The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he said to them, "Now, whoever has a bag, let them take it, and also their pack. And whoever does not have a sword, let them sell their clothes and buy one."

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Plain English · paraphraseI say to you, what is written must still be fulfilled in me: He was counted among the lawbreakers. For the things that are going to happen to me have reached their conclusion.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And he said to them, "That is enough."

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseHe went out as usual to the Mount of Olives. His disciples followed him.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you do not enter into temptation."

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he moved away from them about the distance of a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. But not what I want, but what you want, let it be done."

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Plain English · paraphraseAn angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he was in great pain. He prayed more strongly. His sweat fell like big drops of blood onto the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he got up from praying and went to his disciples, he found them sleeping because they were sad.

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd while he was still speaking, a crowd arrived. Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them and came close to Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

Plain English · paraphraseWhen those around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus answered, "Let it go this far." He touched his ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

Plain English · paraphraseThen Jesus said to the chief priests, the temple captains, and the elders who had come to him, "Have you come out against a thief with swords and clubs?"

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen I was with you every day in the temple, you did not reach out to arrest me. But now is your time, and the power of darkness.

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.

Plain English · paraphraseThen they took him and led him, and brought him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed from a distance.

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen they lit a fire in the middle of the hall and sat down together, Peter sat among them.

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

Plain English · paraphraseBut a certain girl saw him as he sat by the fire, and looked at him intently, and said, "This man was with him too."

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he denied him, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd after a little while, another saw him and said, "You are also one of them." Peter said, "Man, I am not."

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd after about an hour, another confidently said, "This man was definitely with him too, because he is a Galilean."

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Peter said, "I don't know what you're talking about, man." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the Lord’s words, how he had said to him, Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had covered his eyes, they hit him on the face and asked him, saying, "Tell us who hit you?"

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

Plain English · paraphraseAre you the Messiah? Tell us. He said to them, If I tell you, you will not believe.

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter this, the Son of Man will sit at the right side of the power of God.

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

Plain English · paraphraseThen they all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" And he said to them, "You say that I am."

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the whole crowd of them stood up and took him to Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

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

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Pilate said to the chief priests and the people, I find no fault in this man.

And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they were even more angry, saying, "He is stirring up the people, teaching throughout all of Judea, starting from Galilee to this place."

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Herod saw Jesus, he was very happy. He had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he spoke with him at length, but he gave him no answer.

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Plain English · paraphraseOn that same day, Pilate and Herod became friends, because they had been enemies before.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "You have brought this man to me, saying he is misleading the people. But after examining him before you, I have found no fault in him regarding the things you accuse him of."

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

Plain English · paraphraseNo, and not even Herod, because I sent you to him. And look, nothing deserving death has been done to him.

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

Plain English · paraphraseI will therefore punish him and let him go.

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

Plain English · paraphrase(He must let one person go free for them during the feast.)

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they all shouted together, saying, Away with this man, and let us have Barabbas.

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Plain English · paraphrase(Who was put in prison for starting a rebellion in the city and for murder.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

Plain English · paraphrasePilate, wanting to release Jesus, spoke to them again.

But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

Plain English · paraphraseBut they shouted, "Crucify him, crucify him."

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them for the third time, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found no reason to put him to death. I will therefore punish him and let him go."

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they shouted loudly, demanding that he be crucified. Their voices, along with those of the chief priests, were stronger.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he released to them the one they wanted, the man who had been put in prison for starting a rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their decision.

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as they led him away, they grabbed one Simon, a man from Cyrene, who was coming out of the country. They put the cross on him, so that he could carry it behind Jesus.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

Plain English · paraphraseA large group of people and women followed him, weeping and mourning.

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children."

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Plain English · paraphraseFor the days are coming when they will say, "Blessed are the women who never had children, the wombs that never carried, and the breasts that never nursed."

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there were also two others, criminals, led with him to be put to death.

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they are doing." And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the people stood watching. The rulers also stood with them, mocking him. They said, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if he is the Christ, the chosen one of God."

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the soldiers also mocked him. They came to him and offered him vinegar.

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd saying, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd a sign was also written over him in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew letters: "This is the King of the Jews."

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd one of the criminals who were being hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us."

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Plain English · paraphraseBut the other answered and rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same judgment?"

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Plain English · paraphraseIt was about noon, and darkness covered the whole earth until three in the afternoon.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when Jesus shouted loudly, he said, "Father, I give my spirit into your hands." After saying this, he breathed his last.

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen the centurion saw what happened, he praised God. He said, "This man was truly righteous."

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd all the people who had gathered to see it watched what happened, beat their chests, and went away.

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd all his friends and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

Plain English · paraphrase(He had not agreed with their plan and action;) he was from Arimathaea, a Jewish city. He was also looking for the kingdom of God.

This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseThis man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and placed it in a tomb carved out of stone, where no one had ever been laid before.

And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the women who had come with him from Galilee followed behind, watching the tomb and how his body was placed.

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

Plain English · paraphraseOn the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they went to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared, and some others went with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they went in, but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as they were afraid and bowed their heads to the ground, they said to them, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?"

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Plain English · paraphraseHe is not here, but has risen. Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee.

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people, be crucified, and on the third day rise again."

And they remembered his words,