man.

Luke 4:28

All the people in the synagogue were filled with rage when they heard these things

The people were very angry when Jesus spoke about God helping Gentiles instead of Jews.

Luke 4:31

Then he went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee

"Then Jesus went down to Capernaum, another city in Galilee." Capernaum and Nazareth are both in Galilee. Capernaum is lower in elevation than Nazareth.

Luke 4:32

astonished

greatly surprised, greatly amazed

Luke 4:33

who had the spirit of an unclean demon

"who was possessed by an unclean demon" or "who was controlled by an evil spirit"

he cried out with a loud voice

"he shouted loudly"

Luke 4:34

What do we have to do with you

The demon was challenging Jesus. Alternate translation: "What do we have in common with you" or "What right do you have to bother us"

What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth?

This challenge could be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "We have nothing to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth!" or "You have no right to bother us, Jesus of Nazareth!"

Luke 4:35

Jesus rebuked the demon, saying

"Jesus scolded the demon, saying" or "Jesus sternly said to the demon"

Luke 4:36

What kind of words are these?

The people were expressing how amazed they were that Jesus had the authority to command demons to leave a person. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "These words are amazing!" or "His words are amazing!"

He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power

"He has authority and power to command the unclean spirits"

Luke 4:38

was suffering with a high fever

"was very sick with a high fever"

pleaded with him on her behalf

"asked Jesus to help her" or "begged Jesus to help her"

Luke 4:39

So he stood over her

"So he went to her and leaned over her"

rebuked the fever, and it left her

"spoke sternly to the fever, and it left her" or "commanded the fever to leave her, and it did" or "commanded her skin to become cool, and did"

started serving them

"started to prepare food for them"

Luke 4:40

laid his hands on everyone of them

"placed his hands on everyone of them" or "touched each of them"

Luke 4:41

crying out and saying

"screaming" or "shouting." These were probably cries of fear or anger.

Luke 4:42

When daybreak came

"At sunrise" or "At dawn"

a solitary place

"a deserted place" or "a place where there were no people"

Luke 4:43

to many other cities

"to the people in many other cities"

this is the reason I was sent here

"this is what God sent me here to do"

Luke 4:44

throughout Judea

Since Jesus was in Galilee, the term "Judea" here probably refers to the entire region where the Jews lived at that time.

¹Now it happened while the people were crowding around Jesus and listening to the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.²He saw two boats pulled up by the edge of the lake. The fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets.³Jesus got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put it out in the water a short distance from the land. Then he sat down and taught the people out of the boat.

⁴When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Take the boat out into the deeper water and let down your nets for a catch."

⁵Simon answered and said, "Master, we have labored all night and caught nothing, but at your word, I will let down the nets."⁶When they had done this, they gathered a very large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.⁷So they motioned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. They came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

⁸But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord."⁹For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish which they had taken. ¹⁰And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, because from now on you will catch men."

¹¹When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

¹²It came about that while he was in one of the cities, a man full of leprosy was there. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

¹³Then Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately the leprosy left him.

¹⁴He instructed him to tell no one but told him, "Go on your way, and show yourself to the priest and offer a sacrifice for your cleansing, according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

¹⁵But the report about him spread even farther, and large crowds of people came together to hear him teach and to be healed of their sicknesses.¹⁶But he often withdrew into the deserted places and prayed.

¹⁷It came about on one of those days that he was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal.

¹⁸Now some men came carrying on a mat a man who was paralyzed, and they looked for a way to bring him inside in order to lay him down in front of Jesus.¹⁹They could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, so they went up to the housetop and let the man down through the tiles, on his mat, into the midst of the people, right in front of Jesus.

²⁰Seeing their faith, Jesus said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."

²¹The scribes and the Pharisees began to question this, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

²²But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, answered and said to them, "Why are you questioning this in your hearts?²³Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?²⁴But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,"—he said to the paralyzed man—"I tell you, get up, pick up your mat and go to your house."

²⁵Immediately he got up in front of them and picked up the mat on which he was lying. Then he went away to his house, glorifying God.

²⁶Everyone was amazed and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."

²⁷After these things happened, Jesus went out from there and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax collector's tent. He said to him, "Follow me."²⁸So Levi got up and followed him, leaving everything behind.

²⁹Then Levi gave a big banquet in his house for Jesus. There were many tax collectors there and other people who were reclining at the table and eating with them.³⁰But the Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

³¹Jesus answered them, "People who are well do not need a physician; only those who are sick.³²I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

³³They said to him, "The disciples of John often fast and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same. But your disciples eat and drink."

³⁴Jesus said to them, "Can anyone make the wedding attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them?³⁵But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, then in those days they will fast."

³⁶Then Jesus also spoke a parable to them. "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to mend an old garment. If he does that, he will tear the new garment, and the piece of cloth from the new garment will not fit with the cloth of the old garment.

³⁷No one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does that, the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine will be spilled, and the wineskins will be destroyed.³⁸But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.³⁹No one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"

Luke 5:1

Now it happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

listening to the word of God

"listening to Jesus teaching them the word of God"

Luke 5:2

washing their nets

They were cleaning their fishing nets in order to use them again to catch fish.

Luke 5:3

asked him to put it out in the water a short distance from the land

"asked Simon to move the boat a short distance from the land"

he sat down and taught the people out of the boat

"Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat" or "he taught the people while he sat in the boat." The people were on the shore.

Luke 5:4

let down your nets for a catch

"put your nets down into the water to catch fish"

Luke 5:5

at your word

"because you have told me to do this"

Luke 5:7

motioned

They were too far from shore to call, so they made gestures, probably by waving their arms.

so that they began to sink

"and the boats began to sink down into the water"

Luke 5:8

fell down at Jesus' knees

Possible meanings are 1) "knelt down before Jesus" or 2) "bowed down at Jesus' feet" or 3) "lay down on the ground at Jesus' feet." Peter did not fall accidentally. He did this as a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.

a sinful man

The word here for "man" means "adult male" and not the more general "human being."

Luke 5:9

at the catch of fish which they had taken

"at how many fish they had caught" or "at the large number of fish they had caught"

Luke 5:10

partners with Simon

"Simon's partners in the fishing business"

you will catch men

"you will fish for people" or "you will gather people for me" or "you will bring people to be my disciples." The men were fishermen. Jesus spoke of gathering people to follow him as if they would be fishing.

Luke 5:12

It came about

This phrase marks a new event in the story.

a man full of leprosy

"a man who was covered with leprosy." Leprosy was a skin disease.

he fell on his face

"he knelt and touched the ground with his face" or "he bowed down to the ground"

you can make me clean

The man was ceremonially unclean because of his skin disease. He wanted to be healed. Alternate translation: "please make me clean, because you are able" or "you can heal me so I will be clean"

Luke 5:13

Be clean

By giving the command, Jesus healed and cleansed them man. "Be healed"

the leprosy left him

"he no longer had leprosy"

Luke 5:14

He instructed him to tell no one but told him, "Go on your way

"Jesus said, 'Do not tell anyone, but go on your way"

offer a sacrifice for your cleansing

The law required a person to make a specific sacrifice after they were healed. This allowed the person to be ceremonially clean and able to again participate in religious rituals.

for a testimony

"as proof of your healing"

Luke 5:15

the report about him spread even farther

"the news about Jesus went out even farther" or "people kept telling the news about Jesus in other places"

Luke 5:16

the deserted places

"lonely places" or "places where there were no other people"

Luke 5:18

mat

sleeping pad or bed or stretcher

was paralyzed

"could not move himself"

Luke 5:19

they went up to the housetop

Houses had flat roofs, and some houses had a ladder or staircase outside to make it easy to go up there. Alternate translation: "they went up to the flat roof of the house"

Luke 5:20

Seeing their faith, Jesus said

"When Jesus saw that they believed that he could heal the man, he said to the man"

Man

This is a general word that people used when speaking to a man whose name they did not know. It was not rude, but it also did not show special respect. Some languages might use a word like "friend" or "sir."

your sins are forgiven you

"you are forgiven" or "I forgive your sins"

Luke 5:21

question this

"discuss this" or "reason about this"

Who is this who speaks blasphemies?

This shows how shocked and angry they were at what Jesus said. Alternate translation: "This man is blaspheming God!" or "He blasphemes God by saying that!"

Who can forgive sins but God alone?

This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can forgive sins but God alone!" or "God is the only one who can forgive sins!"

Luke 5:22

Why are you questioning this in your hearts?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not argue about this in your hearts." or "You should not doubt that I have the authority to forgive sins."

in your hearts

Here, "hearts" refers to people's minds or inner beings.

Luke 5:23

Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: "You may think that it is easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven' than it is to say 'Get up and walk.'"

Luke 5:24

you may know

Jesus was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees.

the Son of Man has authority

Jesus was referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, have authority"

I tell you

Jesus was saying this to the paralyzed man.

Luke 5:25

he got up

"the man stood up"

Luke 5:26

They were filled with fear

"They were very afraid" or "They were filled with awe"

extraordinary things

"amazing things" or "strange things"

Luke 5:27

Follow me

To "follow" someone is to become that person's disciple. Alternate translation: "Be my disciple" or "Come, follow me as your teacher"

Luke 5:29

were reclining at the table

It was customary to lie on a couch while eating at a feast and to prop oneself up with the left arm on some pillows. Alternate translation: "were eating at the table"

Luke 5:30

to his disciples

"to Jesus's disciples"

Why do you eat ... sinners?

The Pharisees and scribes express their disapproval that Jesus's disciples are eating with sinners. Alternate translation: "You should not eat ... sinners!"

sinners

people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins

Luke 5:31

People who are well ... sick

Jesus uses this proverb to begin to tell them that he calls sinners to repentance the way a physician calls sick people to be healed.

only those who are sick

"only those who are sick need a physician"

a physician

"a doctor"

Luke 5:32

I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance

"I did not come to call righteous people to repent. I came to call sinners to repent"

Luke 5:33

They said to him

"The religious leaders said to Jesus"

Luke 5:34

Can anyone make the wedding attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them?

Jesus uses this question to cause the people to think about something they already know. Fasting is a sign of sadness. People do not do this when the bridegroom is with them. Alternate translation: "No one tells the wedding attendants of the bridegroom to fast while he is still with them."

wedding attendants

"guests" or "friends." These are friends who celebrate with a man who is getting married.

Luke 5:35

the days will come when

"soon" or "some day"

the bridegroom will be taken away from them

"people will take the bridegroom away from them" or "the bridegroom will have to go away from them"

Luke 5:36

No one tears ... and uses it to mend... If he does that ... he will tear

"People never rip ... and use it to repair ... If they do that ... they will tear"

will not fit with

"will not match" or "will not be the same as"

Luke 5:37

new wine

"grape juice." This refers to wine that has not yet fermented.

wineskins

These were bags made out of animal skins. Alternate translation: "wine bags" or "bags made of skin"

the new wine will burst the skins

When the new wine would ferment and expand, it would break the old skins because they could no longer stretch out.

the wine will be spilled

"the wine will spill out of the bags"

Luke 5:38

fresh wineskins

"new wineskins" or "new wine bags"

Luke 5:39

wants the new

"wants the new wine"

The old is better

"The old wine is better"

¹Now it happened on a Sabbath that Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands, and eating the grain.²But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing something that is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?"

³Answering them, Jesus said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and the men who were with him?⁴He went into the house of God and took the bread of the presence and ate some of it, and also gave some to the men who were with him to eat, even though it was only lawful for the priests to eat it."⁵Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

⁶It happened on another Sabbath that he went into the synagogue and taught the people there. A man was there whose right hand was withered.⁷The scribes and the Pharisees were watching him closely to see whether he would heal someone on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him.⁸But he knew what they were thinking and he said to the man whose hand was withered, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." So the man got up and stood there.

⁹Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?"¹⁰Then he looked around at them all and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was restored.¹¹But they were filled with senseless rage, and they talked to each other about what they might do to Jesus.

¹²It happened in those days that he went out to the mountain to pray. He continued all night in prayer to God.¹³When it was day, he called his disciples to him, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles.

¹⁴The names of the apostles were Simon (whom he also named Peter) and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,¹⁵Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,¹⁶Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

¹⁷Then Jesus came down the mountain with them and stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.¹⁸They had come to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. People who were troubled with unclean spirits were also healed.¹⁹Everyone in the crowd kept trying to touch him because power to heal was coming out from him, and he healed them all.

²⁰Then he looked at his disciples and said,

"Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.

²¹Blessed are you who hunger now,

for you will be filled.

Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

²²Blessed are you when people hate you,

and when they exclude you and insult you

and reject your name as evil,

because of the Son of Man.

²³Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because you will surely have a great reward in heaven, for their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

²⁴But woe to you who are rich,

for you have already received your comfort.

²⁵Woe to you who are full now,

for you will be hungry later.

Woe to you who laugh now,

for you will mourn and weep later.

²⁶Woe to you when all men speak well of you,

for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

²⁷"But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.²⁸Bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.

²⁹To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer him also the other. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either.³⁰Give to everyone who asks you. If someone takes away something that belongs to you, do not ask him to give it back to you.

³¹As you want people to do to you, you should do the same to them.³²If you only love people who love you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners love those who love them.³³If you do good only to people who do good to you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners do the same.³⁴If you only lend to people from whom you hope to be repaid, what reward is there for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back the same amount.

³⁵But love your enemies and do good to them. Lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind toward unthankful and evil people.³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

³⁷Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over—will pour into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

³⁹Then he also told them a parable. "Can a blind person guide another blind person? If he did, they would both fall into a pit, would they not?⁴⁰A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

⁴¹Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?⁴²How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the piece of straw that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not even see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the piece of straw that is in your brother's eye.

⁴³For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor is there a rotten tree that produces good fruit.⁴⁴For each tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. For people do not gather figs from a thornbush, nor do they gather grapes from a briar bush.

⁴⁵The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces what is good, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

⁴⁶"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet you do not obey the things that I say?⁴⁷Every person who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them, I will tell you what he is like.⁴⁸He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep in the ground and built the house's foundation on solid rock. When a flood came, the torrent of water flowed against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.

⁴⁹But the person who hears my words and does not obey them, he is like a man who built a house on top of the ground without a foundation. When the torrent of water flowed against that house, it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was complete."

Luke 6:1

Now it happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

grainfields

These are large sections of land where people had scattered wheat seed to grow wheat.

heads of grain

These are the topmost parts of the grain plant, which is a kind of large grass. The heads hold the mature, edible seeds of the plant.

rubbing them between their hands

"rubbing the husks off with their hands." They were rubbing off the outer husks so they could eat the seeds.

Luke 6:2

Why are you doing something that is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?

The Pharisees considered even rubbing a handful of grain to be unlawful work. Alternate translation: "Why are you working on the Sabbath when it is against the law?"

Luke 6:3

Have you not even read what David did ... him?

Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for not learning from the scriptures. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should learn from what you have read about what David did ... him!" or "Certainly you have read what David did ... him!"

Luke 6:4

the bread of the presence

This is the sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. It represented God's presence. Alternate translation: "the bread of God's presence" or "the sacred bread"

Luke 6:5

The Son of Man is

Jesus was referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am"

Luke 6:6

hand was withered

The man's hand was damaged in such a way that he could not stretch it. It may have been almost closed into a fist, making it look small and wrinkled.

Luke 6:7

were watching him closely

"were watching Jesus carefully"

so that they might find

"because they wanted to find"

Luke 6:9

to them

"to the scribes and Pharisees"

I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it?

Jesus asks this question so that the Pharisees would have to admit that he is right to heal on the Sabbath.

to do good or to do harm

"to help someone or to harm someone"

Luke 6:10

Stretch out your hand

"Hold out your hand" or "Extend your hand"

was restored

was healed

Luke 6:12

in those days

"around that time" or "not long after" or "one day around then"

he went out

"Jesus went out"

Luke 6:13

When it was day

"When it was morning" or "The next day"

whom he also named apostles

"whom he also made apostles" or "and he appointed them to be apostles"

Luke 6:14

his brother Andrew

"Simon's brother Andrew"

Luke 6:15

the Zealot

Possible meanings are 1) this title shows he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: "the patriot" or "the nationalist" or 2) this shows that he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: "the passionate one"

Luke 6:16

became a traitor

"later betrayed his friend" or "later turned Jesus over to enemies"

Luke 6:18

to be healed

"for Jesus to heal them"

People who were troubled with unclean spirits were also healed

"Jesus also healed people who were troubled with unclean spirits" or "Jesus also healed people whom unclean spirits were bothering"

Luke 6:19

power to heal was coming out from him

"he had power to heal people" or "he was using his power to heal people"

Luke 6:20

Blessed are you who are poor

"You who are poor receive God's favor" or "You who are poor benefit"

for yours is the kingdom of God

"the kingdom of God belongs to you" or "you are a citizen in God's kingdom" or "God is your king" or "God is your ruler"

Luke 6:21

you will laugh

"you will laugh with joy" or "you will be joyful"

Luke 6:22

because of the Son of Man

"because you associate with the Son of Man" or "because they reject me, the Son of Man"

Luke 6:23

in that day

"when they do those things" or "when that happens"

leap for joy

"jump with joy" or "be very happy"

Luke 6:24

woe to you

"how terrible it is for you" or "trouble will come to you." This indicates that God's anger is directed at them, or that something bad will happen to them.

your comfort

"what comforts you" or "what satisfies you" or "what makes you happy"

Luke 6:25

who are full now

"whose stomachs are full now"

Luke 6:26

when all men speak well of you

"when everyone says good things about you"

that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets

"their ancestors also spoke well of the false prophets"

Luke 6:27

love ... do good

Each of these commands is to be followed continually, not just a single time.

Luke 6:28

Bless ... pray

Each of these commands is to be followed continually, not just a single time.

Luke 6:29

To him who strikes you on the cheek

"If anyone hits you on one side of your face"

offer him also the other

"turn your face so that he can strike the other cheek too"

do not withhold

"do not prevent him from taking"

Luke 6:30

Give to everyone who asks you

"If anyone asks you for something, give it to him"

do not ask him to give

"do not require him to give" or "do not demand that he give"

Luke 6:31

As you want people to do to you, you should do the same to them

"You should do to people the same as what you want them to do to you" or "Treat people they way you want them to treat you"

Luke 6:32

what reward is there for you?

"what reward will you receive?" This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will not receive any reward for that."

Luke 6:34

people from whom you hope to be repaid

"people who you expect will repay you" or "people who you believe will repay you"

Luke 6:35

expecting nothing in return

"not expecting the person to return what you have given him" or "not expecting the person to give you anything"

your reward will be great

"you will receive a great reward" or "you will receive good payment" or "you will get good gifts because of it"

you will be sons of the Most High

It is best to translate "sons" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to human sons or children.

Luke 6:36

your Father

This refers to God. It is best to translate "Father" with the same word your language uses to refer to a human father.

Luke 6:37

Do not judge ... Do not condemn

"Do not judge people ... Do not condemn people"

and you

"and as a result you"

you will not be judged

Jesus does not say who will not judge. Possible meanings are 1) "God will not judge you" or 2) "no one will judge you"

you will be forgiven

Jesus does not say who will forgive. Possible meanings are 1) "God will forgive you" or 2) "people will forgive you"

Luke 6:38

it will be given to you

Jesus does not say who will give. Alternate translation: "and you will receive"

A good amount

"A generous amount" or "A large amount"

pressed down, shaken together and spilling over

These phrases emphasize that a great amount will be given. It will be like when someone puts a lot of grain into a container and he presses it down and shakes it so that it will fit. But even then there is so much grain that it spills over the top of the container.

it will be measured back to you

Jesus does not say who will measure things back to person. Alternate translation "they will measure things back to you"

Luke 6:39

Can a blind person guide another blind person?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We know that a blind person cannot guide another blind person."

If he did

"If a blind person guides another blind person"

Luke 6:40

everyone when he is fully trained

"every disciple who has been trained well" or "every student whose teacher has fully taught him"

Luke 6:41

Why do you look ... brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Jesus challenges the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another person's sins. Alternate translation: "Do not look ... brothers eye while you ignore the log that is in your own eye."

tiny piece of straw

"speck" or "splinter" or "bit of dust." Use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a person's eyes.

brother

Here "brother" refers to a fellow Jew or a fellow believer in Jesus.

log

"beam" or "plank"

Luke 6:42

How can you say ... your own eye?

This can be translated as a statement or a command. Alternate translation: "You should not say ... your own eye."

Luke 6:43

good tree

"healthy tree"

rotten fruit

"bad fruit" or "decaying fruit"

Luke 6:44

each tree is known

"people know the type of tree" or "people recognize a tree"

thornbush

a plant or shrub that has thorns

briar bush

a vine or shrub that has thorns

Luke 6:45

The good man

"A good person." The word "good" here means righteous or moral. The word "man" here refers to a person, male or female.

the good treasure of his heart

This represents a person's good thoughts and attitudes. Alternate translation: "the good things he keeps inside himself"

produces what is good

This represents the good person saying and doing good things. Alternate translation: "brings out what is good"

out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks

"whatever fills his heart will come out when he speaks" or "what he thinks in his heart affects what he says with his mouth"

Luke 6:46

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet you do not obey the things that I say?

This can be translated as a statement or a command." Alternate translation: "You call me Lord, Lord,' yet you do not obey the things that I say." or "Do not call me ' 'Lord, Lord,' and neglect to obey what I say."

Luke 6:47

Every person who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them, I will tell you what he is like

"I will tell you what every person is like who comes to me and hears my words and obeys them"

Luke 6:48

dug down deep in the ground and built the house's foundation on solid rock

Some cultures may not be familiar with this process of building a stable house. Alternate translation: "who worked hard and built a stable house"

the torrent of water flowed against that house

"the fast-moving water crashed against the house" or "the river beat on the house"

could not shake it

Possible meanings are 1) "could not cause the house to shake" or 2) "could not destroy the house."

because it had been well built

"because the man had built it well"

Luke 6:49

who built a house on top of the ground without a foundation

If people would not understand this, it can be expressed in a more general way. Alternate translation: "who did not build his house properly" or "who did not make his house strong"

the ruin of that house was complete

"that house was completely destroyed"

¹After Jesus had finished everything he was saying in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.

²Now a centurion had a slave who was highly regarded by him, and he was sick and about to die.³When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.⁴When they had come to Jesus, they asked him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,⁵because he loves our nation, and he is the one who built the synagogue for us."

⁶So Jesus continued on his way with them. But when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, because I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.⁷For this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you, but just say a word and my servant will be healed.⁸For I also am a man who is under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

⁹When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him said, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."¹⁰When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant was healthy.

¹¹Soon after that, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.¹²As he came near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a rather large crowd from the town was with her.¹³When the Lord saw her, he was deeply moved with compassion for her and said to her, "Do not cry."¹⁴Then he went up and touched the wooden frame on which they carried the body, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."¹⁵The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

¹⁶Then fear overcame all of them, and they kept praising God, saying, "A great prophet has been raised among us" and "God has looked upon his people."¹⁷This news about Jesus spread throughout the whole of Judea and all the neighboring regions.

¹⁸John's disciples told him about all these things. Then John called two of his disciples¹⁹and sent them to the Lord to say, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

²⁰When they had come near to Jesus, the men said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to say, 'Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?'"

²¹In that hour he healed many people from sicknesses and afflictions and from evil spirits, and to many blind people he gave sight.²²Jesus answered and said to them, "After you have gone on your way, report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind people are receiving sight, lame people are walking, lepers are being cleansed, deaf people are hearing, people who have died are being raised back to life, and the poor are being told good news.²³The person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions is blessed."

²⁴After John's messengers had gone away, Jesus began to say to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?²⁵But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear splendid clothing and who live in luxury are in kings' palaces.²⁶But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

²⁷This is he of whom it is written,

'See, I am sending my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way before you.'

²⁸I say to you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is."

²⁹(When all the people heard this, including the tax collectors, they declared that God is righteous, because they had been baptized with the baptism of John.³⁰But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

³¹"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?³²They are like children playing in the marketplace, who sit and call to one another and say,

'We played a flute for you,

and you did not dance.

We sang a funeral song,

and you did not cry.'

³³For John the Baptist came eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'³⁴The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'³⁵But wisdom is justified by all her children."

³⁶Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. So after Jesus entered into the Pharisee's house, he reclined at the table to eat.³⁷Behold, there was a woman in the city who was a sinner. When she found out that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfumed oil.³⁸As she stood behind him near his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with her hair and kissed them and anointed them with perfumed oil.

³⁹When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he thought to himself, saying, "If this man were a prophet, then he would know who and what type of woman is touching him, that she is a sinner."

⁴⁰Jesus responded and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."

He said, "Say it, Teacher!"

⁴¹Jesus said, "A certain moneylender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.⁴²When they could not pay him, he forgave them both. Therefore, which of them will love him more?"

⁴³Simon answered him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave the most."

Jesus said to him, "You have judged correctly."

⁴⁴Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, "You see this woman. I have entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.⁴⁵You did not give me a kiss, but from the time I came in she did not stop kissing my feet.

⁴⁶You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfumed oil.⁴⁷For this reason I say to you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven—for she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little."

⁴⁸Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

⁴⁹Those reclining together began to say among themselves, "Who is this that even forgives sins?"

⁵⁰Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Luke 7:1

in the hearing of the people

"to the people who were listening to him" or "to the people who were there" or "for the people to hear"

Luke 7:2

who was highly regarded by him

"whom the centurion valued" or "whom he respected"

Luke 7:4

asked him earnestly

"pleaded with him" or "begged him"

He is worthy

"The centurion is worthy"

Luke 7:5

our nation

"our people." This refers to the Jewish people.

Luke 7:6

continued on his way

"went along"

do not trouble yourself

The centurion was speaking politely to Jesus. Alternate translation: "do not trouble yourself by coming to my house" or "I do not wish to bother you"

to come under my roof

"to come into my house"

Luke 7:7

just say a word

The servant understood that Jesus could heal the servant just by speaking. Alternate translation: "just give the order" or "just give the command"

Luke 7:8

I also am a man who is under authority

"I also have someone over me that I must obey"

under me

"under my authority"

Luke 7:9

I say to you

Jesus said this to emphasize the surprising thing that he was about to tell them.

not even in Israel have I found such faith.

Jesus expected Jewish people to have this kind of faith, but they did not. He did not expect Gentiles to have this kind of faith, yet this man did. Alternate translation: "I have not found any Israelite who trusts me as much as this Gentile does!"

Luke 7:10

those who had been sent

"the people whom the Roman officer had sent to Jesus"

Luke 7:12

a man who had died was being carried out

"people were carrying out of the city a man who had died"

carried out, the only son of his mother (who was a widow), and a rather large crowd

"carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow. A rather large crowd"

Luke 7:13

was deeply moved with compassion for her

"felt very sorry for her"

Luke 7:14

he went up

"he went forward" or "he approached the dead man"

the wooden frame on which they carried the body

This was a stretcher or bed that they used to move the body to the burial place.

arise

get up"

Luke 7:15

The dead man

It may be necessary to make it clear that the man was not still dead. Alternate translation: "The man who had been dead"

Luke 7:16

fear overcame all of them

"fear filled all of them" or "they all became very afraid"

A great prophet has been raised among us

"A great prophet has appeared among us" or "A great prophet has come up among us"

God has looked upon his people

"God has cared for his people"

Luke 7:17

This news about Jesus spread

"People spread this news about Jesus" or "People told others this report about Jesus"

Luke 7:18

told him

"told John"

Luke 7:20

the men said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to say, 'Are you ... or should we look for another?'"

This sentence can be reworded so that it only has one direct quote. Alternate translation: "the men said that John the Baptist had sent them to him to ask, 'Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?'" or "the men said, 'John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask if you are the one who is coming, or if we should look for another.'"

Luke 7:21

In that hour

"At that time"

and from evil spirits

"and he healed people from evil spirits" or "and he set people free from evil spirits"

Luke 7:22

said to them

"said to John's messengers" or "said to the men that John sent"

the poor are being told the good news

"poor people are hearing the good news"

Luke 7:23

The person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions is blessed

"God blesses the person who does not stop believing in me because of my actions"

The person who does not ... is blessed

"Whoever does not ... is blessed" or "People who do not ... are blessed."

Luke 7:24

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He asks questions to lead them to think about what John is really like.

What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

"Did you go out to the desert to see a reed shaken by the wind? Of course not!" or "Surely you did not go out to the desert see a reed being shaken by the wind!"

A reed shaken by the wind

"Someone who is like a reed shaken by the wind"

Luke 7:25

But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes?

"Did you go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes? Of course not!" or "You certainly did not go out to see a man dressed in soft clothes!"

dressed in soft clothes

This refers to expensive clothing. Normal clothing was rough. Alternate translation: "wearing luxurious clothing"

kings' palaces

A palace is a large, expensive house that a king lives in.

Luke 7:26

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you

"Did you go out to see a prophet? Yes, I say to you," or "But you actually went out to see a prophet"

and more than a prophet

"and not just an ordinary prophet" or "and he is more important than a prophet"

Luke 7:27

This is he of whom it is written

"John is the one the prophet wrote about long ago"

before your face

"in front of you" or "to go ahead of you"

your ... your ... you

The words "your" and "you" are singular because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation.

Luke 7:28

I say to you

Jesus is speaking to the crowd, so "you" refers to the crowd.

among those born of women

"among those to whom a woman has given birth." This refers to all people. Alternate translation: "of all the people who have ever lived"

none is greater than John

"John is the greatest"

the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is

"whoever is least important in the kingdom of God is greater than John"

Luke 7:29

because they had been baptized with the baptism of John

"because they had let John baptize them" or "because John had baptized them"

Luke 7:30

rejected God's purpose for themselves

"rejected what God wanted them to do" or "chose to disobey what God told them"

they had not been baptized by John

"they did not let John baptize them" or "they rejected John's baptism"

Luke 7:31

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues speaking to the people about John the Baptist.

To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?

Jesus uses these questions to introduce a comparison. They can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is what I compare this generation to. This is what they are like."

the people of this generation

"the people who are alive now"

Luke 7:32

and you did not dance

"but you did not dance to the music"

and you did not cry

"but you did not cry with us"

Luke 7:33

eating no bread

If your language does not have a word for bread, you could translate it with a more general expression. Alternate translation: "not eating ordinary food"

you say, 'He has a demon.'

"you say that he has a demon"

Luke 7:34

The Son of Man came

"I, the Son of Man, came"

you say, 'Look, he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

"you accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners." or "you say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors sinners."

he is a gluttonous man

"he is a greedy eater" or "he continually eats too much food"

Luke 7:35

wisdom is justified by all her children

This appears to be a proverb that Jesus applied to this situation, probably to teach that wise people would understand that the people should not have rejected Jesus and John.

Luke 7:36

reclined at the table to eat

"sat down at the table to eat." It was the custom at a relaxed meal for men to eat while lying down comfortably around the table.

Luke 7:37

who was a sinner

"who lived a sinful lifestyle" or "who had a reputation for living a sinful life."

an alabaster jar of perfumed oil

"a jar made of soft stone with perfume in it"

Luke 7:38

anointed them with perfumed oil

"poured perfume on them"

Luke 7:39

he thought to himself, saying

"he said to himself"

If this man were a prophet, then he would know who and what type of woman is touching him, that she is a sinner

The Pharisee thought that Jesus was not a prophet because he allowed the sinful woman to touch him.

Luke 7:40

Simon

This was the name of the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home. This was not Simon Peter.

Luke 7:41

A certain moneylender had two debtors

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender"

five hundred denarii

"five hundred silver coins" or "five hundred days' wages"

and the other fifty

"and the other debtor owed fifty denarii"

Luke 7:42

he forgave them both

"he forgave their debts" or "he canceled their debts"

Luke 7:43

I suppose

Simon was cautious about his answer. Alternate translation: "Probably"

You have judged correctly

"You are right"

Luke 7:44

Jesus turned to the woman

Jesus directed Simon's attention to the woman by turning to her.

You gave me no water for my feet

"You did not give me water for my feet." It was a basic responsibility of a host to provide water and a towel for guests to wash and dry their feet after walking on dusty roads.

she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair

The woman used her tears and hair in place of the missing water and towel.

Luke 7:45

You did not give me a kiss

"You did not greet me with a kiss." A good host in that culture would greet his guests with a kiss on the cheek. Simon did not do this.

did not stop kissing my feet

The woman kissed the feet of Jesus rather than his cheek as a sign of extreme repentance and humility.

Luke 7:46

You did not anoint my head with oil

"You did not put oil on my head" or "You did not welcome me by anointing my head with oil." The custom was for the host to welcome an honored guest by putting oil on his head.

she has anointed my feet

The woman greatly honored Jesus by doing this. She demonstrated humility by anointing his feet instead of his head.

Luke 7:47

her sins, which were many, have been forgiven

"God has forgiven her many sins"

for she loved much

Her love was the evidence that her sins were forgiven. Some languages require that the object of "love" be stated. Alternate translation: "for she greatly loves the one who forgave her"

the one who is forgiven little, loves little

"anyone who is forgiven for only a few things loves little"

Luke 7:48

Your sins are forgiven

"You are forgiven" or "I forgive your sins"

Luke 7:49

Those reclining together

"The people who were reclining together around the table" or "The people who were at the table"

Who is this that even forgives sins?

The religious leaders knew that only God could forgive sins, but they did not believe that Jesus was God. This question was probably an accusation. Alternate translation: "Who is this man who claims to forgive sins?” or “This man says that he forgives sins. Who does he think he is?”

Luke 7:50

Your faith has saved you

"Because of your faith, you are saved" or "Because you believe, God has saved you"

Go in peace

This is a way of saying good-bye while giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: "May you have peace as you go"

¹It happened soon afterward that Jesus began traveling around to different cities and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him,²as well as certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been driven out;³Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; Susanna; and many others, who, out of their possessions, provided for their needs.

⁴While a large crowd of people was gathering, and people were coming to him from town after town, he told a parable:⁵"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell beside the road and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky devoured it.⁶Some fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

⁷Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up together with the seed and choked it.⁸But some fell on good soil and produced a crop that was a hundred times greater." After Jesus had said these things, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."

⁹His disciples asked him what this parable meant.¹⁰He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but for others I speak in parables, so that

'seeing they may not see,

and hearing they may not understand.'

¹¹Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.¹²The ones along the road are those who have heard, but then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so they may not believe and be saved.¹³The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But they have no root; they believe for a while, and in a time of testing they fall away.

¹⁴The seeds that fell among the thorns are people who hear the word, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.¹⁵But the seed that fell on the good soil, these are the ones who, hearing the word with an honest and good heart, hold it securely and bear fruit with patient endurance.

¹⁶"No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Rather, he puts it on a lampstand so that everyone who enters may see the light.¹⁷For nothing is hidden that will not be made known, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come into the light.¹⁸So listen carefully, for to the one who has, more will be given to him, but the one who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him."

¹⁹Then his mother and brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd.²⁰He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."²¹But Jesus answered and said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."

²²Now one day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." They set sail.²³But as they sailed he fell asleep. A terrible windstorm came down on the lake, and their boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.

²⁴Then Jesus' disciples came over to him and woke him up, saying, "Master! Master! We are about to die!"

He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm.

²⁵Then he said to them, "Where is your faith?"

But they were afraid and amazed, and they asked one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?"

²⁶They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.²⁷When Jesus stepped on the land, he was met by a certain man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but among the tombs.

²⁸When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and he said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me."²⁹For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness.

³⁰Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"

He said, "Legion," for many demons had entered into him.

³¹They kept begging him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

³²Now a large herd of pigs was there feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him to let them go into them, and he gave them permission.³³So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and was drowned.

³⁴When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and told about it in the city and countryside.³⁵So the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out. He was sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

³⁶Then those who had seen it told them how the man who had been possessed by demons had been healed.³⁷Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, for they were overwhelmed with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.

