Nehemiah 11-13
New King James Version
The People Dwelling in Jerusalem
11 Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, (A)the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who (B)willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
3 (C)These are the heads of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelt in his own possession in their cities—Israelites, priests, Levites, (D)Nethinim, and (E)descendants of Solomon’s servants.) 4 Also (F)in Jerusalem dwelt some of the children of Judah and of the children of Benjamin.
The children of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of (G)Perez; 5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni. 6 All the sons of Perez who dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred and sixty-eight valiant men.
7 And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah; 8 and after him Gabbai and Sallai, nine hundred and twenty-eight. 9 Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer, and Judah the son of [a]Senuah was second over the city.
10 (H)Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, and Jachin; 11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the leader of the house of God. 12 Their brethren who did the work of the house were eight hundred and twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, 13 and his brethren, heads of the fathers’ houses, were two hundred and forty-two; and Amashai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, 14 and their brethren, mighty men of valor, were one hundred and twenty-eight. Their overseer was Zabdiel [b]the son of one of the great men.
15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16 (I)Shabbethai and (J)Jozabad, of the heads of the Levites, had the oversight of (K)the business outside of the [c]house of God; 17 Mattaniah the son of [d]Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the leader who began the thanksgiving with prayer; Bakbukiah, the second among his brethren; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 All the Levites in (L)the holy city were two hundred and eighty-four.
19 Moreover the gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren who kept the gates, were one hundred and seventy-two.
20 And the rest of Israel, of the priests and Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his inheritance. 21 (M)But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel. And Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
22 Also the overseer of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha, of the sons of Asaph, the singers in charge of the [e]service of the [f]house of God. 23 For (N)it was the king’s command concerning them that a [g]certain portion should be for the singers, a quota day by day. 24 Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of (O)Zerah the son of Judah, was (P)the[h] king’s deputy in all matters concerning the people.
The People Dwelling Outside Jerusalem
25 And as for the villages with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt in (Q)Kirjath Arba and its villages, Dibon and its villages, Jekabzeel and its villages; 26 in Jeshua, Moladah, Beth Pelet, 27 Hazar Shual, and Beersheba and its villages; 28 in Ziklag and Meconah and its villages; 29 in En Rimmon, Zorah, Jarmuth, 30 Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages; in Lachish and its fields; in Azekah and its villages. They dwelt from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom.
31 Also the children of Benjamin from Geba dwelt in Michmash, Aija, and Bethel, and their villages; 32 in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah; 33 in Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim; 34 in Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat; 35 in Lod, Ono, and (R)the Valley of Craftsmen. 36 Some of the Judean divisions of Levites were in Benjamin.
The Priests and Levites(S)
12 Now these are the (T)priests and the Levites who came up with (U)Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: (V)Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2 Amariah, [i]Malluch, Hattush, 3 [j]Shechaniah, [k]Rehum, [l]Meremoth, 4 Iddo, [m]Ginnethoi, (W)Abijah, 5 [n]Mijamin, [o]Maadiah, Bilgah, 6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, 7 [p]Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah.
These were the heads of the priests and their brethren in the days of (X)Jeshua.
8 Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah (Y)who led the thanksgiving psalms, he and his brethren. 9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, stood across from them in their duties.
10 Jeshua begot Joiakim, Joiakim begot Eliashib, Eliashib begot Joiada, 11 Joiada begot Jonathan, and Jonathan begot Jaddua.
12 Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the (Z)heads of the fathers’ houses were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; 13 of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; 14 of [q]Melichu, Jonathan; of [r]Shebaniah, Joseph; 15 of [s]Harim, Adna; of [t]Meraioth, Helkai; 16 of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; 17 of Abijah, Zichri; the son of [u]Minjamin; of [v]Moadiah, Piltai; 18 of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; 19 of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; 20 of [w]Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; 21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; and of Jedaiah, Nethanel.
22 During the reign of Darius the Persian, a record was also kept of the Levites and priests who had been (AA)heads of their fathers’ houses in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua. 23 The sons of Levi, the heads of the fathers’ houses until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib, were written in the book of the (AB)chronicles.
