The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Plain English · paraphraseThen he took him up in his arms, and praised God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

Plain English · paraphraseLord, now you let your servant go in peace, according to your word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Plain English · paraphraseWhich you have prepared in front of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Plain English · paraphraseA light to shine among the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

Plain English · paraphraseJoseph and his mother were amazed by the things that were said about him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Simeon blessed them. He said to Mary, his mother, "Look, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. He is a sign that will be spoken against.

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Plain English · paraphrase(Yes, a sword will pierce your own soul too,) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Plain English · paraphraseShe was a widow about eighty-four years old, who never left the temple. She served God with fasting and prayers night and day.

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd she came in at that time and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke about him to all those who were waiting for salvation in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had done all things according to the law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had finished the days, as they were returning, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother did not know about it.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

Plain English · paraphraseBut they thought he was with the group, so they went on for a day's journey. Then they looked for him among their relatives and friends.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they could not find him, they went back to Jerusalem, looking for him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Plain English · paraphraseThree days later, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Plain English · paraphraseEveryone who heard him was amazed at his wisdom and the way he answered.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow."

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Plain English · paraphraseHe went down with them and arrived in Nazareth, and he was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these words in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus grew stronger in wisdom and body, and was loved more and more by God and by people.

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he went to the whole area around Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance to forgive sins.

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

Plain English · paraphraseEvery valley will be filled in, and every mountain and hill will be brought down low. The crooked places will be made straight, and the rough paths will be made smooth.

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd all people will see God's salvation.

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to the crowd coming to be baptized by him, "You snakes, who told you to escape the coming anger?"

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, produce fruits that show you have repented. Do not say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father." I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Plain English · paraphraseNow also the axe is placed at the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Plain English · paraphraseHe answered and said to them, "If someone has two coats, let him give one to the person who has none. And if someone has food, let him do the same."

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

Plain English · paraphraseThen tax collectors came to be baptized and asked him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them, "Demand no more than what has been assigned to you."

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the soldiers also asked him, saying, "What should we do?" He said to them, "Do not force anyone, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your pay."

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the people were expecting something, and everyone was wondering in their hearts if John was the Messiah or not;

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Plain English · paraphraseJohn answered them, saying, "I baptize you with water, but one stronger than I is coming, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he preached many other things to the people in his exhortation.

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

Plain English · paraphraseBut Herod the tetrarch, being criticized by him for Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evil things Herod had done,

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd one more thing: he put John in prison.

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Plain English · paraphraseWhen all the people had been baptized, Jesus was also baptized and was praying. At that moment, the heavens opened.

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Holy Ghost came down on him in a body like a dove, and a voice came from heaven. It said, "You are my beloved Son. I am well pleased with you."

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

Plain English · paraphraseJesus was about thirty years old. He was thought to be the son of Joseph, who was the son of Heli.

Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,

Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,

Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,

Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,

Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,

Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,

Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,

Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,

Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,

Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,

Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,

Plain English · paraphraseWho was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech,

Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,

Plain English · paraphraseWho was the son of Mathusalah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Maleleel, who was the son of Cainan,

Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, came back from Jordan. The Spirit led him into the wilderness.

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Plain English · paraphraseHe was tempted by the devil for forty days. During those days, he did not eat anything. When the days were over, he was hungry.

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered him, "It is written, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word from God.'"

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the devil took him to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the devil said to him, "I will give you all this power and the glory of these kingdoms, because it has been handed over to me. And to anyone I choose, I give it."

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Plain English · paraphraseIf you will worship me, then everything will belong to you.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered him, "Get behind me, Satan. It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him."

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he brought him to Jerusalem and placed him on the highest point of the temple. He said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here."

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered him, "It says, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'"

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the devil had finished all the temptations, he left him for a while.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus returned to Galilee, filled with the power of the Spirit. News about him spread through the whole region.

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd someone gave him the book of the prophet Isaiah. When he opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Plain English · paraphraseThe Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal those who are heartbroken, to proclaim freedom to the prisoners, to give sight to the blind, and to free those who are crushed.

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Plain English · paraphraseTo announce the year the Lord has accepted.

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he closed the book and gave it back to the minister, then sat down. All the people in the synagogue were looking at him closely.

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he began to say to them, "This day this scripture is fulfilled in your ears."

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

Plain English · paraphraseEveryone agreed and was amazed at the kind and wise words coming from his mouth. They said, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?"

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "You will surely say to me this proverb: 'Doctor, heal yourself.' Do in this place what we have heard you do in Capernaum."

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said, "I tell you truly, no prophet is accepted in his own country."

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

Plain English · paraphraseBut I tell you the truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when there was great famine throughout the whole land;

But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he was not sent to any of them, except to Sarepta, a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they rose up and pushed him out of the city. They took him to the edge of the hill where their city was built, intending to throw him down from it.

But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

Plain English · paraphraseBut he passed through the middle of them and went on his way.

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

Plain English · paraphraseHe went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Plain English · paraphraseThey were amazed by his teaching, because his words had power.

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be quiet, and come out of him. And when the devil threw him into the middle, he came out of him and did not harm him.

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they were all amazed. They spoke among themselves, saying, "What words are these? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."