³⁸The man from whom the demons had gone out begged him to let him go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,³⁹"Return to your home and give a full account of what God has done for you." The man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what Jesus had done for him.

⁴⁰Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.⁴¹Behold, a man named Jairus, who was one of the leaders of the synagogue, came and fell down at Jesus' feet, and he begged him to come to his house⁴²because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve years of age, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds of people pressed together around him.

⁴³Now a woman was there who had been bleeding for twelve years ¹ and could not be healed by anyone.⁴⁴She came behind Jesus and touched the edge of his coat, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

⁴⁵Jesus said, "Who was it who touched me?"

When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds of people are all around you and they are pressing in against you."

⁴⁶But Jesus said, "Someone did touch me, for I know that power has gone out from me."

⁴⁷When the woman saw that she could not escape notice, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people she declared why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed.⁴⁸Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

⁴⁹While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the teacher any longer."

⁵⁰But when Jesus heard this, he answered Jairus, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be healed."

⁵¹When he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father of the child and her mother.⁵²Now all were mourning and wailing for her, but he said, "Do not weep; she is not dead but asleep."⁵³But they began to mock him, knowing that she was dead.

⁵⁴But he took her by the hand and called out, saying, "Child, get up!"⁵⁵Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He ordered them to get her something to eat.⁵⁶Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.

¹Scholars are divided whether the phrase and had spent all her money on physicians should be included here.

Luke 8:1

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark a new part of the story.

The twelve

"His twelve disciples" or "His twelve apostles"

Luke 8:2

who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases

"whom Jesus had set free from evil spirits and healed of diseases"

Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been driven out

"Mary, whom people called Magdalene, and from whom Jesus had driven out seven demons"

Luke 8:3

Joanna ... Susanna

They were two of the "certain women" mentioned in verse 2.

Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's manager

"Joanna, the wife of Herod's manager, Chuza." Joanna was Chuza's wife, and Chuza was Herod's manager.

provided for their needs

"provided what they needed" or "supported Jesus and his twelve disciples"

Luke 8:4

were coming to him

"were coming to Jesus"

Luke 8:5

A farmer went out to sow his seed

"A farmer went out to scatter some seed in a field" or "A farmer went out to scatter some seeds in a field"

some fell

"some of the seed fell" or "some of the seeds fell"

it was trampled underfoot

"people walked on it" or "people walked on them"

the birds of the sky devoured it

"the birds ate all of the seed" or "birds flew down and ate all of the seeds"

Luke 8:6

it withered away

"each plant became dry and shriveled up" or "the plants became dry and shriveled up"

it had no moisture

"it did not have enough water" or "they were too dry"

Luke 8:7

choked it

The thorn plants took all the nutrients, water, and sunlight, so the farmer's plants could not grow well.

Luke 8:8

produced a crop

"grew a harvest" or "grew more seeds"

a hundred times greater

"a hundred times greater than the seed that he sowed"

Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is saying that what he has just said is important, and people may need to take some effort to understand it. Alternate translation: "Let the one who has ears to hear listen" or "If anyone can hear, let him listen and understand" or "If you have ears to hear, then listen"

Luke 8:10

The knowledge ... of the kingdom of God has been given to you

"God has given to you the knowledge ... of the kingdom of God" or "You have received the knowledge ... of the kingdom of God"

the secrets of the kingdom of God

These are truths that have been hidden, but Jesus is now revealing them.

for others

"for other people." This refers to the people who rejected the teaching of Jesus and did not follow him.

seeing they may not see

"though they see, they will not perceive" or "though they see things, they will not understand them" or "though they see things happen, they will not understand what they mean"

hearing they may not understand

"though they hear, they will not understand" or "though they hear instruction, they will not understand the truth." This is a quote from the prophet Isaiah.

Luke 8:11

The seed is the word of God

"The seed is the message from God"

Luke 8:12

The ones along the road

"The seeds that fell along the path"

are those who have heard

"represent people who have heard" or "show what happens to people who have heard"

the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts

"the devil comes and takes away the message of God from their thoughts"

Luke 8:14

The seeds that fell among the thorns are people

"The seeds that fell among the thorns represent people"

they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life

"the cares and riches and pleasures of this life choke them"

the cares

"the things that people worry about"

pleasures of this life

"things in this life that people enjoy"

and their fruit does not mature

"and they do not bear ripe fruit" or "and, like a plant that does not produce mature fruit, they do not produce good works"

Luke 8:15

the seed that fell on the good soil, these are the ones

"the seed that fell on the good soil represents the people"

bear fruit with patient endurance

"produce fruit by enduring patiently" or "produce fruit by continued effort"or "like healthy plants that produce good fruit, they produce good works by persevering"

Luke 8:16

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues with another parable.

Luke 8:17

nothing is hidden that will not be made known

"everything that is hidden will be made known"

nor is anything secret that will not be known and come into the light

"and everything that is secret will be made known and will come into the light"

Luke 8:18

to the one who has, more will be given to him

"whoever has understanding will be given more understanding" or "God will enable those who believe the truth to understand even more"

the one who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him

"whoever does not have understanding will lose even the understanding he thinks he has" or "God will cause those who do not believe the truth not to understand even the little that they think they have understood"

Luke 8:20

He was told

"People told him" or "Someone told him"

Luke 8:21

My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it

The people who were coming to listen to Jesus were as important to him as his own family was. Alternate translation: "Those who hear the word of God and obey it are like a mother and brothers to me"

Luke 8:22

They set sail

"They started sailing" or "They started their trip"

Luke 8:23

he fell asleep

"Jesus began to sleep"

their boat was filling with water

The strong winds caused high waves, and the water went into the boat.

Luke 8:24

the raging of the water

"the violent waves"

they ceased

"the wind and the waves stopped" or "they became still"

Luke 8:25

Where is your faith?

Jesus rebukes them mildly because they do not trust him to take care of them. This can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have faith!" or "You should trust me!"

Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?

This question expresses shock and confusion over how Jesus is able to control the storm. Alternate translation: "What kind of man is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!"

Luke 8:26

the region of the Gerasenes

The Gerasenes were people from the city called Gerasa.

Luke 8:27

a certain man from the city who had demons

"a certain man from the city, and this man had demons"

who had demons

"who was controlled by demons" or "whom demons controlled"

tombs

These are places where people put dead bodies. They may have been caves or small buildings that the man could use for shelter.

Luke 8:28

he cried out

"he screamed" or "he shrieked"

fell down before him

"he knelt before Jesus" or "lay down before Jesus." He did not fall accidentally.

he said with a loud voice

"he said loudly" or "he shouted out"

What have you to do with me

"Why are you bothering me"

Son of the Most High God

It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.

Luke 8:29

many times it had seized him

"many times it had taken control of the man" or "many times it had gone into him." This tells about what the demon had done many times before Jesus met the man.

though he was bound ... and kept under guard

"though the people had bound him ... and guarded him"

he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness

"the demon would make him go into the wilderness"

Luke 8:30

Legion

A legion is a large number of soldiers or people. Alternate translation: "Battalion" or "Brigade" or "Army"

Luke 8:31

They kept begging him

"The demons kept begging Jesus"

Luke 8:32

was there feeding on the hillside

"was nearby eating grass on the hill"

Luke 8:33

rushed

ran very fast

Luke 8:35

found the man from whom the demons had gone out

"saw the man whom the demons had left"

in his right mind

"sane" or "behaving normally"

Luke 8:36

those who had seen it

"those who had seen what had happened"

the man who had been possessed by demons had been healed

"Jesus had healed the man whom demons had possessed" or "Jesus had healed the man whom demons had controlled"

Luke 8:37

the region of the Gerasenes

"that area of the Gerasenes" or "the area where the Gerasene people lived." See how you translated this in 8:26

they were overwhelmed with great fear

"they were very afraid"

and returned

"and returned across the lake" or "to go back to the other side of the lake"

Luke 8:39

give a full account of what God has done for you

"tell them everything about what God has done for you"

Luke 8:41

fell down at Jesus' feet

Possible meanings are 1) "bowed down at Jesus' feet" or 2) "lay down on the ground at Jesus' feet." Jairus did not fall accidentally. He did this as a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.

Luke 8:42

was dying

"was about to die"

As Jesus was on his way

"As Jesus went with him"

the crowds of people pressed together around him

"the people were crowding tightly around Jesus"

Luke 8:43

had been bleeding

"had a flow of blood." She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition.

and could not be healed by anyone

"but no one could heal her"

Luke 8:44

touched the edge of his coat

"touched the fringe of his robe." Jewish men wore tassels on the edges of their robes. This is probably what she touched.

Luke 8:46

Someone did touch me

It may be helpful to distinguish this intentional touch from the accidental touches of the crowd. Alternate translation: "Someone deliberately touched me"

I know that power has gone out from me

Jesus did not lose power or become weak, but his power healed the woman. Alternate translation: "I know that healing power went out from me" or "I know that my power healed someone"

Luke 8:47

that she could not escape notice

"that she could not prevent people from noticing her" or "that she could not keep it a secret that she was the one who had touched Jesus"

she came trembling

"she came trembling with fear"

fell down before him

Possible meanings are 1) "bowed down in front of Jesus" or 2) "lay down on the ground at Jesus's feet." She did not fall accidentally. This was a sign of humility and respect for Jesus.

Luke 8:48

Daughter

This was a kind way of speaking to a woman. Your language may have another way of showing this kindness.

your faith has made you well

"because of your faith, you have become well" or "because you believe, you are healed"

Go in peace

This is a way of saying "Goodbye" and giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: "As you go, do not worry anymore" or "May God give you peace as you go"

Luke 8:49

the synagogue leader

This refers to Jairus (Luke 8:41).

Luke 8:50

she will be healed

"she will be well" or "she will live again"

Luke 8:51

When he came to the house

"When they came to the house." Jesus went there with Jairus. Some of Jesus's disciples also went with them.

he allowed no one to enter with him

"Jesus did not allow anyone to go inside with him"

Luke 8:53

began to mock him, knowing that she was dead

"laughed at him because they knew that the girl was dead"

Luke 8:54

he took her by the hand

"Jesus took hold of the girl's hand"

Luke 8:55

Her spirit returned

"Her spirit returned to her body" or Her life returned" or "She became alive again"

Luke 8:56

to tell no one

"not to tell anyone"

¹He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.²He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

³He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey—no staff, no wallet, no bread, no money, and no extra tunic.⁴Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave.

⁵Wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them."⁶Then they departed and went through the villages, proclaiming the gospel and healing everywhere.

⁷Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,⁸and others said that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had risen.⁹Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who is this about whom I hear such things?" And so he tried to see him.

¹⁰When the apostles returned, they told him everything they had done. Then he took them with him, and they went away privately to a town called Bethsaida.¹¹But when the crowds heard about this, they followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing.

¹²Now the day was about to come to an end, and the twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and food, because we are here in an isolated place."

¹³But he said to them, "You give them something to eat."

They said, "We have no more than five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all these people."

¹⁴(There were about five thousand men.) He said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each."

¹⁵So they did this, and made the people sit down.¹⁶Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, he blessed them and broke them into pieces, and he gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.¹⁷They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up—twelve baskets of broken pieces.

¹⁸It came about while Jesus was praying by himself, the disciples were with him. He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"

¹⁹They answered, "John the Baptist. But others say Elijah, and others say that one of the prophets from long ago has risen."

²⁰Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

²¹But he warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,²²saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and he will be killed and on the third day be raised."

²³Then he said to them all, "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.²⁴Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.²⁵What profit is there for a person to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself?

²⁶Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his own glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.²⁷But truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

²⁸Now about eight days after Jesus said these words, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.²⁹As he was praying, the form of his face was changed, and his clothes became brilliant white.

³⁰Behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,³¹who appeared in glory, talking with him about his departure, which he was about to bring to completion in Jerusalem.

³²Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him.³³As they were going away from Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)

³⁴As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.³⁵A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, the one who is chosen; listen to him."³⁶When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

³⁷Now on the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.³⁸Behold, a man from the crowd cried out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.³⁹You see, a spirit takes control over him and he suddenly screams; it causes him to have convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him and it bruises him badly.⁴⁰I begged your disciples to force it out, but they could not."

⁴¹Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."⁴²While the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

⁴³Then they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While they all were marveling at everything he was doing, he said to his disciples,⁴⁴"Let these words go deeply into your ears: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men."⁴⁵But they did not understand this statement. It was hidden from them, so they could not know its meaning, and yet they were afraid to ask about this statement.

⁴⁶Then an argument started among them about which of them would be the greatest.⁴⁷But Jesus, knowing the reasoning in their hearts, took a little child and put him by his side⁴⁸and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For whoever is least among you all is the one who is great."

⁴⁹John answered, "Master, we saw someone forcing out demons in your name and we prevented him, because he does not follow along with us."⁵⁰"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "because whoever is not against you is for you."

⁵¹When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.⁵²He sent messengers on ahead of him, and they went and entered into a Samaritan village to prepare everything for him.⁵³But the people there did not welcome him because he had set his face to go to Jerusalem.

⁵⁴When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?"⁵⁵But he turned and rebuked them,⁵⁶and they went on to another village.

⁵⁷As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."

⁵⁸Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

⁵⁹Then he said to another, "Follow me."

But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

⁶⁰But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim far and wide the kingdom of God."

⁶¹Then someone else said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those in my home."

⁶²Jesus replied to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Luke 9:1

He called

"Jesus called"

power and authority

Jesus gave them both the ability and the right to heal people.

to drive out all demons

"over all demons" or "to make all demons go away"

Luke 9:2

sent them out

"sent them to various places" or "told them to go"

to preach the kingdom of God

“to preach about the kingdom of God” or “to teach people about how God was going to show himself as king”

Luke 9:3

He said to them

"Jesus said to the twelve" or "Before they left, Jesus said to them"

Take nothing

"Do not take anything with you" or "Do not bring anything with you"

staff

a large stick that people use for balance when climbing or walking on uneven ground, as well as for defense against people who might attack them

wallet

a bag a traveler uses for carrying what he needs on a journey

bread

This is here used as a general reference to "food."

Luke 9:4

until you leave

"until you leave that town" or "until you leave that place"

Luke 9:5

Wherever they do not receive you, when you leave

"Here is what you should do in any town where the people do not receive you: When you leave"

shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them

Doing this would show that the preachers rejected the people of that town. They did not want even the dust of that town to remain on them.

Luke 9:6

they departed

"they left the place were Jesus was"

healing everywhere

"healing people wherever they went"

Luke 9:7

Now Herod

The word "Now" marks a pause in the main story. In verses 7-9, Luke tells about Herod.

Herod the tetrarch

This refers to Herod Antipas, who was the ruler of one-fourth of Israel.

he was perplexed

"he was confused" or "he could not understand"

it was said by some

"some people said"

Luke 9:8

still others that one of the prophets of long ago had risen

"still others said that one of the prophets of long ago had risen"

Luke 9:9

I beheaded John. Who is this

"It cannot be John because I had his head cut off. So who is this man"

And so he tried to see him

"And so he tried to see Jesus"

Luke 9:10

When the apostles returned

"When the apostles came back to where Jesus was"

they told him

"they told Jesus"

Luke 9:12

the day was about to come to an end

"the day was about to end" or "it was near the end of the day"

an isolated place

"a remote place" or "a place where no one lives"

Luke 9:13

five loaves of bread

A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked.

two fish—unless we go and buy food for all these people

"two fish. In order to feed all these people, we would have to go and buy food"

Luke 9:14

Have them sit down

"Tell them to sit down"

Luke 9:16

Taking the five loaves

"Jesus took the five loaves of bread"

he blessed them

"he blessed the bread and fish"

to set before the crowd

"to pass out to to crowd" or "to give to the crowd"

Luke 9:17

and were satisfied

"and had enough" or "and were content"

Luke 9:18

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event.

praying by himself

"praying alone." The disciples were with Jesus, but he was praying privately.

Luke 9:19

John the Baptist

"They say you are John the Baptist"

that one of the prophets from long ago has risen

"that you are one of the prophets from long ago and have risen from the dead"

Luke 9:20

Then he said to them

"Then Jesus said to his disciples"

Luke 9:21

he warned and instructed them to tell this to no one

"he strongly warned them not to tell anyone"

Luke 9:22

The Son of Man must suffer ... and he will be killed

Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man must suffer ... and I will be killed"

and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes

"and the elders, chief priests, and scribes will reject him"

he will be killed

"they will kill him"

on the third day

"on the third day of his death" or "on the third day after his death"

be raised

"God will make him alive again" or "he will live again"

Luke 9:23

to come after me

"to be my disciple" or "to be one of my disciples"

must deny himself

"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"

and take up his cross daily and follow me

"and carry his cross and follow me every day" or "and obey me every day even to the point of suffering and dying"

Luke 9:25

What profit is there for a person to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It will not benefit someone at all to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit himself."

to gain the whole world

"to get everything in the world"

lose or forfeit himself

"ruin himself or give up his life"

Luke 9:26

my words

"what I say" or "what I teach"

of him will the Son of Man be ashamed

"the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him"

the Son of Man ... when he comes in his own glory

Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man ... when I come in my own glory"

the Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

Luke 9:27

But truly I say to you

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance of what he will say next.

there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see

Jesus was speaking to the people he was talking about. Alternate translation: "some of you who are standing here will not experience death before you see"

will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God

"will see the kingdom of God before they die" or "will see the kingdom of God before you die"

Luke 9:30

Behold

The word "Behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: "Suddenly"

Luke 9:31

who appeared in glory

"and they appeared in glorious splendor" or "and they were shining brightly"

his departure

"his leaving" or "how Jesus would leave this world"

Luke 9:32

were heavy with sleep

"were very sleepy"

they saw his glory

"they saw brilliant light coming from Jesus" or "they saw very bright light coming out of Jesus"

Luke 9:33

As they were going away

"As Moses and Elijah were going away"

shelters

simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep

Luke 9:34

As he was saying this

"While Peter was saying these things"

they were afraid

They were not afraid of clouds. This was some kind of unusual fear came over them with this cloud. Alternate translation: "they were terrified"

they entered into the cloud

This can be expressed in terms of what the cloud did. Alternate translation: "the cloud surrounded them"

Luke 9:35

A voice came out of the cloud, saying

The voice belonged to God. Alternate translation: "God spoke to them from the cloud, saying"

my Son

Jesus is the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.

the one who is chosen

"the one whom I have chosen" or "I have chosen him"

Luke 9:36

Jesus was found alone

"they saw that Jesus was alone." Moses and Elijah were not with Jesus.

Luke 9:38

Behold, a man from the crowd cried out

The word "behold" alerts us to the new person. Alternate translation: "Now there was a man in the crowd who cried out"

Luke 9:39

he foams at the mouth

"foam comes out of his mouth." When a person has a seizure, he can have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to form around his mouth.

Luke 9:41

You unbelieving and perverse generation

"You unbelieving and corrupt people." Jesus says this to the crowd that has gathered.

how long must I be with you and put up with you?

Jesus expresses his sadness that the people do not believe. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have been with you so long, yet you do not believe. I wonder how long I must put up with you."

Bring your son here

Jesus is speaking to the father who addressed him.

Luke 9:43

everything he was doing

"everything Jesus was doing"

Luke 9:44

Let these words go deeply into your ears

"Listen carefully and remember"

The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men

Jesus is the Son of Man. Here "hands" refers to power or control. Alternate translation: "Someone will betray the Son of Man and put him under the control of men" or "Someone will betray me, the Son of Man, and put me into the hands of my enemies"

Luke 9:45

It was hidden from them

"It was a mystery to them"

Luke 9:46

among them

"among the disciples"

Luke 9:47

knowing the reasoning in their hearts

"knowing the reasoning in their minds" or "knowing what they were thinking"

Luke 9:48

in my name

"because of me"

the one who sent me

"God, who sent me"

Luke 9:49

John answered

"In reply, John said" or "John replied to Jesus"

forcing out demons in your name

"forcing out demons by using your name" or "using your name to make demons go away"

Luke 9:50

whoever is not against you is for you

"if someone is not working against you, he is working with you"

Luke 9:51

When the days drew near for him to be taken up

"When the time was coming for Jesus to go up to heaven"

he set his face

"he firmly decided" or "he made up his mind"

Luke 9:52

to prepare everything for him

"to make arrangements for his arrival"

Luke 9:53

did not welcome him

"did not want him to stay"

Luke 9:54

saw this

"saw that the Samaritans did not receive Jesus"

Luke 9:55

he turned and rebuked them

"Jesus turned and rebuked James and John"

Luke 9:57

someone

This was not one of the disciples.

Luke 9:58

Foxes

These are land animals similar to small dogs. They sleep in a den or a burrow in the ground.

birds in the sky

"birds that fly in the air"

the Son of Man has ... his head

Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, have ... my head"

nowhere to lay his head

"nowhere to rest his head" or "nowhere to sleep"

Luke 9:59

first let me go and bury my father

“before I do that, let me go and bury my father.” It is not clear whether the man’s father has already died or if the man wants to stay until his father dies. The main point is that he wants to do something else first before he follows Jesus.

Luke 9:60

Leave the dead to bury their own dead

Here "the dead" refers to people who are spiritually dead and do not respond to God. Alternate translation: "let spiritually dead people bury their own people who have died." The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus.

Luke 9:62

No one ... looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God

"Anyone who ... looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God."

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back

"No one who starts to plow his field and looks back"

is fit for the kingdom of God

"is useful for the kingdom of God" or "is suitable for the kingdom of God"

¹Now after these things, the Lord appointed seventy ¹ others, and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go.²He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

³Go on your way. See, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.⁴Do not carry a money bag, or a traveler's bag, or sandals, and greet no one on the road.

⁵Whatever house you enter, first say, 'May peace be on this house!'⁶If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him, but if not, it will return to you.⁷Remain in that same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

⁸Whatever town you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you⁹and heal the sick that are there. Say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come close to you.'

¹⁰Whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say,¹¹'Even the dust from your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you! But know this: The kingdom of God is near.'¹²I say to you that on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

¹³Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.¹⁴But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.¹⁵You, Capernaum, do you think you will be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades.

¹⁶The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

¹⁷The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons submitted to us in your name."

¹⁸Jesus said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven as lightning.¹⁹See, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way hurt you.²⁰Nevertheless do not rejoice only in this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice even more that your names are engraved in heaven."

²¹At that same hour he rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to those who are untaught, like little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well pleasing in your sight.

²²"All things have been entrusted to me from my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

²³Then he turned around to the disciples and said privately, "Blessed are those who see the things that you see.²⁴I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see the things you see, and they did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and they did not hear them."

²⁵Behold, an expert in the law stood up so that he might test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

²⁶Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

²⁷He gave an answer and he said, "You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

²⁸Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."

²⁹But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

³⁰Jesus answered him and said, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among robbers, who stripped him of his belongings, and beat him, and left him half dead.

³¹By chance a certain priest was going down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.³²In the same way, a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

³³But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion.³⁴He approached him and bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.³⁵The next day he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said, 'Take care of him, and whatever extra you spend, when I return, I will repay you.'

³⁶Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?"

³⁷He said, "The one who showed mercy to him."

Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

³⁸Now as they were traveling along, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.³⁹She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and heard his word.

⁴⁰But Martha was overly busy with preparing to serve a meal. She came up to Jesus and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

⁴¹But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,⁴²but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, which will not be taken away from her."

¹Many of the best ancient copies read seventy but some read seventy-two.

Luke 10:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a new event in the story.

seventy

Some versions say "seventy-two." You may want to include a footnote that says that.

sent them out two by two

"sent them out in groups of two" or "sent them out with two people in each group"

Luke 10:2

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

"There is a big crop, but not enough workers to bring it in." Jesus means there are many people ready to enter God's kingdom, but there are not enough disciples to go and teach the people.

Luke 10:3

Go on your way

"Go to the cities" or "Go to the people"

I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves

Wolves attack and kill young sheep. In the same way, some people will want to harm the disciples. Alternate translation: "I send you out, and some people will try to harm you like wolves that attack young sheep"

Luke 10:4

greet no one on the road

"do not greet anyone on the road." Jesus was telling them to go quickly to the towns and do this work. He was not telling them to be rude.

Luke 10:5

May peace be on this house

Here "house" refers to those who live in the house. Alternate translation: "May the people in this household receive peace"

Luke 10:6

a son of peace

"a peaceful person"

your peace will rest upon him

"he will have the peace you bless him with"

if not

"if there is no person of peace there" or "if the owner of the house is not a peaceful person"

it will return to you

"you will have that peace"

Luke 10:7

Remain in that same house

Jesus was saying that they should sleep at the same house every night they were there. Alternate translation: "Continue to sleep at that house"

for the laborer is worthy of his wages

The men Jesus was sending to the towns would be teaching and healing people, so the people in those towns should provide them with a place to stay and food.

Do not move around from house to house

"Do not sleep at a different house each night"

Luke 10:8

and they receive you

"if they welcome you"

eat what is set before you

"eat whatever food they give you"

Luke 10:9

the sick

"the sick people"

The kingdom of God has come close to you

Possible meanings are "God will soon rule everywhere as king" or "The proof that God is reigning is all around you."

Luke 10:10

and they do not receive you

"and the people reject you"

Luke 10:11

Even the dust from your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you

This is a symbolic action to show that they reject the people of the city. Alternate translation: "Just as you rejected us, we reject you. We even reject the dust from your town that clings to our feet"

Luke 10:12

on that day

"on judgment day" or "on the day when God judges all people"

it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town

"it will be easier for the people of Sodom than it will be for the people of that town" or "God will judge the people of that town more severely than he will judge the people of Sodom"

Luke 10:13

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

"How terrible it will be for you, Chorazin! How terrible it will be for you, Bethsaida!" or "Trouble will come to you, people of Chorazin and Bethsaida!" Chorazin and Bethsaida were towns.

If the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon

"If someone had performed the miracles for the people of Tyre and Sidon that I performed for you"

sitting in sackcloth and ashes

"wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes." This was a way for people to show that they were very sorry for their sins.

Luke 10:14

at the judgment

"when God judges everyone"

Luke 10:15

You, Capernaum

"You people of Capernaum." Capernaum was a town.

do you think you will be exalted to heaven?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. Alternate translation: "Do not think that you will be lifted up to heaven!" or "Do not think that God will honor you in heaven!"

you will be brought down to Hades

"you will go down to Hades" or "God will send you to Hades"

Luke 10:16

General Information

In verse 16 the word "you" refers to the seventy people that Jesus was sending to the towns to heal people and preach.

The one who listens to you listens to me

"When someone listens to you, it is as if they were listening to me"

the one who rejects you rejects me

"when someone rejects you, it is as if they were rejecting me"

the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me

"when someone rejects me, it is as if they were rejecting God, who sent me"

Luke 10:17

seventy

Some versions say “seventy-two.” You may want to include a footnote that says that.

in your name

Here "name" refers to Jesus's power and authority. Alternate translation: "because of your name" or "when we spoke with your power and authority"

Luke 10:18

I was watching Satan fall from heaven as lightning

Jesus recognized that God was defeating Satan when the 70 disciples were preaching.

Luke 10:19

authority to tread on serpents and scorpions

"authority to trample on snakes and crush scorpions." Scorpions are small animals with two claws and a poisonous stinger on their tail. Serpents and scorpions in this verse might represent evil spirits.

over all the power of the enemy

"I have given you authority to crush the power of the enemy" or "I have given you authority to defeat the enemy." The enemy is Satan.

Luke 10:20

your names are engraved in heaven

"God has written your names in heaven" or "your names are on the list of the citizens of heaven"

Luke 10:21

Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

Lord of heaven and earth

"Lord over everyone and everything in heaven and earth"

the wise and understanding

"wise and understanding people" or "people who think they are wise and understanding"

those who are untaught, like little children

"little children" or "those who are like little children"

for so it was well pleasing in your sight

"for it pleased you to do this"

Luke 10:22

All things have been entrusted to me from my Father

"My Father has handed everything over to me"

Father ... the Son

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. When Jesus says, "the Son," he is referring to himself. It is best to translate these words with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.

no one knows who the Son is except the Father

"the only one who knows who the Son is, is the Father"

no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those ... him

The only one who knows who the Father is, is the Son and those ... him"

those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him

"whoever the Son chooses to show the Father to"

Luke 10:23

Blessed are those who see the things that you see

"How good it is for those who see the things that you see me doing"

Luke 10:24

the things that you hear

"the things that you have heard me say"

Luke 10:25

Behold, an expert in the law

The word "Behold" alerts us to a new event and a new person in the story.

so that he might test him

"to challenge Jesus"

Luke 10:26

What is written in the law? How do you read it?

Jesus uses these questions to test the teacher's knowledge. Alternate translation: "Tell me what Moses wrote in the law and what you think it means."

How do you read it?

"What have you read in it?" or "What do you understand it to say?"

Luke 10:27

You will love ... your neighbor as yourself

"You must love ... your neighbor as yourself"

and your neighbor as yourself

"and you must love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"

Luke 10:29

But he, desiring to justify himself, said

"But the expert in the law wanted to find a way to justify himself, so he said" or "But wanting to appear righteous, the expert in the law said"

Who is my neighbor?

The man wanted to know whom he was required to love. Alternate translation: "Which people are my neighbors that I should love them?"

Luke 10:30

He fell among robbers, who

"He was surrounded by robbers, who" or "Some robbers attacked him. They"

stripped him of his belongings

"took everything he had" or "stole all his things"

half dead

"almost dead"

Luke 10:31

and when he saw him

"and when the priest saw the injured man" or "but when he saw him." A priest is a very religious person, so Jesus's listeners would expect the priest to help the man.

he passed by on the other side

The priest did not help the man. Alternate translation: "he did not help the man but walked past him on the other side of the road"

Luke 10:32

a Levite ... the other side

The Levites served God in the temple. Jesus’s listeners would have expected the Levite to help the man.

Luke 10:33

a certain Samaritan

The Jews hated the Samaritans and would have assumed that the Samaritan would not help the injured Jewish man.

When he saw him

"When the Samaritan saw the injured man"

he was moved with compassion

"he felt sorry for him"

Luke 10:34

bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them

He would have put the oil and wine on the wounds first to help them heal. Alternate translation: "he put wine and oil on the wounds and wrapped them with cloth"

his own animal

"his own pack animal." This was an animal that he used to carry heavy loads. It may have been a donkey.

Luke 10:35

two denarii

"two silver coins"or "two day's wages." "Denarii" is the plural of "denarius."

the host

"the innkeeper" or "the person who took care of the inn"

whatever extra you spend, when I return, I will repay you

"when I return, I will repay you whatever extra amount you spend"

Luke 10:36

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor ... robbers?

"What do you think? Which of these three men was a neighbor ... robbers?"

was a neighbor

"showed himself to be a true neighbor"

to him who fell among the robbers

"to the man whom the robbers attacked"

Luke 10:37

He said

"The expert in the law said"

Go and do the same

"In the same way, go and show mercy to anyone else who needs help"

Luke 10:38

as they were traveling along

"as Jesus and his disciples were traveling along"

Luke 10:39

sat at the Lord's feet

This was the normal and respectful position for a learner at that time. Alternate translation: "sat on the floor near Jesus"

heard his word

"listened to him teach"

Luke 10:40

overly busy

"very busy" or "too busy"

do you not care ... alone?

Martha is complaining that the Lord is allowing Mary to sit listening to him when there is so much work to do. Alternate translation: "it seems like you do not care ... alone."

Luke 10:42

which will not be taken away from her

"and no one will take it away from her"

¹It happened one day that Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."

²Jesus said to them, "When you pray say,

'Father, may your name be honored as holy.

May your kingdom come.

³Give us our daily bread each day.

⁴Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive everyone who is in debt to us.

Do not lead us into temptation.'"

⁵Jesus said to them, "Which of you will have a friend, and will go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend to me three loaves of bread,⁶since a friend of mine just came in from the road, and I do not have anything to set before him'?⁷Then the one inside who answered him may say, 'Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children, along with me, are in bed. I am not able to get up and give bread to you.'⁸I say to you, even if he does not get up and give bread to you because you are his friend, yet because of your shameless persistence, he will get up and give you as many loaves of bread as you need.

⁹I also say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.¹⁰For every asking person receives; and the seeking person finds; and to the person who knocks, it will be opened.

¹¹Which father among you, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? ¹¹²Or if he asks for an egg, will you give a scorpion to him?¹³Therefore, if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

¹⁴Now Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.¹⁵But some of the people said, "By Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he is driving out demons."

¹⁶Others tested him and sought from him a sign from heaven.

¹⁷But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and a house divided against itself falls.

¹⁸If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul.¹⁹If I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? Because of this, they will be your judges.²⁰But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

²¹When a strong man who is fully armed guards his own palace, his possessions are safe,²²but when a stronger man overcomes him, the stronger man takes away the armor in which the man trusted and plunders the man's possessions.²³The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters.

²⁴When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest. Finding none, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'²⁵Having returned, it finds the house had been swept clean and put in order.²⁶Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first."

²⁷It happened that, as he said these things, a certain woman raised her voice above the crowd and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you."

²⁸But he said, "Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it."

²⁹As the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, though no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.³⁰For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so too the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

³¹The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, someone greater than Solomon is here.

³²The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation of people and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, someone greater than Jonah is here.

³³No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.³⁴Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your body is full of darkness.³⁵Therefore, watch out that the light in you is not darkness.³⁶If then your whole body is full of light, not having any member in darkness, then your whole body will be like when a lamp shines its brightness on you."

³⁷When he had finished speaking, a Pharisee asked him to eat with him at his house, so Jesus went in and reclined.³⁸The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus did not first wash before dinner.

³⁹But the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of cups and bowls, but the inside of you is filled with robbery and evil.⁴⁰You senseless men! Did not the one who made the outside also make the inside?⁴¹Give what is inside as alms, and then all things will be clean for you.

⁴²"But woe to you Pharisees, because you tithe mint and rue and every other garden herb, but you neglect justice and the love of God. It is necessary to act justly and love God, without failing to do the other things also.

⁴³Woe to you Pharisees, for you love the front seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.⁴⁴Woe to you, for you are like unmarked graves that people walk over without knowing it."

⁴⁵One of the experts in the law said to him, "Teacher, what you say insults us too."⁴⁶Jesus said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law! For you put people under burdens that are hard to carry, but you do not touch the burdens with one of your own fingers.

⁴⁷Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.⁴⁸So you are witnesses and you consent to the works of your ancestors, for they indeed killed them and you build their tombs.

⁴⁹For this reason also, God's wisdom said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and they will persecute and kill some of them.'⁵⁰As a result, this generation will be charged for all the blood of the prophets shed since the foundation of the world,⁵¹from Abel's blood to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, this generation will be held responsible.

⁵²Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge; you do not enter in yourselves, and you hinder those who are entering."

⁵³After Jesus left there, the scribes and the Pharisees opposed him and argued with him about many things,⁵⁴lying in wait to catch him in something he might say.

¹The best ancient copies have the shorter reading. Some ancient copies have a longer reading, which also is found in Matthew 7:9: Which father among you, if your son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or a fish, will give him a snake?

Luke 11:1

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Luke 11:2

Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

may your name be honored as holy

"cause everyone to honor your name as holy." The phrase "your name" might refer to God himself. Alternate translation: "may all people honor you as holy"

May your kingdom come

"May you come and rule over everyone"

Luke 11:3

Give us

"Please give us"

our daily bread

Bread was an inexpensive food that people ate every day. It is used here to refer to food in general. Alternate translation: "the food we need each day"

Luke 11:4

Forgive us ... Do not lead us

"Please forgive us ... Please do not lead us"

Forgive us our sins

"Forgive us for sinning against you" or "Forgive our sins"

as we forgive

"since we also forgive"

who is in debt to us

"who has sinned against us" or "who has done wrong things to us"

Do not lead us into temptation

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Lead us away from temptation"

Luke 11:5

lend to me three loaves of bread

"let me borrow three loaves of bread" or "give me three loaves of bread and I will pay you later." The host does not have any food ready to give to his guest.

three loaves of bread

Bread is a food that people in Israel commonly ate. If people in your community do not know what bread is, you may translate it with a more general expression for food. Alternate translation: "some food"

Luke 11:6

since a friend ... to set before him'?