24 And the heads of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers across from them, to (AC)praise and give thanks, (AD)group[x] alternating with group, (AE)according to the command of David the man of God. 25 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers keeping the watch at the storerooms of the gates. 26 These lived in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of [y]Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah (AF)the governor, and of Ezra the priest, (AG)the scribe.
Nehemiah Dedicates the Wall
27 Now at (AH)the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, (AI)both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the countryside around Jerusalem, from the (AJ)villages of the Netophathites, 29 from the house of Gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth; for the singers had built themselves villages all around Jerusalem. 30 Then the priests and Levites (AK)purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
31 So I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs. (AL)One went to the right hand on the wall (AM)toward the Refuse Gate. 32 After them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, 33 and Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, 34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35 and some of the priests’ sons (AN)with trumpets—Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, 36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with (AO)the musical (AP)instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them. 37 (AQ)By the Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went up (AR)the stairs of the (AS)City of David, on the stairway of the wall, beyond the house of David, as far as (AT)the Water Gate eastward.
38 (AU)The other thanksgiving choir went the opposite way, and I was behind them with half of the people on the wall, going past the (AV)Tower of the Ovens as far as (AW)the Broad Wall, 39 (AX)and above the Gate of Ephraim, above (AY)the Old Gate, above (AZ)the Fish Gate, (BA)the Tower of Hananel, the Tower of [z]the Hundred, as far as (BB)the Sheep Gate; and they stopped by (BC)the Gate of the Prison.
40 So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me; 41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, [aa]Minjamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; 42 also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. The singers [ab]sang loudly with Jezrahiah the director.
43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard (BD)afar off.
Temple Responsibilities
44 (BE)And at the same time some were appointed over the rooms of the storehouse for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the (BF)tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who [ac]ministered. 45 Both the singers and the gatekeepers kept the charge of their God and the charge of the purification, (BG)according to the command of David and Solomon his son. 46 For in the days of David (BH)and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 In the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah all Israel gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, a portion for (BI)each day. (BJ)They also [ad]consecrated holy things for the Levites, (BK)and the Levites consecrated them for the children of Aaron.
Principles of Separation(BL)
13 On that day (BM)they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written (BN)that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water, but (BO)hired Balaam against them to curse them. (BP)However, our God turned the curse into a blessing. 3 So it was, when they had heard the Law, (BQ)that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.
The Reforms of Nehemiah
4 Now before this, (BR)Eliashib the priest, having authority over the storerooms of the house of our God, was allied with (BS)Tobiah. 5 And he had prepared for him a large room, (BT)where previously they had stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, the tithes of grain, the new wine and oil, (BU)which were commanded to be given to the Levites and singers and gatekeepers, and the offerings for the priests. 6 But during all this I was not in Jerusalem, (BV)for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Then after certain days I obtained leave from the king, 7 and I came to Jerusalem and discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in (BW)preparing a room for him in the courts of the [ae]house of God. 8 And it grieved me bitterly; therefore I threw all the household goods of Tobiah out of the room. 9 Then I commanded them to (BX)cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.
10 I also realized that the portions for the Levites had (BY)not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to (BZ)his field. 11 So (CA)I contended with the rulers, and said, (CB)“Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place. 12 (CC)Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse. 13 (CD)And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouse Shelemiah the priest and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah; and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered (CE)faithful, and their task was to distribute to their brethren.
14 (CF)Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!
15 In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses (CG)on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, (CH)which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. 16 Men of Tyre dwelt there also, who brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day? 18 (CI)Did not your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Yet you bring added wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”
19 So it was, at the gates of Jerusalem, as it (CJ)began to be dark before the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and charged that they must not be opened till after the Sabbath. (CK)Then I posted some of my servants at the gates, so that no burdens would be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Now the merchants and sellers of all kinds of [af]wares [ag]lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.
