The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd her spirit returned, and she stood up at once. He told them to give her food.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Plain English · paraphraseHer parents were amazed, but he told them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd whoever will not welcome you when you leave that city, shake the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

Plain English · paraphraseNow Herod the tetrarch heard about all that Jesus was doing. He was confused, because some people said John had come back to life from the dead.

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some said that Elijah had appeared; and others said that one of the old prophets had risen again.

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Herod said, "I have beheaded John. But who is this one, about whom I hear such things?" And he wanted to see him.

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the people, when they found out, followed him. And he welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he said to them, "Give them something to eat." They said, "We have only five loaves and two fish. Unless we go and buy food for all these people, it won’t be enough."

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

Plain English · paraphraseThere were about five thousand men. He told his disciples, Have them sit down in groups of fifty.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and blessed them. He broke them and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they ate, and were all full. And twelve baskets were filled with the leftover pieces.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Plain English · paraphraseHe was alone and praying, and his disciples were with him. He asked them, "What do the people say I am?"

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Plain English · paraphraseThey answered, "John the Baptist," but some said, "Elias," and others said, "One of the old prophets has come back to life."

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he strongly warned them and told them not to tell anyone about that thing;

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and be raised on the third day."

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them all, "If anyone wants to come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross every day, and follow me."

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever is willing to lose his life for my sake will save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Plain English · paraphraseWhat good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet lose himself or be thrown away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever is ashamed of me and my words, I will be ashamed of them when I come in my glory, in my Father’s glory, and with the holy angels.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Plain English · paraphraseBut I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Plain English · paraphraseEight days later, he took Peter, John, and James and went up to a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

Plain English · paraphraseAs he prayed, his appearance changed, and his clothes became white and shining.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there, two men talked with him. They were Moses and Elijah.

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

Plain English · paraphraseWho appeared in glory and spoke about his death that he would complete in Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

Plain English · paraphraseBut Peter and those with him were very sleepy. When they woke up, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

Plain English · paraphraseWhile he was speaking, a cloud came and covered them. They were afraid as they went into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter the voice had gone, Jesus was alone. They kept it secret and told no one during those days about what they had seen.

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

Plain English · paraphraseThe next day, after they came down from the hill, a large crowd met him.

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd someone in the group shouted, "Teacher, I beg you, look at my son. He is my only child."

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd while he was still coming, the devil threw him down and tore him. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

Plain English · paraphraseLet these words sink into your ears: the Son of Man will be handed over to human hands.

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

Plain English · paraphraseBut they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them, so they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about that saying.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Plain English · paraphraseThen they began to argue among themselves about who was the greatest.

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, brought a child and placed the child beside him.

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd said to them, Whoever receives this child in my name receives me. And whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all will be the one who is great.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd John answered and said, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name. We stopped him because he is not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "Don't stop him. Anyone who is not against us is for us."

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it happened that when the time came for him to be taken up, he firmly decided to go to Jerusalem.

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he sent messengers ahead of him. They went and entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them, just as Elijah did?"

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he turned and scolded them, saying, "You don't know what kind of spirit you are."

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Plain English · paraphraseAs they walked along, a man said to him, "Lord, I will follow you wherever you go."

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and 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 he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Plain English · paraphraseHe told someone else, "Follow me." But the person said, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Plain English · paraphraseAnother said, "Lord, I will follow you. Let me first go say goodbye to those at my house."

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter these things, the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every city and place where he was going.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Plain English · paraphraseGo on your way. Look, I send you out like lambs among wolves.

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not carry a purse, a bag, or sandals. Do not greet anyone on the way.

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd into whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace be to this house."

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd if the son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him. If not, it will return to you.

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Plain English · paraphraseStay in that house, eating and drinking what they offer. The worker deserves his wages. Do not move from one house to another.

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you:

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd heal the sick who are there, and tell them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you."

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Plain English · paraphraseBut whenever you go into a city and they do not welcome you, go out into the streets of that city and say,

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Plain English · paraphraseEven the dust from your city that sticks to us, we wipe off in protest against you. Still, be certain: the kingdom of God is near you.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd you, Capernaum, who have been lifted up to heaven, will be thrown down to hell.

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Plain English · paraphraseThe seventy returned, full of joy, and said, "Lord, even the demons obey us in your name."

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning."

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Plain English · paraphraseLook, I give you power to walk over snakes and scorpions, and over all the enemy’s power. Nothing will hurt you at all.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseBut don't be happy just because the spirits obey you. Be happier that your names are written in heaven.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Plain English · paraphraseAt that moment, Jesus was full of joy in spirit. He said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and the clever, and have revealed them to children. Yes, Father, for this is what you wanted."

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see:"

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Plain English · paraphraseHe answered, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor as yourself."

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

Plain English · paraphraseBut he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when thieves attacked him. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead."

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

Plain English · paraphraseBut a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where he was. When he saw him, he felt compassion for him.

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the next day when he left, he took out two coins and gave them to the innkeeper. He said to him, "Take care of him. And if you spend more than that, I will pay you when I come back."

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Plain English · paraphraseWhich of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell among the thieves?