Jesus finishes asking the question that begins with the words "Which of you will have a friend" in verse 5. The whole question can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Imagine you have a friend and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, since a friend ... to set before him.'"

just came in from the road

It is implied that the visitor had come a long way. Alternate translation: "was traveling and just came to my house"

anything to set before him

"any food ready to give him"

Luke 11:8

because of your shameless persistence

"because you persist shamelessly" or "because you boldly continue to ask him"

Luke 11:9

ask ... seek, and you will find; knock

Jesus gives these commands to encourage his disciples to pray continually. Alternate translation: "keep asking God for what you need ... keep seeking what you need, and you will find it; keep knocking on the door"

it will be given to you

"God will give it to you" or "you will receive it"

knock

To knock on a door is to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. It can also be translated using the way people in your culture show that they have arrived, such as "call out" or "cough" or "clap."

it will be opened to you

"God will open the door for you"

Luke 11:11

Which father among you ... will give him a snake instead of a fish?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. It could also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "None of you fathers ... will give him a snake instead of a fish."

Luke 11:12

Or ... egg, will you give a scorpion to him?

This question could also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "And you would never give him a scorpion ... egg."

scorpion

A scorpion is similar to a spider, but it has a tail with a poisonous sting. If scorpions are not known where you are, you could translate this as "poisonous spider" or "spider that stings"

Luke 11:13

if you who are evil know

"since you who are evil know" or "even though you are sinful, you know"

how much more will your Father from heaven give ... him?

This can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you can be sure that your Father in heaven will give ... him."

Luke 11:14

Now

Here this word marks the beginning of a new event.

Jesus was driving out a demon

"Jesus was driving a demon out of a man" or "Jesus was making a demon leave a person"

a demon that was mute

"a demon that caused a man to be unable to speak"

When the demon had gone out

"When the demon had gone out of the man" or "When the demon left the man"

Luke 11:15

By Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, he is driving out demons

"He is driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons"

Beelzebul

This is another name for Satan.

Luke 11:16

Others tested him

"Other people tested Jesus." They wanted Jesus to prove that his authority was from God.

and sought from him a sign from heaven

"and demanded that he give them a sign from heaven." This was how they wanted Jesus to prove that his authority was from God.

Luke 11:17

Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate

The word "kingdom" here refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: "If people of a kingdom fight among themselves, they will destroy their kingdom"

a house divided against itself falls

The word "house" here refers to a family. Alternate translation: "if family members fight each other, they will ruin their family"

Luke 11:18

If Satan is divided against himself

"Satan" here refers to the demons who follow Satan as well as to Satan himself. Alternate translation: "If Satan and members of his kingdom are fighting among themselves"

how will his kingdom stand?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "his kingdom will not last." or "his kingdom will fall apart."

For you say I cast out demons by Beelzebul

"For you say that it is by the power of Beelzebul that I make demons leave people"

Luke 11:19

by whom do your followers drive them out?

"by whose power do your followers force demons to leave people?"

they will be your judges

"your followers will judge you"

Luke 11:20

by the finger of God

"by God’s power"

then the kingdom of God has come to you

"this shows that God's kingdom has come to you"

Luke 11:21

his possessions are safe

"no one can steal his things"

Luke 11:22

but when a stronger man overcomes him

"but when a stronger man attacks and defeats him"

takes away the armor

"removes the weapons and protection"

plunders the man's possessions

"steals the man's possessions"

Luke 11:23

The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters

"Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters" or "Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me scatter"

The one who is not with me is against me

"The one who does not support me opposes me"

the one who does not gather with me scatters

"the one who does not help me gather what belongs to me scatters it"

Luke 11:24

waterless places

"places that do not have water" or "deserts"

Finding none

"If the spirit does not find any rest there"

my house from which I came

This refers to the person in which the unclean spirit used to live. Alternate translation: "the person in whom I used to live"

Luke 11:25

it finds the house had been swept clean and put in order

"it sees that the person is like a house that is clean and organized"

Luke 11:26

worse than the first

"worse than his condition was before the spirit left him"

Luke 11:27

raised her voice above the crowd

"spoke loudly above the noise of the crowd"

Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you

"How good it is for the woman who bore you and nursed you at her breasts" or "How happy must be the woman who gave birth to you and nursed you"

Luke 11:28

Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it

"It is even better for those hear the message God has spoken and obey it"

Luke 11:29

This generation is an evil generation. It seeks ... to it

"The people living at this time are evil people. They seek ... to them" or "You people living at this time are evil people. You seek ... to you"

It seeks a sign

"It wants me to do a miracle to prove that I have come from God"

no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah

"The only sign that will be given to this generation is the sign of Jonah"

no sign will be given to it

"God will not give it a sign"

the sign of Jonah

"what happened to Jonah" or "the miracle that God did for Jonah"

Luke 11:30

For just as Jonah became a sign ... so too the Son of Man will be a sign

"For just as what happened to Jonah was a sign ... so too what happens to the Son of Man will be a sign"

the Son of Man will be a sign

"I, the Son of Man, will be a sign"

Luke 11:31

The Queen of the South

This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba was a kingdom south of Israel.

she came from the ends of the earth

"she came a very great distance" or "she came from a place very far away"

someone greater than Solomon is here

Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, who am greater than Solomon, am here"

Luke 11:32

for they repented at the preaching of Jonah

"for they repented when Jonah preached to them"

Luke 11:33

no one ... puts it in a hidden place or under a basket

"no one ... hides it or puts in under a basket" or "people ... do not put it in a hidden place or under a basket"

but on a lampstand

"but a person puts it on a lampstand" or "but they put it on a table"

Luke 11:34

Your eye is the lamp of the body

"Your eye is like the lamp of your body" or "your eye is like a lamp for you'

When your eye is good

"When your vision is good" or "when you see well"

the whole body is filled with light

"the light will fill your whole body" or "you will be able to see everything clearly"

your body is full of darkness

"you will not be able to see anything"

Luke 11:35

watch out that the light in you is not darkness

"look carefully to make sure that what you think is light is not actually darkness"

Luke 11:36

not having any member in darkness

"with none of its parts in darkness"

Luke 11:37

When he had finished speaking

"When Jesus had finished speaking"

reclined

It was the custom at a relaxed meal for men to eat while lying down comfortably around the table. Alternate translation: "sat down at the table" or "sat down to eat"

Luke 11:38

did not first wash

"did not first wash his hands" or "did not first wash his hands in order to be ritually clean"

Luke 11:40

You senseless men

"You fools"

Did not the one who made the outside also make the inside?

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for not understanding that what is in their hearts matters to God. Alternate translation: "The one who made the outside also made the inside!"

Luke 11:41

as alms

"as gifts to the poor"

all things will be clean for you

"you will be completely clean" or "you will be clean both inside and outside"

Luke 11:42

you tithe mint and rue and every other garden herb

"you give God one tenth of your mint and rue and other herbs from your garden." Jesus was giving an example of how extreme the Pharisees were in giving a tenth of their income.

every other garden herb

Possible meanings are 1) "every other vegetable" 2) "every other garden herb" or 3) "every other garden plant."

you neglect justice and the love of God

"you do not pay attention to doing what is just and to loving God"

without failing to do the other things also

"and to always do the other good things as well"

Luke 11:43

the front seats

"the best seats"

respectful greetings

"you like people to greet you with special honor"

Luke 11:44

unmarked graves

"graves without makers." Graves were ceremonially unclean because of the dead bodies in them. An unmarked grave did not have a mark to warn people that it was a grave and that there was a dead body there.

that people walk over without knowing it

If someone walked over a grave, he would become ceremonially unclean because the grave was unclean. Alternate translation: "that people walk over without knowing that it is a grave" or "that people walk over without knowing that is is unclean"

Luke 11:46

you put people under burdens that are hard to carry

"you put burdens on people that are too heavy for them to carry." Jesus speaks about the teachers giving people many rules as if they giving people heavy things to carry. Alternate translation: "you burden people by giving them too many rules to follow"

you do not touch the burdens with one of your own fingers

"you do not do anything to help people carry those burdens"

Luke 11:48

you consent to the works of your ancestors

"you agree with what your ancestors did"

Luke 11:49

God's wisdom said

"God in his wisdom said" or "God wisely said"

I will send to them prophets and apostles

"I will send prophets and apostles to my people"

they will persecute and kill some of them

"my people will persecute and kill some of the prophets and apostles"

Luke 11:50

this generation will be charged

"God will hold this generation responsible"

for all the blood of the prophets shed

This refers to the blood that was spilled when people killed God's prophets. Alternate translation: "for all the murders of the prophets"

since the foundation of the world

"since the creation of the world" or "since God created the world"

Luke 11:51

Zechariah

This was probably the priest in the Old Testament who rebuked the people of Israel for idolatry. This was not the Father of John the Baptist.

who was killed

"whom people killed"

Luke 11:52

you have taken away the key of knowledge

"you have taken away the key that opens the door to knowledge" or "you have made it impossible to get knowledge" or "you have made it impossible to know God"

you do not enter in yourselves

"you yourselves do not go in to get knowledge" or "you yourselves do not get knowledge" or "you yourselves do not know God"

and you hinder those who are entering

"you keep others from going in" or "you make it hard for others to enter" or "you make it hard for others to know God"

Luke 11:53

After Jesus left there

"After Jesus left the Pharisee's house"

Luke 11:54

lying in wait to catch him in something he might say

"waiting to trap him in something he might say." The scribes and Pharisees hoped Jesus would say something wrong so that they could accuse him of breaking God's law. Alternate translation: "hoping that he would say something wrong so they could accuse him."

¹In the meantime, when many thousands of the people were gathered together so much that they trampled on each other, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

²But there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known.³So whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.

⁴I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that they have no more that they can do.⁵But I will warn you about whom to fear. Fear the one who, after he has killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I say to you, fear him.

⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God.⁷But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear. You are more valuable than many sparrows.

⁸I say to you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God,⁹but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.¹⁰Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

¹¹When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you will speak in your defense, or what you will say,¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you should say."

¹³Then someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

¹⁴Jesus said to him, "Man, who appointed me a judge or a mediator over you?"¹⁵He said to them, "Watch that you keep yourselves from all greedy desires, because a person's life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions."

¹⁶Then Jesus told them a parable, saying, "The field of a rich man yielded abundantly,¹⁷and he reasoned with himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I do not have a place to store my crops?'¹⁸He said, 'This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all of my grain and other goods.¹⁹I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods stored up for many years. Rest easy, eat, drink, be merry."'

²⁰But God said to him, 'Foolish man, tonight your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'²¹That is what someone is like who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

²²Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.²³For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes.

²⁴Think about the ravens, that they do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn, but God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!²⁵Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan?²⁶If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

²⁷Think about the lilies—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin. Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.²⁸If God so clothes the grass in the field, which exists today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

²⁹Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not be anxious.³⁰For all the nations of the world seek these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

³¹But seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.³²Do not fear, little flock, because your Father is very pleased to give you the kingdom.

³³Sell your possessions and give alms. Make for yourselves purses which will not wear out—treasure in the heavens that does not run out, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys.³⁴For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

³⁵"Keep your loins girded and your lamps lit,³⁶and be like people waiting expectantly for their master when he returns from the marriage feast, so that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door for him.

³⁷Blessed are those servants whom the master will find watching when he comes. Truly I say to you, he will gird himself to serve and have them sit down at the table, and he will come and serve them.³⁸If the master comes in the second watch of the night, or if even in the third watch, and finds them ready, blessed are those servants.

³⁹But understand this, that if the master of the house had known the hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.⁴⁰You also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."

⁴¹Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable only to us, or also to everyone?"

⁴²The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager whom his lord will set over his other servants to give them their portion of food at the right time?⁴³Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing that when he comes.⁴⁴Truly I say to you that he will set him over all his property.

⁴⁵But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his return,' and begins to beat the male servants and female servants and to eat and drink and to become drunk,⁴⁶the lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know and will cut him in pieces and appoint a place for him with the unfaithful.

⁴⁷That servant, having known his lord's will and not having prepared or done according to his will, will be beaten with many blows.⁴⁸But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating, he will be beaten with a few blows. But everyone who has been given much, from them much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.

⁴⁹"I came to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled.⁵⁰But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am distressed until it is completed!

⁵¹Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.⁵²For from now on there will be five in one house divided—three people against two, and two people against three.⁵³They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

⁵⁴Jesus was saying to the crowds also, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.⁵⁵When a south wind is blowing, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens.⁵⁶Hypocrites, you know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the heavens, but how is it that you do not know how to interpret the present time?

⁵⁷Why do you not judge what is right for yourselves?⁵⁸For when you go with your adversary before the magistrate, on the way make an effort to be reconciled with him so that he does not drag you to the judge, and so that the judge does not deliver you to the officer, and the officer does not throw you into prison.⁵⁹I say to you, you will never come out from there until you have paid the very last bit of money."

Luke 12:1

In the meantime

"Meanwhile" or "At that time"

they trampled on each other

"they were stepping on each other" or "they were stepping on one another's feet"

he began to say to his disciples first of all

"Jesus first started speaking to his disciples and said to them"

Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy

Just as yeast spreads through a whole lump of bread dough, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees was spreading through the whole community. Alternate translation: "Guard yourself against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which spreads like yeast"

Luke 12:2

there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed

"everything that is concealed will be shown" or "people will find out about everything that others do secretly"

nothing hidden that will not be known

"every thing that is hidden will be known" or "people will know about everything that others try to hide"

Luke 12:3

whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light

"whatever you have said privately at night, people will hear it in the daylight"

what you have spoken in the ear

"whatever you have whispered to someone"

in the inner rooms

"in a closed room" or "in a closet." This refers to private speech.

will be proclaimed

"will be shouted loudly" or "people will proclaim"

upon the housetops

Houses in Israel had flat roofs, so people could go up and stand on top of them. If readers would be distracted trying to imagine how people would get up on the house tops, this could also be translated with a more general expression, such as "from a high place so that everyone will be able to hear."

Luke 12:4

they have no more that they can do

"they cannot cause any more harm"

Luke 12:5

Fear the one who, after ... has authority

The phrase "the one" refers to God. Alternate translation: "Fear God who, after ... has authority" or "Fear God, because after ... he has authority"

after he has killed

"after he kills you"

has authority to throw you into hell

This is a general statement about God's authority to judge people. It does not mean that he will do this to the disciples. Alternate translation: "has authority to throw people into hell"

Luke 12:6

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?

"You know that five sparrows are sold for only two small coins."

sparrows

very small, seed-eating birds

not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God

"God never forgets any of them" or "God indeed remembers every sparrow"

Luke 12:7

even the hairs of your head are all numbered

"God knows even how many hairs are on your head"

You are more valuable than many sparrows

"You are worth more to God than many sparrows"

Luke 12:8

everyone who confesses me before men

"if anyone confesses me before men" or "whoever tells others that he is my disciple" or "anyone who acknowledges before others that he is loyal to me"

the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man"

the Son of Man will also confess before the angels of God

"the Son of man will acknowledge before the angels of God that he is loyal to him"

Luke 12:9

he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God

"if anyone denies me before men, I will deny him before the angels of God" or "I will deny before the angels of God that I know him who denies me before men"

denies me

"claims that he does not know me" or "claims that he is not my disciple"

Luke 12:10

Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man

"If anyone speaks a word against the Son of man" or "Everyone who says something bad about the Son of Man"

it will be forgiven him

"he will be forgiven" or "God will forgive him for that"

blasphemes against the Holy Spirit

"speaks evil against the Holy Spirit"

but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven

"but God will not forgive him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit"

Luke 12:11

When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities

"When people bring you before synagogues, rulers, and authorities to accuse you "

Luke 12:12

in that hour

"at that time" or "then"

Luke 12:13

to divide the inheritance with me

"to share the property with me that our father left for us"

Luke 12:14

who appointed me a judge or a mediator over you?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the man. Alternate translation: "do not expect me to be your judge and mediator."

you

This word refers to the man and his brother.

Luke 12:15

Watch that you keep yourselves from all greedy desires

"Be careful to guard yourself from every form of greed" or "Be careful not to selfishly want more things"

the abundance of his possessions

"how many things he owns" or "how much wealth he has"

Luke 12:16

yielded abundantly

"grew a very good harvest"

Luke 12:17

What will I do, because I do not have a place to store my crops?

This question reflects what the man was thinking to himself. Alternate translation: "I do not know what to do, because I do not have any place big enough to store all my crops!"

Luke 12:18

barns

buildings where farmers store the crops they have harvested

all of my grain and other goods

"all of my grain and the other good things that I own"

Luke 12:19

I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ... years. Rest easy ... be merry."

"I will say to myself, 'I have ... years. So I will rest easy ... and be merry.'"

many goods

"many good things" or "many possessions"

Luke 12:20

tonight your soul is required of you

The "soul" refers to the life of a person. Alternate translation: "you will die tonight" or "I will take your life from you tonight"

the things you have prepared, whose will they be?

"who will own what you have stored up?" or "who will have what you prepared?" God uses a question to rebuke the man. Alternate translation: "the things that you have prepared will belong to someone else!"

Luke 12:21

stores up treasure for himself

"saves up valuable things for himself"

is not rich toward God

"does not use his riches for God"

Luke 12:22

about your body, what you will wear

"about your body and what you will wear" or "about having enough clothes to put on your body"

Luke 12:23

life is more than food

"life is more important than the food you eat"

the body is more than clothes

"your body is more important than the clothes you wear"

Luke 12:24

storeroom ... barn

These are places where food is stored.

How much more valuable you are than the birds!

"You are much more valuable than the birds!"

Luke 12:25

Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan?

"None of you can make your life any longer by being anxious!"

a cubit

the length from a man's elbow to the end of his fingers

Luke 12:26

If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Since you cannot do even this small thing, you should not worry about the other things."

Luke 12:27

Think about the lilies—how they grow

"Think about how the lilies grow"

lilies

Lilies are beautiful flowers that grow wild in the fields.

neither do they spin

The process of making thread or yarn is called "spinning." Alternate translation: "neither do they make thread" or "and they do not make yarn"

Solomon in all his glory

"Solomon, who had great wealth" or "Solomon, who wore beautiful clothes"

Luke 12:28

If God so clothes the grass in the field"

"If God clothes the grass in the field like that" or "If God gives the grass in the field such beautiful clothing" or "If God makes the grass in the field beautiful like this"

and tomorrow is thrown into the oven

"and someone throws it into a fire tomorrow"

how much more will he clothe you

"he will certainly clothe you even better"

Luke 12:29

Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink

"Do not focus on what you will eat and drink" or "Do not greatly desire more to eat and drink"

Luke 12:30

all the nations of the world

Here "nations" refers to unbelievers. Alternate translation: "the people of all the other nations" or "all the unbelievers in the world"

your Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

Luke 12:31

seek his kingdom

"focus on God's kingdom" or "greatly desire God's kingdom"

these things will be added to you

"these things also will be given to you" or "God will also give you these things"

Luke 12:32

little flock

As a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus cares for his disciples. Alternate translation: "dear sheep" or "dear group"

Luke 12:33

Sell your possessions and give alms

"Sell your possessions and give what you earn to the poor"

Make for yourselves purses which will not wear out

This is the result of giving to the poor. Alternate translation: "In this way you will make for yourselves money bags that will not get holes in them

that does not run out

"that does not diminish" or "that does not become less"

where no thief comes near

"where thieves do not come near"

no moth destroys

"moths do not destroy. "A "moth" is a small insect that eats holes in fabric. You may need to use a different insect, such as an ant or termite.

Luke 12:34

where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

"your heart will be with your treasure" or "your heart will be focused on you treasure"

your heart

Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts.

Luke 12:35

Keep your loins girded

People in Jesus's culture wore long robes. They would tuck the bottom of the robes into their belts to keep them out of the way while they worked. Alternate translation: "Always be ready to serve" or "Be dressed and ready to serve"

and your lamps lit

"and keep your lamps burning." They were to be ready to work even at night.

Luke 12:36

be like people waiting expectantly for their master

Jesus commands the disciples to be ready for him to return the same way servants should be ready for their master to return.

Luke 12:37

Blessed are those servants

"How good it is for those servants"

whom the master will find watching when he comes

"whose master finds them waiting for him when he returns"

he will gird himself to serve

"he will tuck in his robe to serve." If people are not familiar with this practice, it can also be translated in a more general way. Alternate translation: "he will dress himself to serve them"

Luke 12:38

in the second watch of the night

The second watch was between 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Alternate translation: "late at night" or "just before midnight"

or if even in the third watch

The third watch was from midnight to 3:00 a.m. Alternate translation: "or if he comes very late at night"

Luke 12:39

had known the hour

"had known when"

he would not have let his house be broken into

"he would not have let the thief break into his house" or "he would have stopped the thief from breaking into his house"

Luke 12:40

because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect

The similarity between a thief (Luke 12:39) and the Son of Man is that people do not know when either one will come, so they need to be ready. Jesus is not saying that he himself is a thief.

the Son of Man is coming

Jesus is talking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am coming"

Luke 12:42

Who then is the faithful and wise manager ... right time?

Jesus uses a question to answer Peter's question indirectly. Alternate translation: "I said it for everyone who is like the faithful and wise manager ... right time."

whom his lord will set over his other servants

"whom his lord puts in charge of his other servants"

Luke 12:44

Truly I say to you

This expression means they should pay special attention to what he is about to say.

will set him over all his property

"will put him in charge of all his property"

Luke 12:45

says in his heart

"thinks to himself"

My lord delays his return

"My master will not return soon"

Luke 12:46

in a day when he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know

"on a day when the servant does not expect him and at a time the servant does not know about"

Luke 12:47

That servant, having known his lord's will and not having prepared or done according to his will, will be beaten with many blows

"Because that servant knew his master's will and did not prepare or do according to it, the master will beat him severely"

his lord's will

"what his master wanted him to do"

Luke 12:48

he will be beaten with a few blows

"he will be beaten less severely"

But everyone who has been given much, from them much will be required

"The master will require much from everyone he has given much to" or "The master will require much from everyone who has received much"

from the one who has been trusted with much, even more will be asked

"the master will ask even more of the one who has been entrusted with much"

the one who has been entrusted with much

"the one to whom the master has given much property to take care of" or "the one to whom the master has given much responsibility"

Luke 12:49

I came to cast fire upon the earth

"I came to throw fire on the earth" or "I came to set the earth on fire." Possible meanings are 1) Jesus has come to judge people or 2) Jesus has come to purify believers or 3) Jesus has come to cause division among people.

how I wish that it were already kindled

"I wish very much that it was already lit" or "how I wish that the fire had already begun"

Luke 12:50

I have a baptism to be baptized with

Here "baptism" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: "I must go through a baptism of terrible suffering" or "I must be overwhelmed by suffering as a person being baptized is covered by water"

how I am distressed until it is completed

"I am terribly distressed and will be distressed until I complete this baptism"

Luke 12:51

Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division

"You may think that I came to bring peace on the earth, but I tell you I did not come for that. Instead, I came to bring division"

division

"hostility" or "discord"

Luke 12:52

there will be five in one house divided

"five people in one house will be divided"

against ... against

"will oppose ... will oppose"

Luke 12:54

A shower is coming

"Rain is coming" or "It is going to rain"

Luke 12:56

the earth and the heavens

"the earth and the sky"

how is it that you do not know how to interpret the present time?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. Alternate translation: "you should know how to interpret the present time."

Luke 12:57

Why do you not judge what is right for yourselves?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the crowd. Alternate translation: "You yourselves should discern what is right."

Luke 12:58

For when you go

"For if you go"

make an effort to be reconciled with him

"try to be reconciled with your adversary"

the magistrate ... the judge

These words refer to the same person.

does not deliver you to the officer

"does not hand you over to the officer" or "does not put the officer in charge of you"

Luke 12:59

the very last bit of money

"the entire amount of money that your adversary demands"

¹At that time, some people there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their own sacrifices.²Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way?³No, I tell you. But if you do not repent, all of you will perish in the same way.

⁴Or those eighteen people in Siloam on whom a tower fell and killed them, do you think they were worse sinners than other men in Jerusalem?⁵No, I say. But if you do not repent, all of you will also perish."

⁶Jesus told this parable, "Someone had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and looked for fruit on it but found none.⁷The man said to the gardener, 'Look, for three years I have come and tried to find fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down. Why let it waste the ground?'

⁸"The gardener answered and said, 'Sir, leave it alone this year while I dig around it and put manure on it.⁹If it bears fruit next year, good; but if it does not, cut it down!'"

¹⁰Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues during the Sabbath.¹¹Behold, a woman was there who for eighteen years had a spirit of weakness. She was bent over and was not able to straighten up completely.

¹²When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, "Woman, you are freed from your weakness."¹³He placed his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight again and glorified God.

¹⁴But the synagogue ruler was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. So the ruler answered and said to the crowd, "There are six days in which it is necessary to labor. Come and be healed then, not on the Sabbath day."

¹⁵The Lord answered him and said, "Hypocrites! Does not each of you untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it to drink on the Sabbath?¹⁶So too this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, should her bonds not be untied on the Sabbath day?"

¹⁷As he said these things, all those who opposed him were ashamed, but the whole crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things he did.

¹⁸Then Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like, and what can I compare it to?¹⁹It is like a mustard seed that a man took and threw into his garden, and it grew into a big tree, and the birds of heaven built their nests in its branches."

²⁰Again he said, "To what can I compare the kingdom of God?²¹It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the flour was leavened."

²²Then Jesus traveled through the towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem.²³Someone said to him, "Lord, are only a few people to be saved?"

So he said to them,

²⁴"Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because, I say to you, many will try to enter, but will not be able to enter.

²⁵Once the owner of the house gets up and locks the door, then you will stand outside and pound the door and say, 'Lord, Lord, let us in.'

"He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you or where you are from.'

²⁶"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in front of you and you taught in our streets.'

²⁷"But he will reply, 'I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!'

²⁸There will be crying and the grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom, but you are thrown out.²⁹They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and be seated at a table in the kingdom of God.³⁰Know this, those who are least important will be first, and those who are most important will be last."

³¹In that same hour, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Go and leave here because Herod wants to kill you."

³²Jesus said, "Go and tell that fox, 'Look, I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and the third day I will reach my goal.'³³In any case, it is necessary for me to continue on today, tomorrow, and the following day, since it is not acceptable for a prophet to be destroyed outside of Jerusalem.

³⁴Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to you. How often I desired to gather your children the way a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you did not desire this.³⁵See, your house is abandoned. I say to you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Luke 13:1

some people told him

"some people told Jesus"

whose blood Pilate mixed with their own sacrifices

Here "blood" refers to the death of the Galileans. Pilate ordered his soldiers to kill some Galileans while those Galileans were offering their sacrifices to God. Alternate translation: "whom Pilate killed while while they were offering sacrifices" or "whom Pilate's soldiers killed as they were sacrificing animals"

Luke 13:2

Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful ... way?

"Were these Galileans more sinful ... way?" or "Does this prove that these Galileans were more sinful ... way?" Jesus uses this question to challenge the understanding of the people. He answers the question in verse 3.

Luke 13:3

No, I tell you

Jesus answers the question he asked in 13:2. Here "I tell you" emphasizes "no." Alternate translation: "They certainly were not more sinful"

all of you will perish in the same way

"all of you also will die." The phrase "in the same way" means they will experience the same result; it does not mean that they will die by the same method.

Luke 13:4

Or those

This is Jesus's second example of people who suffered. Alternate translation: "Or consider those" or "Think about those"

Siloam

This is the name of an area in Jerusalem.

do you think they were worse sinners ... Jerusalem?

Jesus uses this question to challenge the understanding of the people. He answers the question in 13:4. Alternate translation: "were they more sinful ... Jerusalem?"

other men

"other people"

Luke 13:6

General Information:

Jesus begins to tell the crowd a parable to explain his last statement, "But if you do not repent, all of you will also perish."

vineyard

This may have been a vineyard where grapes were grown or simply a garden or orchard.

Luke 13:7

Why let it waste the ground?

"It is just wasting the ground." or "Do not let it waste the ground."

Luke 13:8

put manure on it

"put animal dung in the soil." Doing this makes the soil good for plants and trees.

Luke 13:10

Now

The author uses this word to mark the beginning of a new event.

during the Sabbath

"on a Sabbath day"

Luke 13:11

a spirit of weakness

"an evil spirit that made her weak"

Luke 13:12

Woman, you are freed from your weakness

By saying this, Jesus healed her. Alternate translation: "Woman, I now free you from your weakness" or "Woman, be healed from your illness"

Luke 13:13

He placed his hands on her

"He touched her"

she was made straight again

"she was able to stand up straight again"

Luke 13:14

was indignant

"was very angry"

be healed then

"let him heal you during those six days" or "ask for healing then"

Luke 13:15

Hypocrites!

"You hypocrites!" Jesus rebukes the religious leaders.

Does not each of you untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead it to drink on the Sabbath?

"Every one of you unties his ox or his donkey from the stall and leads it to drink water on the Sabbath day."

Luke 13:16

this daughter of Abraham

"this descendant of Abraham"

whom Satan bound

"whom Satan kept crippled by her illness" or "whom Satan bound with this disease"

eighteen long years

The word "long" here emphasizes that eighteen years was a very long time for the woman to suffer.

should her bonds not be untied on the Sabbath day?

Jesus speaks about the woman's disease as if it were ropes that bound her. Alternate translation: "it is right to untie the bonds of her illness on the Sabbath day."

Luke 13:18

What is the kingdom of God like, and what can I compare it to?

Jesus uses two questions to introduce what he is about to teach. Alternate translation: "I will tell you what the kingdom of God is like and what I can compare it to."

Luke 13:19

a mustard seed

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. Alternate translation: "a small seed"

threw into his garden

"planted in his garden." People planted some kinds of seeds by throwing them so that they scattered in the garden.

a big tree

"a very large shrub"

birds of heaven

"birds of the sky" or "birds that fly in the sky" or "birds"

Luke 13:21

like yeast

Only a little bit of yeast is needed to make a lot of dough rise.

three measures of flour

This is a large amount of flour, since each measure was about 13 liters. You may need to use a term that your culture uses to measure flour. Alternate translation: "a large amount of flour"

until all the flour was leavened

When flour dough is leavened, it expands. Alternate translation: "until the whole lump of dough grew big"

Luke 13:23

are only a few people to be saved?

"will God save only a few people?"

Luke 13:24

Struggle to enter through the narrow door

"Work hard to go through the narrow doorway." Jesus is speaking about God's kingdom as if it were a house with a small doorway. Both are hard to enter.

Luke 13:25

Once the owner

"After the owner" or "When the owner"

and pound the door

"and knock on the door" or "and hit the door." This is an attempt to get the owner's attention.

Luke 13:27

Get away from me

"Go away from me"

Luke 13:28

There will be crying and the grinding of teeth

"You will cry and grind your teeth." These are symbolic acts that show great regret and sadness.

but you are thrown out

"but you yourselves will have been thrown outside" or "but God will have forced you outside"

Luke 13:29

and be seated at a table in the kingdom of God

"and they will sit down at the feast in the kingdom of God"

Luke 13:30

will be first ... will be last

Being first represents being important or honored. Alternate translation: "will be the most important ... will be the least important"

Luke 13:31

Go and leave here because Herod wants to kill you

Translate this as a warning to Jesus. They were advising him to go somewhere else and be safe.

Luke 13:32

that fox

Jesus was calling Herod a fox. A fox is a small wild dog. Possible meanings are 1) Herod was not much of a threat at all or 2) Herod was deceptive.

Luke 13:33

In any case

"Nevertheless" or "However" or "Whatever happens"

it is not acceptable for a prophet to be destroyed outside of Jerusalem

The ancestors of the Jewish people had killed many of God's prophets in Jerusalem, and Jesus knew that the Jews would kill him there also. Alternate translation: "it is only in Jerusalem that it is acceptable for prophets to be killed."

Luke 13:34

who kills the prophets and stones those sent to you

"you people who kill the prophets and stone those whom God has sent to you"

How often I desired

"I have so often desired"

to gather your children

"to gather your people" or "to gather the people of Jerusalem"

the way a hen gathers her brood under her wings

This describes how a hen protects her young from harm by covering them with her wings.

Luke 13:35

your house is abandoned

This is a prophecy about what would soon happen to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "your house will be abandoned"

the name of the Lord

Here "name" refers to the Lord's power and authority.

¹It happened one Sabbath, when he went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees to eat bread, that they were watching him closely.²Behold, there in front of him was a man who was suffering from edema.³Jesus asked the experts in the Jewish law and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?"

⁴But they kept silent. So Jesus took hold of him, healed him, and sent him away.⁵He said to them, "Which of you who has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?"⁶They were not able to give an answer to these things.

⁷When Jesus noticed how those who were invited chose the seats of honor, he spoke a parable, saying to them,⁸"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the place of honor, because someone may have been invited who is more honored than you.⁹When the person who invited both of you arrives, he will say to you, 'Give this other person your place,' and then in shame you will proceed to take the lowest place.

¹⁰But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.¹¹For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

¹²Jesus also said to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors, as they may also invite you in return, and you will be repaid.

¹³But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind,¹⁴and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just."

¹⁵When one of them who sat at the table with Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!"

¹⁶But Jesus said to him, "A certain man prepared a large dinner and invited many.¹⁷At the dinner hour, he sent his servant to say to those who were invited, 'Come, because everything is now ready.'

¹⁸"They all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.'

¹⁹"Another said, 'I have bought five pairs of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.'

²⁰"Then another man said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'

²¹"The servant came and told his master these things. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'

²²"The servant said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and yet there is still room.'

²³"The master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.²⁴For I say to you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.'"

²⁵Now large crowds were going with him, and he turned and said to them,²⁶"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.²⁷Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

²⁸For which of you who desires to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost to calculate if he has what he needs to complete it?²⁹Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to mock him,³⁰saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'

³¹Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take advice about whether he is able with ten thousand men to fight the other king who comes against him with twenty thousand men?³²If not, while the other army is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for conditions of peace.³³So therefore, any one of you who does not give up all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

³⁴Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can it be made salty again?³⁵It is of no use for the soil or even for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Luke 14:1

he went into the house

"Jesus went into the house"

to eat bread

"to eat" or "for a meal." Bread was an important part of a meal and is used in this sentence to refer to a meal.

they were watching him closely

"they were watching him carefully." They wanted to see if they could accuse him of doing anything wrong.

Luke 14:2

was suffering from edema

Edema is swelling caused by water building up in parts of the body. Alternate translation: "was suffering because parts of his body were swollen with water"

Luke 14:3

Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not

"Does the law permit us to heal on the Sabbath, or does it forbid it"

Luke 14:5

Which of you who has a son or an ox ... will not immediately pull him out?

Jesus wanted them to admit that it was good to help others on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "Surely if your son or ox fell into a well on the Sabbath day, you would immediately pull him out, right?"