21 Then I warned them, and said to them, “Why do you spend the night [ah]around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on they came no more on the Sabbath. 22 And I commanded the Levites that (CL)they should cleanse themselves, and that they should go and guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.
Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Your mercy!
23 In those days I also saw Jews who (CM)had married women of (CN)Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the language of one or the other people.
25 So I (CO)contended with them and [ai]cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them (CP)swear by God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves. 26 (CQ)Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, (CR)who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. (CS)Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin. 27 Should we then hear of your doing all this great evil, (CT)transgressing against our God by marrying pagan women?”
28 And one of the sons (CU)of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of (CV)Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I drove him from me.
29 (CW)Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and (CX)the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
30 (CY)Thus I cleansed them of everything pagan. I also (CZ)assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each to his service, 31 and to bringing (DA)the wood offering and the firstfruits at appointed times.
(DB)Remember me, O my God, for good!
Footnotes
- Nehemiah 11:9 Or Hassenuah
- Nehemiah 11:14 Or the son of Haggedolim
- Nehemiah 11:16 Temple
- Nehemiah 11:17 Or Michah
- Nehemiah 11:22 work
- Nehemiah 11:22 Temple
- Nehemiah 11:23 fixed share
- Nehemiah 11:24 Lit. at the king’s hand
- Nehemiah 12:2 Melichu, v. 14
- Nehemiah 12:3 Shebaniah, v. 14
- Nehemiah 12:3 Harim, v. 15
- Nehemiah 12:3 Meraioth, v. 15
- Nehemiah 12:4 Ginnethon, v. 16
- Nehemiah 12:5 Minjamin, v. 17
- Nehemiah 12:5 Moadiah, v. 17
- Nehemiah 12:7 Sallai, v. 20
- Nehemiah 12:14 Malluch, v. 2
- Nehemiah 12:14 Shechaniah, v. 3
- Nehemiah 12:15 Rehum, v. 3
- Nehemiah 12:15 Meremoth, v. 3
- Nehemiah 12:17 Mijamin, v. 5
- Nehemiah 12:17 Maadiah, v. 5
- Nehemiah 12:20 Sallu, v. 7
- Nehemiah 12:24 Lit. watch by watch
- Nehemiah 12:26 Jehozadak, 1 Chr. 6:14
- Nehemiah 12:39 Heb. Hammeah
- Nehemiah 12:41 Or Mijamin, v. 5
- Nehemiah 12:42 Lit. made their voice to be heard
- Nehemiah 12:44 Lit. stood
- Nehemiah 12:47 set apart
- Nehemiah 13:7 Temple
- Nehemiah 13:20 merchandise
- Nehemiah 13:20 spent the night
- Nehemiah 13:21 Lit. before
- Nehemiah 13:25 pronounced them cursed
Job 1-8
New King James Version
Job and His Family in Uz
1 There was a man (A)in the land of Uz, whose name was (B)Job; and that man was (C)blameless and upright, and one who (D)feared God and [a]shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the [b]people of the East.
4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and [c]sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning (E)and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and (F)cursed[d] God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.
Satan Attacks Job’s Character
6 Now (G)there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and [e]Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to [f]Satan, “From where do you come?”
So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From (H)going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you [g]considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and [h]shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 (I)Have You not [i]made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? (J)You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 (K)But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely (L)curse[j] You to Your face!”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your [k]power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Job Loses His Property and Children
13 Now there was a day (M)when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the [l]Sabeans [m]raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and [n]consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, (N)“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from [o]across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job arose, (O)tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he (P)fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said:
(Q)“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord (R)gave, and the Lord has (S)taken away;
(T)Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 (U)In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Satan Attacks Job’s Health
2 Again (V)there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
(W)Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, (X)a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he (Y)holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, (Z)to [p]destroy him without cause.”
4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 (AA)But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his (AB)bone and his flesh, and he will surely [q]curse You to Your face!”
6 (AC)And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils (AD)from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself (AE)while he sat in the midst of the ashes.
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? [r]Curse God and die!”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. (AF)Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (AG)In all this Job did not (AH)sin with his lips.
