Job

16 Then Job replied:

“I have heard many things like these;
    you are miserable comforters,(A) all of you!(B)
Will your long-winded speeches never end?(C)
    What ails you that you keep on arguing?(D)
I also could speak like you,
    if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
    and shake my head(E) at you.
But my mouth would encourage you;
    comfort(F) from my lips would bring you relief.(G)

“Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved;
    and if I refrain, it does not go away.(H)
Surely, God, you have worn me out;(I)
    you have devastated my entire household.(J)
You have shriveled me up—and it has become a witness;
    my gauntness(K) rises up and testifies against me.(L)
God assails me and tears(M) me in his anger(N)
    and gnashes his teeth at me;(O)
    my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes.(P)
10 People open their mouths(Q) to jeer at me;(R)
    they strike my cheek(S) in scorn
    and unite together against me.(T)
11 God has turned me over to the ungodly
    and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked.(U)
12 All was well with me, but he shattered me;
    he seized me by the neck and crushed me.(V)
He has made me his target;(W)
13     his archers surround me.(X)
Without pity, he pierces(Y) my kidneys
    and spills my gall on the ground.
14 Again and again(Z) he bursts upon me;
    he rushes at me like a warrior.(AA)

15 “I have sewed sackcloth(AB) over my skin
    and buried my brow in the dust.(AC)
16 My face is red with weeping,(AD)
    dark shadows ring my eyes;(AE)
17 yet my hands have been free of violence(AF)
    and my prayer is pure.(AG)

18 “Earth, do not cover my blood;(AH)
    may my cry(AI) never be laid to rest!(AJ)
19 Even now my witness(AK) is in heaven;(AL)
    my advocate is on high.(AM)
20 My intercessor(AN) is my friend[a](AO)
    as my eyes pour out(AP) tears(AQ) to God;
21 on behalf of a man he pleads(AR) with God
    as one pleads for a friend.

22 “Only a few years will pass
    before I take the path of no return.(AS)

17 My spirit(AT) is broken,
    my days are cut short,(AU)
    the grave awaits me.(AV)
Surely mockers(AW) surround me;(AX)
    my eyes must dwell on their hostility.

“Give me, O God, the pledge you demand.(AY)
    Who else will put up security(AZ) for me?(BA)
You have closed their minds to understanding;(BB)
    therefore you will not let them triumph.
If anyone denounces their friends for reward,(BC)
    the eyes of their children will fail.(BD)

“God has made me a byword(BE) to everyone,(BF)
    a man in whose face people spit.(BG)
My eyes have grown dim with grief;(BH)
    my whole frame is but a shadow.(BI)
The upright are appalled at this;
    the innocent are aroused(BJ) against the ungodly.
Nevertheless, the righteous(BK) will hold to their ways,
    and those with clean hands(BL) will grow stronger.(BM)

10 “But come on, all of you, try again!
    I will not find a wise man among you.(BN)
11 My days have passed,(BO) my plans are shattered.
    Yet the desires of my heart(BP)
12 turn night into day;(BQ)
    in the face of the darkness light is near.(BR)
13 If the only home I hope for is the grave,(BS)
    if I spread out my bed(BT) in the realm of darkness,(BU)
14 if I say to corruption,(BV) ‘You are my father,’
    and to the worm,(BW) ‘My mother’ or ‘My sister,’
15 where then is my hope—(BX)
    who can see any hope for me?(BY)
16 Will it go down to the gates of death?(BZ)
    Will we descend together into the dust?”(CA)

Bildad

18 Then Bildad the Shuhite(CB) replied:

“When will you end these speeches?(CC)
    Be sensible, and then we can talk.
Why are we regarded as cattle(CD)
    and considered stupid in your sight?(CE)
You who tear yourself(CF) to pieces in your anger,(CG)
    is the earth to be abandoned for your sake?
    Or must the rocks be moved from their place?(CH)