Luke 14:6

They were not able to give an answer to these things

They knew that Jesus was right, but they did not want to admit it. Alternate translation: "They had nothing to say about these things"

Luke 14:7

those who were invited

"those whom the leader of the Pharisees had invited to the meal"

the seats of honor

"the seats for honored people" or "the seats for important people"

Luke 14:8

When you are invited by someone

"When someone invites you"

because someone may have been invited who is more honored than you

"because the host may have invited someone who is more important than you are"

Luke 14:9

both of you

This refers to the two people who want the same seat of honor.

in shame

"you will feel ashamed and"

the lowest place

"the least important place" or "the place for the least important person"

Luke 14:10

go up higher

"move to a better seat"

Then you will be honored

"Then the one who invited you will honor you"

Luke 14:11

who exalts himself

"who tries to look important" or "who chooses an important position for himself"

will be humbled

"will be shown to be unimportant" or "will receive an unimportant position"

who humbles himself

"who chooses to look unimportant" or "who chooses an unimportant position for himself"

will be exalted

"will be shown to be important" or "will receive an important position"

Luke 14:12

as they may also invite you in return

"because they might invite you to their dinner or banquet"

you will be repaid

"in this way they will repay you"

Luke 14:14

you will be blessed

"God will bless you"

you will be repaid

"God will repay you"

in the resurrection of the just

"when God brings the righteous people back to life"

Luke 14:15

he said to him

he said to Jesus

Blessed is he

"Blessed is anyone" or "How good it will be for everyone"

he who will eat bread

The word "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "he who will eat at the meal"

Luke 14:16

General Information

Jesus tells a parable.

invited many

"invited many people" or "invited many guests"

Luke 14:17

At the dinner hour

"At the time for the dinner" or "When the dinner was about to begin"

those who were invited

"those he had invited"

Luke 14:18

to make excuses

"to say why they could not come to the dinner"

Please excuse me

"Please forgive me" or "Please accept my apology"

Luke 14:19

five pairs of oxen

People used pairs of oxen to pull farming tools. Alternate translation: “ten oxen to work in my fields”

I am going to try them out

"I am going to try using them"

Luke 14:20

I have married a wife

Use an expression that is natural in your language. Some languages may say "I just got married" or "I have taken a wife."

Luke 14:22

what you commanded has been done

"I have done what you commanded"

Luke 14:23

the highways and hedges

"the roads and paths outside of the city"

compel them to come in

"make anyone you find to come in"

that my house may be filled

"so that my house may be full of people"

Luke 14:24

who were invited

"whom I invited"

will taste my dinner

"will enjoy the dinner I have prepared"

Luke 14:25

Now large crowds were going with him

Now large crowds were going with Jesus

Luke 14:26

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father ... he cannot be my disciple

Here, "hate" is an exaggeration for the lesser love people are to show to people other than Jesus. Alternate translation: "If anyone comes to me and does not love me more than he loves his father ... he cannot be my disciple" or "Only if a person loves me more than he loves his own father ... can he be my disciple"

Luke 14:27

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple

"Only he who carries his own cross and comes after me can be my disciple" or "If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must carry his own cross and follow me"

Luke 14:28

General Information:

Jesus continues to explain to the crowd that it is important to count the cost of being a disciple.

For which of you who desires to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost to calculate if he has what he needs to complete it?

"If a person wanted to build a tower, he would first sit down and determine if he had enough money to complete it."

tower

This may have been a watchtower. Alternate translation: "a tall building" or "a high lookout platform"

Luke 14:29

Otherwise

"If he does not first count the cost"

when he has laid a foundation

"when he has built a base" or "when he has completed the first part of the building"

Luke 14:31

what king ... will not sit down first and take advice ... men?

Jesus uses another question to teach the crowd about counting the cost. Alternate translation: "you know that a king ... would sit down first and take counsel ... men."

take advice

Possible meanings are 1) "think carefully " or 2) "listen to his advisors."

Luke 14:32

If not

"If he realizes that he will not be able to defeat the other king"

for conditions of peace

"for terms to end the war" or "what the other king wants him to do in order to end the war"

Luke 14:33

any one of you who does not give up all his possessions cannot be my disciple

"only those of you who give up all your possessions can be my disciples"

give up all his possessions

"leave behind all that he has"

Luke 14:34

how can it be made salty again?

Jesus uses a question to teach the crowd. Alternate translation: "it cannot be made salty again." or "no one can make it salty again."

Luke 14:35

manure pile

People use manure to fertilize gardens and fields. Salt without taste is so useless it is not even worth mixing with manure. Alternate translation: "compost heap" or "fertilizer"

It is thrown away

"People throw it away"

He who has ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is saying that what he has just said is important, and people may need to take some effort to understand it. See how you translated this in Luke 8:8. Alternate translation: “Let the one who has ears to hear listen” or “If anyone can hear, let him listen and understand” or “If you have ears to hear, then listen"

¹Now all the tax collectors and other sinners were coming to Jesus to listen to him.²Both the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled to each other, saying, "This man welcomes sinners, and even eats with them."

³Jesus spoke this parable to them, saying,⁴"Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and then loses one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one until he finds it?⁵Then when he has found it, he lays it across his shoulders and rejoices.

⁶When he comes to the house, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.'⁷I say to you that even so, there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

⁸"Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she were to lose one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she has found it?⁹When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I lost.'¹⁰Even so, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

¹¹Then Jesus said, "A certain man had two sons,¹²and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of the wealth that falls to me.' So he divided his property between them.

¹³Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he owned and went to a country far away, and there he wasted all his wealth by living recklessly.¹⁴Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine spread through that country, and he began to be in need.

¹⁵He went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.¹⁶He was longing to eat the carob pods that the pigs ate because no one gave him anything.

¹⁷But when the young son came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, and I am here, perishing from hunger!¹⁸I will get up and leave here and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants."'

²⁰So the young son got up and left and came toward his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and he ran and embraced him and kissed him.²¹The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

²²"The father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet.²³Then bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and be merry!²⁴For my son was dead, and now he is alive. He was lost, and now he is found.' Then they began to be merry.

²⁵"Now his older son was out in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.²⁶He called to one of the servants and asked what these things might be.²⁷The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him in good health.'

²⁸"The older son was angry and would not go in, and his father came out and pleaded with him.²⁹But the older son answered and said to his father, 'Look, these many years I slaved for you, and I never neglected a command of yours, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might be merry with my friends,³⁰but when your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed for him the fattened calf.'

³¹"The father said to him, 'Child, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.³²But it was proper for us to be merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead, and is now alive; he was lost, and has now been found.'"

Luke 15:1

Now

This marks the beginning of a new event.

all the tax collectors

"many tax collectors"

Luke 15:2

and even eats with them

The word "even" shows that they thought it was bad enough that Jesus allowed sinners to come to him, but it was worse that he would eat with them.

Luke 15:3

General Information:

Jesus begins to tell several parables. These parables are situations that anyone could experience. They are not about particular people.

Luke 15:4

Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and then loses one of them, will not leave ... until he finds it?

"If one of you had a hundred sheep and then lost one of them, he would leave ... until he finds it."

Luke 15:5

lays it across his shoulders

"carries it on his shoulders"

Luke 15:7

even so

"in the same way"

there will be joy in heaven

"everyone in heaven will rejoice"

Luke 15:8

Or what woman ... would not light a lamp ... and seek diligently until she has found it?

Jesus uses a question to remind the people that if they lost a silver coin, they would look for it diligently. Alternate translation: "Any woman ... would certainly light a lamp ... and seek diligently until she has found it."

Luke 15:10

Even so

"In the same way" or "Just as people would rejoice with the woman"

over one sinner who repents

"when one sinner repents"

Luke 15:11

Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells another parable.

Luke 15:12

give me

The son wanted his father to give it to him immediately.

the portion of the wealth that falls to me

"the part of your wealth that you plan for me to receive when you die"

So he divided his property between them

"So the father divided his property between his two sons"

Luke 15:13

by living recklessly

"by living without thinking about the consequences of his actions" or "by living wildly"

Luke 15:14

a severe famine spread through that country

"a drought occurred there and the entire country did not have enough food"

to be in need

"to lack what he needed" or "to not have enough"

Luke 15:15

hired himself out to one of the citizens

"began to work for one of the citizens"

Luke 15:16

He was longing to eat

"He wished very much that he could eat"

the carob pods

These are the husks of beans that grow on the carob tree. Alternate translation: "the carob bean pods" or "the bean husks"

Luke 15:17

the young son came to himself

This phrase means he began to think clearly. Alternate translation: "he came to his senses"

How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread

This is part of an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: "All my father's hired servants have more than enough bread to eat"

bread

The word “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food"

perishing

"dying"

Luke 15:18

I will get up

This means that he will begin to act. It does not mean that he was sitting or lying down when he said these words.

I have sinned against heaven

Jewish people sometimes avoided saying the word "God" and used the word "heaven" instead. Alternate translation: "I have sinned against God"

Luke 15:19

I am no longer worthy to be called your son

"You called me son in the past, but now I am not worthy for you to call me son"

make me as one of your hired servants

"hire me and I will become one of your servants." This is a request, not a command.

Luke 15:20

While he was still far away

"While he was still far away from his father's house"

was moved with compassion

"had pity on him" or "loved him deeply from his heart"

embraced him and kissed him

The father did this to show his son that he loved him and was glad that the son was coming home. If people think that it is strange or wrong for a man to hug and kiss his son, you can substitute a way that men in your culture show affection to their sons. Alternate translation: "welcomed him affectionately"

Luke 15:21

I am no longer worthy to be called your son

"I am not worthy for you to call me your son"

Luke 15:22

the best robe

"the best coat" or "the best garment"

put a ring on his hand

A ring was a sign of authority that men wore on one of their fingers.

sandals

Wealthy people of that time wore sandals.

Luke 15:23

the fattened calf

People would give one of their young cows special food so that it would grow well. Then when they wanted to have a feast, they would eat that young cow. Alternate translation: "the best calf" or "the young animal we have been making fat"

kill it

"kill it and cook it"

Luke 15:24

my son was dead, and now he is alive

"it is as if my son were dead and became alive again" or "I felt like my son had died, but he is now alive"

He was lost, and now he is found

"It is as if I had lost my son and now I have found him" or "It is as if he had lost his way, but now he has returned"

Luke 15:25

Now

This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.

was out in the field

"was out in the field working"

Luke 15:26

what these things might be

"what was happening"

Luke 15:27

he has received him in good health

"your father has received your brother, and your brother is healthy" or "your brother is well and has returned to your father"

Luke 15:29

I slaved for you

"I worked as hard as a slave for you"

a young goat

A young goat was smaller and less expensive than a fatted calf. Alternate translation: "even a young goat"

Luke 15:30

your son

"that son of yours." The older son refers to his brother this way in order to show how angry he is.

has devoured your living

"has wasted all your wealth" or "has thrown away all your money"

Luke 15:31

Child

"My dear child" or "My dear son." The father was addressing his son tenderly.

Luke 15:32

this brother of yours

The father was probably reminding the older son of his responsibility to love his brother.

this brother of yours was dead, and is now alive; he was lost, and has now been found.

See how you translated similar words in Luke 15:24.

¹Jesus also said to the disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager, and it was reported to him that this manager was wasting his possessions.²So the rich man called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give an account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'

³"The manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking away my management job? I do not have strength to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.⁴I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from my management job, people will welcome me into their houses.'

⁵"Then the manager called for each one of his master's debtors, and he asked the first one, 'How much do you owe to my master?'⁶He said, 'A hundred baths of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write fifty.'

⁷"Then the manager said to another, 'How much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred cors of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

⁸"The master then commended the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own people than are the sons of light.⁹I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal dwellings.

¹⁰"He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and he who is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.¹¹If you have not been faithful in using unrighteous wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?¹²If you have not been faithful in using other people's property, who will give you money of your own?

¹³"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

¹⁴Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.¹⁵He said to them, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. That which is exalted among men is detestable in the sight of God.

¹⁶The law and the prophets were in effect until John came. From that time on, the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone tries to force their way into it.¹⁷But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the law to become invalid.

¹⁸"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

¹⁹"Now there was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and was enjoying every day his great wealth.²⁰A certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores,²¹and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²²It came about that the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,²³and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus at his side.

²⁴So he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'

²⁵"But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things. But now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.²⁶Besides all this, a great chasm has been put in place, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot, and no one can cross over from there to us.'

²⁷"The rich man said, 'I beg you, Father Abraham, that you would send him to my father's house—²⁸for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that it may not be that they come into this place of torment.'

²⁹"But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.'

³⁰"The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham, but if someone would go to them from the dead, they will repent.'

³¹"But Abraham said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'"

Luke 16:1

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins telling another parable.

it was reported to him

"people reported to the rich man"

was wasting his possessions

"was wasting the rich man's wealth"

Luke 16:2

What is this that I hear about you?

The rich man uses a question to scold the manager. Alternate translation: "I have heard what you are doing."

Give an account of your management

"Give me a report of how you have managed my possessions"

Luke 16:3

What should I do ... job?

The manager asks himself this question as a way of thinking about his options. Alternate translation: "I need to think about what I should do ... job."

Luke 16:4

when I am removed from my management job

"when I lose my management job" or "when my master takes away my management job"

Luke 16:5

his master's debtors

"the people who were in debt to his master" or "the people who owed things to his master"

Luke 16:6

He said ... He said to him

"The debtor said ... The manager said to the debtor"

A hundred baths of olive oil ... write fifty

A bath is about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "I owe 2,200 liters of olive oil ... write 1,100 liters"

Take your bill

A "bill" is a piece of paper that tells how much someone owes.

Luke 16:7

the manager said to another ... He said ... He said to him

"the manager said to another debtor ... The debtor said ... The manager said to the debtor"

A hundred cors of wheat ... write eighty

A cor is about 220 liters. Alternate translation: "I owe 22,000 liters of wheat ... write 17,600 liters" or "I owe one hundred large baskets of wheat ... write eighty large baskets of wheat "

Luke 16:8

commended

"praised" or "spoke well of" or "approved of"

he had acted shrewdly

"he had acted cleverly" or "he had done a sensible thing"

the sons of this world

"the people of this world" or "worldly people." This refers to those who, like the unrighteous manager, do not know or care about God.

the sons of light

Here "light" represents everything godly. Alternate translation: "the people of God" or "godly people"

Luke 16:9

make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth

"make people your friends by helping them with worldly wealth"

the eternal dwellings

This refers to heaven, where God lives.

Luke 16:10

He who is faithful ... is also faithful ... he who is unrighteous ... is also unrighteous

"People who are faithful ... are also faithful ... people who are unrighteous ... are also unrighteous."

faithful in very little ... unrighteous in very little

"faithful even with small things ... unrighteous even in small things"

Luke 16:11

who will trust you with true wealth?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "no one will trust you with true wealth." or "no one will give you true wealth to manage."

true wealth

This refers to wealth that is more genuine, real, or lasting than money and possessions.

Luke 16:12

who will give you money of your own?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "no one will give you wealth for yourself."

Luke 16:13

No servant can serve two masters

"A servant cannot serve two masters"

Luke 16:14

Now

This word marks the author's shift from reporting what Jesus said to reporting something about the Pharisees.

who were lovers of money

"who loved having money" or "who where very greedy for money"

they ridiculed him

"the Pharisees ridiculed Jesus"

Luke 16:15

You justify yourselves in the sight of men

"You make yourselves look good to other people"

God knows your hearts

Here "hearts" represents the desires of people. Alternate translation: "God understands your true desires" or "God knows your motives"

That which is exalted among men is detestable in the sight of God

"Those things that men think are very important are things that God hates"

Luke 16:16

The law and the prophets

This refers to all of God's word that had been written up to that time.

were in effect

"had authority" or "were what people needed to obey"

John came

"John the Baptist came"

the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached

"we teach people about the good news of the kingdom of God"

everyone tries to force their way into it

"many people are doing everything they can to enter it"

Luke 16:17

one stroke of a letter of the law

A "stroke of a letter" is the smallest part of a letter. Here it represents something in the law that may seem to be insignificant. Alternate translation: "even the smallest detail of the law"

to become invalid

"to disappear" or "to cease to exist"

Luke 16:18

commits adultery

"is guilty of adultery"

Luke 16:19

Now

This word marks a shift in Jesus's speech. He begins to tell a story that will help people understand what he was teaching them.

who was clothed in purple and fine linen

"who wore clothing made with fine linen and purple dye" or "who wore very expensive clothes." Purple dye and fine linen cloth were very expensive.

Luke 16:20

A certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate

"People had laid a certain beggar named Lazarus at his gate"

at his gate

"at the gate to the rich man's house"

covered with sores

"and the beggar had sores all over his body"

Luke 16:21

longing to eat what fell

"wishing he could eat the scraps of food that fell"

Even the dogs came

The word "Even" here shows that what follows is worse than what has already been told about Lazarus. Alternate translation: "In addition to that, the dogs came" or "Worse yet, the dogs came"

dogs

The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Lazarus was too sick and weak to stop the dogs from licking his wounds.

Luke 16:22

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an event in the story.

and was carried away by the angels

"and the angels carried him away"

to Abraham's side

"to be with Abraham" or "to sit next to Abraham"

and was buried

"and people buried him"

Luke 16:23

in Hades, being in torment

"he went to Hades, where, suffering in terrible pain"

he lifted up his eyes

"he looked up"

Luke 16:24

Father Abraham

Abraham was the ancestor of all the Jews, including the rich man.

I am in anguish in this flame

"I am in terrible pain in this flame" or "I am suffering terribly in this fire"

Luke 16:25

Child

The rich man was one of Abraham's descendants.

good things

"fine things" or "pleasant things"

and Lazarus in like manner evil things

"and Lazarus received evil things" or "and Lazarus received things that caused him to suffer"

he is comforted here

"he is comfortable here" or "he is happy here"

Luke 16:26

Besides all this

"In addition"

a great chasm has been put in place

"God has placed a huge ravine between you and us" or "there is a great chasm"

a great chasm

"a steep, deep and wide valley" or "a big separation" or "a huge ravine"

Luke 16:28

in order that he may warn them

"so that Lazarus may warn them"

this place of torment

"this place where we suffer torment" or "this place where we suffer terrible pain"

Luke 16:29

Moses and the prophets

This refers to their writings. Alternate translation: "what Moses and the prophets wrote"

let them listen to them

"your brothers should pay attention to Moses and the prophets"

Luke 16:30

if someone would go to them from the dead

The rich man would like this to happen. Alternate translation: "if a person who has died would go to them" or "if someone who has died would go and warn them"

from the dead

The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"

Luke 16:31

neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead

"they will not believe even if someone comes back from the dead"

¹Jesus said to his disciples, "It is certain there will be stumbling blocks, but woe to that person through whom they come!²It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

³Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.⁴If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him!"

⁵The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

⁶The Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

⁷But which of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down to eat'?⁸Will he not say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and put a belt around your clothes and serve me until I have finished eating and drinking. Then afterward you will eat and drink'?

⁹He does not thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded, does he?¹⁰Even so you also, when you have done everything that you are commanded, should say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we ought to do.'"

¹¹It came about that as he traveled to Jerusalem, he went along the border between Samaria and Galilee.¹²As he entered into a certain village, there he was met by ten men who were lepers. They stood far away from him¹³and they lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

¹⁴When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As they went away they were cleansed.¹⁵When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God.¹⁶He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷Then Jesus said, "Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine?¹⁸Were there no others who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?"¹⁹He said to him, "Arise, and go. Your faith has made you well."

²⁰Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with careful observing.²¹Neither will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For look, the kingdom of God is within you."

²²He said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.²³Then they will say to you, 'Look, there! Look, here!' But do not go out or run after them,²⁴for as the lightning shines brightly when it flashes from one part of the sky to another part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

²⁵But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.²⁶As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it also happen in the days of the Son of Man.²⁷They ate, they drank, they married, and they were given in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark—and the flood came and destroyed them all.

²⁸In the same way, even as it happened in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.²⁹But in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all.

³⁰After the same manner it will be in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.³¹In that day let him who is on the housetop not go down to get his goods out of the house, and in the same way let him who is in the field not return.

³²Remember Lot's wife.³³Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it.

³⁴I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken, and the other will be left.³⁵There will be two women grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left."³⁶¹

³⁷They asked him, "Where, Lord?"

He said to them, "Where there is a body, there will the vultures also be gathered together."

¹Luke 17:36 the best ancient copies do not have verse 36, There will be two in the field; one will be taken and the other left .

Luke 17:1

It is certain there will be stumbling blocks

"There will certainly be things that tempt people to sin" or "Things that tempt people to sin will certainly happen"

to that person through whom they come

"to anyone who causes the temptations to come" or "to any person who causes people to be tempted"

Luke 17:2

if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea

"if they were to hang a millstone around his neck and throw him into the sea" or "if someone were to put a heavy stone around his neck and push him into the sea"

a millstone

This is a very large, heavy circular stone that people use for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: "a heavy stone"

these little ones

"these people whose faith is small"

to stumble

"to sin"

Luke 17:3

your brother

The word "brother" is here used in the sense of someone with the same belief. Alternate translation: "a fellow believer"

rebuke him

"tell him strongly that what he did was wrong" or "correct him"

Luke 17:5

Increase our faith

"Please give us more faith"

Luke 17:6

If you had faith like a mustard seed

A mustard seed is a very small seed. Jesus implies that they do not have even a small amount of faith. Alternate translation: "If you had faith that was as big as even a tiny mustard seed"

mulberry tree

If this type of tree is not familiar, it may be helpful to substitute another type of tree. Alternate translation: "fig tree" or "tree"

Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea

"Uproot yourself and plant yourself in the sea" or "Take your roots out of the ground, and put your roots down into the ocean"

Luke 17:7

But which of you, who ... sheep, will say ... sit down to eat'?

Jesus asks his disciples a question to help them think about the role of a servant. This could be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "But none of you who ... sheep would say ... sit down to eat.'

a servant plowing or keeping sheep

"a servant who plows your field or takes care of your sheep"

Luke 17:8

Will he not say to him ... eat and drink'?

Jesus uses a second question explain how someone would actually treat a servant. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "He would certainly say to him ... eat and drink.'"

put a belt around your clothes and serve me

"tie your clothes at your waist and serve me" or "dress up properly and take care of me." People would tie their clothes closely around their waist so that their clothes would not get in their way while they worked.

Then afterward

"Then after you serve me"

Luke 17:9

he did the things that were commanded

"the servant did the things that the master commanded him to do"

does he?

"right?" or "is this not true?"

Luke 17:10

you also

Jesus was speaking to his disciples, so the word "you" refers to them.

that you are commanded

"that God has commanded you"

Luke 17:11

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event.

Luke 17:12

there he was met by ten men who were lepers

"ten men who were lepers met him" or "ten men who had leprosy met him"

They stood far away from him

This was a respectful gesture, because lepers were not allowed to approach other people.

Luke 17:13

they lifted up their voices

"they called with loud voices" or "they called aloud"

Luke 17:14

they were cleansed

When people were healed, they were no longer ceremonially unclean. Alternate translation: "they were cleansed of their leprosy" or "they were healed of their leprosy and so became clean"

Luke 17:15

saw that he was healed

"realized that he was healed" or "realized that Jesus had healed him"

he turned back

"he went back to Jesus"

with a loud voice glorifying God

"and glorified God loudly"

Luke 17:16

He fell on his face at Jesus' feet

"he knelt down and put his face close to Jesus' feet." He did this to honor Jesus.

Now he was a Samaritan

The word "now" marks Luke's change from telling about what happened to telling about that man.

Luke 17:17

Were not the ten cleansed?

Jesus used questions here to show the people how disappointed he was that only one of the men came back to glorify God. Alternate translation: "Ten men were healed." or "God healed ten men."

Where are the nine?

"Why did not the other nine come back?" This can be a statement. Alternate translation: "The other nine men should have come back, too."

Luke 17:18

Were there no others who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner!"

Luke 17:19

Your faith has made you well

"Because of your faith you have become well" or "Because you believe, you are well again"

Luke 17:20

Being asked by the Pharisees

This is the beginning of a new event. Alternate translation: "When the Pharisees asked Jesus" or "One day the Pharisees asked Jesus"

The kingdom of God does not come with careful observing

"The kingdom of God does not come in a way that people can see"

Luke 17:21

the kingdom of God is within you

The idea of the noun "kingdom" can be expressed with the verb "rules" or "reigns." Possible meanings are 1) "God rules within you" or 2) "God reigns among you."

Luke 17:22

The days are coming when

"A time is coming when" or "Soon"

you will desire to see

"you will want to see" or "you will wish to experience"

one of the days of the Son of Man

"one of the days when the Son of Man will rule as king"

the Son of Man

Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man"

but you will not see it

"you will not experience it"

Luke 17:23

Look, there! Look, here!

"Look, he is over there! Look, he is over here!"

Luke 17:24

as the lightning shines brightly ... so will the Son of Man be

When lightning flashes, people can see it clearly. Alternate translation: "as people can see lightning clearly when it flashes ... so they will clearly see the Son of Man"

in his day

"when he comes to reign"

Luke 17:25

and be rejected by this generation

"and the people of this generation must reject him"

Luke 17:26

As it happened ... even so will it also happen

"As it was ... even so it will be" or "As it was ... it will be like that"

in the days of Noah

"when Noah lived"

in the days of the Son of Man

"when the Son of Man comes"

Luke 17:27

They ate, they drank, they married, and they were given in marriage

People were doing ordinary things. They did not care that God was going to judge them.

they married, and they were given in marriage

"they married, and they gave their daughters to be married" or "and they got married"

the ark

"the ship" or "the barge"

Luke 17:28

they were eating and drinking

"people were eating and drinking"

Luke 17:29

it rained fire and sulfur from heaven

"fire and burning sulfur fell from the sky like rain"

Luke 17:30

After the same manner it will be

"It will be the same" or "It will be like that"

in the day that the Son of Man is revealed

"when the Son of Man appears" or "when the Son of man comes"

Luke 17:31

let him who is on the housetop not go down

"whoever is on the housetop must not go down" or "if anyone is on his housetop, he must not go down."

on the housetop

Their housetops were flat, so people could walk or sit on them.

his goods

"his possessions" or "his things"

let him who is in the field not return

"whoever is in the field must not go back to his house." They must not go back to their house to get anything. They must flee quickly.

Luke 17:32

Remember Lot's wife

"Remember what happened to Lot's wife." This is a warning. She looked back toward Sodom and God punished her along with the people of Sodom. Alternate translation: "Do not do what Lot's wife did"

Luke 17:33

Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it

"People who try save their lives will lose them" or "Whoever tries to save his old way of life will lose his life"

but whoever loses his life will save it

"but people who lose their lives will save them" or "but whoever abandons his old way of life will save his life"

Luke 17:34

in that night

The sentence tells what will happen if the Son of Man comes during the night.

One will be taken, and the other will be left

"God will take one person and leave the other" or "Angels will take one person and leave the other." The emphasis is not on two particular people but on the fact that some people will be taken away and others will be left.

Luke 17:37

Where, Lord?

"Lord, where will this happen?"

Where there is a body, there will the vultures also be gathered together

Apparently this is a proverb that means "It will be obvious" or "You will know it when it happens." Alternate translation: "It will be as obvious as it is when vultures gather around a dead body" or "As the gathering of vultures shows that there is a dead body, there will be signs about these things"

vultures

Vultures are large birds that eat the bodies of dead animals that they find. You could describe these birds this way or use the word for local birds that do this.

¹Then he spoke a parable to them about how they should always pray and not become discouraged,²saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect people.

³Now there was a widow in that city, and she came often to him, saying, 'Help me get justice against my opponent.'

⁴For a long time he was not willing to help her, but after a while he said to himself, 'Though I do not fear God or respect man,⁵yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will help her get justice, so that she does not wear me out by her constant coming.'"

⁶Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.⁷Now will not God also bring justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?⁸I say to you that he will bring justice to them speedily. Even so, when the Son of Man comes, will he indeed find faith on the earth?"

⁹Then he also spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and who despised other people:¹⁰"Two men went up into the temple to pray—the one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.

¹¹The Pharisee stood and prayed these things about himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.¹²I fast two times every week. I give tithes of all that I get.'

¹³But the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but hit his breast, saying, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'¹⁴I say to you, this man went back down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."

¹⁵The people were also bringing to him their infants so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.¹⁶But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such ones.¹⁷Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will definitely not enter it."

¹⁸A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

¹⁹Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except God alone.²⁰You know the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and mother."

²¹The ruler said, "All these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."

²²When Jesus heard that, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. You must sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven—and come, follow me."

²³But when the ruler heard these things, he became extremely sad, for he was very rich.

²⁴Then Jesus, seeing him, ¹ said, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!²⁵For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

²⁶Those hearing it said, "Then who can be saved?"

²⁷Jesus answered, "The things which are impossible with people are possible with God."

²⁸Peter said, "Well, we have left everything that is our own and have followed you."

²⁹Jesus then said to them, "Truly, I say to you that there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,³⁰who will not receive much more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life."

³¹After he gathered the twelve to himself, he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that have been written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished.³²For he will be given over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon.³³After whipping him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again."

³⁴They understood none of these things, and this word was hidden from them, and they did not understand the things that were said.

³⁵It came about that, as Jesus approached Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the road begging,³⁶and hearing a crowd going by, he asked what was happening.³⁷They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

³⁸So the blind man cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."³⁹The ones who were walking ahead rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."

⁴⁰Jesus stood still and commanded that the man be brought to him. Then when the blind man was near, Jesus asked him,⁴¹"What do you want me to do for you?"

He said, "Lord, I want to receive my sight."

⁴²Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."⁴³Immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw this, gave praise to God.

¹Some ancient Greek copies have the phrase: seeing that he had become sad .

Luke 18:1

Then he spoke a parable to them

"Then Jesus told them a parable"

Luke 18:2

did not respect people

"did not care about other people"

Luke 18:3

a widow

A widow is a woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried. She would not have had anyone to protect her from those who wanted to harm her.

she came often to him

The word "him" refers to the judge.

Help me get justice against my opponent

"Give me a just ruling against my opponent"

my opponent

"my enemy" or "the person who is trying to harm me." It is not clear whether the widow is suing the opponent or the opponent is suing the widow.

Luke 18:4

man

The word here refers to people in general.

Luke 18:5

causes me trouble

"bothers me"

so that she does not wear me out

"so that she will not exhaust me"

Luke 18:6

Listen to what the unjust judge says

"Think about what the unjust judge said"

Luke 18:7

Now

This word is used to show Jesus' change from talking about the the judge in the story to talking about God.

will not God also bring ... night?

Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "God will also certainly bring ... night!"

his chosen ones

"the people he has chosen"

Will he delay long over them?

Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: "He will certainly not delay long over them!"

Luke 18:8

Even so, when the Son of Man comes, will he indeed find faith on the earth?

Jesus asks this question either to indicate that some people will not have faith in God or to encourage people to have faith in God. Alternate translation: “But when the Son of Man comes, will he see that people on earth believe God?"

Luke 18:9

who trusted in themselves that they were righteous

"who thought they were righteous"

despised other people

"looked down on other people'

Luke 18:10

into the temple

"into the temple courtyard"

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed these things about himself

Possible meanings are "The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself in this way" or "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed."

Luke 18:12

all that I get

"everything I earn"

Luke 18:13

standing at a distance

This was a sign of humility. He did not feel worthy to stand closer.

would not even lift up his eyes to heaven

"would not even look up toward heaven"

hit his breast

This is a physical expression of great sorrow, It shows this man's repentance and humility. Alternate translation: "hit his breast to show his sorrow"

God, have mercy on me, a sinner

"God, please be merciful to me. I am a sinner" or "God, please have mercy on me even though I have committed many sins"

Luke 18:14

this man went back down to his house justified

"the tax collector went back down to his house with God's approval" or "God forgave this man"

rather than the other

"rather than the other man" or "and not the other man" or "but God did not forgive the Pharisee"

will be humbled ... will be exalted

"God will humble him ... God will exalt him"

Luke 18:15

The people were also bringing to him their infants

"The people were also bringing their babies to Jesus"

they rebuked them

"the disciples scolded the parents"

Luke 18:16

belongs to such ones

"belongs to people who are like these little children"

Luke 18:17

whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will definitely not enter it

"whoever wants to enter God's kingdom must receive it as a child receives it"

Luke 18:18

A certain ruler asked him

"A certain ruler asked Jesus"

to inherit eternal life

"to receive life that does not end"

Luke 18:19

No one is good, except God alone

"The only one who is good is God"

Luke 18:21

All these things

"All of these commandments"

Luke 18:22

One thing you still lack

"You still need to do one more thing" or "There is one thing that you have not yet done"

distribute it to the poor

"give away the money to the poor people"

Luke 18:24

How difficult it is ... kingdom of God!

This is an exclamation, and not a question. Alternate translation: "It is so very hard ... kingdom of God!"

Luke 18:25

a needle's eye

A needle's eye is the hole in a sewing needle through which the thread is passed.

Luke 18:26

Those hearing it said

"The people who were listening to Jesus said"

Then who can be saved?

They were very surprised at what Jesus said. Alternate translation: "Does that mean that no one can be saved?" or "Does that mean that God will not save anyone?"

Luke 18:27

The things which are impossible with people are possible with God

"The things that people cannot do, God can do" or "God is able to do what people are not able to do"

Luke 18:29

Truly, I say to you

Jesus uses this expression to stress the importance of what he is about to say.

Luke 18:30

who will not receive

This could be stated in positively. First the words "there is not one who" in the previous verse (verse 29) would be changed to "everyone who" and then these words would be changed to "will receive."

in this time

"in this present world"

and in the age to come, eternal life

"and in the age to come, he will receive eternal life" or "and in the future world, he will receive eternal life"

Luke 18:31

the twelve

"his twelve disciples"

that have been written by the prophets

"that the prophets have written"

will be accomplished

"will happen" or "will occur"

Luke 18:32

For he will be given over to the Gentiles

"For the leaders in Jerusalem will give him over to the Gentiles"

and will be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon

"and they will mock him, treat him shamefully, and spit on him"

Luke 18:33

on the third day

"on the third day after that"

Luke 18:34

They understood none of these things

"His disciples did not understand any of these things"

this word was hidden from them

"the meaning of this speech was mysterious to them"

the things that were said

"the things that Jesus said"

Luke 18:35

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

Luke 18:36

and hearing a crowd going by

"When the blind man heard a crowd going by"

Luke 18:37

Jesus of Nazareth

People called him "Jesus of Nazareth" because he was from the town of Nazareth.

Luke 18:38

cried out

"called out" or "shouted"

Son of David

Jesus was a descendant of David, Israel's most important king.

have mercy on me

"show me pity" or "show me compassion"

Luke 18:39

cried out all the more

This could mean that he cried out louder or that he cried out more persistently.

Luke 18:40

commanded that the man be brought to him

"commanded the people to bring the blind man to him"

Luke 18:41

to receive my sight

"to be able to see"

Luke 18:42

Receive your sight

Jesus is healing the man by commanding him to be healed. Alternate translation: "You will now receive your sight" or "Begin to see"

Your faith has healed you

"You are healed because you have faith" or "I have healed you because you have believed in me"

Luke 18:43

glorifying God

"giving glory to God" or "praising God"

¹Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho.²Behold, there was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.

³He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd, because he was small in height.⁴So he ran on ahead of the people and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was about to pass that way.

⁵When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house."⁶So he hurried and came down and welcomed him joyfully.⁷When everyone saw this, they all complained, saying, "He has gone in to visit a man who is a sinner."

⁸Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, the half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I will restore four times the amount."

⁹Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.¹⁰For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the people who are lost."

¹¹As they heard these things, he continued speaking and told a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and they thought that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately.¹²He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then to return.

¹³He called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas and said to them, 'Conduct business until I come back.'

¹⁴"But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man reign over us.'¹⁵It happened when he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded the servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what profit they had made by doing business.

¹⁶"The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'

¹⁷"The nobleman said to him, 'Well done, good servant. Because you were faithful in very little, you will have authority over ten cities.'

¹⁸"The second came, saying, 'Your mina, lord, has made five minas.'

¹⁹"The nobleman said to him, 'You take charge over five cities.'