Job’s Three Friends
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the (AI)Temanite, Bildad the (AJ)Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come (AK)and mourn with him, and to comfort him. 12 And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and (AL)sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. 13 So they sat down with him on the ground (AM)seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.
Job Deplores His Birth
3 After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2 And Job [s]spoke, and said:
3 “May(AN) the day perish on which I was born,
And the night in which it was said,
‘A male child is conceived.’
4 May that day be darkness;
May God above not seek it,
Nor the light shine upon it.
5 May darkness and (AO)the shadow of death claim it;
May a cloud settle on it;
May the blackness of the day terrify it.
6 As for that night, may darkness seize it;
May it not [t]rejoice among the days of the year,
May it not come into the number of the months.
7 Oh, may that night be barren!
May no joyful shout come into it!
8 May those curse it who curse the day,
Those (AP)who are ready to arouse Leviathan.
9 May the stars of its morning be dark;
May it look for light, but have none,
And not see the [u]dawning of the day;
10 Because it did not shut up the doors of my mother’s womb,
Nor hide sorrow from my eyes.
11 “Why(AQ) did I not die at birth?
Why did I not [v]perish when I came from the womb?
12 (AR)Why did the knees receive me?
Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?
13 For now I would have lain still and been quiet,
I would have been asleep;
Then I would have been at rest
14 With kings and counselors of the earth,
Who (AS)built ruins for themselves,
15 Or with princes who had gold,
Who filled their houses with silver;
16 Or why was I not hidden (AT)like a stillborn child,
Like infants who never saw light?
17 There the wicked cease from troubling,
And there the [w]weary are at (AU)rest.
18 There the prisoners [x]rest together;
(AV)They do not hear the voice of the oppressor.
19 The small and great are there,
And the servant is free from his master.
20 “Why(AW) is light given to him who is in misery,
And life to the (AX)bitter of soul,
21 Who (AY)long[y] for death, but it does not come,
And search for it more than (AZ)hidden treasures;
22 Who rejoice exceedingly,
And are glad when they can find the (BA)grave?
23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,
(BB)And whom God has hedged in?
24 For my sighing comes before [z]I eat,
And my groanings pour out like water.
25 For the thing I greatly (BC)feared has come upon me,
And what I dreaded has happened to me.
26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
I have no rest, for trouble comes.”
Eliphaz: Job Has Sinned
4 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
2 “If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary?
But who can withhold himself from speaking?
3 Surely you have instructed many,
And you (BD)have strengthened weak hands.
4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
And you (BE)have strengthened the [aa]feeble knees;
5 But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;
It touches you, and you are troubled.
6 Is not (BF)your reverence (BG)your confidence?
And the integrity of your ways your hope?
7 “Remember now, (BH)who ever perished being innocent?
Or where were the upright ever cut off?
8 Even as I have seen,
(BI)Those who plow iniquity
And sow trouble reap the same.
9 By the blast of God they perish,
And by the breath of His anger they are consumed.
10 The roaring of the lion,
The voice of the fierce lion,
And (BJ)the teeth of the young lions are broken.
11 (BK)The old lion perishes for lack of prey,
And the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
12 “Now a word was secretly brought to me,
And my ear received a whisper of it.
13 (BL)In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night,
When deep sleep falls on men,
14 Fear came upon me, and (BM)trembling,
Which made all my bones shake.
15 Then a spirit passed before my face;
The hair on my body stood up.
16 It stood still,
But I could not discern its appearance.
A form was before my eyes;
There was silence;
Then I heard a voice saying:
17 ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God?
Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
18 If He (BN)puts no trust in His servants,
If He charges His angels with error,
19 How much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
Whose foundation is in the dust,
Who are crushed before a moth?
20 (BO)They are broken in pieces from morning till evening;
They perish forever, with no one regarding.
21 Does not their own excellence go away?
They die, even without wisdom.’
Eliphaz: Job Is Chastened by God
5 “Call out now;
Is there anyone who will answer you?
And to which of the holy ones will you turn?