“The lamp of a wicked man is snuffed out;(CI)
    the flame of his fire stops burning.(CJ)
The light in his tent(CK) becomes dark;(CL)
    the lamp beside him goes out.(CM)
The vigor(CN) of his step is weakened;(CO)
    his own schemes(CP) throw him down.(CQ)
His feet thrust him into a net;(CR)
    he wanders into its mesh.
A trap seizes him by the heel;
    a snare(CS) holds him fast.(CT)
10 A noose(CU) is hidden for him on the ground;
    a trap(CV) lies in his path.(CW)
11 Terrors(CX) startle him on every side(CY)
    and dog(CZ) his every step.
12 Calamity(DA) is hungry(DB) for him;
    disaster(DC) is ready for him when he falls.(DD)
13 It eats away parts of his skin;(DE)
    death’s firstborn devours his limbs.(DF)
14 He is torn from the security of his tent(DG)
    and marched off to the king(DH) of terrors.(DI)
15 Fire resides[b] in his tent;(DJ)
    burning sulfur(DK) is scattered over his dwelling.
16 His roots dry up below(DL)
    and his branches wither above.(DM)
17 The memory of him perishes from the earth;(DN)
    he has no name(DO) in the land.(DP)
18 He is driven from light into the realm of darkness(DQ)
    and is banished(DR) from the world.(DS)
19 He has no offspring(DT) or descendants(DU) among his people,
    no survivor(DV) where once he lived.(DW)
20 People of the west are appalled(DX) at his fate;(DY)
    those of the east are seized with horror.
21 Surely such is the dwelling(DZ) of an evil man;(EA)
    such is the place(EB) of one who does not know God.”(EC)

Job

19 Then Job replied:

“How long will you torment(ED) me
    and crush(EE) me with words?
Ten times(EF) now you have reproached(EG) me;
    shamelessly you attack me.
If it is true that I have gone astray,
    my error(EH) remains my concern alone.
If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me(EI)
    and use my humiliation against me,
then know that God has wronged me(EJ)
    and drawn his net(EK) around me.(EL)

“Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response;(EM)
    though I call for help,(EN) there is no justice.(EO)
He has blocked my way so I cannot pass;(EP)
    he has shrouded my paths in darkness.(EQ)
He has stripped(ER) me of my honor(ES)
    and removed the crown from my head.(ET)
10 He tears me down(EU) on every side till I am gone;
    he uproots my hope(EV) like a tree.(EW)
11 His anger(EX) burns against me;
    he counts me among his enemies.(EY)
12 His troops advance in force;(EZ)
    they build a siege ramp(FA) against me
    and encamp around my tent.(FB)

13 “He has alienated my family(FC) from me;
    my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.(FD)
14 My relatives have gone away;
    my closest friends(FE) have forgotten me.
15 My guests(FF) and my female servants(FG) count me a foreigner;
    they look on me as on a stranger.
16 I summon my servant, but he does not answer,
    though I beg him with my own mouth.
17 My breath is offensive to my wife;
    I am loathsome(FH) to my own family.
18 Even the little boys(FI) scorn me;
    when I appear, they ridicule me.(FJ)
19 All my intimate friends(FK) detest me;(FL)
    those I love have turned against me.(FM)
20 I am nothing but skin and bones;(FN)
    I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.[c]

21 “Have pity on me, my friends,(FO) have pity,
    for the hand of God has struck(FP) me.
22 Why do you pursue(FQ) me as God does?(FR)
    Will you never get enough of my flesh?(FS)

23 “Oh, that my words were recorded,
    that they were written on a scroll,(FT)
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool(FU) on[d] lead,
    or engraved in rock forever!(FV)
25 I know that my redeemer[e](FW) lives,(FX)
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[f]
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
    yet[g] in[h] my flesh I will see God;(FY)
27 I myself will see him
    with my own eyes(FZ)—I, and not another.
    How my heart yearns(GA) within me!

28 “If you say, ‘How we will hound(GB) him,
    since the root of the trouble lies in him,[i]
29 you should fear the sword yourselves;
    for wrath will bring punishment by the sword,(GC)
    and then you will know that there is judgment.[j](GD)

Footnotes

  1. Job 16:20 Or My friends treat me with scorn
  2. Job 18:15 Or Nothing he had remains
  3. Job 19:20 Or only by my gums
  4. Job 19:24 Or and
  5. Job 19:25 Or vindicator
  6. Job 19:25 Or on my grave
  7. Job 19:26 Or And after I awake, / though this body has been destroyed, / then
  8. Job 19:26 Or destroyed, / apart from
  9. Job 19:28 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts me
  10. Job 19:29 Or sword, / that you may come to know the Almighty

16 Then Job answered and said,

I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.

Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?

I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.

Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?

But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.

And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.

He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.

11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.

12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

13 His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.

14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.

15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;

17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

20 My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!

22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

17 My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.

Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.

He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.

Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.

Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.

The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.

11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.

12 They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.

13 If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.

14 I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.

15 And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.

18 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.

Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?

He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?

Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.

The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.

The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.

10 The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.

11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

12 His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.

13 It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.

14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

15 It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because it is none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

17 His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.

18 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

19 He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

20 They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.

21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.

19 Then Job answered and said,

How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?

These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.

And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.

If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:

Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.

Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.

He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.

He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.

10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.

11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.

12 His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.

13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.

14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.

16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.

17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body.

18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.

19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.

20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.

21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.

Job Reproaches His Pitiless Friends

16 Then Job answered and said:

“I have heard many such things;
(A)Miserable[a] comforters are you all!
Shall [b]words of wind have an end?
Or what provokes you that you answer?
I also could speak as you do,
If your soul were in my soul’s place.
I could heap up words against you,
And (B)shake my head at you;
But I would strengthen you with my mouth,
And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.

“Though I speak, my grief is not relieved;
And if I remain silent, how am I eased?
But now He has (C)worn me out;
You (D)have made desolate all my company.
You have shriveled me up,
And it is a (E)witness against me;
My leanness rises up against me
And bears witness to my face.
(F)He tears me in His wrath, and hates me;
He gnashes at me with His teeth;
(G)My adversary sharpens His gaze on me.
10 They (H)gape at me with their mouth,
They (I)strike me reproachfully on the cheek,
They gather together against me.
11 God (J)has delivered me to the ungodly,
And turned me over to the hands of the wicked.
12 I was at ease, but He has (K)shattered me;
He also has taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces;
He has (L)set me up for His target,
13 His archers surround me.
He pierces my [c]heart and does not pity;
He pours out my gall on the ground.
14 He breaks me with wound upon wound;
He runs at me like a [d]warrior.

15 “I have sewn sackcloth over my skin,
And (M)laid my [e]head in the dust.
16 My face is [f]flushed from weeping,
And on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
17 Although no violence is in my hands,
And my prayer is pure.

18 “O earth, do not cover my blood,
And (N)let my cry have no resting place!
19 Surely even now (O)my witness is in heaven,
And my evidence is on high.
20 My friends scorn me;
My eyes pour out tears to God.
21 (P)Oh, that one might plead for a man with God,
As a man pleads for his [g]neighbor!
22 For when a few years are finished,
I shall (Q)go the way of no return.

Job Prays for Relief

17 “My spirit is broken,
My days are extinguished,
(R)The grave is ready for me.
Are not mockers with me?
And does not my eye [h]dwell on their (S)provocation?

“Now put down a pledge for me with Yourself.
Who is he who (T)will shake hands with me?
For You have hidden their heart from (U)understanding;
Therefore You will not exalt them.
He who speaks flattery to his friends,
Even the eyes of his children will (V)fail.

“But He has made me (W)a byword of the people,
And I have become one in whose face men spit.
(X)My eye has also grown dim because of sorrow,
And all my members are like shadows.
Upright men are astonished at this,
And the innocent stirs himself up against the hypocrite.
Yet the righteous will hold to his (Y)way,
And he who has (Z)clean hands will be stronger and stronger.

10 “But please, (AA)come back again, [i]all of you,
For I shall not find one wise man among you.
11 (AB)My days are past,
My purposes are broken off,
Even the [j]thoughts of my heart.
12 They change the night into day;
‘The light is near,’ they say, in the face of darkness.
13 If I wait for the grave as my house,
If I make my bed in the darkness,
14 If I say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’
And to the worm, ‘You are my mother and my sister,’
15 Where then is my (AC)hope?
As for my hope, who can see it?
16 Will they go down (AD)to the gates of [k]Sheol?
Shall we have (AE)rest together in the dust?”

Bildad: The Wicked Are Punished

18 Then (AF)Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:

“How long till you put an end to words?
Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak.
Why are we counted (AG)as beasts,
And regarded as stupid in your sight?
(AH)You[l] who tear yourself in anger,
Shall the earth be forsaken for you?
Or shall the rock be removed from its place?