²⁰"Another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept safely in a cloth,²¹for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person. You take up what you did not put in, and you reap what you did not sow.'

²²"The nobleman said to him, 'By your own words I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am a demanding person, taking up what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow.²³Then why did you not put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I would have collected it with interest?'

²⁴The nobleman said to them that stood by, 'Take away from him the mina, and give it to him that has the ten minas.'

²⁵"They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas.'

²⁶"'I say to you, that everyone who has will be given more, but from him that has not, even that which he has will be taken away.²⁷But these enemies of mine, those who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and kill them before me.'"

²⁸When he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

²⁹It came about that when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the mountain that is called Olives, he sent two of the disciples,³⁰saying, "Go into the next village. As you enter, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me.³¹If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord has need of it.'"

³²Those who were sent went and found the colt just as Jesus had told them.

³³As they were untying the colt, the owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

³⁴They said, "The Lord has need of it."³⁵They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks upon the colt and set Jesus on it.³⁶As he went, they spread their cloaks on the road.

³⁷As he was now approaching the place where the Mount of Olives descends, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, saying,

³⁸"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

³⁹Some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."

⁴⁰Jesus answered and said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would cry out."

⁴¹When Jesus approached the city, he wept over it,⁴²saying, "If only you had known in this day, even you, the things which bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

⁴³For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build a barricade around you and surround you and press in on you from every side.⁴⁴They will strike you down to the ground, and your children with you. They will not leave one stone upon another because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."

⁴⁵Jesus entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling,⁴⁶saying to them, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."

⁴⁷So Jesus was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking to destroy him, as were the leaders of the people,⁴⁸but they could not find a way to do it because all the people were listening to him intently.

Luke 19:1

Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho.

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through the city"

Luke 19:3

He was trying to see

"Zacchaeus was trying to see"

because he was small in height

"because he was short"

Luke 19:4

a sycamore tree

"a sycamore fig tree" or "a fig tree" or "a fruit tree"

Luke 19:5

the place

"the tree" or "where Zacchaeus was"

Luke 19:6

So he hurried

"So Zacchaeus hurried"

Luke 19:7

He has gone in to visit a man who is a sinner

"Jesus has gone into the house of a sinner to visit him"

Luke 19:8

the Lord

This refers to Jesus.

I will restore four times the amount

"I will return to them four times as much as I took from them"

Luke 19:9

salvation has come to this house

"God is saving this household" or "God is saving people in this home"

he too

"this man too" or "Zacchaeus also"

is a son of Abraham

Possible meanings are "is a descendant of Abraham" and "has faith as Abraham did."

Luke 19:10

the Son of Man came

Jesus is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, came"

the people who are lost

"the people who have wandered away from God" or "those who by sinning have wandered away from God"

Luke 19:11

that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately

The Jews believed that the Messiah would establish God's kingdom as soon as he came to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "that Jesus would immediately begin to rule over God's kingdom"

Luke 19:12

A certain nobleman

"A certain man who was a member of the ruling class" or "A certain man from an important family"

to receive for himself a kingdom

A great king would make the nobleman a lesser king and give him the authority to rule over a country.

Luke 19:13

He called

"The nobleman called" or "Before he left, he called"

gave them ten minas

"gave each of them one mina"

ten minas

A mina was 600 grams, probably of silver. Each mina was equal to 100 days' wages. Alternate translation: "ten valuable coins" or "a large amount of money"

Conduct business

"Trade with this money" or "Use this money in order to earn more money"

Luke 19:14

his citizens

"the people of his country"

a delegation

"a group of people to represent them" or "several messengers"

Luke 19:15

having received the kingdom

"after he had become king"

to be called to him

"to come to him"

what profit they had made

"how much money they had earned"

Luke 19:16

The first came before him

"The first servant came before the nobleman"

your mina has made ten minas more

"I used your mina and made a profit of ten more minas"

Luke 19:17

Well done

"You have done well." Your language may have a phrase that an employer would use to show approval, such as "Good job."

Luke 19:19

You take charge over five cities

"You will have authority over five cities"

Luke 19:20

Another came

"Another servant came"

which I kept safely in a cloth

"which I wrapped in a cloth and stored away"

Luke 19:21

a demanding person

"a stern man" or "a man who expects a lot from his servants"

You take up what you did not put in

This was probably a proverb that describes someone who benefits from other people's hard work. Alternate translation: "You take out what you did not put in" or "You take out what other people put in"

you reap what you did not sow

"you gather the fruit of what other people sowed"

Luke 19:22

By your own words

"Based on what you have said"

You knew that I am a demanding person

The nobleman was repeating what the servant had said about him. Alternate translation: "You say that I am a demanding person"

Luke 19:23

why did you not put my money ... interest?

The nobleman uses a question to rebuke the wicked servant. Alternate translation: "you should have put my money ... interest."

put my money in the bank

"lent my money to a bank." Cultures that do not have banks might translate it as "let someone borrow my money."

bank

A bank is a business that safely holds money for people. A bank lends that money to others for a profit. It also pays an extra amount, called interest, to the people who keep their money in the bank.

I would have collected it with interest

"I could have collected that amount plus the interest it would have earned" or "I would have gained a profit from it"

Luke 19:24

them that stood by

"the people who were standing near them"

Luke 19:25

he has ten minas

"he already has ten minas"

Luke 19:26

I say to you

It can be stated clearly that the nobleman is speaking. Alternate translation: "And the nobleman replied, 'I say to you" or "But the nobleman said, 'I tell you this"

everyone who has will be given more

"everyone who uses well what he has will be given more" or "I will give more to everyone who uses well what he has"

from him that has not

"from the person who does not use well what he has"

even that which he has will be taken away

"I will take away from him even what he has"

Luke 19:27

these enemies of mine

Since the enemies were not right there, some languages would say "those enemies of mine."

Luke 19:28

When he had said these things

"When Jesus had said these things"

Luke 19:29

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new event.

Bethphage

Bethphage is a village on the Mount of Olives, which is across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem.

the mountain that is called Olives

"the hill that is called the Mount of Olives" or "the hill that is called 'Olive Tree Mountain'"

Luke 19:30

a colt

"a young donkey" or "a young riding animal"

that has never been ridden

"that no one has ever ridden"

Luke 19:31

If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say

"If any one asks you why you are untying it, say"

Luke 19:32

Those who were sent

"The disciples that Jesus sent"

Luke 19:33

the owners

"the owners of the colt"

Luke 19:35

threw their cloaks upon the colt

"put their robes on the young donkey." Cloaks are outer robes.

set Jesus on it

"helped Jesus get up on the colt to ride it"

Luke 19:36

they spread their cloaks

"people spread their cloaks." This is a sign of giving honor to someone.

Luke 19:37

As he was now approaching the place where the Mount of Olives descends

"As Jesus was going near the place where the road goes down from the Mount of Olives"

all the mighty works which they had seen

"all the great things they had seen Jesus do"

Luke 19:38

in the name of the Lord

Here "name" refers to power and authority, and "Lord" refers to God.

Peace in heaven

"May there be peace in heaven"

glory in the highest

"may there be glory in the highest" or "Let everyone give glory to God in the highest heaven"

Luke 19:39

in the multitude

"in the large crowd"

rebuke your disciples

"tell your disciples to stop doing these things"

Luke 19:40

if these were silent

"I will not rebuke them, for if these people were to be quiet"

the stones would cry out

"the stones would call out praises"

Luke 19:41

the city

This refers to Jerusalem.

he wept over it

"he cried about the people of Jerusalem"

Luke 19:42

If only you had known ... bring you peace

Jesus expresses his sadness that the people of Jerusalem had missed the opportunity to be at peace with God.

now they are hidden from your eyes

"now you cannot see them"

Luke 19:43

For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build

This indicates that they will experience difficult times. "For soon these things will happen to you: Your enemies will build" or "For soon you will endure troublesome times. Your enemies will build"

a barricade around you

This refers to a wall to keep the people from getting out of the city.

Luke 19:44

They will strike you down to the ground, and your children with you

Jesus speaks of the people who live in the city as if they are the city's children. Alternate translation: "They will completely destroy you, and they will kill all who live in you" or "They will completely destroy your city, and they will kill all of you"

They will not leave one stone upon another

"They will not leave any of the stones in place." The enemies will completely destroy the city, which is built of stones.

the time of your visitation

"the time when God visited you" or "the time during which God was with you"

visitation

This is a visit by an overseer to make sure that things are going well with those over whom he is in charge. It is not a casual social visit.

Luke 19:45

Jesus entered the temple

You may need to make explicit that he first entered Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: "Jesus entered Jerusalem and then went into the temple courtyard"

entered the temple

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building. Here the word "temple" refers to the courtyard at the temple. Alternate translation: "went into the temple courtyard"

began to cast out

"began to throw out" or "began to force out"

Luke 19:46

It is written

"The scriptures say" or "A prophet wrote these words in the scriptures"

My house

The word "My" refers to God and "house" refers to the temple.

a house of prayer

"a place where people pray to me"

a den of robbers

"a place where thieves hide"

Luke 19:47

in the temple

"in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"

¹It came about one day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel that the chief priests and the scribes came to him with the elders.²They spoke, saying to him, "Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is who gave you this authority."

³He answered and said to them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me.⁴The baptism of John: Was it from heaven or from men?"

⁵They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'⁶But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."

⁷So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

⁸Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

⁹He told the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to vine growers, and went into another country for a long time.¹⁰At the appointed time he sent a servant to the vine growers, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vine growers beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.

¹¹He then sent yet another servant and they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.¹²He also sent yet a third and they also wounded him, and threw him out.

¹³So the lord of the vineyard said, 'What will I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe they will respect him.'

¹⁴"But when the vine growers saw him, they discussed among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.'

¹⁵They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the lord of the vineyard do to them?¹⁶He will come and destroy these vine growers, and will give the vineyard to others."

When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"

¹⁷But Jesus looked at them, and said, "What is the meaning of that which is written:

'The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone'?

¹⁸Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed."

¹⁹So the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.²⁰Watching him carefully, they sent out spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might find fault with his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.

²¹They asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and are not partial to anyone, but you teach the truth about the way of God.²²Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

²³But Jesus understood their craftiness, and said to them,²⁴"Show me a denarius. Whose image and name is on it?"

They said, "Caesar's."

²⁵He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."²⁶They were not able to find fault with what he had said in front of the people, but marveling at his answer, they were silent.

²⁷When some of the Sadducees came to him, the ones who say that there is no resurrection,²⁸they asked him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.

²⁹There were seven brothers and the first took a wife, and died childless,³⁰and the second as well.³¹The third took her, and in the same way the seven also left no children and died.³²Afterward the woman also died.³³In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as their wife."

³⁴Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.³⁵But those who are regarded as worthy in that age to receive the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.³⁶Neither can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

³⁷But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.³⁸Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, because all live to him."

³⁹Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have answered well."⁴⁰For they did not dare ask him any more questions.

⁴¹Jesus said to them, "How do they say that the Christ is David's son?⁴²For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,

The Lord said to my Lord,

'Sit at my right hand,

⁴³until I make your enemies

your footstool.'

⁴⁴David therefore calls the Christ 'Lord,' so how is he David's son?"

⁴⁵In the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,⁴⁶"Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes and love special greetings in the marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts.⁴⁷They also devour widows' houses, and for a show they make long prayers. Men like this will receive greater condemnation."

Luke 20:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

in the temple

"in the temple courtyard" or "at the temple"

Luke 20:4

Was it from heaven or from men

Jesus asks this question so the Jewish leaders will have to tell what they think to all who are listening. Alternate translation: "Do you think John's authority to baptize people came from heaven or from men" or "Was it God who told John to baptize people, or did people tell him to do it"

from heaven

Jewish people often used the word "heaven" to refer to God.

Luke 20:5

They reasoned

"They discussed" or "They considered their answer"

with themselves

"among themselves" or "with each other"

If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say

"If we say that John's authority is from heaven, Jesus will say"

Luke 20:6

if we say, 'From men,'

"if we say that John's authority is from men,"

will stone us

"will kill us by throwing stones at us"

Luke 20:7

they answered that they did not know where it came from.

"they said, 'We do not know where it came from.'"

where it came from

"where John's baptism came from" or "where John's authority to baptize came from" or "who authorized John to baptize people"

Luke 20:8

Neither will I tell you

"And I will not tell you." Jesus knew they were not willing to tell him the answer, so he responded in the same manner. Alternate translation: "Just as you will not tell me, I will not tell you"

Luke 20:9

rented it out to vine growers

"allowed some vine growers to use it in exchange for payment" or "allowed some vine growers to use it and pay him later." Payment might be in the form of money or a portion of the harvest.

vine growers

These are people who tend grape vines and grow grapes. Alternate translation: "grape farmers"

Luke 20:10

At the appointed time

"When the time came" or "At harvest time"

of the fruit of the vineyard

"some of the grapes" or "some of what they produced in the vineyard"

sent him away empty-handed

"sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without anything"

Luke 20:11

beat him

"beat that servant"

treated him shamefully

"humiliated him"

Luke 20:12

yet a third

"even a third servant"

wounded him

"injured that servant"

threw him out

"threw him out of the vineyard"

Luke 20:13

What will I do?

The vineyard owner thought carefully about what he was going to do. Alternate translation: “This is what I will do:”

Luke 20:14

when the vine growers saw him

"when the farmers saw the owner's son"

Let us kill him

They were not asking permission. The said this to encourage each other to kill the son.

Luke 20:15

What then will the lord of the vineyard do to them?

Jesus uses a question to get his listeners to pay attention to what the owner of the vineyard will do. Alternate translation: "So now, listen to what the lord of the vineyard will do to them."

Luke 20:16

When they heard it

"When the people heard what Jesus said"

May it never be

"May it never happen"

Luke 20:17

But Jesus looked at them

"But Jesus stared at them" or "But he looked straight at them." He did this to hold them accountable to understand what he was saying.

What is the meaning of that which is written: 'The stone ... cornerstone'?

Jesus uses a question to teach the crowd. Alternate translation: "You should be able to understand that which is written: 'The stone ... cornerstone.'"

that which is written

"this scripture." Jesus quoted a scripture that prophesied about the Messiah.

The stone that the builders rejected

"The stone that the builders said was not good enough to use for building." In those days people used stones to build the walls of houses and other buildings.

the cornerstone

"the chief stone of the building" or "the most important stone of the building"

Luke 20:18

will be broken to pieces

"will break up into pieces"

and the one on whom it falls will be crushed

"and that stone will crush whomever it falls on"

Luke 20:19

sought to lay hands on him

"looked for a way to arrest Jesus"

they were afraid of the people

This is the reason that they did not arrest Jesus right away. The people respected Jesus, and the religious leaders were afraid of what the people might do if they arrested him.

Luke 20:20

that they might find fault with his speech

"so that the spies might accuse Jesus of saying something bad"

so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor

"so that they could hand him over to the governor to judge him"

Luke 20:21

They asked him

"The spies asked Jesus"

Teacher, we know ... way of God

The spies were trying to deceive Jesus. They did not believe these things about Jesus.

are not partial to anyone

Possible meanings are "you tell the truth even if important people do not like it" or "you do not favor one person over another"

Luke 20:22

Is it lawful ... or not?

They hoped that Jesus would say either "yes" or "no." If he said "yes," then the Jewish people would be angry with him for telling them to pay taxes to a foreign government. If he said "no," then the religious leaders could tell the Romans that Jesus was teaching the people to break the Roman laws.

Is it lawful

They were asking about God's law, not about Caesar's law. Alternate translation: "Does our law permit us"

to Caesar

Caesar was the ruler of the Roman government. Alternate translation: "to the Roman Emperor"

Luke 20:23

But Jesus understood their craftiness

"But Jesus understood how tricky they were" or "But Jesus saw that they were trying to trap him"

Luke 20:24

a denarius

This is a Roman silver coin worth a day's wages.

Whose image and name is on it?

Jesus uses a question to respond to those who were trying to trick him. Alternate translation: "Tell me, whose picture and name do you see on it?"

Luke 20:25

and to God the things that are God's

"and give to God the things that belong to God"

Luke 20:26

They were not able to find fault with what he had said

"The spies could not find anything wrong with what Jesus said"

but marveling at his answer, they were silent

"but they were amazed at his answer and did not say anything"

Luke 20:27

When some of the Sadducees came to him, the ones who say that there is no resurrection

The Sadducees did not believe that people will rise from the dead. Alternate translation: "When some of the Sadducees, people who say that there is no resurrection, came to him"

Luke 20:28

if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless

"if a man's brother dies when he has a wife but does not have children" or "if a man's brother has a wife and no children and that brother dies"

the man should take the brother's wife

"the man should marry his dead brother's widow"

and raise up children for his brother

"and have children for his brother" or "and produce children for his brother"

Luke 20:29

There were seven brothers

This may have happened, but it is probably a story that the Saducees made up to test Jesus.

the first

"the first brother"

died childless

"died without having any children" or "died, but did not have any children"

Luke 20:30

the second as well

The Sadducees kept the story short by not repeating many of the details. Alternate translation: "the second brother took her as his wife, and the same thing happened" or "the second brother married that woman, and he also died without having any children"

Luke 20:31

and in the same way the seven also left no children and died

"and in the same way the rest of the seven brothers married her and died without having any children"

Luke 20:33

In the resurrection

"When people are raised from the dead" or "When dead people become alive again"

Luke 20:34

The sons of this age

"The people of this world" or "The people of this time." This is in contrast with those in heaven or the people who live after the resurrection.

marry and are given in marriage

In that culture, they spoke of men marrying women and women being given in marriage to their husband. Alternate translation: "marry" or "get married"

Luke 20:35

those who are regarded as worthy in that age

"the people in that time whom God will consider to be worthy"

to receive the resurrection from the dead

"to be raised from the dead" or "to rise from death" or "to become alive again"

Luke 20:36

Neither can they die anymore

This is after the resurrection. Alternate translation: "They will not be able to die anymore"

are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection

"are children of God because he has raised them from the dead"

Luke 20:37

But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the place concerning the bush

The word "even" is here because the Sadducees did not expect Moses to have written that the dead are raised. Alternate translation: "But even Moses, in the scripture concerning the bush, showed that the dead are raised"

that the dead are raised

"that God raises people from the dead" or "that God causes the dead to live again"

in the place concerning the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham

"in the scripture about the burning bush, where he wrote about the Lord being the God of Abraham"

the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob

"the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." They all worshiped the same God.

Luke 20:38

Now

This word marks a switch in Jesus's teaching. He was telling about Moses. Now he explains why what Moses said was important.

he is not the God of the dead, but of the living

"the Lord is not the God of dead people; he is the God of living people". Since these living people died physically, they must still be alive spiritually.

because all live to him

"because in God's sight they all are still alive" or "because they live in God's presence"

Luke 20:39

Some of the scribes answered

"Some of the scribes said to Jesus." There were scribes present when the Sadducees were questioning Jesus.

Luke 20:40

they did not dare ask him any more questions

"they were afraid to ask him any more questions" or "they did not risk asking him any more questions." Perhaps they realized that they did not know as much as Jesus did.

Luke 20:41

How do they say ... son?

"Why do people say ... son?" Jesus uses a question to make the scribes think about who the Messiah is. Alternate translation: "Let's think about them saying ... son." or "I will talk about them saying ... son."

David's son

"King David's descendant." The word "son" is used here to refer to a descendant. In this case it refers to the one who would reign over God's kingdom.

Luke 20:42

The Lord said to my Lord

This is a quotation from the book of Psalms which says "Yahweh said to my Lord." But the Jews stopped saying "Yahweh" and often said "Lord" instead. Alternate translation: "The Lord God said to my Lord"

my Lord

David was referring to the Christ as "my Lord."

Sit at my right hand

Sitting at the right hand of God is symbolic of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"

Luke 20:43

until I make your enemies your footstool

God speaks of the Messiah's enemies as if they were furniture on which the Messiah would rest his feet. God would conquer the enemies. Alternate translation: "until I make your enemies like a footstool for you"

Luke 20:44

David therefore calls the Christ 'Lord,'

David recognized that the Christ was greater than David.

so how is he David's son?

"so how can the Christ be David's son?" or "This shows that the Christ is not merely a son of David"

Luke 20:46

Beware of

"Be on guard against"

who desire to walk in long robes

Long robes would show that they were important. Alternate translation: "who like to walk around wearing their important robes"

Luke 20:47

They also devour widows' houses

"They also eat up widows' houses." Jesus speaks of the scribes as if they were hungry animals. Alternate translation: "They also take widows' houses from them"

for a show they make long prayers

"they make long prayers so that people will see them"

Men like this will receive greater condemnation

"They will receive a more severe judgment" or "God will certainly punish them more severely"

¹Jesus looked up and saw the rich men who were putting their gifts into the treasury.²He saw a certain poor widow putting in two mites.³So he said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them.⁴All of these gave gifts out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on."

⁵As some spoke of the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, he said,⁶"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down."

⁷So they asked him, saying, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when these things are about to happen?"⁸Jesus answered, "Be careful that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them.⁹When you hear of wars and riots, do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not happen immediately."

¹⁰Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.¹¹There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues. There will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.

¹²But before all of these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you over to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors because of my name.¹³It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.

¹⁴Therefore resolve in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time,¹⁵for I will give you words and wisdom that all your adversaries will not be able to resist or contradict.

¹⁶But you will be given over also by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.¹⁷You will be hated by everyone because of my name.¹⁸But not a hair from your head will perish.¹⁹In your endurance you will gain your lives.

²⁰"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation is near.²¹Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the city leave it, and those who are out in the country must not enter the city.²²For these are days of vengeance, so that all the things that are written will be fulfilled.

²³Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days! For there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people.²⁴They will fall by the edge of the sword, and they will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

²⁵"There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth. The nations will be in distress, anxious because of the roar of the sea and waves.²⁶There will be men fainting from fear and from expectation of the things which are coming upon the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

²⁷Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.²⁸But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is coming near."

²⁹Jesus told them a parable, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.³⁰When they sprout buds, you see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.³¹So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.

³²Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

³⁴"But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not close on you suddenly³⁵like a trap. For it will come upon everyone living on the face of the whole earth.

³⁶But be alert at all times, praying that you may be strong enough to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

³⁷So during the days he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out and stayed on the mountain that is called Olives.³⁸All of the people came early in the morning to hear him in the temple.

Luke 21:1

gifts

"gifts of money"

the treasury

The "treasury" means the boxes in the temple courtyard where people put money as a gift to God. Alternate translation: "the temple treasury" or "the collection box at the temple"

Luke 21:2

two mites

"two small coins" or "two tiny copper coins" or "two pennies." These were the least valuable of the coins people used then.

Luke 21:3

Truly I say to you

This means that what Jesus was about to say was very important.

I say to you

Jesus was talking to his disciples.

this poor widow put in more than all of them

God considers her gift, a small amount of money, more significant than the large amounts of money the men gave. Alternate translation: "the small gift of this widow is more valuable than the larger gifts of the rich men"

Luke 21:4

gave gifts out of their abundance

"have a lot of money but only gave a small portion of it"

out of her poverty

"who has very little money"

Luke 21:5

offerings

"things people had given to God"

Luke 21:6

these things that you see

This refers to the beautiful temple and its decorations.

the days will come when

"there will be a time when" or "someday"

not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down

"every stone will be removed from its place and torn down" or "not one stone will be left on another. Enemies will tear down every stone." The temple was made of stones, but enemies would come and destroy it.

Luke 21:7

they asked him

"the disciples asked Jesus" or "Jesus's disciples asked him"

these things

This refers to what Jesus has just said about enemies destroying the temple.

Luke 21:8

that you are not deceived

"that you do not believe lies" or "that no one deceives you"

many will come in my name

"many will come claiming to be me" or "many will come claiming to have my authority"

I am he

"I am the Christ" or "I am the Messiah"

Do not go after them

"Do not believe them" or "Do not become their disciples"

Luke 21:9

wars and riots

Here "wars" probably refers to fighting between countries, and "riots" probably refers to people fighting against their own leaders or against others in their country. Alternate translation: "wars and rebellions" or "wars and revolutions"

do not be terrified

"do not let these things terrify you" or "do not be afraid"

the end will not happen immediately

"the end will not happen immediately after those things happen" or "the end will not happen immediately after the wars and riots"

the end

Possible meanings are "the end of the age" or "the end of the world"

Luke 21:10

Nation will rise against nation

"The people of one nation will attack the people of another nation" or "The people of some nations will attack the people of other nations"

Nation

This refers to ethnic groups of people rather than to countries.

and kingdom against kingdom

"and the people of one kingdom will attack the people of another kingdom"" or "and the people of some kingdoms will attack the people of other kingdoms"

Luke 21:11

and in various places famines and plagues

"and there will be famines and plagues in many places" or "and there will be times of hunger and diseases in different places"

terrifying events

"events that terrify people" or "events that cause people to be very afraid"

Luke 21:12

they will lay their hands on you

"people will arrest you"

delivering you over to the synagogues

"giving you over to the leaders of the synagogues"

because of my name

"because of me" or "because you follow me"

Luke 21:13

for your testimony

"for you to tell them your testimony about me" or "for you to witness about me"

Luke 21:14

resolve in your hearts

"make up your mind" or "decide firmly"

not to prepare your defense ahead of time

"not to figure out ahead of time what you will say in order to defend yourself against their accusations"

Luke 21:15

I will give you words and wisdom

"I will give you wise words" or "I will tell you what wise things to say"

contradict

show to be false

Luke 21:16

you will be given over also by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends

"even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will give you over to the authorities"

they will put some of you to death

"they will kill some of you." Possible meanings are "the authorities will kill some of you" or "those who deliver you up will kill some of you." The first meaning is more likely.

Luke 21:17

You will be hated by everyone

"Everyone will hate you"

because of my name

"my name" here refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you follow me"

Luke 21:18

But not a hair from your head will perish

Jesus speaks of one of the smallest parts of a person. He is emphasizing that the whole person will not perish. Jesus had already said that some of them would be put to death, so some understand this to mean that they would not be harmed spiritually. Alternate translation: "But even every hair on your head will be safe" or "But these things cannot really harm you"

Luke 21:19

In your endurance

"By holding firm." This can be stated in the opposite way. Alternate translation: "If you do not quit"

you will gain your lives

"you will save yourselves"

Luke 21:20

Jerusalem surrounded by armies

"armies surrounding Jerusalem"

that its desolation is near

"that Jerusalem will soon be destroyed" or "that they will soon destroy it"

Luke 21:21

flee

run away from danger

in the country

This refers to the rural areas outside Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "outside the city"

Luke 21:22

these are days of vengeance

"these are days of punishment" or "this will be the time when God will punish this city"

all the things that are written will be fulfilled

"all the things that the prophets wrote in the scriptures will happen"

Luke 21:23

to those who are nursing

"to mothers who are nursing their babies"

there will be great distress upon the land

Possible meanings are "the people of the land will be suffer terribly" or "there will be terrible disasters in the land."

and wrath to this people

"and there will be wrath to the people at that time" or "and this people will experience God's anger" or "and God will be very angry and will punish this people"

Luke 21:24

They will fall by the edge of the sword

"They will be killed by the edge of the sword" or "Enemy soldiers will kill them"

they will be led captive into all the nations

"their enemies will capture them and take them to many other countries"

Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles

Jesus speaks about what will happen to Jerusalem as if the people of other nations will walk on it and crush it down with their feet. Possible meanings are the Gentile nations will conquer Jerusalem and occupy it or the Gentile nations will destroy the city of Jerusalem.

until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled

"until the period of the Gentiles ends"

Luke 21:25

The nations will be in distress

"The people of the nations will be deeply troubled"

anxious because of the roar of the sea and waves

"and the loud noise of the sea and its rough movements will frighten them." This seems to refer to unusual storms or disasters involving the seas.

Luke 21:26

the things which are coming upon the world

"the things that will happen in the world" or "the things that will happen to the world"

the powers of the heavens will be shaken

Possible meanings are "God will shake the sun, moon, and stars so they will not move in their normal ways" or "God will trouble the powerful spirits in the heavens." The first is recommended.

Luke 21:27

the Son of Man coming

Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: "me, the Son Man, coming"

with power and great glory

Here "power" probably refers to his authority to judge the world. Here "glory" may refer to a bright light. God sometimes shows his greatness with a very bright light. Alternate translation: "powerfully and gloriously" or "and he will be powerful and very glorious"

Luke 21:28

stand up

Sometimes when people are afraid, they crouch down in order to avoid being seen or hurt. When they are no longer afraid, they get up. Alternate translation: "stand up with confidence"

lift up your heads

"look up"

because your redemption is coming near

"because your salvation is coming near" or "because God will soon redeem you" or "because God will soon rescue you"

Luke 21:30

When they sprout buds

"When new leaves start to grow"

summer is already near

"summer is about to start" or "the dry, hot season is about to start" or "the first figs will become ripe soon"

Luke 21:31

So also, when you see these things happening

The words "these things" refer to the events that Jesus spoke about in 21:25-26.

the kingdom of God is near

"God will soon establish his kingdom"or "God will soon rule as king"

Luke 21:32

this generation

Possible meanings are the generation that will see the first of the signs Jesus speaks of or the generation Jesus is speaking to. The first is more likely.

will not pass away until

"will still be alive when"

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth will pass away

"Heaven and earth will cease to exist." The word "heaven" here refers to the sky and the universe beyond it.

my words will never pass away

"my words will never cease to exist" or "my words will never fail." Jesus uses "words" here to refer to everything he says.

will never pass away

"will remain forever"

Luke 21:34

so that your hearts are not burdened

The "heart" here refers to the mind and thoughts of the person. Alternate translation: "so that you are not burdened"

are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness

"are not distracted by excessive drinking and drunkenness" or "are not busy with drinking too much wine and becoming drunk"

the worries of life

"the things you worry about as you live every day"

that day does not close on you suddenly

"that day does not happen when you are not expecting it" or "that day does not surprise you"

that day

"the day when the Son of Man comes"

Luke 21:35

like a trap

"as when a trap closes suddenly on an animal”

it will come upon everyone

"it will affect everyone" or "the events of that day will affect everyone"

on the face of the whole earth

"on the surface of the whole earth" or "on the entire earth"

Luke 21:36

be alert

"be watchful" or "be aware of what is happening"

strong enough to escape all these things

Possible meanings are "strong enough to endure these things" or "able to avoid these things."

these things that will take place

"these things that will happen." Jesus has just told them about terrible things that will happen, such as persecution, war, and captivity.

to stand before the Son of Man

"to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." This probably refers to when the Son of Man judges everyone. A person who is not ready will be afraid of the Son of Man and will not stand with confidence.

Luke 21:37

during the days he was teaching

"during the daytime Jesus would teach" or "he would teach each day"

in the temple

"at the temple" or "in the temple courtyard"

at night he went out

"at night he would go out of the city"

Luke 21:38

came early in the morning

"would come early each morning"

to hear him in the temple

"to hear him teach in the temple courtyard"

¹Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread was approaching, which is called the Passover.²The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they could put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.

³Then Satan entered into Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve.⁴Judas went to the chief priests and captains and discussed with them how he would betray Jesus to them.

⁵They were glad and agreed to give him money.⁶He consented and looked for an opportunity to give him over to them away from the crowd.

⁷Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.⁸So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for us the Passover meal, so that we may eat it."

⁹They said to him, "Where do you want us to make preparations?"

¹⁰He answered them, "Look, when you have entered the city, a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he goes into.¹¹Then say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"'

¹²He will show you a large furnished upper room. Make the preparations there."¹³So they went, and found everything as he had said to them. Then they prepared the Passover meal.

¹⁴When the hour came, he sat down with the apostles.¹⁵Then he said to them, "I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.¹⁶For I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

¹⁷Then Jesus took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves.¹⁸For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes."

¹⁹Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."²⁰He took the cup in the same way after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

²¹But pay attention. The hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table.²²For the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined. But woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"²³They began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who would do this.

²⁴Then there arose also a quarrel among them about which of them was considered to be greatest.²⁵He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are lords over them, and the ones who have authority over them are called doers of good deeds.

²⁶But it must not be like this with you. Instead, let the greatest among you become like the youngest and the one who leads like the one who serves.²⁷For who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as one who serves.

²⁸But you are the ones who have continued with me in my trials.²⁹I set you over a kingdom, even as my Father has set me over a kingdom,³⁰that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

³¹"Simon, Simon, be aware, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat.³²But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. After you have turned back again, strengthen your brothers."

³³Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."

³⁴Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you deny three times that you know me."

³⁵Then Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, a bag of provisions, or sandals, did you lack anything?"

They answered, "Nothing."

³⁶Then he said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag of provisions. The one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.

³⁷For I say to you, what is written about me must be fulfilled, 'He was counted with the lawless ones.' For what is predicted about me is being fulfilled."

³⁸Then they said, "Lord, look! Here are two swords."

He said to them, "It is enough."

³⁹Jesus went, as he often did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.⁴⁰When they arrived, he said to them, "Pray that you do not enter into temptation."

⁴¹He went away from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,⁴²saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done."

⁴³Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.⁴⁴Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

⁴⁵When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of their sorrow⁴⁶and asked them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray, that you may not enter into temptation."

⁴⁷While he was still speaking, behold, a crowd appeared, with Judas, one of the twelve, leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him,⁴⁸but Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

⁴⁹When those who were around Jesus saw what was happening, they said, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"⁵⁰Then one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

⁵¹Jesus said, "That is enough!" He touched his ear, and healed him.

⁵²Jesus said to the chief priests, to the captains of the temple, and to elders who came against him, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?⁵³When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay your hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness."

⁵⁴Seizing him, they led him away and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.⁵⁵After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them.

⁵⁶A certain female servant saw him as he sat in the light of the fire and looked straight at him and said, "This man also was with him."

⁵⁷But Peter denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."

⁵⁸After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You are also one of them."

But Peter said, "Man, I am not."

⁵⁹After about an hour another man insisted and said, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean."

⁶⁰But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." Immediately, while he was speaking, a rooster crowed.

⁶¹Turning, the Lord looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, when he said to him, "Before a rooster crows today you will deny me three times."⁶²Peter went outside and wept bitterly.

⁶³Then the men holding Jesus in custody mocked and beat him.⁶⁴They put a cover over him and asked him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who hit you?"⁶⁵They spoke many other things against Jesus, blaspheming him.

⁶⁶As soon as it was day, the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. They led him into the Council⁶⁷and said, "If you are the Christ, tell us."

But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe,

⁶⁸and if I ask you, you will not answer.

⁶⁹But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

⁷⁰They all said, "Then you are the Son of God?"

Jesus said to them, "You say that I am."

⁷¹They said, "Why do we still need a witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth."

Luke 22:1

Now

This word is used here to introduce a new event.

the Festival of Unleavened Bread

"the festival when they ate unleavened bread" or "the festival when they ate bread that did not have yeast"

was approaching

"was about to begin"

Luke 22:2

were seeking how

"were looking for an opportunity" or "were thinking of ways in which"

they could put Jesus to death

The priests and scribes did not have the authority to kill Jesus, but they hoped to get others to kill him. Alternate translation: "they could get the government to kill Jesus"

Luke 22:3

Satan entered into Judas, the one called Iscariot

What happened might have been similar to demon possession, but Judas was apparently able to control his own actions. Alternate translation: "Satan took control of Judas, the one called Iscariot"

Luke 22:4

captains

"officers of the temple guards"

how he would betray Jesus to them

"how he would help them arrest Jesus"

Luke 22:6

He consented

"Judas agreed"

Luke 22:7

the day of unleavened bread

"the day of bread without yeast." This was the day the Jews would take all bread made with yeast out of their homes. Then they would celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed

Each family or group of people would kill a lamb and eat it together. Alternate translation: "people had to kill a lamb for their Passover meal"

Luke 22:8

prepare

This is a general word meaning "make ready." Jesus was not necessarily telling Peter and John to do all the cooking.

so that we may eat it

Jesus was including Peter and John when he said "we." Peter and John would be part of the group of the disciples that would eat the meal.