2 For wrath kills a foolish man,
And envy slays a simple one.
3 (BP)I have seen the foolish taking root,
But suddenly I cursed his dwelling place.
4 His sons are (BQ)far from safety,
They are crushed in the gate,
And (BR)there is no deliverer.
5 Because the hungry eat up his harvest,
[ab]Taking it even from the thorns,
[ac]And a snare snatches their [ad]substance.
6 For affliction does not come from the dust,
Nor does trouble spring from the ground;
7 Yet man is (BS)born to [ae]trouble,
As the sparks fly upward.
8 “But as for me, I would seek God,
And to God I would commit my cause—
9 Who does great things, and unsearchable,
Marvelous things without number.
10 (BT)He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields.
11 (BU)He sets on high those who are lowly,
And those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12 (BV)He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
13 He catches the (BW)wise in their own craftiness,
And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.
14 They meet with darkness in the daytime,
And grope at noontime as in the night.
15 But (BX)He saves the needy from the sword,
From the mouth of the mighty,
And from their hand.
16 (BY)So the poor have hope,
And injustice shuts her mouth.
17 “Behold,(BZ) happy is the man whom God corrects;
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
18 (CA)For He bruises, but He binds up;
He wounds, but His hands make whole.
19 (CB)He shall deliver you in six troubles,
Yes, in seven (CC)no evil shall touch you.
20 (CD)In famine He shall redeem you from death,
And in war from the [af]power of the sword.
21 (CE)You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.
22 You shall laugh at destruction and famine,
And (CF)you shall not be afraid of the (CG)beasts of the earth.
23 (CH)For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field,
And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.
24 You shall know that your tent is in peace;
You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss.
25 You shall also know that (CI)your descendants shall be many,
And your offspring (CJ)like the grass of the earth.
26 (CK)You shall come to the grave at a full age,
As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season.
27 Behold, this we have (CL)searched out;
It is true.
Hear it, and know for yourself.”
Job: My Complaint Is Just
6 Then Job answered and said:
2 “Oh, that my grief were fully weighed,
And my calamity laid with it on the scales!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea—
Therefore my words have been rash.
4 (CM)For the arrows of the Almighty are within me;
My spirit drinks in their poison;
(CN)The terrors of God are arrayed (CO)against me.
5 Does the (CP)wild donkey bray when it has grass,
Or does the ox low over its fodder?
6 Can flavorless food be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them;
They are as loathsome food to me.
8 “Oh, that I might have my request,
That God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 That it would please God to crush me,
That He would loose His hand and (CQ)cut me off!
10 Then I would still have comfort;
Though in anguish I would exult,
He will not spare;
For (CR)I have not concealed the words of (CS)the Holy One.
11 “What strength do I have, that I should hope?
And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh bronze?
13 Is my help not within me?
And is success driven from me?
14 “To(CT) him who is [ag]afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend,
Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 (CU)My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook,
(CV)Like the streams of the brooks that pass away,
16 Which are dark because of the ice,
And into which the snow vanishes.
17 When it is warm, they cease to flow;
When it is hot, they vanish from their place.
18 The paths of their way turn aside,
They go nowhere and perish.
19 The caravans of (CW)Tema look,
The travelers of (CX)Sheba hope for them.
20 They are (CY)disappointed[ah] because they were confident;
They come there and are confused.
21 For now (CZ)you are nothing,
You see terror and (DA)are afraid.
22 Did I ever say, ‘Bring something to me’?
Or, ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth’?
23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s hand’?
Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of oppressors’?
24 “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue;
Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25 How forceful are right words!
But what does your arguing prove?
26 Do you intend to rebuke my words,
And the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind?
27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless,
And you (DB)undermine your friend.
28 Now therefore, be pleased to look at me;
For I would never lie to your face.
29 (DC)Yield now, let there be no injustice!
Yes, concede, my (DD)righteousness [ai]still stands!
30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my [aj]taste discern the unsavory?
Job: My Suffering Is Comfortless
7 “Is there not (DE)a time of hard service for man on earth?
Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?
2 Like a servant who [ak]earnestly desires the shade,
And like a hired man who eagerly looks for his wages,
3 So I have been allotted (DF)months of futility,
And wearisome nights have been appointed to me.
4 (DG)When I lie down, I say, ‘When shall I arise,
And the night be ended?’
For I have had my fill of tossing till dawn.
5 My flesh is (DH)caked with worms and dust,
My skin is cracked and breaks out afresh.
6 “My(DI) days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
And are spent without hope.
7 Oh, remember that (DJ)my life is a breath!
My eye will never again see good.
8 (DK)The eye of him who sees me will see me no more;
While your eyes are upon me, I shall no longer be.
9 As the cloud disappears and vanishes away,
So (DL)he who goes down to the grave does not come up.
10 He shall never return to his house,
(DM)Nor shall his place know him anymore.
11 “Therefore I will (DN)not restrain my mouth;
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
I will (DO)complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I a sea, or a sea serpent,
That You set a guard over me?
13 (DP)When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,
My couch will ease my complaint,’
14 Then You scare me with dreams
And terrify me with visions,
15 So that my soul chooses strangling
And death rather than [al]my body.
16 (DQ)I loathe my life;
I would not live forever.
(DR)Let me alone,
For (DS)my days are but [am]a breath.
17 “What(DT) is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him,
18 That You should [an]visit him every morning,
And test him every moment?
19 How long?
Will You not look away from me,
And let me alone till I swallow my saliva?
20 Have I sinned?
What have I done to You, (DU)O watcher of men?
Why (DV)have You set me as Your target,
So that I am a burden [ao]to myself?
21 Why then do You not pardon my transgression,
And take away my iniquity?
For now I will lie down in the dust,
And You will seek me diligently,
But I will no longer be.”
Bildad: Job Should Repent
8 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2 “How long will you speak these things,
And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?
3 (DW)Does God subvert judgment?
Or does the Almighty pervert justice?
4 If (DX)your sons have sinned against Him,
He has cast them away [ap]for their transgression.
5 (DY)If you would earnestly seek God
And make your supplication to the Almighty,
6 If you were pure and upright,
Surely now He would [aq]awake for you,
And prosper your rightful dwelling place.
7 Though your beginning was small,
Yet your latter end would (DZ)increase abundantly.
8 “For(EA) inquire, please, of the former age,
And consider the things discovered by their fathers;
9 For (EB)we were born yesterday, and know [ar]nothing,
Because our days on earth are a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you and tell you,
And utter words from their heart?
11 “Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh?
Can the reeds flourish without water?
12 (EC)While it is yet green and not cut down,
It withers before any other plant.
13 So are the paths of all who (ED)forget God;
And the hope of the (EE)hypocrite shall perish,
14 Whose confidence shall be cut off,
And whose trust is [as]a spider’s web.
15 (EF)He leans on his house, but it does not stand.
He holds it fast, but it does not endure.
16 He grows green in the sun,
And his branches spread out in his garden.
17 His roots wrap around the rock heap,
And look for a place in the stones.
18 (EG)If he is destroyed from his place,
Then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have not seen you.’
19 “Behold, this is the joy of His way,
And (EH)out of the earth others will grow.
20 Behold, (EI)God will not [at]cast away the blameless,
Nor will He uphold the evildoers.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughing,
And your lips with [au]rejoicing.
22 Those who hate you will be (EJ)clothed with shame,
And the dwelling place of the wicked [av]will come to nothing.”
