Axial Commons
Hebrew / JewishChristianity
And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd if a woman leaves her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Plain English · paraphraseBut when Jesus saw this, he was very upset and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and don't stop them. For the kingdom of God belongs to those like these."
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Plain English · paraphraseI tell you the truth: whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he went out on the road, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?"
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one, and that is God."
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Plain English · paraphraseYou know the commandments: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not give false testimony. Do not defraud. Honor your father and mother.
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Plain English · paraphraseHe answered, "Teacher, all these things I have followed since I was young."
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus looked at him and loved him. He said, "One thing you lack: go, sell everything you have, and give to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. Come, take up the cross, and follow me."
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Plain English · paraphraseHe was upset by those words and left in sorrow, because he had many riches.
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Plain English · paraphraseJesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Plain English · paraphraseThe disciples were surprised by his words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "My children, how difficult it is for those who trust in wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
Plain English · paraphraseThey were amazed beyond words. They said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus looked at them and said, "It is impossible for people, but not for God. With God, all things are possible."
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
Plain English · paraphraseThen Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Plain English · paraphraseBut many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they were on the way going up to Jerusalem. Jesus was walking ahead of them, and they were amazed. As they followed, they were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what would happen to him.
Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "Look, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will sentence him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles."
And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they will mock him, beat him with whips, spit on him, and kill him. And on the third day, he will rise again.
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
Plain English · paraphraseJames and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. They said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask."
And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
Plain English · paraphraseHe asked them, "What do you want me to do for you?"
They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
Plain English · paraphraseThey said to him, "Let us sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your glory."
But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you're asking. Can you drink the cup I drink from, and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
Plain English · paraphraseThey said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from the cup I drink from, and with the baptism I am baptized with, you will be baptized."
But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the ten heard this, they were very upset with James and John.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those considered rulers over the Gentiles exercise authority over them, and their leaders exercise power over them."
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
Plain English · paraphraseBut it will not be like that among you. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd whoever among you wants to be the most important must be the servant of all.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Plain English · paraphraseFor even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
Plain English · paraphraseThey came to Jericho. As he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man and the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road begging.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd many told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, "Have mercy on me, son of David."
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. They called the blind man and said to him, "Be of good comfort. Rise. He is calling you."
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd he took off his robe, got up, and went to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said, "Lord, let me receive my sight."
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "Go on your way. Your faith has healed you." At once, he could see and followed Jesus along the road.
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent out two of his disciples,
And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied up, on which no one has ever ridden. Untie him and bring him."
And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd if anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? tell them that the Lord needs him; and right away he will send him here.
And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
Plain English · paraphraseAnd some of the people there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"
And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said to them, just as Jesus had commanded. And they let them go.
And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they brought the colt to Jesus, and laid their clothes on him. He sat on it.
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd many spread their garments along the way. Others cut down branches from the trees and scattered them on the path.
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, saying, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one coming in the name of the Lord."
Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Plain English · paraphraseBlessed is the kingdom of our father David, which comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus went into Jerusalem and the temple. He looked around at everything. It was now evening. He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the next day, after they came from Bethany, he was hungry:
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd he saw a fig tree in the distance with leaves. He went to see if there might be any fruit on it. But when he arrived, he found only leaves, because it was not yet the season for figs.
And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus answered, "No one will eat fruit from you ever again." His disciples heard him say this.
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they came to Jerusalem. Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and buying in the temple. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves.
And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd would not allow anyone to carry any vessel through the temple.
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
Plain English · paraphraseThe scribes and chief priests heard this and looked for a way to kill him. They were afraid of him because all the people were amazed at his teaching.
And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when evening came, he went out of the city.
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Peter, remembering, said to him, "Teacher, look, the fig tree you cursed has withered away."
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "Have faith in God."
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, I say to you, whatever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Plain English · paraphraseWhen you stand to pray, forgive anyone you have something against, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Plain English · paraphraseAnd tell him, "By whose authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority to do these things?"
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Plain English · paraphraseWas John's baptism from heaven, or from men? Answer me.
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they discussed among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'"
But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Plain English · paraphraseThey answered and said to Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus answered and said to them, "Then I will not tell you by what authority I do these things."
And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
Plain English · paraphraseHe began to teach them through stories. A man planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a vat for wine, built a watchtower, and then rented it out to farmers. Then he went far away.
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd at the time, he sent a servant to the vineyard workers to receive from them the fruit of the vineyard.
And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd again he sent to them another servant. They threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away, treated shamefully.
And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd again he sent another. They killed him. And many others they beat, and some they killed.
Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
Plain English · paraphraseBut he still had one son, the one he loved most, so he sent him to them last of all. He said, "They will respect my son."
But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
Plain English · paraphraseBut those farmers said to each other, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours."
And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
Plain English · paraphraseWhat then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the workers, and give the vineyard to others.
And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Plain English · paraphraseAnd haven't you read this scripture: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone"?
This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they tried to seize him, but they were afraid of the people. They knew he had told the parable against them. So they let him go and left.
And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him with his words.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Plain English · paraphraseWhen they arrived, they said to him, "Teacher, we know you are honest and do not favor anyone. You do not show partiality to people but teach the truth about God's way. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Plain English · paraphraseShall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why test me? Bring me a penny so I can look at it.
And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they brought it. He asked them, "Whose image and inscription are on this?" They said to him, "Caesar's."
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." They were amazed at him.
Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
Plain English · paraphraseTeacher, Moses wrote for us: If a man’s brother dies and leaves his wife behind with no children, then his brother should marry his wife and raise children for his brother.
Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
Plain English · paraphraseThere were seven brothers. The first one married, but when he died, he left no children.
And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the second took her and died, and he left no children. The third did the same.
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as their wife.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "You are mistaken because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God."
For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
Plain English · paraphraseWhen they rise from the dead, they will not marry, and will not be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven.
And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?