Luke 22:9

to make preparations

"to make preparations for the meal" or "to prepare the meal"

Luke 22:10

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention"

a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you

"you will see a man carrying a pitcher of water." He would probably be carrying the jar on his shoulder.

Follow him into the house

"Follow him, and go into the house"

Luke 22:11

The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I ... with my disciples?"

The quote beginning with "Where is the guest room" is a direct quote of what Jesus, the teacher, wants to say to the master of his house. Alternate translation: "The Teacher asks where the guest room is in which he ... with his disciples" or "The Teacher says to show us the guest room where he ... with us and the rest of his disciples."

The Teacher

This refers to Jesus.

eat the Passover

"eat the Passover meal"

Luke 22:12

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues giving instructions to Peter and John.

He will show you

"The owner of the house will show you"

upper room

"room upstairs"

Luke 22:13

So they went

"So Peter and John went"

Luke 22:14

When the hour came

"When it was time to eat the meal"

he sat down

"Jesus sat down"

Luke 22:16

until it is fulfilled

Possible meanings are "until God completes the purpose of the Passover Festival" or "until what the Passover represents happens"

Luke 22:17

when he had given thanks

"when he had given thanks to God"

share it among yourselves

"share the wine in this cup among yourselves" or "each of you drink some of the wine from this cup"

Luke 22:18

I will not drink of the fruit of the vine

"I will not drink wine." Grapes grow on grapevines. People make wine from fermented grape juice.

until the kingdom of God comes

"until God establishes his kingdom" or "until God rules in his kingdom"

Luke 22:19

he broke it

"he ripped it" or "he tore it." The bread did not have yeast in it, so it was flat.

This is my body

Possible meanings are "This bread is my body" and "This bread represents my body."

my body, which is given for you

"my body, which I give for you"

Luke 22:20

This cup

"The wine in this cup" or "This cup of wine"

the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you

Here "blood, which is poured out" represents death. Jesus's death establishes the new covenant that God makes with his people. Alternate translation: "the new covenant that God will put into effect because I shed my blood for you"

Luke 22:21

The hand of the one who betrays me

"The person who betrays me" or "The man who is ready to betray me"

Luke 22:22

For the Son of Man indeed goes

"For, indeed, the Son of Man will die"

the Son of Man indeed goes

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, indeed go"

as it has been determined

"as God has determined" or "as God has planned"

But woe to that man through whom he is betrayed

"But woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man" or "But how terrible it will be for that man who betrays the Son of Man"

Luke 22:24

Then there arose also a quarrel among them

"Then the apostles began to argue among themselves"

was considered to be greatest

"was the most important" or "the people thought was most important"

Luke 22:25

are lords over them

"rule forcefully over the Gentiles"

are called

The ordinary people probably did not think that those rulers did good to them. Alternate translation: "like to be called" or "call themselves"

Luke 22:26

it must not be like this with you

"you must not act like that"

and the one who leads like the one who serves

"and let the one who leads become like the one who serves"

the one who serves

"a servant"

Luke 22:27

For who is greater ... serves?

"For who is more important ... serves?" Jesus uses this question to encourage his disciples to think. Alternate translation: "I want you to think about who is greater ... serves."

the one who sits at the table

"the one who is dining" or "the one who eats at the table"

Is it not the one who sits at the table?

"Of course the one who sits at the table is more important than the servant!"

Yet I am among you as one who serves

"But I am with you like a servant"

Luke 22:28

who have continued with me in my trials

"who have stayed with me as I have struggled"

Luke 22:29

I set you over a kingdom, even as my Father has set me over a kingdom

"Just as my Father has given a kingdom to me, I give a kingdom to you" or "Just as my Father has given me authority to rule as king, I give you authority to rule as kings"

my Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

Luke 22:30

you will sit on thrones

Kings sit on thrones. Sitting on a throne is a symbol of ruling. Alternate translation: "you will work as kings" or "you will rule as kings"

Luke 22:31

Simon, Simon

Jesus said his name twice to show that what he was about to say to him was very important.

to have you, that he might sift you

The word "you" refers to all of the apostles.

that he might sift you as wheat

This means that Satan wanted to test the disciples to find something wrong. Alternate translation: "that he might test you like someone who passes grain through a sieve"

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for you that your faith

The word "you" and "your" in this veres refer specifically to Simon.

that your faith may not fail

"that you will continue to have faith" or "that you will continue to trust me"

After you have turned back again

"After you start believing in me again" or "After you start serving me again"

strengthen your brothers

"encourage your brothers to be strong in their faith" or "help your brothers believe in me"

your brothers

"your fellow believers" or "the other disciples"

Luke 22:34

the rooster will not crow this day before you deny three times that you know me

"you will deny three times that you know me before the rooster crows this day"

rooster

a bird that calls out loudly before the sun comes up

this day

The Jewish day begins at sunset. Jesus was speaking after the sun had set. The rooster would crow just before morning. The morning was part of "this day." Alternate translation: "tonight" or "in the morning"

Luke 22:35

Jesus said to them, "When I sent you ... did you lack anything?" They answered, "Nothing."

The word "you" refers to the apostles. Jesus uses a question so that they would remember how God provided what they needed in the past.

a purse

A purse is a bag for holding money. Here the word is used to refer to money.

a bag of provisions

"a travelers' bag" or "a bag of food"

Nothing

"We did not lack anything" or "We had everything we needed"

Luke 22:36

and likewise a bag of provisions

"and let him also take a bag of provisions" or "and also a bag of provisions"

The one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak

"If anyone does not have a sword, he should sell his cloak"

cloak

"coat" or "outer garment"

Luke 22:37

what is written about me

"what a prophet wrote about me in the scriptures"

must be fulfilled

"must happen" or "God will cause to happen"

He was counted with the lawless ones

Here Jesus is quoting the scriptures. "People counted him as a member of the group of lawless men"

the lawless ones

"those who break the law" or "the criminals"

For what is predicted about me is being fulfilled

"For what the prophet predicted about me is about to happen"

Luke 22:38

It is enough

Possible meanings are "We have enough swords" or "Do not talk anymore about swords"

Luke 22:39

General Information:

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray.

Luke 22:40

that you do not enter into temptation

"that you are not tempted" or "that nothing tempts you and causes you to sin"

Luke 22:41

about a stone's throw

"about the distance that someone can throw a stone" or "a short distance"

Luke 22:42

Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

remove this cup from me

Jesus refers to what he will soon experience as if it were a cup of bitter liquid that he would have to drink. Alternate translation: "allow me to not drink from this cup" or "allow me to not experience what is about to happen"

Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done

"But do what is according to your will rather than what is according to my will"

Luke 22:44

Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly

"He was suffering greatly, and so he prayed more intensely"

his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground

"his sweat was falling to the ground like large drops of blood"

Luke 22:45

When he rose up from his prayer, he

"When Jesus got up after praying, he" or "After praying, Jesus got up and he"

found them sleeping because of their sorrow

"saw that they were sleeping because they were tired from their sadness"

Luke 22:47

behold, a crowd appeared

The word "behold" alerts us to an important event.

leading them

"leading them to Jesus"

to kiss him

"to greet him with a kiss" or "to greet him by kissing him." When men greeted other men who were family or friends, they would kiss them on one cheek or both cheeks. If your readers would find it embarrassing to say that a man would kiss another man, you could translate it in a more general way: "to give him a friendly greeting."

Luke 22:48

are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke Judas for betraying him with a kiss. Normally a kiss is a sign of love. Alternate translation: "it is a kiss you are using to betray the Son of Man!"

the Son of Man with a kiss

Jesus uses this term to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "me, the Son of Man, with a kiss"

Luke 22:49

those who were around Jesus

This refers to Jesus's disciples.

what was happening

This refers to the priests and soldiers coming to arrest Jesus.

should we strike with the sword

"should we fight against them with swords"

Luke 22:50

one of them struck the servant of the high priest

"one of the disciples struck the servant of the high priest with a sword"

Luke 22:51

That is enough

"Do not do any more of that"

touched his ear

"touched the servant where his ear had been cut off"

Luke 22:52

Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

"Do you come out with swords and clubs because you think I am a robber?" or "You know that I am not a robber, yet you come out to me bringing swords and clubs."

Luke 22:53

in the temple

"in the temple courts" or "at the temple"

you did not lay your hands on me

"you did not arrest me"

this is your hour

"this is your time to do what you want"

and the authority of darkness

"Darkness" represents evil. Alternate translation: "and darkness has authority" or "and darkness reigns"

Luke 22:54

led him away

"led Jesus away from the garden"

Luke 22:55

they had kindled a fire

"some people had made a fire." The fire was to keep the people warm during the cool night. Alternate translation: "some people started a fire to keep warm"

the middle of the courtyard

This was the courtyard at the high priest's house. It had walls around it, but no roof.

in the midst of them

"together with them"

Luke 22:56

This man also was with him

The woman was telling the people about Peter being with Jesus. She probably did not know Peter's name.

Luke 22:57

But Peter denied it

"But Peter said that it was not true"

Woman, I do not know him

Peter did not know the woman's name. He was not insulting her by calling her "woman." If people would think he was insulting her, you could use a culturally acceptable way for a man to address a woman he does not know, or you could leave out the word.

Luke 22:58

You are also one of them

"You are also one of those who were with Jesus"

Man, I am not

Peter did not know the man's name. He was not insulting him by calling him "Man." If people would think he was insulting him, you could use a culturally acceptable way for a man to address a man he does not know, or you could leave out the word.

Luke 22:59

insisted and said

"said insistently" or "said loudly"

Truly this man

Here "this man" refers to Peter. The speaker probably did not know Peter's name.

he is a Galilean

The man could probably tell Peter was from Galilee from the way he spoke.

Luke 22:60

I do not know what you are saying

"I do not know what you are talking about." This expression means that Peter completely disagrees with the man. Alternate translation: "what you said is not true at all"

Luke 22:61

Turning, the Lord looked at Peter

"The Lord turned and looked at Peter"

the word of the Lord

"what the Lord had said"

deny me three times

"deny three times that you know me"

Luke 22:62

Peter went outside

"Peter went out of the courtyard"

Luke 22:64

They put a cover over him

"They covered his eyes so that he could not see"

Prophesy! Who is the one who hit you?

The guards believed that a prophet would know who hit him even if he could not see. But they did not believe that Jesus was a real prophet. Alternate translation: "Prove that you are a prophet. Tell us who hit you!" or "Hey prophet, who hit you?"

Luke 22:66

As soon as it was day

"At dawn"

They led him into the Council

"The elders had Jesus brought before the Council" or "They led Jesus into the Council meeting"

Luke 22:68

if I ask you, you will not answer

This was a way for Jesus to rebuke them without giving them a reason to convict him. These words, along with "If I tell you, you will not believe" (verse 67), show that Jesus did not believe that the council really wanted to know the truth.

Luke 22:69

will be seated at the right hand of the power of God

Sitting at the right hand of God is symbolic of having great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "will be seated in the place of honor beside the power of God"

the power of God

"the all-powerful God." Here "power" refers to God's supreme authority.

Luke 22:70

Then you are the Son of God?

"So when you said that, did you mean that you are the Son of God?"

Son of God

It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.

You say that I am

"Yes, it is just like you say"

Luke 22:71

Why do we still need a witness?

"We have no further need for witnesses!"

have heard from his own mouth

"have heard him say it"

¹The whole company of them rose up and brought Jesus before Pilate.²They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."

³Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Jesus answered him and said, "You say so."

⁴Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no guilt in this man."

⁵But they were insisting, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place."

⁶So when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.⁷When he learned that he was under Herod's authority, he sent Jesus to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in those days.

⁸When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had wanted to see him for a long time. He had heard about him and he hoped to see some sign done by him.⁹Herod questioned Jesus in many words, but Jesus answered him nothing.¹⁰The chief priests and the scribes stood, vigorously accusing him.

¹¹Herod with his soldiers showed Jesus contempt and they mocked him. Then they dressed him in splendid clothes and sent him back to Pilate.¹²For Herod and Pilate had become friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been enemies with each other.

¹³Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the crowd of people¹⁴and said to them, "You brought to me this man like a man who is misleading the people. And see, I, having questioned him before you, find no guilt in this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.

¹⁵No, nor does Herod, for he sent him back to us, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.¹⁶I will therefore punish him and release him."¹⁷¹

¹⁸But they cried out all together, saying, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!"¹⁹Barabbas was a man who had been put into prison for a certain rebellion in the city and for murder.

²⁰Pilate addressed them again, desiring to release Jesus.²¹But they shouted, saying, "Crucify him, crucify him."²²He said to them a third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found no guilt deserving death in him. Therefore after punishing him, I will release him."

²³But they were insistent with loud voices, demanding for him to be crucified. Their voices convinced Pilate.²⁴So Pilate decided to grant their demand.²⁵He released the one they asked for who had been put in prison for rebellion and murder. But he delivered up Jesus to their will.

²⁶As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry, following Jesus.

²⁷A great crowd of the people, and of women who grieved and mourned for him, were following him.²⁸But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

²⁹For see, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that did not bear, and the breasts that did not nurse.'

³⁰Then they will begin to say to the mountains,

'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'

³¹For if they do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

³²Other men, two criminals, were led away with him to be put to death.

³³When they came to the place that is called "The Skull," there they crucified him and the criminals—one on his right and one on his left.³⁴Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then they cast lots, dividing up his garments.

³⁵The people stood watching while the rulers also were mocking him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, the chosen one."

³⁶The soldiers also ridiculed him, approaching him, offering him vinegar,³⁷and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself."³⁸There was also a sign over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

³⁹One of the criminals who was hanging there insulted him by saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."

⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?⁴¹We indeed are here justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man did nothing wrong."

⁴²Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

⁴³Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

⁴⁴It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour⁴⁵as the sun turned dark. Then the curtain of the temple was split in two.

⁴⁶Crying with a loud voice, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Having said this, he died.

⁴⁷When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Surely this was a righteous man."

⁴⁸When all the multitudes who came together to witness this sight saw the things that were done, they returned beating their breasts.⁴⁹But all those who knew him, and the women who followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

⁵⁰Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council. He was a good and righteous man.⁵¹This man had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, and he was looking for the kingdom of God.

⁵²This man, approaching Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus.⁵³He took it down, wrapped it in fine linen, and placed it in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.

⁵⁴It was the Day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin.⁵⁵The women who had come with Jesus out of Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.⁵⁶They returned and prepared spices and ointments.

Then on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

¹The best ancient copies do not have Luke 23:17, Now Pilate was obligated to release to the Jews one prisoner at the feast .

Luke 23:1

The whole company of them

"All of the Jewish leaders" or "All the members of the Council"

rose up

This means that they began to act decisively.

before Pilate

"to Pilate" or "to be judged by Pilate"

Luke 23:2

misleading our nation

"causing our people to do things that are not right" or "causing trouble by telling lies to our people"

forbidding to give tribute to Caesar

"telling them not to pay taxes to the emperor"

Luke 23:3

You say so

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus indicates that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "It is as you said" or 2) Jesus refuses to answer. Alternate translation: "You yourself have said so"

Luke 23:4

multitudes

large groups of people

I find no guilt in this man

"I do not find this man guilty of anything"

Luke 23:5

stirs up the people

"causes trouble among the people"

all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place

"all Judea. He began causing trouble in Galilee and now is causing trouble here"

Luke 23:6

heard this

"heard that Jesus began his teaching in Galilee"

he asked whether the man was a Galilean

"he asked if Jesus was from Galilee"

Luke 23:7

he was under Herod's authority

"Jesus was under the authority of Herod, the ruler of Galilee"

Luke 23:8

to see some sign done by him

"to see Jesus do some kind of sign"

sign

a miracle that would show that Jesus was more than a mere man

Luke 23:9

Herod questioned Jesus in many words

"Herod asked Jesus a lot of questions"

answered him nothing

"did not reply" or "did not give Herod an answer"

Luke 23:10

vigorously accusing him

They were showing great anger and using strong words and accusing him of many things.

Luke 23:11

dressed him in splendid clothes

"put beautiful clothes on him." They did this to mock Jesus and make fun of him.

Luke 23:14

like a man who

"saying that he"

is misleading the people

"is urging the people to act badly" or "is trying to get the people to rebel"

I, having questioned him before you,

"I have questioned him in your presence and I" or "I have questioned him with you here as witnesses, and I"

find no guilt in this man

"do not think that he is guilty"

Luke 23:15

No, nor does Herod

"Nor does Herod find guilt in this man" or "Herod also does not think that this man is guilty"

nor does Herod, for he sent him back to us

"nor does Herod. We know this because Herod sent him back to us." The word "us" refers to Pilate, the priests, and the scribes, but not those who were listening to Pilate.

nothing worthy of death has been done by him

"he has not done anything to deserve a death sentence"

Luke 23:16

I will therefore punish him and release him

"So I will punish him and then set him free"

Luke 23:18

they cried out all together

"the people in the crowd shouted"

Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"

"Take this man away! Set Barabbas free for us"

Luke 23:19

who had been put into prison

"who was in prison" or "whom the Romans had put in prison"

for a certain rebellion in the city and for murder

"because he and others in the city had rebelled against the government and committed murder" or "because he was involved in a rebellion in the city and murder"

Luke 23:20

addressed them again

"spoke to them again" or "spoke again to the religious rulers and the crowd"

desiring to release Jesus

"because he wanted to set Jesus free"

Luke 23:22

Why, what evil has this man done?

"But what crime has this man committed?"

Luke 23:23

they were insistent with loud voices

"the crowd insisted and shouted"

for him to be crucified

"that Pilate have his soldiers crucify Jesus"

Their voices convinced Pilate

"Their shouting convinced Pilate"or "They kept shouting until they convinced Pilate"

Luke 23:24

to grant their demand

"to do what the crowd demanded"

Luke 23:25

he delivered up Jesus to their will

"he surrendered Jesus to what they wanted" or "he handed Jesus over so that what they wanted would happen to him"

Luke 23:26

As they led him away

"While the soldiers led Jesus away from where Pilate was"

they seized

The Roman soldiers had the authority to make people carry their loads. Do not translate this in a way that indicates that Simon was arrested for doing anything wrong.

one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country

"a man named Simon, from the city of Cyrene, who was coming into Jerusalem from the countryside"

they laid the cross on him to carry, following Jesus

"they put the cross on his shoulders for him to carry and follow behind Jesus"

Luke 23:27

A great crowd

"A large crowd"

mourned for him

"mourned for Jesus"

were following him

This simply means they were walking along behind Jesus. It does not mean that they were all his disciples.

Luke 23:28

Daughters of Jerusalem

The "daughters" of a city are the women of the city. Alternate translation: "You women of Jerusalem"

Luke 23:29

the days are coming in which they will say

"there will soon be a time when people will say"

the barren

"the barren women" or "the women who could not have children"

the wombs that did not bear ... the breasts that did not nurse

These clauses more fully describe "the barren." Alternate translation: "the women who have never given birth to children or nursed babies"

Luke 23:30

Then they will begin to say

"In those days people will begin to say"

and to the hills

"and they will say to the hills"

Luke 23:31

For if they do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?

Dry trees burn more quickly than green trees. Jesus uses this question to help the crowd understand that others would suffer even worse than he was suffering. Alternate translation: "Since they do these things while the tree is green, you can be sure that it will be worse when the tree is dry."

Luke 23:32

Other men, two criminals, were led away with him to be put to death

"The soldiers led away with Jesus two criminals to execute them also." Luke called the other two men criminals, but he did not call Jesus a criminal because Jesus was innocent.

Luke 23:34

Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

for they do not know what they are doing

"because they do not understand what they are doing." The Roman soldiers did not understand that they were crucifying the Son of God.

they cast lots

The soldiers participated in a type of gambling. Alternate translation: "they tossed stones" or "they threw dice"

cast lots, dividing up his garments

"cast lots to decide who among them would take home each piece of Jesus's clothing"

Luke 23:35

Let him save himself

"He should be able to save himself." They said this to mock Jesus. They did not believe he could save himself.

the chosen one

"the one that God has chosen"

Luke 23:36

offering him vinegar

"offering Jesus vinegar to drink." Vinegar is a cheap drink that common people drink. The soldiers were mocking Jesus by giving a cheap drink to someone who claims to be a king.

Luke 23:38

a sign over him

"a notice above him on which was written." This was a notice attached to the top of the cross.

Luke 23:39

Are you not the Christ? Save yourself

The criminal uses a question to mock Jesus. Alternate translation: "You claim to be the Christ. So save yourself" or "If you really are the Christ, save yourself"

Luke 23:40

the other rebuked him

"the other criminal rebuked him"

Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

The criminal uses a question to scold the other criminal. Alternate translation: "You should fear God, because you are under the same sentence of condemnation."

you are under the same sentence of condemnation

"the government has condemned you to be punished in the same way"

Luke 23:41

We indeed ... for we ... we deserve

These usages of "we" refer only to the two criminals. They do not refer to Jesus or the other people.

We indeed are here justly

"Truly we deserve this punishment"

Luke 23:42

remember me

"think about me and treat me well"

when you come into your kingdom

To "come into" one's kingdom means to begin to rule. Alternate translation: "when you begin to rule as king"

Luke 23:43

Truly I say to you, today

"Truly" adds emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: "I want you to know that today"

paradise

This is the place that righteous people go to when they die. Alternate translation: "the place where the righteous people live" or "the place where people live well"

Luke 23:44

about the sixth hour ... until the ninth hour

"about noon ... until 3 p.m." This reflects the custom at the time of counting hours beginning with daybreak at 6 a.m.

darkness came over the whole land

"the entire land became dark"

Luke 23:45

as the sun turned dark

This does not refer to sundown. Rather, the light of the sun became dark during the middle of the day.

the curtain of the temple was split in two

"the curtain that was hanging inside the temple tore into two pieces." This was the thick curtain that separated the most holy place from the rest of the temple.

Luke 23:46

Crying with a loud voice, Jesus said

"When that happened, Jesus shouted loudly, saying"

into your hands I commit my spirit

"The phrase "into your hands" refers to God's care. Alternate translation: "I entrust my spirit to your care"

Having said this

"After Jesus said this"

Luke 23:47

the centurion

This was a Roman officer who was in charge of the other Roman soldiers. He supervised the crucifixion.

what was done

"what happened"

Luke 23:48

all the multitudes

"all the crowd"

to witness this sight

"to see this event" or "to observe what was happening"

they returned beating their breasts

Beating one's breast is a symbol of sorrow and regret. Alternate translation: "they returned to their homes, beating their chests in sorrow"

Luke 23:50

Behold, there was a man named Joseph

The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the story. Alternate translation: "Now there was a man whose name was Joseph"

the Council

"the Jewish Council"

Luke 23:51

he was looking for the kingdom of God

he was waiting for the kingdom of God

Luke 23:52

This man, approaching Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus

"This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus"

Luke 23:53

He took it down

"Joseph took Jesus's body down from the cross"

wrapped it in fine linen

"wrapped the body in a fine linen cloth." This was the normal burial custom at that time.

a tomb that was cut in stone

"a tomb which someone had cut out of a rock cliff"

where no one had ever been laid

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "No one had ever put a body in that tomb before"

Luke 23:54

the Day of the Preparation

"the day for getting ready for the Sabbath"

Luke 23:55

who had come with Jesus out of Galilee

"who had come with Jesus from the region of Galilee"

followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid

"followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how he laid Jesus's body inside it"

Luke 23:56

prepared spices and ointments

"prepared spices and ointments for Jesus's body"

they rested according to the commandment

"they did no work as the Jewish law required." They did not put the spice on his body yet because they were not allowed to work on the Sabbath.

¹Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.²They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.³They entered in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

⁴It happened that, while they were confused about this, suddenly, two men stood by them in bright shining garments.⁵As the women were terrified and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to the women, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?

⁶He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee,⁷saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."

⁸The women remembered his words⁹and returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and all the rest.¹⁰Now Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them reported these things to the apostles.

¹¹But this message seemed like idle talk to the apostles, and they did not believe the women.¹²Yet Peter rose up and ran to the tomb, and, stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. Peter then departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

¹³Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.¹⁴They discussed with each other about all the things that had happened.

¹⁵It happened that, while they discussed and questioned together, Jesus himself approached and went with them.¹⁶But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

¹⁷Jesus said to them, "What are these matters you two are discussing as you walk?" They stood there looking sad.

¹⁸One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only person in Jerusalem who does not know the things which have happened there these days?"

¹⁹Jesus said to them, "What things?"

They answered him, "The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

²⁰and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him.

²¹But we hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Yes, and what is more, it is now the third day since all these things happened.

²²But also, some women of our company amazed us, having been at the tomb early in the morning.²³When they did not find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.²⁴Some men who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said. But they did not see him."

²⁵Jesus said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!²⁶Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?"²⁷Then beginning from Moses and through all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them the things concerning himself in all the scriptures.

²⁸As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as though he were going further.²⁹But they compelled him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is almost over." So Jesus went in to stay with them.

³⁰It happened that, when he had sat down with them to eat, he took the bread, blessed it, and breaking it, he gave it to them.³¹Then their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight.³²They said one to another, "Was not our heart burning within us, while he spoke to us on the way, while he opened to us the scriptures?"

³³They rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them,³⁴saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."³⁵So they told the things that happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

³⁶As they spoke these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."³⁷But they were terrified and filled with fear and thought that they were seeing a spirit.

³⁸Jesus said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do questions arise in your heart?³⁹See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having."⁴⁰When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

⁴¹They still could not believe it because of joy, and they were amazed. Jesus said to them, "Do you have anything to eat?"⁴²They gave him a piece of a broiled fish,⁴³and he took it and ate it before them.

⁴⁴He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you when I was with you, that all that was written in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."

⁴⁵Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the scriptures.⁴⁶He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day.⁴⁷Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things.⁴⁹See, I am sending you what my Father promised. But remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

⁵⁰Then Jesus led them out until they were near Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them.⁵¹It happened that, while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.

⁵²So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.⁵³They were continually in the temple, blessing God.

Luke 24:1

General Information:

The women return to the tomb with spices to put on Jesus's body. The tomb was like a room that was dug out of a rock hill. There was a large stone blocking the entrance to the tomb.

Luke 24:2

They found the stone rolled away

"They saw that the stone had been rolled away" or "They saw that someone had rolled away the stone"

the stone

This was a large, cut, round stone big enough to completely block the doorway to the tomb.

Luke 24:4

General Information:

Two angels who look like men come and speak to the women.

Luke 24:5

bowed down their faces to the earth

"bowed low to the ground"

Why do you seek the living among the dead?

The men use a question to mildly rebuke the women for looking in a tomb for a living person. Alternate translation: "You are looking for a living person among dead people!" or "You should not look for a living person in a place for dead people!"

Luke 24:6

but has been raised

"but has been made alive again" or "because he has become alive again"

Luke 24:7

the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified

"it was necessary that they hand the Son of Man over to sinful men who would crucify him"

third day

The Jews counted any portion of a day as a day. Therefore, the day Jesus was raised was "the third day" because it followed the day of his burial and the Sabbath day.

Luke 24:8

remembered his words

"remembered what Jesus had said"

Luke 24:9

the eleven and all the rest

"the eleven apostles and all the rest of the disciples who were with them." This is the first time Luke refers to the apostles as "the eleven." There had been twelve apostles before, but Judas left them and betrayed Jesus.

Luke 24:10

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. In this verse and the next, Luke tells about what happened when the women spoke to the apostles.

Luke 24:11

But this message seemed like idle talk to the apostles

"But the apostles thought that what the women said was foolish talk"

Luke 24:12

Yet Peter rose up

"Rose up" means "began to act." Whether Peter was sitting or standing when he decided to act is not important. Alternate translation: "Yet Peter started out"

stooping

Peter had to bend over in order to see inside the tomb because the entrance was very low. Alternate translation: "bending himself at the waist"

the linen cloths by themselves

"only the linen cloths." This refers to the cloths that had been wrapped around Jesus's body when he was buried. Jesus was not there.

Luke 24:13

Behold

The author uses this word to mark the beginning of a new event.

two of them

"two of the disciples"

that very day

"that same day." This refers to the day when the women found the tomb to be empty.

sixty stadia

"eleven kilometers." A "stadium" was 185 meters.

Luke 24:15

It happened that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. It starts with Jesus approaching them.

Jesus himself

The word "himself" emphasizes the fact that the one they were talking about appeared to them.

Luke 24:16

their eyes were prevented from recognizing him

"their eyes were kept from recognizing him" or "God prevented them from recognizing Jesus"

Luke 24:18

Cleopas

This is the name of a man.

Are you the only person ... days?

Cleopas uses this question to show his surprise that this man appears not to know about the things that have happened in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "You must be the only person ... days."

Luke 24:19

What things

"What things have happened" or "What things have taken place"

a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people

"a prophet to whom God gave power to do and teach great things before all the people"

Luke 24:20

delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him

"gave him over in order for the governor to sentence Jesus to death and they crucified him"

Luke 24:21

who was going to redeem Israel

"who would free the the people of Israel from our enemies"

Yes, and what is more,

This introduces another reason why they no longer believed Jesus would free Israel. Alternate translation: "And in addition to that,"

Luke 24:22

But also

This introduces another reason why the men did not understand what was happening concerning Jesus.

of our company

"in our group"

having been at the tomb

The women were the ones who were at the tomb.

Luke 24:24

But they did not see him

"But they did not see Jesus"

Luke 24:25

slow of heart to believe

Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "your minds are slow to believe" or "you are slow to believe"

Luke 24:26

Was it not necessary ... glory?

Jesus uses a question to remind the disciples about what the prophets said. Alternate translation: "Surely you know that it was necessary ... glory."

to enter into his glory

This refers to Jesus beginning to rule and to receive honor and glory.

Luke 24:27

beginning from Moses

Moses wrote the first books of the Bible. Alternate translation: "beginning with the writings of Moses"

Jesus interpreted to them

"Jesus explained to them"

Luke 24:28

Jesus acted as though he were going further

The two men understood from his actions that he was going on to another destination. There is no indication that Jesus wanted to deceive them.

Luke 24:29

they compelled him

"they persuade him to stay with them"

Luke 24:30

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

the bread

This refers to bread. It does not refer to food in general.

blessed it

"gave thanks for it" or "thanked God for it"

Luke 24:31

Then their eyes were opened

"Then they understood" or "Then they realized"

they knew him

"they recognized him." These disciples had known him before his death.

he vanished out of their sight

"he disappeared from their sight"

Luke 24:32

Was not our heart burning ... scriptures?

They use a question to emphasize how amazed they were about their encounter with Jesus. Alternate translation: "Our hearts were burning ... scriptures."

while he opened to us the scriptures

"while he explained the scriptures to us"

Luke 24:33

rose up

"got up" or "stood up"

the eleven

This refers to Jesus's apostles. Judas was no longer included with them.

Luke 24:34

saying

"and those people told the two men"

Luke 24:35

So they told

"So the two men told them"

the things that happened on the way

"what had happened while they were walking on the road"

how Jesus was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread

"how they recognized Jesus when he broke the bread"

Luke 24:36

Jesus himself

The word "himself" focuses on Jesus. The people in the room did not expect Jesus to appear.

in the midst of them

"among them"

Peace be to you

"May you have peace" or "May God give you peace!" The word "you" refers to the group of people.

Luke 24:37

terrified and filled with fear

"startled and afraid." These two phrases mean about the same thing, and are used together to emphasize their fear.

a spirit

Here it refers to the spirit of a dead person.

Luke 24:38

Why are you troubled?

Jesus uses a question to comfort them. Alternate translation: "Do not be frightened."

Why do questions arise in your heart?

Jesus uses a question to mildly rebuke them. Jesus was telling them not to doubt that he was alive. Alternate translation: "Do not let doubts come up in your minds!" or "Stop doubting!"

Luke 24:39

Touch me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having

Jesus asks them to touch him so they can know that he is not a ghost. Alternate translation: "Touch me and know. For I have flesh and bones, but ghosts do not have them"

flesh and bones

This is a way of referring to the physical body.

Luke 24:40

his hands and his feet

Jesus's hands and feet had wounds from when he was nailed to the cross. These gave proof that he was Jesus. Alternate translation: "the wounds in his hands and his feet"

Luke 24:41

They still could not believe it because of joy

"They were so full of joy that they still could not believe it was really true"

Luke 24:43

ate it before them

"ate it in front of them." Doing this gave proof that he has a physical body and is not just a ghost.

Luke 24:44

all that was written ... Psalms must be fulfilled

"God would fulfill all that was written ... Psalms" or "God would cause all that was written ... Psalms to happen"

all that was written in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms

The words "law of Moses," "the Prophets," and "the Psalms" are parts of the Hebrew Bible. Alternate translation: "all that Moses wrote in the law, all that the prophets wrote, and all that the writers of the Psalms wrote about me"

Luke 24:45

Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the scriptures

"Then he enabled them to understand the scriptures"

Luke 24:46

Thus it is written

"This is what people long ago wrote"

Luke 24:47

Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations

"People must preach in Christ's name to people in all the nations that they need to repent and that they need God to forgive their sins"

in his name

His "name" here refers to his authority. Alternate translation: "by the Christ's authority"

beginning from Jerusalem

"starting in Jerusalem"

Luke 24:48

You are witnesses

"You are to tell others that what you saw of these things." The disciples had observed Jesus's life, death, and resurrection and could describe to other people what he did.

Luke 24:49

I am sending you what my Father promised

"I will give you what my Father promised to give you." God had promised to give the Holy Spirit.

my Father

This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.

until you are clothed with power from on high

"until you receive power from above" or "until you receive power from heaven"

Luke 24:50

Jesus led them out

"Jesus led the disciples outside the city"

He lifted up his hands

This was the action that priests performed when they blessed the people.

Luke 24:51

was carried up into heaven

"was taken up into heaven" or "went up into heaven"

Luke 24:53

in the temple

"at the temple" or "in the temple courtyard"

blessing God

"praising God"

Translation Words

Aaron

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Aaron was Moses' older brother. God chose Aaron to be the first high priest for the people of Israel.

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Abel

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Abijah

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Abijah was a king of Judah who reigned from 915 to 913 B.C. He was a son of King Rehoboam. There were also several other men named Abijah in the Old Testament:

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Abraham

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Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to "Abraham."

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Adam

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Adam was the first person whom God created. He and his wife Eve were made in the image of God.

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Amos

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Amos was an Israelite prophet who lived during the time of King Uzziah of Judah.

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Andrew

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Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).

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Annas

Facts:

Annas was the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem for 10 years, from approximately AD 6 to AD 15. Then he was removed from the high priesthood by the Roman government, although he continued to be an influential leader among the Jews.

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Asher

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Asher was the eighth son of Jacob. His descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel and this tribe was also called "Asher."

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Barabbas

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Bartholomew

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Beelzebul

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Beelzebul is another name for Satan, or the devil. It is also sometimes spelled, "Beelzebub."

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Bethany

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The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.

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Bethlehem

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Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.

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Boaz

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Boaz was an Israelite man who was the husband of Ruth, the great grandfather of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

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Caesar

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The term "Caesar" was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.

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Caiaphas

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Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.

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Cain

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Cain and his younger brother Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible.

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Capernaum

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Christ

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The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.

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Cyrene

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Cyrene was a Greek city on the north coast of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, directly south of the island of Crete.

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David

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David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.

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Eliakim

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Elijah

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Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.

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Elisha

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Elisha was a prophet in Israel during the reigns of several kings of Israel: Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash.