“The(AI) light of the wicked indeed goes out,
And the flame of his fire does not shine.
The light is dark in his tent,
(AJ)And his lamp beside him is put out.
The steps of his strength are shortened,
And (AK)his own counsel casts him down.
For (AL)he is cast into a net by his own feet,
And he walks into a snare.
The net takes him by the heel,
And (AM)a snare lays hold of him.
10 A noose is hidden for him on the ground,
And a trap for him in the road.
11 (AN)Terrors frighten him on every side,
And drive him to his feet.
12 His strength is starved,
And (AO)destruction is ready at his side.
13 It devours patches of his skin;
The firstborn of death devours his [m]limbs.
14 He is uprooted from (AP)the shelter of his tent,
And they parade him before the king of terrors.
15 They dwell in his tent who are none of his;
Brimstone is scattered on his dwelling.
16 (AQ)His roots are dried out below,
And his branch withers above.
17 (AR)The memory of him perishes from the earth,
And he has no name [n]among the renowned.
18 [o]He is driven from light into darkness,
And chased out of the world.
19 (AS)He has neither son nor posterity among his people,
Nor any remaining in his dwellings.
20 Those [p]in the west are astonished (AT)at his day,
As those [q]in the east are frightened.
21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked,
And this is the place of him who (AU)does not know God.”

Job Trusts in His Redeemer

19 Then Job answered and said:

“How long will you torment my soul,
And break me in pieces with words?
These ten times you have [r]reproached me;
You are not ashamed that you [s]have wronged me.
And if indeed I have erred,
My error remains with me.
If indeed you (AV)exalt yourselves against me,
And plead my disgrace against me,
Know then that (AW)God has wronged me,
And has surrounded me with His net.

“If I cry out concerning [t]wrong, I am not heard.
If I cry aloud, there is no justice.
(AX)He has [u]fenced up my way, so that I cannot pass;
And He has set darkness in my paths.
(AY)He has stripped me of my glory,
And taken the crown from my head.
10 He breaks me down on every side,
And I am gone;
My (AZ)hope He has uprooted like a tree.
11 He has also kindled His wrath against me,
And (BA)He counts me as one of His enemies.
12 His troops come together
And build up their road against me;
They encamp all around my tent.

13 “He(BB) has removed my brothers far from me,
And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.
14 My relatives have failed,
And my close friends have forgotten me.
15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maidservants,
Count me as a stranger;
I am an alien in their sight.
16 I call my servant, but he gives no answer;
I beg him with my mouth.
17 My breath is offensive to my wife,
And I am [v]repulsive to the children of my own body.
18 Even (BC)young children despise me;
I arise, and they speak against me.
19 (BD)All my close friends abhor me,
And those whom I love have turned against me.
20 (BE)My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh,
And I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

21 “Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends,
For the hand of God has struck me!
22 Why do you (BF)persecute me as God does,
And are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 “Oh, that my words were written!
Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!
24 That they were engraved on a rock
With an iron pen and lead, forever!
25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
26 And after my skin is [w]destroyed, this I know,
That (BG)in my flesh I shall see God,
27 Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my [x]heart yearns within me!
28 If you should say, ‘How shall we persecute him?’—
Since the root of the matter is found in me,
29 Be afraid of the sword for yourselves;
For wrath brings the punishment of the sword,
That you may know there is a judgment.”

Footnotes

  1. Job 16:2 Troublesome
  2. Job 16:3 Empty words
  3. Job 16:13 Lit. kidneys
  4. Job 16:14 Vg. giant
  5. Job 16:15 Lit. horn
  6. Job 16:16 Lit. red
  7. Job 16:21 friend
  8. Job 17:2 Lit. lodge
  9. Job 17:10 So with some Heb. mss., LXX, Syr., Vg.; MT, Tg. all of them
  10. Job 17:11 desires
  11. Job 17:16 The abode of the dead
  12. Job 18:4 Lit. one who tears his soul
  13. Job 18:13 parts
  14. Job 18:17 Lit. before the outside, i.e., the distinguished or famous
  15. Job 18:18 Or They drive him
  16. Job 18:20 Lit. who came after
  17. Job 18:20 Lit. who have gone before
  18. Job 19:3 shamed or disgraced
  19. Job 19:3 A Jewish tradition make yourselves strange to me
  20. Job 19:7 violence
  21. Job 19:8 walled off my way
  22. Job 19:17 Lit. strange
  23. Job 19:26 Lit. struck off
  24. Job 19:27 Lit. kidneys

