The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Plain English · paraphraseOne of those nearby drew a sword and struck a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "Have you come out, like a thief, with swords and sticks to arrest me?"

I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

Plain English · paraphraseI was with you every day in the temple teaching, and you did not take me in. But the scriptures must be fulfilled.

And they all forsook him, and fled.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd all of them left him and ran away.

And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a certain young man followed him, wearing only a linen cloth wrapped around his body. The young men grabbed him.

And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Plain English · paraphraseHe left the linen cloth and ran away from them naked.

And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Peter followed him from a distance into the high priest's palace. He sat with the servants and warmed himself by the fire.

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the chief priests and all the council looked for witnesses against Jesus to kill him, but found none.

For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some people stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,

We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

But neither so did their witness agree together.

Plain English · paraphraseBut their testimony did not agree with each other.

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

Plain English · paraphraseThe high priest stood in the middle and asked Jesus, "Do you have nothing to say? What do these witnesses accuse you of?"

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

Plain English · paraphraseThen the high priest tore his clothes and said, "What more witnesses do we need?"

Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

Plain English · paraphraseYou have heard the blasphemy. What do you think? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some began to spit on him, cover his face, and beat him. They said to him, "Prophesy," and the servants struck him with the palms of their hands.

And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as Peter was down in the palace, a servant girl of the high priest came.

And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You were also with Jesus of Nazareth."

But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he denied, saying, "I don't know, and I don't understand what you're saying." And he went out into the porch; and the rooster crowed.

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a girl saw him again and began to tell those nearby, This is one of them.

And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he denied it again. Soon after, those standing nearby said to Peter again, "Surely you are one of them, for your speech shows you are a Galilaean."

But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he began to curse and swear, saying, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the second time the rooster crowed. Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." When he thought about this, he wept.

And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

Plain English · paraphraseAt once, early in the morning, the chief priests met with the elders, scribes, and the whole council. They bound Jesus and took him away, then handed him over to Pilate.

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.

Plain English · paraphrasePilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered, "You say so."

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

Plain English · paraphrasePilate asked him again, "Don't you have anything to say? Look at how many charges they bring against you."

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus did not answer. Pilate was surprised.

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there was one named Barabbas, who was bound with those who had rebelled with him, and who had committed murder during the rebellion.

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the crowd shouted, begging him to do as he always had for them.

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Plain English · paraphraseBut Pilate answered them, "Do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?"

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Plain English · paraphraseHe knew that the chief priests had handed him over out of jealousy.

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Plain English · paraphrasePilate answered and said to them, "What then do you want me to do with the one you call the King of the Jews?"

And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Pilate said to them, "What evil has he done?" And they shouted even louder, "Crucify him."

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd so Pilate, wanting to please the people, released Barabbas to them and handed Jesus over to be crucified after he had whipped him.

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they dressed him in purple, twisted a crown of thorns, and placed it on his head.

And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they forced a man named Simon from Cyrene, who was passing by on his way out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they brought him to the place called Golgotha, which means The Place of a Skull.

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they gave him to drink wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes, casting lots for them, to decide what each man would take.

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Plain English · paraphraseIt was the third hour when they nailed him to the cross.

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the sign with his accusation written on it was placed above, "The King of the Jews."

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, "Ah, you who destroy the temple and build it in three days,

Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Plain English · paraphraseLikewise, the chief priests mocked each other and the scribes, saying, "He saved others, but he cannot save himself."

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Plain English · paraphraseLet Christ the King of Israel come down from the cross now, so we can see and believe. Those who were crucified with him insulted him.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the sixth hour came, darkness covered the whole land until the ninth hour.

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some of the people standing nearby, when they heard it, said, "Look, he's calling for Elijah."

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd one ran and filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, Leave him alone; let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus shouted with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the temple’s veil was torn in two, from top to bottom.

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the centurion, who stood opposite him, saw that he cried out and died, he said, "Truly, this man was the Son of God."

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Plain English · paraphraseThere were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Plain English · paraphrase(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him and took care of him); and many other women who came with him to Jerusalem.

And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd now, when evening came, it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath.

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseJoseph of Arimathaea, an honorable member of the council who was also waiting for the kingdom of God, went to Pilate. He went in boldly and asked for the body of Jesus.

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Plain English · paraphrasePilate was surprised that he was already dead. He called the centurion and asked if he had been dead for some time.

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he found out from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he bought fine linen, took him down, wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a tomb carved out of rock. He rolled a stone to the entrance of the tomb.

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Plain English · paraphraseVery early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb.

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said to each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the door of the tomb for us?"

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they looked, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. It was a very large stone.

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they went into the tomb. There they saw a young man sitting on the right side, wearing a long white robe. They were frightened.

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them, "Don't be afraid. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Look at the place where they laid him."

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Plain English · paraphraseBut go now, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him, as he told you.

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Plain English · paraphraseEarly on the first day of the week, after rising, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons.

And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they, when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, did not believe.

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter that, he appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking, and he went with them into the country.

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they went and told it to the rest. They did not believe them.

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Plain English · paraphraseLater, he appeared to the eleven as they were eating. He scolded them for their unbelief and stubborn hearts, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Plain English · paraphraseIf someone believes and is baptized, they will be saved. But someone who does not believe will be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd these signs shall follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out devils. They will speak with new tongues.

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Plain English · paraphraseThey will pick up snakes. If they drink something deadly, it will not harm them. They will place their hands on the sick, and they will get well.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Plain English · paraphraseSo after the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat at God's right hand.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the message with signs that followed. Amen.

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

Plain English · paraphraseJust as they passed them on to us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word;

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Plain English · paraphraseIt seemed good to me as well, having fully understood all things from the very beginning, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Plain English · paraphraseSo that you can be certain about the things you have been taught.

THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.