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Elizabeth

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Enoch

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Eve

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Gabriel

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Gabriel is the name of one of God's angels. He is mentioned by name several times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

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Galilee

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Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A "Galilean" was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.

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Gentile

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The term "Gentile" refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Gentiles are people who are not descendants of Jacob.

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God

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In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

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Greek

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The term "Greek" refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece. It is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The term "Grecian" means "Greek-speaking."

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Hades

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The terms "Hades" and "Sheol" are used in the Bible to refer to death and the place where the souls of people go when they die. Their meanings are similar.

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Herodias

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Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas in Judea during the time of John the Baptist.

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Holy One

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Holy Spirit

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These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Isaac

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Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised to give them a son even though they were very old.

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Isaiah

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Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

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Israel

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The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."

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Jacob

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James son of Alphaeus

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James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Jesus also called these men apostles.

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Jericho

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Jericho was a powerful city in the land of Canaan. It was located just west of the Jordan River and just north of the Salt Sea.

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Jerusalem

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Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.

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Jesse

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Jesus

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Jew

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Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."

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Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah

John the Baptist

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John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since "John" was a common name, he is often called "John the Baptist" to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.

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Jonah

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Jordan River

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The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.

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Joshua

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There were several Israelite men named Joshua in the Bible. The most well-known is Joshua son of Nun who was Moses' helper and who later became an important leader of God's people.

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Judah

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Judah was one of Jacob's older sons. His mother was Leah. His descendants were called the "tribe of Judah."

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Judah

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The tribe of Judah was the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel. The kingdom of Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

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Judas Iscariot

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Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.

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Judas son of James

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Judas son of James was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Note that he was not the same man as Judas Iscariot.

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Judea

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The term "Judea" refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.

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King of the Jews

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Lamech

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Lazarus

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Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were special friends of Jesus. Jesus often stayed with them in their home in Bethany.

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Levi

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Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi.

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Lot

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Luke

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Luke wrote two books of the New Testament: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.

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Martha

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Mary

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Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

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Mary Magdalene

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Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.

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Matthew

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Matthew was one of the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. He was also known as Levi son of Alphaeus.

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Moses

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Most High

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The term "Most High" is a title for God. It refers to his greatness or authority.

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Mount of Olives

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The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.

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Naaman

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Nahor

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Nahor was the name of two relatives of Abraham, his grandfather and his brother.

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Nahum

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Nahum was a prophet who preached during the time when the evil King Manasseh was ruling over Judah.

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Nathan

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Nathan was a faithful prophet of God who lived while David was king over Israel.

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Nazareth

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Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it took about three to five days to travel on foot.

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Nineveh

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Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. A "Ninevite" was a person who lived in Nineveh.

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Noah

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Noah was a man who lived over 4,000 years ago, at the time when God sent a worldwide flood to destroy all the evil people in the world. God told Noah to build a gigantic ark in which he and his family could live while the flood waters covered the earth.

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Passover

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The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.

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Peter

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Peter was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He was an important leader of the early Church.

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Pharisee

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The Pharisees were an important, powerful group of Jewish religious leaders in Jesus' time.

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Philip

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In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, Philip was one of seven leaders chosen to care for the poor and needy Christians, especially the widows.

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Philip

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Philip the apostle was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. He was from the town of Bethsaida.

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Pilate

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Pilate was the governor of the Roman province of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death.

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Sabbath

Definition:

The term "Sabbath" refers to the seventh day of the week, which God commanded the Israelites to set apart as a day of rest and doing no work.

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Sadducee

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The Sadducees were a political group of Jewish priests during the time of Jesus Christ. They supported Roman rule and did not believe in the resurrection.

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Samaria

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Samaria was the name of a city and its surrounding region in the northern part of Israel. The Plain of Sharon is west of this region, and the Jordan River is east of this region. The people of Samaria were called Samaritans.

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Satan

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Although the devil is a spirit being that God created, he rebelled against God and became God's enemy. The devil is also called "Satan" and "the evil one."

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Savior

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The term "savior" refers to a person who saves or rescues others from danger. It can also refer to someone who gives strength to others or provides for them.

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Seth

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Shem

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Shem was one of Noah's three sons, all of whom went with him into the ark during the worldwide flood described in the book of Genesis.

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Sidon

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Sidon was the oldest son of Canaan. There is also a Canaanite city called Sidon, probably named after Canaan's son.

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Simeon

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Sodom

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Sodom was a city in the southern part of Canaan where Abraham's nephew Lot lived with his wife and children.

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Solomon

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Son of God

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The term "Son of God" refers to Jesus, the Word of God, who came into the world as a human being. He is also often referred to as "the Son."

Because Jesus is God's Son, he loves and obeys his Father, and his Father loves him.

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Son of Man

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The title "Son of Man" was used by Jesus to refer to himself. He often used this term instead of saying "I" or "me."

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Syria

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Syria is a country located northeast of Israel. During the time of the New Testament, it was a province under the rule of the Roman Empire.

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Terah

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Terah was a descendant of Noah's son Shem. He was the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.

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Thomas

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Thomas was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his disciples and later, apostles. He was also known as "Didymus," which means "twin."

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Tyre

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Tyre was an ancient Canaanite city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is now part of the modern-day country of Lebanon. Its people were called "Tyrians."

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Zacchaeus

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Zacchaeus was a tax collector from Jericho who climbed a tree in order to be able to see Jesus who was surrounded by a large crowd of people.

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Zebedee

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Zebedee was a fisherman from Galilee who is known because of his sons, James and John, who were Jesus' disciples. They are often identified in the New Testament as the "sons of Zebedee."

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Zerubbabel

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abyss

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accuse

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The terms "accuse" and "accusation" refer to blaming someone for doing something wrong. A person who accuses others is an "accuser."

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adultery

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The term "adultery" refers to a sin that occurs when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not that person's spouse. Both of them are guilty of adultery. The term "adulterous" describes this kind of behavior or any person who commits this sin.

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adulterer, adulterers, adulteress, adulteresses, adulteries, adulterous, adultery, immoral woman

adversary

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An "adversary" is a person or group who is opposed to someone or something. The term "enemy" has a similar meaning.

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adversaries, adversary, enemies, enemies', enemy, enemy's, hostile, hostilities, hostility, opponent, opponents, oppose, opposed, opposes, opposition

afflict

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The term "afflict" means to cause someone distress or suffering. An "affliction" is the disease, emotional grief, or other disaster that results from this.

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age

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The term "age" refers to the length of time a person has lived. The term "aged" describes a person who is very old. The term "age" is also used to refer generally to a time period.

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alms

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The term "alms" refers to money, food, or other things that are given to help poor people.

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altar

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An altar was a raised structure on which the Israelites burned animals and grains as offerings to God.

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amazed

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amazement, appalled, astonished, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marvelous, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful

Definition:

Some of these terms mean to be very surprised because of something very unusual that happened. Many of these terms are positive and express that the people were happy about what had happened. Usually the event that caused the wonder and amazement was a miracle, something only God could do.

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amazed, amazement, amazing events, amazing things, appalled, appalling, astonish, astonished, astonishing, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marveled, marveling, marvelous, marvelous things, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful, wondering, wonders

angel

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An angel is a powerful spirit being whom God created. Angels exist to serve God by doing whatever he tells them to do. The term "archangel" refers to the angel who rules or leads all the other angels.

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anger

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To "be angry" or to "have anger" means to be very displeased, irritated, and upset about something or against someone.

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anger, anger burned, angered, angry, burning anger, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

anguish

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anoint

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The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.

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apostle

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The "apostles" were men sent by Jesus to preach about God and his kingdom. The term "apostleship" refers to the position and authority of those who were chosen as apostles.

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appoint

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appointment, direct, predetermine, put in place, reserve, select, set in place, set over, set up, set under

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The terms "appoint" and "appointed" refer to choosing someone to fulfill a specific task or role.

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appoint, appointed, appointed by lot, appointment, appoints, area ... reserved, directed, predetermined, put ... in place, reserved, selected, selects, set ... in place, set ... over, set ... up, set under

ark

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The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.

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armor

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The term "armor" refers to the equipment a soldier uses to fight in a battle and protect himself from enemy attacks. It is also used in a figurative way to refer to spiritual armor.

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ash

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The term "ash" or "ashes" refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned. It is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or useless.

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asleep

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The phrases "lie with" and "sleep with," when referring to what a man and a woman do together, is a euphemism for them having sexual relations.

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asleep, fallen asleep, fell asleep, sleep, lay down, lies down, sleeper, sleeping, sleeps, slept

authority

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The term "authority" refers to the power of influence and control that someone has over someone else.

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authorities, authority, authority to judge, places ... in charge, put ... in charge, puts ... in charge, right, was ... in charge, were ... in charge

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banquet

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baptize

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In the New Testament, the terms "baptize" and "baptism" usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.

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barren

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basket

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bear

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The term "bear" literally means "carry" something. There are also many figurative uses of this term.

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bear, bearer, bearing, bearing with, bears, birth, bore, born, borne, carried, carry, carrying, childbirth, gave birth, give birth, given birth, gives birth, has ... borne, have ... borne, support, supported, supports, sustain, sustains, tolerate

bear

Definition:

A bear is a large, four-legged furry animal with dark brown or black hair, with sharp teeth and claws. Bears were common in Israel during Bible times.

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beg

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Definition:

The term "beg" means to urgently ask someone for something. It often refers to asking for money, but it is also commonly used to refer to pleading for something.

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believe

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Definition:

The terms "believe" and "believe in" are closely related, but have slightly different meanings:

In the Bible, the term "believer" refers to someone who believes in and relies on Jesus Christ as Savior.

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am persuaded, belief, believe, believed, believer, believers, believes, believing, has faith, persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasiveness, were persuaded

beloved

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The term "beloved" is an expression of affection that describes someone who is loved and dear to someone else.

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betray

Related Ideas:

betrayal, betrayer, give over, hand over, traitor, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn over

Definition:

The term "betray" means to act in a way that deceives a person and allows other people to harm that person. A "betrayer" is a person who betrays a friend who was trusting him.

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betray, betrayal, betrayed, betrayer, betrayers, betraying, betrays, give ... over, given ... over, hand ... over, handed ... over, traitor, traitors, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn ... over

blameless

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Definition:

The term "blameless" literally means "without blame." It is used to refer to a person who obeys God wholeheartedly, but it does not mean that the person is sinless.

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bless

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To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.

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blood

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Definition:

The term "blood" refers to the red liquid that comes out of a person's skin when there is an injury or wound. Blood brings life-giving nutrients to a person's entire body.

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body

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The term "body" literally refers to the physical body of a person or animal. This term is also used figuratively to refer to an object or whole group that has individual members.

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bow

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Note

Definition:

To bow means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. To "bow down" means to bend over or kneel down very low, often with face and hands toward the ground.

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are bent, bend, bend the knee, bow, bow down, bowed, bowed ... down, bowed ... down ... before, bowing, bowing down, bows, bows down, fall down, fell, fell down, has ... bent, have ... bent, kneel, kneeling, knelt, will bend

bread

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Bread is a food made from flour mixed with water and oil to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked.

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bride

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A bride is the woman in a wedding ceremony who is getting married to her husband, the bridegroom.

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bridegroom

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brother

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The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.

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burden

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A burden is a heavy load. It literally refers to a physical load such as a work animal would carry. The term "burden" also has several figurative meanings:

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bury

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The term "bury" usually refers to putting a dead body into a hole or other burial place. The term "burial" is the act of burying something or can be used to describe a place used to bury something.

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call

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The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.

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appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning

camel

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captive

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The terms "captive" and "captivity" refer to capturing people and forcing them to live somewhere they do not want to live, such as in a foreign country.

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captivate, captivated, captive, captives, captivity, captor, captors, capture, captured, captures, carried away captive, catch, caught, held captive, taken ... captive

cast out

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banish, cast off, compel to go, drive out, force out, outcast, put outside, throw out

Definition:

To "cast out" or "drive out" someone or something means to force that person or thing to go away.

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banish, banished, cast ... off, cast ... out, casting out, compelled ... to go, drive, drive ... away, drive ... out, driven, driven ... away, driven ... out, drives ... away, drives ... out, driving ... out, drove ... out, force ... out, forced ... out, forcing ... out, outcast, outcasts, put ... outside, threw ... out, throw ... out, throwing out, thrown, thrown out

census

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The term "census" refers to a formal counting of the number of people in a nation or empire.

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centurion

Definition:

A centurion was a Roman army officer who had a group of 100 soldiers under his command.

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chaff

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Chaff is a dry protective covering of a grain seed. The chaff is not good for food, so people separate it from the seed and throw it away.

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chief

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The term "chief" refers to the most powerful or most important leader of a particular group.

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chief priests

Definition:

The chief priests were important Jewish religious leaders during the time that Jesus lived on earth.

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children

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In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant.

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circumcise

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The term "circumcise" means to cut off the foreskin of a man or male child. A circumcision ceremony may be performed in connection with this.

The terms "uncircumcised" and "uncircumcision" refer to a male who has not been physically circumcised. These terms are also used figuratively.

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citizen

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A citizen is someone who lives in a specific city, country, or kingdom. It especially refers to someone who is recognized officially as being a legal resident of that place.

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city of David

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The term "city of David" can refer to the city of Jerusalem, part of Jerusalem, or Bethlehem.

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clean

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Definition:

The term "clean" literally means to not have any dirt or stain. In the Bible, words like "clean" and "washed" are often used figuratively to mean, "pure," "holy," "free from sin," or "innocent".

In the Bible, the term "unclean" is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.

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clean, cleaned, cleanness, cleans, cleanse, cleansed, cleanses, cleansing, purge, unclean, uncleanness, wash, washed, washes, washing

clothed

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Definition:

When used figuratively in the Bible, "clothed with" means to be endowed or equipped with something. To "clothe" oneself with something means to seek to have a certain character quality.

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cloth, clothe, clothed, clothes, clothing, cover, covered, coverings, coverings for their loins, covers, dressed, garment, garments, put ... on, putting ... on, unclothed, wardrobe, wear, wearing, worn

comfort

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Definition:

The terms "comfort" and "comforter" refer to helping someone who is suffering physical or emotional pain.

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comfort, comforted, comforter, comforters, comforting, comforts, consolation, consolations, consoling, uncomforted

command

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Definition:

The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.

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command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands

commit

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The terms "commit" and "commitment" refer to making a decision or promising to do something.

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compassion

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Definition:

The term "compassion" refers to a feeling of concern for people, especially for those who are suffering. A "compassionate" person cares about other people and helps them.

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compassion, compassionate, compassions, deal gently with, pitied, pity, sympathy

conceive

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The terms "conceive" and "conception" usually refer to becoming pregnant with a child. It can also be used for animals that become pregnant.

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condemn

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The terms "condemn" and "condemnation" refer to judging someone for doing something wrong.

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condemn, condemnation, condemned, condemning, condemns, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death

confess

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To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A "confession" is a statement or admission that something is true.

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contempt

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The term "contempt" refers to a deep disrespect and dishonor that is shown toward something or someone. Something that is greatly dishonorable is called "contemptible."

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contempt, contemptible, have no standing, insolence, not worth listening to, showed ... contempt

cornerstone

Definition:

The term "cornerstone" refers to a large stone that has been specially cut and placed in the corner of the foundation of a building.

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courage

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The term "courage" refers to boldly facing or doing something that is difficult, frightening, or dangerous.

The terms "encourage" and encouragement" refer to saying and doing things to cause someone to have comfort, hope, confidence, and courage.

The term "discourage" refers to saying and doing things that cause people to lose hope, confidence, and courage and so to have less desire to keep working hard to do what they know they should do.

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brave, bravest, courage, courageous, dare, dared, discourage, discouraged, discouragement, discouraging, encourage, encouraged, encouragement, encouraging, take courage

court

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Definition:

The terms "courtyard" and "court" refer to an enclosed area that is open to the sky and surrounded by walls. The term "court" also refers to a place where judges decide legal and criminal matters.

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covenant

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Definition:

A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill.

The term "new covenant" refers to the commitment or agreement God made with his people through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.

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cross

Definition:

In Bible times, a cross was an upright wooden post stuck into the ground, with a horizontal wooden beam attached to it near the top.

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crucify

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The term "crucify" means to execute someone by attaching him to a cross and leaving him there to suffer and die in great pain.

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cry

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Definition:

The terms "cry" or "cry out" often mean to say something loudly and urgently. Someone can "cry out" in pain or in distress or in anger.

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cried, cried for help, cried out, cries, cries of distress, cries out, cry, cry ... for help, cry aloud, cry of distress, cry out, crying, crying out, outcries, outcry, raised ... voice, scream, screams, shout, shout out loud, shouted, shouting, shouting out, shouts, speak out, spoke loudly

curse

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Definition:

The term "curse" means to cause negative things to happen to the person or thing that is being cursed.

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curtain

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In the Bible, the term "curtain" refers to a very thick, heavy piece of material used in the making of the tabernacle and the temple.

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cut off

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Definition:

The expression "cut off" literally means to use a sharp instrument to remove a part of something. This can refer to, for example, removing a limb from a tree or an arm or leg from a person, or to chopping a tree completely down.

The expression "cut off" is also used to refer to God causing a river to stop flowing.

The metaphor "cut off" refers to people or God separating a person from his nation or community either by driving him away or by killing him.

To "pluck" is to separate a part of something from the rest by pulling it off or out.

Picture of Cut Off From People:

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chop ... down, chopped ... down, cut ... down, cut ... off, cut ... out of, cut in two, cut off, cuts ... off, cutting ... off, eliminate, pluck ... out, shear, sheared, tear ... off

darkness

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Definition:

The terms "darkness" and "gloom" literally means an absence of light. There are also several figurative meanings of these terms:

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day

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Definition:

The term "day" literally refers to a period of time lasting 24 hours beginning at sundown. It is also used figuratively.

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death

Related Ideas:

breathed their last, dead, deadly, deadness, deathly, die, lethal, mortal, stop breathing

Definition:

This term is used to refer to both physical and spiritual death. Physically, it refers to when the physical body of a person stops living. Spiritually, it refers to sinners being separated from a holy God because of their sin.

1. Physical death

2. Spiritual death

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about to die, breathed ... last, causes ... death, dead, deadly, deadness, death, deathly, deaths, die, die with, died, dies, dying, fatal, lethal, mortal, stop breathing, stops breathing

deceive

Related Ideas:

lie, deal falsely, deceit, deception, deceptive, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, flatter, illusion, trick

Definition:

The word "deceive" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true.

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a lie, deal falsely, deceit, deceitful, deceitfully, deceitfulness, deceive, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deceives, deceiving, deception, deceptive, defraud, defrauded, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, falsely, flatter, flattering, flatters, flattery, illusions, liar, liars, lies, trick

declare

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Definition:

The terms "declare" and "declaration" refer to making a formal or public statement, often to emphasize something. To "proclaim" means to announce or declare something publicly and boldly.

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announce, announced, announces, declaration, declarations, declare, declared, declares, declaring, proclaim, proclaimed, proclaiming, proclaims, proclamation, proclamations, pronounces

decree

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deliver

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To "deliver" someone means to rescue that person. The term "deliverer" refers to someone who rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers. The term "deliverance" refers to what happens when someone rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers.

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be rescued, defend, defended, deliver, deliverance, delivered, delivered ... over, deliverer, deliverers, delivering, delivers, escape, escaped, permit ... to escape, relieve, rescue, rescued, rescuer, rescues

demon

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Definition:

All these terms refer to demons, which are spirit beings that oppose God's will.

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descendant

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A "descendant" is someone who is a direct blood relative of someone else further back in history.

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desert

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Definition:

A desert, or wilderness, is a dry, barren place where very few plants and trees can grow.

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desolate

Related Ideas:

alone, deserted, desolation, desolations, isolated, left alone, left without, lonely

Definition:

The terms "desolate" and "desolation" refer to destroying an inhabited region so that it becomes uninhabited.

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alone, deserted, deserted place, deserted places, desolate, desolation, desolations, isolated, left ... alone, left ... without, lonely, made ... desolate, making ... desolate, uninhabited

destroy

Related Ideas:

break down, bring ... to nothing, destruction, remove, cut to pieces, demolish, destroyer, destructive, downfall, overthrow, pass away, put an end to, shatter, spoil, throw down, waste away

Definition:

To destroy something is to completely make an end to it, so that it no longer exists.

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an end is put to, be destroyed, break ... down, breaking ... down, breaks ... down, bring ... to nothing, broke to pieces, broken, broken to pieces, brought ... down, brought ... to nothing, complete destruction, completely destroy, completely destroyed, crashing sound, cut ... to pieces, cut into pieces, cuts ... into pieces, demolish, destroy, destroy ... completely, destroyed, destroyer, destroyers, destroying, destroys, destruction, destructive, downfall, overthrew, overthrown, pass away, put an end to, shatter, shattered, shattering, spoil, throw down, throws ... down, thrown down, wasting away

detest

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Definitions:

The term "detestable" describes something that should be disliked and rejected. To "detest" something means to strongly dislike it.

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abhor, abhorred, abhorrence, abhorrent, abhorrently, abhors, be disgusted with, detest, detestable, detestable idol, detestable idols, detestable thing, detestable things, detested, disgusted, disgusting, hate, hated, hates

devour

Definition:

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disciple

Definition:

The term "disciple" refers to a person who spends much time with a teacher, learning from that teacher's character and teaching.

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divorce

Definition:

A divorce is the legal act of ending a marriage. The term to "divorce" means to formally and legally separate from one's spouse in order to end the marriage.

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donkey

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Definition:

A donkey is a four-legged work animal, similar to a horse, but smaller and with longer ears.

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dove

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Definition:

Doves and pigeons are two kinds of small, gray-brown birds that look similar. A dove is often thought of as being lighter in color, almost white.

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drunk

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The term "drunk" means to be intoxicated from drinking too much of an alcoholic beverage.

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be ... intoxicated, became drunk, become drunk, drank freely, drink much, drunk, drunkard, drunkards, drunkenness, get drunk

earth

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Definition:

The term "earth" refers to the world that human beings live on, along with all other forms of life.

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elder

Definition:

Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.

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evil

Related Ideas:

deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly

Definition:

The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.

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deal violently, deal worse, displeasing, do ... evil, do ... violence, done ... violence, evil, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, evils, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violated, violates, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly, wretches

exalt

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Definition:

To exalt is to lift up. Often exalt means to praise or honor someone or something. It can also mean to put someone in an honored position of leadership.

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exalt, exaltation, exalted, exalting, exalts, high position, leadership positions, lifted up, lofty

exhort

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Definition:

The term "exhort" means to strongly encourage and urge someone to do what is right. Such encouragement is called "exhortation."

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face

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Definition:

The word "face" literally refers to the front part of a person's head. This term also has several figurative meanings.

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faith

Definition:

In general, the term "faith" refers to a belief, trust or confidence in someone or something.

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faithful

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To be "faithful" to God means to consistently live according to God's teachings. It means to be loyal to him by obeying him.The state or condition of being faithful is "faithfulness."

The term "unfaithful" describes people who do not do what God has commanded them to do. The condition or practice of being unfaithful is "unfaithfulness."

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faithful, faithful one, faithful people, faithfully, faithfulness, reliable, show ... self ... faithful

false prophet

Definition:

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family

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Definition:

The term "family" refers to a group of people who are related by blood and usually includes a father, mother, and their children. It often also includes other relatives such as grandparents, grandchildren, uncles and aunts.

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families, family, family line, genealogical record, genealogical records, genealogies, genealogy, recorded in ... genealogies, recorded in ... genealogy

famine

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Definition:

The term "famine" refers to an extreme lack of food throughout a country or region, usually due to not enough rain. The term "famished" means extremely hungry.

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fast

Definition:

The term to "fast" means to stop eating food for a period of time, such as for a day or more. Sometimes it also includes not drinking.

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father

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Definition:

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ancestor, ancestor's, ancestors, ancestors', ancestral, beget, begot, father, father's, fathered, fathering, fatherless, fathers, fathers', forefather, forefathers, grandfather, orphan, orphans

favor

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Definition:

To "favor" is to prefer. When someone favors a person, he regards that person positively and does more to benefit that person than he does to benefit others.

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favor, favorable, favored, favoritism, favors, privilege, request for favor, seek ... favor, seeking the favor, show favor, shown favor, sought ... favor

fear

Related Ideas:

afraid, alarmed, anxiety, coward, dismay, dread, fainthearted, fearful, fearlessly, fearsome, frighten, timid, unafraid

Definition:

The terms "fear" and "afraid" refer to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

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afraid, alarmed, anxiety, cowards, dismay, dismayed, dread, dreaded, fainthearted, fear, feared, fearful, fearful thing, fearlessly, fears, fearsome, frighten, frightened, timid, unafraid

feast

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Definition:

The term "feast" refers to an event where a group of people eat a very large meal together, often for the purpose of celebrating something. The action to "feast" means to eat a large amount of food or to participate in eating a feast together.

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festival

Definition:

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fig

Definition:

A fig is a small, soft, sweet fruit that grows on trees. When ripe, this fruit can be a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, or purple.

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filled with the Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "filled with the Holy Spirit" is a figurative expression that, when used to describe a person means the Holy Spirit is empowering that person to do God's will.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

filled ... with the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Spirit

fir

Definition:

A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.

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fire

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Definition:

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blazing, fiery, fire, firebrands, fires, flaming, kindle, kindled, kindles, set fire to, set ... on fire, sets ... on fire

firstborn

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Definition:

The term "firstborn" refers to an offspring of people or animals that is born first, before the other offspring are born.

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fishermen

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Fishermen are men who catch fish from the water as a means of earning money. In the New Testament, the fishermen used large nets to catch fish. The term "fishers" is another name for fishermen.

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flesh

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In the Bible, the term "flesh" literally refers to the soft tissue of the physical body of a human being or animal.

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flock

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In the Bible, "flock" refers to a group of sheep or goats and "herd" refers to a group of cattle, oxen, or pigs.

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flute

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In Bible times, pipes were musical instruments made of bone or wood with holes to allow the sound to come out. A flute was a kind of pipe.

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fool

Related Ideas:

folly, foolish, foolishly, foolishness, insane, insanity, out of his mind, senseless, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

Definition:

The term "fool" refers to a person who often makes wrong choices, especially choosing to disobey. The term "foolish" describes a person or behavior that is not wise.

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act of disgraceful folly, acted ... foolishly, disgraceful folly, folly, fool, foolish, foolishness, fools, insane, insanity, out of ... mind, senseless, spoken ... foolishly, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

footstool

Definition:

The term "footstool" refers to an object which a person puts his feet on, usually to rest them while sitting. This term also has figurative meanings of submission and lower status.

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foreigner

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Definition:

The term "foreigner" refers to a person living in a country that is not his own. Another name for a foreigner is an "alien."

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alien, alienated, alienates, barbarian, foreign, foreigner, foreigners, live as a foreigner, living as foreigners, sojourn, sojourned, sojourner, sojourners, sojourning, stranger, strangers, tenant, tenants

forgive

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Definition:

To forgive someone means to not hold a grudge against that person even though they did something hurtful. "Forgiveness" is the act of forgiving someone.

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found

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Definition:

The verb "found" means build, create, or lay a base for. The phrase "founded on" means supported by or based on. A "foundation" is the base of support on which something is built or created.

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established, establishes, found, foundation, foundations, founded, founder, founds, lay ... foundation, lay ... foundations

free

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Definition:

The terms "free" or "freedom" refer to not being in slavery, or any other kind of bondage. Another word for "freedom" is "liberty."

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free, freed, freedom, freeing, freely, freely gave, freeman, frees, liberty, set ... free, volunteer, volunteered, without cost, without paying for it

fruit

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bear fruit, crop, crops, fruit, fruitful, fruits, produce, productive land, unfruitful

fulfill

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carried out, fill up ... to the limit, finishing, fulfill, fulfilled, fulfillment, fulfills, in full, make ... full

gate

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Definition:

A "gate" is a hinged barrier at an access point in a fence or wall that surrounds a house or city.

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generation

Definition:

The term "generation" refers to a group of people who were all born around the same time period.

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gift

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Definition:

The term "gift" refers to anything that is given or offered to someone. A gift is given without the expectation of getting anything in return

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gird

Definition:

The term "gird" means to fasten something around something else. It often refers to wrapping a belt or sash around the waist to keep a robe or tunic in place.

Picture of Girding a sword:

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glory

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Definition:

In general, the term "glory" means honor, splendor, and extreme greatness. Anything that has glory is said to be "glorious."

The term "glorify" means to show or tell how great and important something or someone is. It literally means to "give glory to."

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beautiful, beauty, glories, glorified, glorifies, glorify, glorifying, glorious, glory, take pride

goat

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Definition:

A goat is a medium-sized, four-legged animal which is similar to a sheep and is raised primarily for its milk and meat. A baby goat is called a "kid."

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good

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Definition:

The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.

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best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well

good news

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Definition:

The term "gospel" literally means "good news" and refers to a message or announcement that tells people something that benefits them and makes them glad.

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announce good news, announced the good news, announcing ... the good news, being told good news, bring ... good news, brings ... good news, brought ... good news, good news, gospel, gospel's, had ... good news proclaimed, preach the gospel, preached the gospel beforehand, preaching ... the gospel, proclaim ... gospel, proclaimed the good news, proclaimed the gospel, proclaiming ... good news, proclaiming the gospel, telling ... good news, were told the good news

governor

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Definition:

A "governor" is a person who rules over a state, region, or territory. To "govern" means to guide, lead, or manage them.

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deputy, govern, government, governments, governor, governors, high officials, proconsul, proconsuls, provincial governors

grace

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The word "grace" refers to help or blessing that is given to someone who has not earned it. The term "gracious" describes someone who shows grace to others.

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grain

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The term "grain" usually refers to the seed of a food plant such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, or rice. It can also refer to the whole plant.

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grape

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A grape is a small, round, smooth-skinned berry fruit that grows in clusters on vines. The juice of grapes is used in making wine.

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guilt

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cause ... to become guilty, find guilty, guilt, guilty, held accountable, reason for ... penalty

hand

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by the hand of, fist, from the hand of, hand, handbreadth, handed, handful, handfuls, handing, hands, lay a hand on, lays his hand on

hang

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hard

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Definition:

The term "hard" has several different meanings, depending on the context. It usually describes something that is difficult, persistent, or unyielding.

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hard, harden, hardened, hardening, hardens, harder, hardest, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships

harvest

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The term "harvest" refers to the gathering in of ripe fruits or vegetables from the plants on which they were growing.

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head

Definition:

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heal

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The terms "heal" and "cure" both mean to cause a sick, wounded, or disabled person to be healthy again.

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cure, cured, heal, healed, healer, healers, healing, healings, heals, health, healthy, made ... fresh, made ... well, make ... fresh, recovered, unhealthy

heart

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Definition:

In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.

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heaven

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The term that is translated as "heaven" usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean "sky," depending on the context.

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heir

Definition:

An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.

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hell

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Definition:

Hell is the final place of unending pain and suffering where God will punish everyone who rebels against him and rejects his plan of saving them through Jesus' sacrifice. It is also referred to as the "lake of fire."

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high priest

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The term "high priest" refers to a special priest who was appointed to serve for one year as the leader of all the other Israelite priests.

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holy

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Definition:

The terms "holy" and "holiness" refer to the character of God that is totally set apart and separated from everything that is sinful and imperfect.

Literally, the term "unholy" means "not holy." It describes someone or something that does not honor God.

The term "sacred" describes something that relates to worshiping God or to the pagan worship of false gods.

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holier, holiest, holiness, holy, holy duties, honored as holy, makes ... holy, sacred, sacred gifts, sacred places, unholy

honor

Related Ideas:

dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honorable, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

Definition:

The terms "honor" and to "honor" refer to giving someone respect, esteem, or reverence.

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dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honor, honorable, honored, honoring, honors, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

hope

Definition:

Hope is strongly desiring something to happen. Hope can imply either certainty or uncertainty regarding a future event.

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horn

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Horns are permanent, hard, pointed growths on the heads of many types of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.

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hour

Definition:

In addition to being used to refer to when or how long something took place, the term "hour" is also used in several figurative ways:

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house

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house of God

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Definition:

In the Bible, the phrases "house of God" (God's house) and "house of Yahweh (Yahweh's house) refer to a place where God is worshiped.

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humble

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Definition:

The term "humble" describes a person who does not think of himself as better than others. He is not proud or arrogant. Humility is the quality of being humble.

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hypocrite

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Definition:

The term "hypocrite" refers to a person who does things to appear righteous, but who secretly is acting in evil ways. The term "hypocrisy" refers to the behavior that deceives people into thinking a person is righteous.

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image

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Definition:

These terms are all used to refer to idols that have been made for worshiping a false god. In the context of worshiping idols, the term "image" is a shortened form of "carved image."

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carved figure, carved figures, carved image, carved images, cast metal figure, cast metal figures, cast metal images, castings, figure, figures, image, images, statue

incense

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The term "incense" refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell.

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inherit

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Definition:

The term "inherit" refers to receiving something valuable from a parent or other person because of a special relationship with that person. The "inheritance" is what is received.

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instruct

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The terms "instruct" and "instruction" refer to giving specific directions about what to do.

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gave ... instructions, instruct, instructed, instructing, instruction, instructions, instructor, instructors, instructs

interpret

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The terms "interpret" and "interpretation" refer to understanding and explaining the meaning of something.

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interpret, interpretation, interpretations, interpreted, interpreter, interpreting, interprets, translated

is written

Definition:

The phrase "as it is written" or "what is written" occurs frequently in the New Testament and usually refers to commands or prophecies that were written in the Hebrew scriptures.

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are ... written, had ... been written, has ... been written, have ... been written, is ... written, is it ... written, it is written, it was written, Moses ... wrote, was written, were ... written

joy

Related Ideas:

enjoy, enjoyment, glad, gladness, greet, joyful, joyfulness, jubilant, merry-hearted, rejoice, source of gladness

Definition:

Joy is a feeling of delight or deep satisfaction that comes from God. The related term "joyful" describes a person who feels very glad and is full of deep happiness.

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be glad, be merry, enjoy, enjoyed, enjoying, enjoyment, enjoys, glad, gladness, greet, greeted, greeting, greetings, greets, joy, joyful, joyful shouting, joyfully, joyfulness, jubilant, make ... glad, makes ... glad, merry-hearted, rejoice, rejoiced, rejoiced greatly, rejoices, rejoices greatly, rejoicing, shout for joy, shout joyfully, shout of joy, shouts of joy, source of gladness, was merry

judge

Related Ideas:

act of judging, consider, decide, decision, give justice, give judgment, judgment, judgment seat

Definition:

The terms "judge" and "judgment" often refer to making a decision about whether something is morally right or wrong.

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acts of judgment, consider, considered, considering, decide, decided, decided on, decision, give justice, giving judgment, have decided, insightful decisions, judge, judged, judges, judging, judgment, judgment seat, judgments, renders judgment, will judge

judge

Definition:

A judge is a person who decides what is right or wrong when there are disputes between people, usually in matters that pertain to the law.

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justice

Related Ideas:

honest, injustice, just, justification, justify, maintain someone's rights, vindicate, vindication

Definition:

"Just" and "justice" refer to treating people fairly according to God's laws. Human laws that reflect God's standard of right behavior toward others are also just.

The terms "unjust" and "unjustly" refer to treating people in an unfair and often harmful manner.

The terms "justify" and "justification" refer to causing a guilty person to be righteous. Only God can truly justify people.

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desire for justice, dishonest, honest, injustice, injustices, just, justice, justification, justified, justifies, justify, justly, maintain ... rights, unjust, unjustly, vindicate, vindicated, vindication

kin

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Definition:

The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.

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kind

Definition:

The terms "kind" and "kinds" refer to groups or classifications of things that are connected by shared characteristics.

Picture showing Kinds:

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king

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Definition:

The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.