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection(A) for the Lord’s people:(B) Do what I told the Galatian(C) churches to do. On the first day of every week,(D) each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.(E) Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve(F) and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you(G)—for I will be going through Macedonia.(H) Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey,(I) wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.(J) But I will stay on at Ephesus(K) until Pentecost,(L) because a great door for effective work has opened to me,(M) and there are many who oppose me.

10 When Timothy(N) comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord,(O) just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt.(P) Send him on his way(Q) in peace(R) so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos:(S) I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

13 Be on your guard; stand firm(T) in the faith; be courageous; be strong.(U) 14 Do everything in love.(V)

15 You know that the household of Stephanas(W) were the first converts(X) in Achaia,(Y) and they have devoted themselves to the service(Z) of the Lord’s people.(AA) I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit(AB) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.(AC) 18 For they refreshed(AD) my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.(AE)

Final Greetings

19 The churches in the province of Asia(AF) send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla[a](AG) greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.(AH) 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.(AI)

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.(AJ)

22 If anyone does not love the Lord,(AK) let that person be cursed!(AL) Come, Lord[b]!(AM)

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.(AN)

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.[c]

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 16:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Marana tha) used by early Christians.
  3. 1 Corinthians 16:24 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14 Let all your things be done with charity.

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning (A)the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: (B)On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, (C)whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. (D)But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Personal Plans(E)

Now I will come to you (F)when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may (G)send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, (H)if the Lord permits.

But I will tarry in Ephesus until (I)Pentecost. For (J)a great and effective door has opened to me, and (K)there are many adversaries.

10 And (L)if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for (M)he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 (N)Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey (O)in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning our brother (P)Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Final Exhortations

13 (Q)Watch, (R)stand fast in the faith, be brave, (S)be strong. 14 (T)Let all that you do be done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know (U)the household of Stephanas, that it is (V)the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to (W)the ministry of the saints— 16 (X)that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and (Y)labors with us.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, (Z)for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 (AA)For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore (AB)acknowledge such men.

Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, (AC)with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you.

(AD)Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 (AE)The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone (AF)does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, (AG)let him be [a]accursed. (AH)O[b] Lord, come!

23 (AI)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Gr. anathema
  2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Aram. Marana tha; possibly Maran atha, Our Lord has come

Psalm 40[a](A)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

I waited patiently(B) for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.(C)
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,(D)
    out of the mud(E) and mire;(F)
he set my feet(G) on a rock(H)
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song(I) in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord(J)
    and put their trust(K) in him.

Blessed is the one(L)
    who trusts in the Lord,(M)
who does not look to the proud,(N)
    to those who turn aside to false gods.[b](O)
Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders(P) you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare(Q) with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many(R) to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—(S)
    but my ears you have opened[c](T)
    burnt offerings(U) and sin offerings[d] you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.[e](V)
I desire to do your will,(W) my God;(X)
    your law is within my heart.”(Y)

I proclaim your saving acts(Z) in the great assembly;(AA)
    I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know.(AB)
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness(AC) and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.(AD)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 40:1 In Hebrew texts 40:1-17 is numbered 40:2-18.
  2. Psalm 40:4 Or to lies
  3. Psalm 40:6 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts but a body you have prepared for me
  4. Psalm 40:6 Or purification offerings
  5. Psalm 40:7 Or come / with the scroll written for me

40 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

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Faith Persevering in Trial(A)

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

40 I (B)waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of (C)the miry clay,
And (D)set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
(E)He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.

(F)Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
(G)Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
(H)And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.

(I)Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
My ears You have opened.
Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
(J)I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is (K)within my heart.”

(L)I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness
In the great assembly;
Indeed, (M)I do not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You Yourself know.
10 (N)I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
From the great assembly.

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22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.(A)

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22 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

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The Value of a Good Name

22 A (A)good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

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