The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not fast in front of people, but in front of your Father who is in secret. Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Plain English · paraphraseDo not store up treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Plain English · paraphraseBut store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves cannot break in or steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Plain English · paraphraseFor where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Plain English · paraphraseThe light of the body is the eye. So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Plain English · paraphraseBut if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light inside you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Plain English · paraphraseNo one can serve two masters. They will either hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and look down on the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Plain English · paraphraseWhich of you, by thinking, can add one cubit to his height?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, if God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the oven tomorrow, won't he much more clothe you, you people of little faith?

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Plain English · paraphrase(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek.) For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Plain English · paraphraseDon't judge, so that you won't be judged.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Plain English · paraphraseYou will be judged by the same judgment you use. And you will be measured by the same measure you give.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Plain English · paraphraseWhy do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam in your own eye?

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

Plain English · paraphraseOr how can you say to your brother, "Let me pull the piece of dust out of your eye," when there is a beam in your own eye?

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Plain English · paraphraseHypocrite, first take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not give what is sacred to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, because they might crush them under their feet and then turn around and tear you apart.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Plain English · paraphraseAsk, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Plain English · paraphraseEveryone who asks receives. The one who looks for something finds it. And to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Plain English · paraphraseOr who among you, if your son asks for bread, would give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Plain English · paraphraseOr if someone asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Plain English · paraphraseIf you, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Plain English · paraphraseSo do to others what you would want them to do to you. This is the law and the prophets.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Plain English · paraphraseEnter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go through it.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Plain English · paraphraseThe gate is narrow, and the path that leads to life is tight. Few find it.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Plain English · paraphraseIn the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Plain English · paraphraseA good tree cannot produce evil fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Plain English · paraphraseEvery tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, you will know them by their fruits.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseNot everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Plain English · paraphraseThen I will say to them, "I never knew you. Go away from me, you people who do evil."

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, whoever hears these teachings of mine and does them, I will compare him to a wise man who built his house on a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, but it did not fall, because it was built on a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Jesus finished speaking, the people were amazed at his teaching.

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Plain English · paraphraseHe taught them with authority, not like the scribes.

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen he came down from the mountain, large crowds followed him.

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there came a man with leprosy who bowed down to him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing. Be made clean." And at once, his leprosy was healed.

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus said to him, "Do not tell anyone. But go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Jesus came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, begging him.

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home sick with paralysis, in great pain."

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Plain English · paraphraseThe centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just speak the word, and my servant will be healed."

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Plain English · paraphraseFor I am a man in charge, with soldiers under me. When I tell one man to go, he goes. When I tell another to come, he comes. When I tell my servant to do something, he does it.

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were with him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel."

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd I say to you, many will come from the east and west and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Plain English · paraphraseBut the children of the kingdom will be thrown out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to the centurion, "Go. What you have believed will be done for you." His servant was healed at that very hour.

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Jesus came to Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying there, sick with a fever.

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseHe touched her hand, and the fever left her. She stood up and took care of them.

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Plain English · paraphraseWhen evening came, they brought to him many who were possessed by demons. He drove out the spirits with his word, and healed all who were sick.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Plain English · paraphraseThis was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had said: "He took our weaknesses and carried our diseases."

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a certain scribe came and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds in the sky have nests. But the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Plain English · paraphraseAnother of his disciples said to him, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd suddenly, a great storm arose on the sea, so much so that the waves covered the ship. But he was asleep.

And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Why are you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?" Then he stood up and told the wind and the sea to be quiet. At once, the sea was completely calm.

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Plain English · paraphraseBut the men were amazed. They said, "Who is this man, that even the winds and the sea obey him?"

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen he arrived at the other side in the area of the Gergesenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They were coming out of the tombs, very violent, so that no one could pass along that road.

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they cried out, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"

And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

Plain English · paraphraseHe told them, "Go." When they left, they went to the herd of pigs. Suddenly, the whole herd rushed violently down a steep slope into the sea and drowned.

And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who were taking care of them ran away and went to the city, telling everyone everything and what had happened to the man who had the devils.

And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd suddenly, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their area.

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

Plain English · paraphraseHe got into a boat, crossed over, and arrived in his own town.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd suddenly, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralyzed man, "Friend, be encouraged. Your sins are forgiven."

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some of the scribes were thinking to themselves, "This man is speaking blasphemy."

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Plain English · paraphraseJesus knew what they were thinking and said, "Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?"

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

Plain English · paraphraseFor which is easier: to say, "Your sins are forgiven you," or to say, "Get up and walk"?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Plain English · paraphraseBut so you will know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, he said to the man with the palsy, "Get up, take your mat, and go home."

And he arose, and departed to his house.

Plain English · paraphraseHe stood up and went to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when the crowds saw it, they were amazed and praised God, who had given such power to people.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseAs Jesus walked on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners?

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when Jesus heard that, he said to them, Those who are well do not need a doctor, only those who are sick.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Plain English · paraphraseBut go and learn what this means: I want mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Plain English · paraphraseThen the disciples of John came to him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?"

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to them, "Can the children of the wedding mourn as long as the groom is with them? But the days will come when the groom is taken from them, and then they will fast."

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Plain English · paraphraseNo one puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment. The new cloth pulls away from the old fabric, and the tear gets worse.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Plain English · paraphraseThey do not put new wine into old bottles. Otherwise, the bottles break, the wine spills out, and the bottles are ruined. They put new wine into new bottles, and both are kept safe.

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus got up and followed him, and his disciples did the same.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd look, a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his clothing.