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king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings

kingdom

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Definition:

A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. It also refers to the realm or political regions over which a king or other ruler has control and authority.

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kingdom of God

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Definition:

The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" both refer to God's rule and authority over his people and over all creation.

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kiss

Definition:

A kiss is an action in which one person puts his lips to another person's lips or face. This term can also be used figuratively.

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know

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Definition:

To "know" means to understand something or to be aware of a fact. The expression "make known" is an expression that means to tell information.

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knew, know, know ... beforehand, knowing, knowledge, known, knows, made ... known, made known, make ... known, makes known, unknowingly, unknown

labor

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fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, laborer, occupation, strive, struggle, toil

Definition:

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fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, labor, labored, laborer, laborer's, laborers, laboring, labors, occupation, product of ... labor, products of ... labor, strive, strives, striving together, struggle, toil, toiled, toiling, toils

lamb

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Definition:

The term "lamb" refers to a young sheep. Sheep are four-legged animals with thick, woolly hair, used for sacrifices to God. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.

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lamp

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Definition:

The term "lamp" generally refers to something that produces light. The lamps used in Bible times were usually oil lamps.

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lampstand

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "lampstand" generally refers to a structure on which a lamp is placed in order to provide light to a room.

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law

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Definition:

A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

law, lawbreaker, lawbreakers, lawgiver, laws, lawyer, principle, principled, principles

law of Moses

Related Ideas:

God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of God, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law

Definition:

All these terms refer to the commandments and instructions that God gave Moses for the Israelites to obey. The terms "law" and "God's law" are also used more generally to refer to everything God wants his people to obey.

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God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law, the law of God, your law

lawful

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Definition:

The term "lawful" refers to something that is permitted to be done according to a law or other requirement. The opposite of this is "unlawful," which simply means "not lawful."

The terms "unlawful" and "not lawful" are used to describe actions that break a law.

The term "lawless" describes a person who does not obey laws or rules. When a country or group of people are in a state of "lawlessness," there is widespread disobedience, rebellion, or immorality.

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leper

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Definition:

The term "leprosy" is used in the Bible to refer to several different skin diseases. A "leper" is a person who has leprosy. The term "leprous" describes a person or body part that is infected with leprosy.

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letter

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Definition:

A letter is a written message sent to a person or group of persons who are usually a distance away from the writer. An epistle is a special type of letter, often written in a more formal style, for a special purpose, such as teaching.

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life

Related Ideas:

alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor

Definition:

All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."

1. Physical life

2. Spiritual life

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alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors

light

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Definition:

There are several figurative uses of the term "light" in the Bible. It is often used as a metaphor for righteousness, holiness, and truth.

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according to, alike, as, as if, compare, in the same way, just as, liken, likeness, likewise, resemble, similar, similarly, unlike

Definition:

The terms "like" and "likeness" refer to something being the same as, or similar to, something else.

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according to, alike, as, as if, be ... like, become ... like, compare, in the same way, is ... like, just as, like, liken, likeness, likenesses, likewise, resemble, resembled, similar to, similarly, the same, the same way, unlike

lion

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Definition:

A lion is a large, cat-like, that has animal, with powerful teeth and claws for killing and tearing apart its prey.

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loins

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Definition:

The term "loins" refers to the part of the body of an animal or person that is between the lower ribs and the hip bones, also known as the lower abdomen.

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lord

Related Ideas:

landowner, Lord, master, master of the house, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir

Definition:

The term "lord" refers to someone who has ownership or authority over other people.

When "Lord" is capitalized, it is a title that refers to God. (Note, however, that when it is used as a form of addressing someone or it occurs at the beginning of a sentence it may be capitalized and have the meaning of "sir" or "master.")

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Lord, Lord's, landowner, lord, lord's, lords, master, master of the house, master's, masters, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir, sirs

lots

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Definition:

A "lot" is a marked object that is chosen from among other similar objects as a way of deciding something. "Casting lots" referred to tossing marked objects onto the ground or other surface.

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allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up ... by lot, lot, lots

love

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Definition:

To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:

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lover

Definition:

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lute

Definition:

A lute is a small, stringed, musical instrument that the Israelites used when they worshiped God.

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magistrate

Definition:

A magistrate is an appointed official who acts as a judge and decides matters of law.

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manager

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Definition:

The term "manager" or "steward" in the Bible refers to a servant who was entrusted with taking care of his master's property and business dealings.

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mediator

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Definition:

A mediator is a person who helps two or more people to resolve their disagreements or conflicts with each other. He helps them to become reconciled.

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member

Definition:

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mercy

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Definition:

The terms "mercy" and "merciful" refer to helping people who are in need, especially when they are in a lowly or humbled condition.

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messenger

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mighty

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Definition:

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Mighty One, might, mightier, mightily, mighty, mighty host, mighty men, mighty one, mighty ones, mighty work, mighty works

mind

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Definition:

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expect, expected, intention, likeminded, mind, minded, mindful, minds, sober, think, think carefully about, thinks, thought, thoughts

mock

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Definition:

The terms "mock," ridicule," "scoff at," and "taunt" all refer to making fun of someone, especially in a cruel way.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

defied, defy, laugh in mockery, laughingstock, mock, mocked, mocker, mockers, mockery, mocking, mocks, ridicule, ridiculed, scoff at, scoffed at, scoffing, taunted, taunting song, taunts

month

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The term "month" refers to a period of time lasting about four weeks. The number of days in each month varies depending on whether a lunar or solar calendar is used.

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mourn

Related Ideas:

funeral song, grief, grieve, howl, mourner, mournful, sorrow, sorrowful, tears, wail, weep, with tears

Definitions:

The terms "mourn" and "mourning" refer to expressing deep grief, usually in response to the death of someone.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

bitter, cause ... grief, funeral song, grief, grieve, grieved, grieving, howl, howls, mourn, mourned, mourner, mourners, mourners', mournful, mournfully, mourning, mourns, sorrow, sorrowful, sorrows, tears, wail, wailing, wailings, wails, weep, weeping, weeps bitterly, wept, with tears

name

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nation

Definition:

A nation is a large group of people ruled by some form of government. The people of a nation often have the same ancestors and share a common ethnicity.

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neighbor

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The term "neighbor" usually refers to a person who lives nearby. It can also refer more generally to someone who lives in the same community or people group.

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noble

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The term "noble" describes someone or something that is excellent or of high quality.

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oak

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Definition:

An oak, or oak tree, is a tall shade tree with a large trunk and wide spreading branches.

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oath

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Definition:

In the Bible, an oath is a formal promise to do something. The person making the oath is required to fulfill that promise. A person who swears an oath commits himself to being faithful and truthful, and by doing so he is saying that God has the right to punish him if he breaks the oath.

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oath, oath-taking, oaths, swear, swear by, swearing, swears, swears by, swore, swore an oath, sworn

obey

Related Ideas:

follow, give ear, hear, hold securely, hold to, keep, listen, obedience, obedient

Definition:

The term "obey" means to do what is required or commanded. The term "obedient" describes someone who obeys. "Obedience" is the characteristic that an obedient person has.

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following, give ... ear, hear, heard, hold ... securely, hold to, keep, keeps, kept, listen, listened, listened to, obedience, obedient, obediently, obey, obeyed, obeying, obeys

offspring

Definition:

The term "offspring" is a general reference to the biological descendants of people or animals.

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oil

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Definition:

Oil is a thick, clear liquid that can be taken from certain plants. In Bible times, oil usually came from olives.

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olive

Definition:

The olive is the small, oval fruit from an olive tree, which is mostly grown in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

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on high

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The terms "on high" and "in the highest" are expressions that usually mean "in heaven."

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oppress

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Definition:

The terms "oppress" and "oppression" refer to treating people harshly. An "oppressor" is a person who oppresses people.

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oppress, oppressed, oppresses, oppressing, oppression, oppressive, oppressor, oppressors, ruthless

palace

Definition:

The term "palace" refers to the building or house where a king lived, along with his family members and servants.

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parable

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Definition:

The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. It can also refer to a saying that is difficult to understand and about which the hearer will have to think carefully before he can understand what the speaker is teaching.

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partial

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The terms "be partial" and "show partiality" refer to making a choice to treat certain people as more important than other people.

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patient

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The terms "patient" and "patience" refer to persevering through difficult circumstances. Often patience involves waiting.

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peace

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Definition:

The term "peace" refers to a state of being or a feeling of having no conflict, anxiety, or fearfulness. A person who is "peaceful" feels calm and assured of being safe and secure.

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perish

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The term "perish" means to die or be destroyed, usually as the result of violence or other disaster.

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persecute

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Definition:

The terms "persecute" and "persecution" refer to continually treating a person or a certain group of people in a harsh way that causes harm to them.

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persecute, persecuted, persecuting, persecution, persecutions, persecutor, persecutors

perverse

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Definition:

The terms "perverse," "crooked," and "twisted" are used to describe a person or action that is morally bad. The term "perversely" means "in a perverse manner." To "pervert" something means to twist it or turn it away from what is right or good. "Perversity" is perverse thoughts, words, and actions.

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crooked, crooked ways, perverse, perverse words, perversely, perversion, perversions, perversities, perversity, pervert, perverted, perverting, perverts, twisted

pierce

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The term "pierce" means to stab something or to make a hole with a sharp, pointed object. It is also used figuratively to refer to causing someone deep emotional pain.

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pig

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A pig is a type of four-legged, hoofed animal that is raised for meat. Its meat is called "pork." The general term for pigs and related animals is "swine."

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pit

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A "pit" is a deep hole that has been dug in the ground. A "pitfall" is a trap made of a pit that is hidden with a cover. A "quarry" is a pit from which people take valuable stones.

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plague

Definition:

Plagues are events which cause suffering or death to a large number of people. Often a plague is a disease that spreads quickly and causes many people to die before it can be stopped.

Picture of a Plague of skin:

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plead

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The terms "plead" and "pleading" refer to urgently asking someone to do something. A "plea" is an urgent request.

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appeal, asked ... earnestly, cause, earnest appeal, earnest appeals, earnestly appeal, earnestly appealed, humble request, humble requests, legal plea, moved by ... plea, plea, plea for favor, plead, plead ... cause, pleaded, pleading, pleadings, pleads, pleas

plow

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A "plow" is a farm tool that is used for breaking up soil to prepare a field for planting.

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farmers, plow, plowed, plowers, plowing, plowman, plowmen, plows, plowshares, unplowed

possess

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The terms "possess" and "possession" usually refer to owning something. They can also mean to gain control over something or occupy an area of land.

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belongings, dispossess, possess, possessed, possesses, possessing, possession, possessions, property, took possession, valuable possessions

power

Related Ideas:

ability, able, mastered, can, capable, could, impossible, incapable, powerful, won, unable

Definition:

The term "power" refers to the ability to do things or make things happen, often using great strength. "Powers" refers to people or spirits who have great ability to cause things to happen.

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ability, able, am ... able, are ... able, are ... possible, be ... unable, be able, be mastered, can, cannot, capable, could, could not, impossible, incapable, is ... able, may ... be able, miraculous powers, possible, power, powerful, powerfully, powers, was ... able, were ... able, will ... be able, won

praise

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To praise someone is to express admiration and honor for that person. Something that is praiseworthy is good and deserves to be praised.

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pray

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The terms "pray" and "prayer" refer to talking with God. These terms are used to refer to people trying to talk to a false god.

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preach

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To "preach" means to speak to a group of people, teaching them about God and urging them to obey him.

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priest

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Definition:

In the Bible, a priest was someone who was chosen to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of God's people. The "priesthood" was the name for the office or condition of being a priest.

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priest, priest's, priesthood, priestly, priestly office, priests, priests', served as a priest

prince

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prison

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The term "prison" refers to a place where criminals are kept as a punishment for their crimes. A "prisoner" is someone who has been put in the prison.

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custody, dungeon, held ... in custody, hold ... in custody, holding ... in custody, imprison, imprisoned, imprisonment, imprisonments, imprisons, prison, prisoner, prisoners, prisons

profit

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Definition:

In general, the terms "profit" and "profitable" refer to gaining something good through doing certain actions or behaviors.

Something is "profitable" to someone if it brings them good things or if it helps them bring about good things for other people.

To "take advantage of" someone is to make extra profit from him because he is weak and unable to demand greater return.

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promise

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A promise is a pledge to do a certain thing. When someone promises something, it means he is committing to do something.

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prophet

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Definition:

A "prophet" is a man who speaks God's messages to people. A woman who does this is called a "prophetess."

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give ... prophecies, prophecies, prophecy, prophesied, prophesies, prophesy, prophesying, prophet, prophet's, prophetess, prophetic, prophets, seer, seer's, seers, seers'

prostitute

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Definition:

The terms "prostitute" and "harlot" both refer to a person who performs sexual acts for money or for religious rites. Prostitutes or harlots were usually female, but some were male.

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act like a prostitute, acted like a prostitute, acted like prostitutes, prostitute, prostitute's, prostituted, prostitutes, prostitution

proud

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Definition:

The terms "proud" and "prideful" refer to a person thinking too highly of himself, and especially, thinking that he is better than other people.

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proverb

Definition:

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punish

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bring down judgment, deal with, inflict punishment, judgment, punishment, unpunished

Definition:

The term "punish" means to cause someone to suffer a negative consequence for doing something wrong. The term "punishment" refers to the negative consequence that is given as a result of that wrong behavior.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring down judgment, go ... unpunished, inflicted punishment, inflicting punishment, judgment, leave ... unpunished, punish, punished, punishes, punishing, punishment, unpunished

purple

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rage

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Rage is excessive anger what is out of control. When someone rages, it means that person is expressing anger in a destructive way.

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raise

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To "rise" or "arise" means to "go up" or "get up." The terms "risen," "rose," and "arose" express past action.

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arise, arisen, arises, raise, raise up, raised, raises, raising, raising up, rise, rise up, risen, rises, rising, rose

reap

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The term "reap" means to harvest crops such as grain. A "reaper" is someone who harvests the crop.

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rebel

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Definition:

The term "rebel" means to refuse to submit to someone's authority. A "rebellious" person often disobeys and does evil things. This kind of person is called "a rebel."

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rebel, rebelled, rebelling, rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness, rebels, revolt

rebuke

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Definition:

To rebuke is to give someone a stern verbal correction, often in order to help that person turn away from sin. Such a correction is a rebuke.

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correct, corrected, correction, corrections, corrects, give correction, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes

receive

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Definition:

The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.

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abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving

reconcile

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Definition:

The term "reconcile" refers to "making peace" between people who were formerly enemies of each other. "Reconciliation" is that act of making peace

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redeem

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Definition:

To "redeem" and "redemption" refer to buy back something or someone that was previously owned or held captive. "Redemption" is the action of doing that. A "redeemer" is someone who redeems something or someone.

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reed

Definitions:

The term "reed" refers to a plant with a long stalk that grows in the water, usually along the edge of a river or stream.

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reign

Definition:

The term to "reign" means to rule over the people of a particular country or kingdom. The reign of a king is the time period during which he is ruling.

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reject

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Definition:

To "reject" someone or something means to refuse to accept that person or thing. The term "reject" can also mean to "refuse to believe in" something. To reject God or his laws means to refuse to obey him.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

denied, denies, deny, despise, despised, despises, refuse, refused, reject, rejected, rejecting, rejection, rejects, scorn, scorns, set ... aside, sets ... aside, stay away from, throw away, tossed aside

repent

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Definition:

The terms "repent" and "repentance" refer to turning away from sin and turning back to God.

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change ... mind, changed ... mind, hold back, regret, regretted, relent, relented, relenting, repent, repentance, repented, repents

report

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Definition:

The term to "report" means to tell people about something that happened, often giving details about that event. A "report" is what is told, and can be spoken or written.

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account, accounts, bring ... report, brought ... news, brought ... report, gave ... a full account, give ... a full account, news, report, reported, reports, rumor, rumors, spread ... about

rest

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Definition:

The term to "rest" literally means to stop working. Usually it means to stop working in order to relax or regain strength. A "rest" is what someone has when he stops working. To "rest secure" is to feel safe. To "rest" an object on something means to "place" or "put" it there. An object that is "resting" somewhere is simply in that place. A boat that "comes to rest" somewhere has "stopped" or "landed" there. The phrase "the rest of" refers to the remainder of something.

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at ease, be at rest, give ... rest, pause, refresh, refreshed, relief, rest, rest secure, rested, rested secure, resting, resting place, resting places, restless, rests

restore

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Definition:

The terms "restore" and "restoration" refer to causing something to return to its original and better condition.

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bring back, mending, recover, restoration, restore, restored, restorer, restores, restoring, reverse

resurrection

Definition:

The term "resurrection" refers to the act of becoming alive again after having died.

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return

Definition:

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reveal

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The term "reveal" means to cause something to be known. A "revelation" is something that has been made known.

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reward

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Definition:

The term "reward" refers to what a person receives or earns because of something he has done, either good or bad. To "reward" someone is to give someone something he deserves.

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pay, pay ... back, pays ... back, payment, penalty, prize, recompense, repay, repayment, retribution, reward, rewarded, rewarder, rewarding, rewards, wage, wages

right hand

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Definition:

The figurative expression "right hand" refers to the place of honor or strength on the right side of a ruler or other important individual.

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righteous

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Definition:

The term "righteousness" refers to God's absolute goodness, justice, faithfulness, and love. Having these qualities makes God "righteous." Because God is righteous, he must condemn sin.

The term "unrighteous" means to be sinful and morally corrupt. "Unrighteousness" can refer to sin or the condition of being sinful.

The terms "upright" and "uprightness" refer to acting in a way that follows God's laws.

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acts rightly, do right, does what is right, in the right, made ... appear ... righteous, right treatment, righteous, righteously, righteousness, rightful, that are right, that is right, unrighteous, unrighteously, unrighteousness, upright, uprightly, uprightness, what is ... right, what was right

robe

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Definition:

A robe is an outer garment with long sleeves that can be worn by a man or a woman. It is similar to a coat.

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rod

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Definition:

The term "rod" refers to a narrow, solid, stick-like tool that was used in several different ways. It was probably at least a meter in length.

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ruin

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Definition:

To "ruin" something means to spoil, destroy, or cause to be useless. The term "ruin" or "ruins" refers to the rubble and spoiled remains of something that has been destroyed.

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ruler

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Definition:

The term "ruler" is a general reference to a person who has authority over other people, such as a leader of a country, kingdom, or religious group. A ruler is one who "rules," and his authority is his "rule."

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run

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Definition:

Literally the term "run" means "move very quickly on foot," usually at a greater speed than can be accomplished by walking. To "run after" or "pursue" someone or something is to move as quickly as possible to try to catch that person or thing. To run away from someone or something is to "flee."

This main meaning of "run" is also used in figurative expressions such as the following:

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

caused ... to flee, fled, flee, fleeing, flees, flow, flows, moving swiftly, ran, run, runner, runners, running, runs

sackcloth

Definition:

Sackcloth was a coarse, scratchy type of cloth that was made from goat hair or camel hair.

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sacrifice

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Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "sacrifice" and "offering" refer to special gifts given to God as an act of worshiping him. People also offered sacrifices to false gods.

Translation Suggestions

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burn ... sacrifices, offer, offered, offering, offerings, sacrifice, sacrificed, sacrifices, sacrificing

sandal

Definition:

A sandal is a simple flat-soled shoe held onto the foot by straps that go around the foot or ankle. Sandals are worn by both men and women.

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save

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Definition:

The term "save" refers to keeping someone from experiencing something bad or harmful. To "be safe" means to be protected from harm or danger.

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be made well, brought safely, brought safely through, place of safety, preserve, safe, safely, safety, salvation, save, saved, saves, saving

scribe

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Definition:

Scribes were officials who were responsible for writing or copying important government or religious documents by hand. Another name for a Jewish scribe was "expert in Jewish law."

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scroll

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Definition:

In ancient times, a scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather.

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seed

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Definition:

A seed is the part of a plant that gets planted in the ground to reproduce more of the same kind of plant. It also has several figurative meanings.

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seek

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Definition:

The term "seek" means to look for something or someone. The past tense is "sought." It can also mean "try hard" or "make an effort" to do something.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

diligently seek, go to find, look out for, looked for, looking for, looks for, search, search carefully, search for, searched, searched for, searched out, searches ... out, searches for, searching, searching for, seek, seek ... out, seeking, seeks, sought, tried, try, trying

seize

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Definition:

The term "seize" means to take or capture someone or something by force. It can also mean to overpower and control someone.

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selah

Definition:

The term "selah" is a Hebrew word that occurs mostly in the book of Psalms. It has several possible meanings.

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send

Definition:

To "send" is to cause someone or something to go somewhere. To "send out" someone is to tell that person to go on an errand or a mission.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

send, send ... away, send ... on ... way, send out, sending, sending out, sends, sends out, sent, sent ... away, sent out

serpent

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Definitions:

These terms all refer to a kind of reptile that has a long, thin body and large, fanged jaws, and that moves by slithering back and forth across the ground. The term "serpent" usually refers to a large snake. The terms "viper," "adder," and "asp" refer to types of snakes that have venom which they uses to poison their prey.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

adder, adders, asp, asps, serpent, serpent's, serpents, snake, snakes, viper, viper's, vipers

servant

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Definition:

The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.

The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."

The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.

Bible References

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving

set apart

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Definition:

The term "set apart" means separated from something to fulfill a certain purpose. Also, to "set apart" people or things means to make them "set apart." This also means to "treat" them "differently." When something is "distinct," it is different from other things.

Translation Suggestions:

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

be distinct, making a distinction, set ... apart, sets ... apart, treat ... differently, treating ... differently

shadow

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Definition:

The word "shadow" literally refers to the darkness that is caused by an object blocking the light. The shadow has a shape similar to the shape of the object that blocks the light.

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shame

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "shame" refers to a painful feeling of being disgraced a person has because of something dishonorable or improper that he or someone else has done.

Sometimes the word "shame" is used figuratively to refer to a person's nakedness or private parts.

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ashamed, make ... ashamed, put ... to shame, shame, shamed, shameful, shamefully, shameless, shamelessly, shames, unashamed

sheep

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Definition:

A "sheep" is a medium-sized animal with four legs that has wool all over its body. A male sheep is called a "ram." A female sheep is called a "ewe." The plural of "sheep" is also "sheep."

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Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ewe, ewes, ram, ram's, rams, sheep, sheepfold, sheepfolds, sheepshearers, sheepskins

shepherd

Definition:

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chief shepherd, herdsman, herdsmen, keeper, shepherd, shepherd's, shepherded, shepherding, shepherds

shrewd

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Definition:

The term "shrewd" describes a person who is intelligent and clever, especially in practical matters.

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sign

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Definition:

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demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, omens, proof, remind, reminded, reminder, reminders, reminding, reminds, sign, signal, signal flag, signs

silver

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Definition:

Silver is a shiny, gray precious metal used to make coins, jewelry, containers, and ornaments.

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sin

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Definition:

The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.

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sister

Definition:

A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.

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son

Definition:

The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.

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sons of God

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Definition:

The term "sons of God" is a figurative expression that has several possible meanings.

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soul

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Definition:

The soul is the inner, invisible part of a person. It refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is the part of a person that continues living after the body dies.

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sow

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Definition:

A "plant" is generally something that grows and is attached to the ground. To "plant" something is to put it in the ground so that it can grow. To "sow" is to scatter seeds on the ground so they can go into the ground and grow. A "sower" is a person who sows seeds.

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place ... planted, plant, plantation, planted, planting, plants, replanted, sow, sowed, sowing, sown, sows, transplanted

spirit

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Definition:

The term "spirit" refers to the non-physical part of people which cannot be seen. When a person dies, his spirit leaves his body. "Spirit" can also refer to an attitude or emotional state.

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staff

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statute

Definition:

A statute is a specific written law that provides guidance for people to live by.

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stone

Definition:

A stone is a small rock. To "stone" someone is to throw stones and larger rocks at that person with the intention of killing him. A "stoning" is an event in which someone was stoned.

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storehouse

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A "storehouse" is a large building that is used for keeping food or other things, often for a long time.

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barn, barns, storage, store cities, storehouse, storehouses, storerooms, treasure, treasures, treasuries, treasury

strength

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Definitions:

The term "strength" refers to physical, emotional, or spiritual power. To "strengthen" someone or something means to make that person or object stronger.

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become strong, made ... strong, made ... stronger, make ... strong, makes ... strong, strength, strengthen, strengthened, strengthening, strengthens, strong, stronger, strongest

strong drink

Definition:

The term "strong drink" refers to drinks that have been fermented and have alcohol in them.

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stumble

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Definition:

The term "stumble" means "almost fall" when walking or running. Usually it involves tripping over something.

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stumbling block

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Definition:

The term "stumbling block" or "stone of stumbling" refers to a physical object that causes a person to trip and fall.

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submit

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To "submit" usually means to voluntarily place oneself under the authority of a person or government.

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suffer

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Definition:

The terms "suffer" and "suffering" refer to experiencing something very unpleasant, such as illness, pain, or other hardships.

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sulfur

Definition:

Sulfur is a yellow substance that becomes a burning liquid when it is set on fire.

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sweep

Definitions:

To "sweep" usually means to remove dirt by making broad, quick movements with a broom or brush. "Swept" is the past tense of "sweep." These words are also used figuratively.

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sword

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Definition:

A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.

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synagogue

Definition:

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tax

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Definition:

The terms "tax" and "taxes" refer to money or goods that people pay to a government that is in authority over them. A "tax collector" was a government worker whose job was to receive money that people were required to pay the government in taxes.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

tax, tax collector, tax collectors, taxation, taxed, taxes, taxing, taxpayers, toll, tolls

teach

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Definition:

To "teach" someone is to tell him something he doesn’t already know. It can also mean to "provide information" in general, with no reference to the person who is learning. Usually the information is given in a formal or systematic way. A person’s "teaching" is or his "teachings" are what he has taught.

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teacher

Definition:

A teacher is a person who gives other people new information. Teachers help others to obtain and use both knowledge and skills.

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temple

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A temple is a special building in which people worship their god or gods. The most important temple in the Bible was where the Israelites worshiped the true God with prayers and sacrifices. It was located on Mount Moriah in the city of Jerusalem.

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tempt

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tent

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Definition:

A tent is a portable shelter made of sturdy fabric that is draped over a structure of poles and attached to them.

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camp, camped, camping, camps, encamp, encamped, encampments, encamps, tent, tentmakers, tents

test

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Definition:

The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.

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testimony

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Definition:

When a person gives "testimony" he makes a statement about something he knows, claiming that the statement is true. To "testify" is to give "testimony."

The term "witness" refers to a person who has personally experienced something that happened. Usually a witness is also someone who testifies about what they know is true. The term "eyewitness" emphasizes that the person was actually there and saw what happened.

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eyewitness, eyewitnesses, testified, testifies, testify, testify against, testifying, testimony, witness, witnessed, witnesses

tetrarch

Definition:

The term "tetrarch" refers to a governing official who ruled over part of the Roman Empire. Each tetrarch was under the authority of the Roman emperor.

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the sea

Facts:

In the Bible, the "Great Sea" or "western sea" refers to what is now called the "Mediterranean Sea," which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.

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the twelve

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Definition:

The term "the twelve" refers to the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his closest disciples, or apostles. After Judas killed himself, they were called "the eleven."

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thief

Related Ideas:

bandit, booty, loot, marauding band, plunder, raider, revolutionary, rob, robber, robbery, steal

Definitions:

The term "thief" refers to a person who steals money or property from other people. The plural of "thief" is "thieves." The term "robber" often refers to a thief who also physically harms or threatens the people he is stealing from.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

bandits, booty, loot, marauding band, marauding bands, plunder, plundered, plundered things, raiders, raiding parties, raiding party, revolutionary, rob, robbed, robber, robbers, robbery, robbing, robs, steal, stealing, steals, stolen, thief, thieves

thorn

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Thorn bushes and thistles are plants that have prickly branches or flowers. These plants do not produce fruit or anything else that is useful.

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thresh

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Definition:

The terms "thresh" and "threshing" refer to the first part of the process of separating wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.

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beat ... out, beaten ... out, floors for threshing, thresh, threshed, threshes, threshing, threshing floor, threshing sledges

throne

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Definition:

A throne is a specially-designed chair where a ruler sits when he decides important matters and listens to requests from his people.

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time

Definitions:

In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."

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tomb

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Definition:

The terms "tomb" and "grave" refer to a place where people put the body of a person who has died. A "burial place" is a more general term that also refers to this.

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tongue

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torment

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The term "torment" refers to terrible suffering. To "torment" or "torture" someone means to cause that person to suffer, often in a cruel way.

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trample

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Definition:

To "tread" on something is to step on it. To "trample" something is to step on it and smash it with the feet.

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Forms Found in the English ULB:

trample, trample over, trampled, tramples, trampling, trampling place, tread, treader, treading down, trod, trodden

trial

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Definition:

The term "trial" refers to a situation in which something or someone is "tried" or tested.

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tribe

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tribute

Definition:

The term "tribute" refers to a gift from one ruler to another ruler, for the purpose of protection and for good relations between their nations.

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trouble

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Definition:

A "trouble" is an experience in life that is very difficult and distressing. To "trouble" someone means to "bother" that person or to cause him distress. Something that is "troubling" causes people to feel distressed. Someone who is troublesome causes problems. To be "troubled" means to feel upset or anxious or distressed about something.

A "tumult" is a group of people making much noise because they are troubled or unhappy.

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true

Related Ideas:

certain, certainly, certainty, indeed, real, sure, surely, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

Definition:

The term "truth" refers to one or more concepts that are facts, events that actually happened, and statements that were actually said. Such concepts are said to be "true."

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certainly, certainty, for certain, indeed, real, sure, surely, true, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

trust

Related Ideas:

Definition:

To "trust" something or someone is to believe that the thing or person is true or dependable. That belief is also called "trust." A "trustworthy" person is one you can trust to do and say what is right and true, and therefore one who has the quality of "trustworthiness."

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entrust, entrusted, entrusting, trust, trusted, trusting, trusts, trustworthiness, trustworthy

tunic

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "tunic" referred to a garment that was worn next to the skin, under other clothing.

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turn

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Definition:

To "turn" means to physically change direction or to cause something else to change direction.

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acts of apostasy, apostasy, apostate, turn, turn ... away, turned, turned ... away, turned ... away ... in disgust, turned ... back, turning, turning ... away, turns, turns ... away, turns ... away from

twelve tribes of Israel

Related Ideas:

children of Israel, descendants of Israel, people of Israel, twelve tribes, twelve tribes of the children of Israel, twelve tribes of the sons of Israel

Definition:

The term "twelve tribes of Israel" refers to the twelve sons of Jacob and their descendants.

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children of Israel, descendants of Israel, people of Israel, twelve tribes, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve tribes of the children of Israel, twelve tribes of the sons of Israel

understand

Related Ideas:

argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding

Definition:

The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.

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arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding

unleavened bread

Definition:

The term "unleavened bread" refers to bread that is made without yeast or other leavening. This kind of bread is flat because it has no leaven to make it rise.

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vine

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Definition:

The term "vine" refers to a plant that grows by trailing along the ground or by climbing trees and other structures. The word "vine" in the Bible is used only of fruit-bearing vines and usually refers to grape vines.

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vineyard

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Definition:

A vineyard is a large garden area where grapevines are grown and grapes are cultivated.

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virgin

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vision

Definitions:

The term "vision" refers to something that a person sees. It especially refers to something unusual or supernatural that God shows people in order to give them a message.

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voice

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Definition:

The term “voice” refers to sound that a person makes when speaking or singing. The term "voice" is often used figuratively to refer to speaking or communicating something.

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walk

Definition:

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waste

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laid waste, lays waste, waste, waste away, wasted, wasteland, wastelands, wastes, wastes away, wasting

watch

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Definition:

The term "watch" means to look at something very closely and carefully. It also has several figurative meanings.

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keep ... watch, kept ... watch, watch, watch out, watched, watchful, watching, watchman, watchmen

water

Definition:

In addition to its primary meaning, "water" also often refers to a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river.

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week

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well

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Definition:

The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.

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wheat

Definition:

Wheat is a type of grain that people grow for food. When the Bible mentions "grain" or "seeds," it is often talking about wheat grain or seeds.

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wine

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Definition:

In the Bible, the term "wine" refers to a kind of fermented drink made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. Wine was stored in "wineskins," which were containers made out of animal skin.

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winnow

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Definition:

The terms "winnow" and "sift" mean to separate grain from unwanted materials. In the Bible, both words are also used in a figurative sense to refer to separating or dividing people.

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wise

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Definition:

The term "wise" describes someone who understands what is the right and moral thing to do and then does that. "Wisdom" is the understanding and practice of what is true and morally right.

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woe

Definition:

The term "woe" refers to a feeling of great distress. It also gives a warning that someone will experience severe trouble.

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womb

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Definition:

Picture showing location of a Womb:

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word

Definition:

A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.

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word of God

Related Ideas:

God's word, his words, my word, scripture, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, writings

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to people. This includes spoken and written messages. Jesus is also called "the Word of God."

The term "word of truth" is another way of referring to "God's word," which is his message or teaching. It does not refer to just one word.

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God's word, God's words, his words, my word, scripture, scriptures, word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, words of God, writings

work

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Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.

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act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works

world

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Definition:

The term "world" usually refers to the part of the universe where people live: the earth. The term "worldly" describes the evil values and behaviors of people living in this world.

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worship

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worthy

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Definition:

The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.

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deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy

wrath

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Definition:

Wrath is an intense anger that is sometimes long-lasting. It especially refers to God's righteous judgment of sin and punishment of people who rebel against him.

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wrong

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defraud, hurt, hurting, hurts, mistreat, mistreated, wrong, wrongdoer, wrongdoing, wronged, wrongfully, wronging, wrongs

year

Definition:

When used literally, the term "year" in the Bible refers to a period of time lasting 354 days. This is according to the lunar calendar system which is based on the time it takes for the moon to go around the earth.

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yeast

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Definition:

"Leaven" is a general term for a substance that causes bread dough to expand and rise. "Yeast" is a specific kind of leaven.

English: Unlocked Literal Bible for Luke

Formatted for Translators

Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Outline of the Book of Luke

What is the Gospel of Luke about?

Who wrote the Book of Luke?

Luke

Luke 1:1

of the things that have been accomplished among us

Luke 1:2

were eyewitnesses and servants of the word

Luke 1:3

I have accurately investigated

most excellent Theophilus

Luke 1:5

In the days of Herod, king of Judea

from the division of Abijah

Luke 1:6

before God

all the commandments and statutes of the Lord

Luke 1:7

they were both advanced in their days

Luke 1:8

Now it came about that Zechariah

Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties

in the order of his division

Luke 1:9

the customary way

he had been chosen by lot

Luke 1:11

Now

appeared to him

Luke 1:12

When Zechariah saw him

and fear fell on him

Luke 1:13

your prayer has been heard

will bear you a son

Luke 1:14

at his birth

Luke 1:15

he will be great in the sight of the Lord

he will be filled with the Holy Spirit

from his mother's womb

Luke 1:16

Many of the descendants of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God

Luke 1:17

He will go before the face of the Lord

in the spirit and power of Elijah

to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him

Luke 1:18

How can I know this?

Luke 1:19

I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God

I was sent to speak to you

Luke 1:20

Behold

you did not believe my words

Luke 1:21

Now

Luke 1:23

It came about that when

he went to his house

Luke 1:24

kept herself hidden

Luke 1:25

This is what the Lord has done for me

he looked at me with favor

my shame

Luke 1:26

In the sixth month

the angel Gabriel was sent from God

Luke 1:27

a virgin engaged to ... Joseph

Luke 1:28

He came to her

Greetings

you who are highly favored!