The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Plain English · paraphraseI fast two times each week. I give tithes of everything I own.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you, this man went home justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd people also brought babies to him so he would touch them. But when his disciples saw this, they scolded them.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise 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 at all.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save 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, Honour thy father and thy mother.

Plain English · paraphraseYou know the commandments: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not lie under oath. Honor your father and your mother.

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said, "I have kept all these from my youth up."

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen he heard this, he was very sad, because he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?"

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said, "The things that are impossible for people are possible for God."

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them, "I tell you truly, no one who has left behind house, parents, brothers, wife, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God,

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Plain English · paraphraseWho will not receive many times more in this present time, and in the world to come, eternal life.

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he took the twelve with him and said, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled."

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they will beat him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not know what was being said.

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

Plain English · paraphraseAs he came near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he heard the crowd passing by, he asked what it was about.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Plain English · paraphraseThey told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he cried out, "Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me."

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who were in front scolded him, telling him to be quiet. But he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me."

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you."

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus went into Jericho and walked through the city.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was the chief among the tax collectors, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he wanted to see Jesus and find out who he was, but he couldn't because of the crowd, since he was short in stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he ran ahead and climbed a sycomore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him. He said to him, Zacchaeus, come down quickly. For today I must stay at your house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Plain English · paraphraseHe hurried down and came to meet him, happy to see him.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they saw it, they all grumbled, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Plain English · paraphraseZacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I will give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I will pay back four times as much."

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "This day, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham."

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Plain English · paraphraseThe Son of Man has come to find and save what was lost.

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Plain English · paraphraseAs they listened to these things, he added a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said, "A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return."

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he called his ten servants and gave them ten pounds. He said to them, "Use them until I return."

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he returned and received the kingdom, he ordered those servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, so he could find out how much each had earned through trading.

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the first came, saying, "Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds."

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to him, "Well done, good servant. Because you have been faithful in a small matter, have authority over ten cities."

And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the second came, saying, "Lord, your pound has gained five pounds."

And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said the same to him, "You will be in charge of five cities."

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd another came, saying, "Lord, here is your pound, which I have kept wrapped in a cloth."

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

Plain English · paraphraseWhy then did you not put my money into the bank, so that when I came, I could have received my own with interest?

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to those nearby, Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.

(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he had said this, he went ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, Go to the village across from you. In it, as you enter, you will find a colt tied up, on which no one has ever ridden. Untie him and bring him here.

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the ones who were sent went on their way and found exactly as he had told them.

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as they were untying the colt, the owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said, The Lord needs him.

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they brought him to Jesus. They took off their coats and put them on the donkey. Then they helped Jesus get on.

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came near, right at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly for all the great things they had seen.

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Plain English · paraphraseSome of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell your disciples to stop."

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Plain English · paraphraseHe answered them, "I tell you that if these people stayed silent, the stones would cry out immediately."

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came near, he looked at the city and wept over it.

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, If you had known, even you, at least in this your time, the things that belong to your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

Plain English · paraphraseFor the days will come upon you when your enemies will dig a trench around you, surround you, and block you in on every side.

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they will lay you flat on the ground, and your children with you. They will not leave one stone on top of another in you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he went into the temple and began to drive out those who were selling there and those who were buying.

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he taught every day in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people wanted to kill him.

And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it happened that on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came to him, along with the elders.

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they spoke to him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?"

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

Plain English · paraphraseWas John's baptism from heaven, or from men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they discussed among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'"

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

Plain English · paraphraseBut if we say, 'From men'; all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to them, "I will not tell you by what authority I do these things."

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he began to speak to the people a parable: A man planted a vineyard, and rented it to some farmers, then went far away for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd at the right time he sent a servant to the husbandmen to get some fruit from the vineyard. But the husbandmen beat him and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd again he sent another servant. They beat him too, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the owner of the vineyard said, "What should I do? I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him when they see him."

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

Plain English · paraphraseSo they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

Plain English · paraphraseHe will come and kill these workers, and give the vineyard to others. When they heard this, they said, "God forbid."

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Plain English · paraphraseHe looked at them and said, "What does this mean? The stone the builders threw away has become the most important stone in the corner."

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever falls on that stone will be broken. But whoever the stone falls on, it will crush them to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the chief priests and the scribes tried at once to seize him. But they were afraid of the people, because they realized he had told this story against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they watched him and sent out spies who pretended to be good men, so that they could catch his words and hand him over to the governor's authority.