Footnotes
- Job 1:1 Lit. turned away from
- Job 1:3 Lit. sons
- Job 1:5 consecrate
- Job 1:5 Lit. blessed, but in an evil sense; cf. Job 1:11; 2:5, 9
- Job 1:6 Lit. the Adversary
- Job 1:7 Lit. the Adversary
- Job 1:8 Lit. set your heart on
- Job 1:8 Lit. turns away from
- Job 1:10 Protected him
- Job 1:11 Lit. bless, but in an evil sense; cf. Job 1:5
- Job 1:12 Lit. hand
- Job 1:15 Lit. Sheba; cf. Job 6:19
- Job 1:15 Lit. fell upon
- Job 1:16 destroyed
- Job 1:19 LXX omits across
- Job 2:3 Lit. consume
- Job 2:5 Lit. bless, but in an evil sense; cf. Job 1:5
- Job 2:9 Lit. Bless, but in an evil sense; cf. Job 1:5
- Job 3:2 Lit. answered
- Job 3:6 LXX, Syr., Tg., Vg. be joined
- Job 3:9 eyelids of the dawn
- Job 3:11 expire
- Job 3:17 Lit. weary of strength
- Job 3:18 are at ease
- Job 3:21 Lit. wait
- Job 3:24 Lit. my bread
- Job 4:4 Lit. bending
- Job 5:5 LXX They shall not be taken from evil men; Vg. And the armed man shall take him by violence
- Job 5:5 LXX The might shall draw them off; Vg. And the thirsty shall drink up their riches
- Job 5:5 wealth
- Job 5:7 labor
- Job 5:20 Lit. hand
- Job 6:14 Or despairing
- Job 6:20 Lit. ashamed
- Job 6:29 Lit. is in it
- Job 6:30 palate
- Job 7:2 Lit. pants for
- Job 7:15 Lit. my bones
- Job 7:16 Without substance, futile
- Job 7:18 attend to
- Job 7:20 So with MT, Tg., Vg.; LXX, Jewish tradition to You
- Job 8:4 Lit. into the hand of their transgression
- Job 8:6 arise
- Job 8:9 Lit. not
- Job 8:14 Lit. a spider’s house
- Job 8:20 reject
- Job 8:21 Lit. shouts of joy
- Job 8:22 Lit. will not be
Psalm 1
New King James Version
BOOK ONE
Psalms 1–41
The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
1 Blessed (A)is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
(B)Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But (C)his delight is in the law of the Lord,
(D)And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
(E)Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall (F)prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are (G)like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For (H)the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 108
New King James Version
Assurance of God’s Victory over Enemies(A)
A Song. A Psalm of David.
108 O (B)God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
2 (C)Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
4 For Your mercy is great above the [a]heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
5 (D)Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth;
6 (E)That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and [b]hear me.
7 God has spoken in His holiness:
“I will rejoice;
I will divide Shechem
And measure out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is the [c]helmet for My head;
(F)Judah is My lawgiver.
9 Moab is My washpot;
Over Edom I will cast My shoe;
Over Philistia I will triumph.”
10 (G)Who will bring me into the strong city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off?
And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?
12 Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
13 (H)Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Footnotes
- Psalm 108:4 skies
- Psalm 108:6 Lit. answer
- Psalm 108:8 Lit. protection
Psalm 148
New King James Version
Praise to the Lord from Creation
148 Praise[a] the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!
2 Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
3 Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4 Praise Him, (A)you heavens of heavens,
And (B)you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For (C)He commanded and they were created.
6 (D)He also established them forever and ever;
He made a decree which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
(E)You great sea creatures and all the depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
9 (F)Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His (G)name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.
14 And He (H)has exalted the [b]horn of His people,
The praise of (I)all His saints—
Of the children of Israel,
(J)A people near to Him.
[c]Praise the Lord!
Footnotes
- Psalm 148:1 Heb. Hallelujah
- Psalm 148:14 Strength or dominion
- Psalm 148:14 Heb. Hallelujah
Malachi 1-4
New King James Version
Polluted Offerings to God
1 The [a]burden of the word of the Lord to Israel [b]by Malachi.
Israel Beloved of God
2 “I(A) have loved you,” says the Lord.
“Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’
Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?”
Says the Lord.
“Yet (B)Jacob I have loved;
3 But Esau I have hated,
And (C)laid waste his mountains and his heritage
For the jackals of the wilderness.”
4 Even though Edom has said,
“We have been impoverished,
But we will return and build the desolate places,”
Thus says the Lord of hosts:
“They may build, but I will (D)throw down;
They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness,
And the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.
