The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the servant took ten camels from his master’s camels and went, because all his master’s goods were in his care. He got up and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd let it come to pass that the young woman to whom I shall say, "Please let down your pitcher so I may drink," and she shall say, "Drink, and I will also give your camels to drink," let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd before he had finished speaking, Rebekah came out. She was the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. She had a pitcher on her shoulder.

And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Plain English · paraphraseThe girl was very beautiful to look at, a virgin, and no one had ever been with her. She went to the well, filled her jar, and came back up.

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the servant ran to meet her and said, "Let me, I beg you, drink a little water from your pitcher."

And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd she hurried and poured her pitcher into the trough, then ran back to the well to draw water and drew enough for all his camels.

And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the man was surprised and stayed quiet, wanting to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.

And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it came to pass, as the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden earring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her hands, each weighing ten shekels of gold;

And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd said, "Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please. Is there room in your father’s house for us to stay?"

And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

Plain English · paraphraseShe added to him, "We have enough straw and feed, and a place to stay."

And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said, "Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left my master without his mercy and his truth. I was on the way, and the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brothers."

And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother’s house these things.

Plain English · paraphraseThe girl ran and told them at her mother’s house what had happened.

And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

Plain English · paraphraseRebekah had a brother named Laban. Laban ran out to the man at the well.

And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, "This is what the man said to me," that he went to the man. And there he was, standing by the camels at the well.

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men’s feet that were with him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the man came into the house. He took off the camel’s harness, gave them straw and food, and gave water to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him.

And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there was food set before him to eat. But he said, "I will not eat until I have told my message." And he said, "Go ahead, speak."

And he said, I am Abraham’s servant.

And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Lord has blessed my master greatly; and he has become great. And he has given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and male servants, and female servants, and camels, and donkeys.

And Sarah my master’s wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Sarah, my master’s wife, gave birth to a son for my master when she was old. To him, he has given all that he has.

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:

Plain English · paraphraseMy master made me swear an oath. He said, "You must not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, the people who live in this land."

But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

Plain English · paraphraseBut you must go to my father’s house and to my family, and get a wife for my son.

And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd I said to my master, Maybe the woman won't follow me.

And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house:

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to me, "The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you and make your way successful. You will take a wife for my son from my family, from my father’s house:"

Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.

Plain English · paraphraseThen you will be free from my oath when you come to my relatives; and if they do not give you one, you will be free from my oath.

And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd I came to the well today and said, "Lord God of my master Abraham, if you now make my way successful that I go:"

Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

Plain English · paraphraseI am standing by the well of water. When the young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, "Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink."

And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master’s son.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd she said to me, "Drink, and I will also draw water for your camels." Let the same woman be the one the Lord has chosen for my master’s son.

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd before I had finished thinking, there was Rebekah coming out, with a water jar on her shoulder. She went to the well and drew water. I said to her, "Please let me drink."

And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.

Plain English · paraphraseShe hurried and took the pitcher from her shoulder and said, "Drink, and I will also give your camels water." So I drank, and she also gave the camels water.

And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

Plain English · paraphraseI asked her, "Who are you?" She said, "I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Nahor, whom Milcah had for him." I put the earring on her face and the bracelets on her hands.

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto his son.

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd now, if you will treat my master kindly and truly, tell me. And if not, tell me. So I may turn to the right hand or to the left.

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Laban and Bethuel answered, "The matter comes from the LORD. We cannot speak to you badly or well."

Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the LORD hath spoken.

Plain English · paraphraseLook, Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go. Let her become your master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has said.

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed to the ground and worshiped the Lord.

And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

Plain English · paraphraseThe servant brought out silver jewelry, gold jewelry, and clothing and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave valuable gifts to her brother and her mother.

And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they ate and drank, he and the men with him, and stayed all night. In the morning, they got up, and he said, Send me back to my master.

And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd her brother and her mother said, "Let the girl stay with us for a few days, at least ten. After that, she can go."

And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said, We will call the girl and ask her.

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they called Rebekah and asked her, "Will you go with this man?" She said, "I will go."

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men.

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they blessed Rebekah, and said to her, You are our sister. May you be the mother of thousands of millions. May your children take control of the gate of those who hate them.

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Rebekah got up, along with her female servants. They rode on the camels and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah and went on his way.

And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi. He had been living in the southern country.

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

Plain English · paraphraseIsaac went out to walk in the field in the evening. He looked up and saw that the camels were coming.

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

Plain English · paraphraseShe had asked the servant, "Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." So she took a veil and covered herself.

And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the servant told Isaac all the things he had done.

And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Plain English · paraphraseJokshan had two sons: Sheba and Dedan. Dedan's sons were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

Plain English · paraphraseAbraham gave everything he had to Isaac.

But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

Plain English · paraphraseBut Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from Isaac, his son, while he was still alive, to the east country.

And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter Abraham died, God blessed his son Isaac. Isaac lived by the well Lahairoi.

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed by their names, according to their generations: Ishmael’s firstborn was Nebajoth. The others were Kedar, Adbeel, and Mibsam,

And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

Plain English · paraphraseThese are the sons of Ishmael. These are their names, listed by their towns and castles. There are twelve princes, each for their nation.

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they lived from Havilah to Shur, which is near Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. And he died in front of all his brothers.

And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac:

Plain English · paraphraseThese are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham was the father of Isaac.

And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

Plain English · paraphraseIsaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah. She was the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian from Padanaram, and the sister of Laban the Syrian.

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the children struggled together inside her. She said, "If it is like this, why am I like this?" She went to ask the LORD.

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Lord said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two kinds of people will be separated from your body. And one people will be stronger than the other people. And the older will serve the younger.

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the time for her to give birth was complete, look, there were twins in her womb.

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

Plain English · paraphraseThe first one born was red all over, like a hairy garment, and they named him Esau.

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

Plain English · paraphraseThen his brother came out, and Jacob's hand was holding onto Esau's heel. So he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Plain English · paraphraseIsaac loved Esau because he ate the game he brought. But Rebekah loved Jacob.

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jacob made stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was very tired.

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Esau said to Jacob, "Feed me, please, with that same red stew. I am weak." So his name was called Edom.

And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today.

And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

Plain English · paraphraseEsau said, "Look, I am about to die. What good is this birthright to me?"

And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jacob said, "Swear to me this day." And he swore to him. And he sold his birthright to Jacob.

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

Plain English · paraphraseThere was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that had occurred in the time of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Lord appeared to him and said, Do not go down to Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about.

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Plain English · paraphraseLive in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I will give all these lands to you and your descendants. I will keep the promise I made to your father Abraham.

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. I will give your descendants all these lands. And through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:

And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, "She is my sister," because he was afraid to say, "She is my wife." He was afraid that the men of the place would kill him for Rebekah, because she was beautiful to look at.