5 Your eyes shall see,
And you shall say,
(E)‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’
Polluted Offerings
6 “A son (F)honors his father,
And a servant his master.
(G)If then I am the Father,
Where is My honor?
And if I am a Master,
Where is My reverence?
Says the Lord of hosts
To you priests who despise My name.
(H)Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’
7 “You offer (I)defiled food on My altar,
But say,
‘In what way have we defiled You?’
By saying,
(J)‘The table of the Lord is [c]contemptible.’
8 And (K)when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he (L)accept[d] you favorably?”
Says the Lord of hosts.
9 “But now entreat God’s favor,
That He may be gracious to us.
(M)While this is being done by your hands,
Will He accept you favorably?”
Says the Lord of hosts.
10 “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors,
(N)So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain?
I have no pleasure in you,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
(O)“Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.
11 For (P)from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great (Q)among the Gentiles;
(R)In every place (S)incense shall be offered to My name,
And a pure offering;
(T)For My name shall be great among the nations,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
12 “But you profane it,
In that you say,
(U)‘The table of the [e]Lord is defiled;
And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’
13 You also say,
‘Oh, what a (V)weariness!’
And you sneer at it,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
“And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;
Thus you bring an offering!
(W)Should I accept this from your hand?”
Says the Lord.
14 “But cursed be (X)the deceiver
Who has in his flock a male,
And takes a vow,
But sacrifices to the Lord (Y)what is blemished—
For (Z)I am a great King,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“And My name is to be feared among the nations.
Corrupt Priests
2 “And now, O (AA)priests, this commandment is for you.
2 (AB)If you will not hear,
And if you will not take it to heart,
To give glory to My name,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“I will send a curse upon you,
And I will curse your blessings.
Yes, I have cursed them (AC)already,
Because you do not take it to heart.
3 “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants
And spread (AD)refuse on your faces,
The refuse of your solemn feasts;
And one will (AE)take you away [f]with it.
4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you,
That My covenant with Levi may continue,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
5 “My(AF) covenant was with him, one of life and peace,
And I gave them to him (AG)that he might fear Me;
So he feared Me
And was reverent before My name.
6 (AH)The[g] law of truth was in his mouth,
And [h]injustice was not found on his lips.
He walked with Me in peace and equity,
And (AI)turned many away from iniquity.
7 “For(AJ) the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
(AK)For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
8 But you have departed from the way;
You (AL)have caused many to stumble at the law.
(AM)You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
9 “Therefore (AN)I also have made you contemptible and base
Before all the people,
Because you have not kept My ways
But have shown (AO)partiality in the law.”
Treachery of Infidelity
10 (AP)Have we not all one Father?
(AQ)Has not one God created us?
Why do we deal treacherously with one another
By profaning the covenant of the fathers?
11 Judah has dealt treacherously,
And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem,
For Judah has (AR)profaned
The Lord’s holy institution which He loves:
He has married the daughter of a foreign god.
12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob
The man who does this, being [i]awake and aware,
Yet (AS)who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!
13 And this is the second thing you do:
You cover the altar of the Lord with tears,
With weeping and crying;
So He does not regard the offering anymore,
Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.
14 Yet you say, “For what reason?”
Because the Lord has been witness
Between you and (AT)the wife of your youth,
With whom you have dealt treacherously;
(AU)Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.
15 But (AV)did He not make them one,
Having a remnant of the Spirit?
And why one?
He seeks (AW)godly offspring.
Therefore take heed to your spirit,
And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
16 “For (AX)the Lord God of Israel says
That He hates divorce,
For it covers one’s garment with violence,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
“Therefore take heed to your spirit,
That you do not deal treacherously.”
17 (AY)You have wearied the Lord with your words;
Yet you say,
“In what way have we wearied Him?”
In that you say,
(AZ)“Everyone who does evil
Is good in the sight of the Lord,
And He delights in them,”
Or, “Where is the God of justice?”
The Coming Messenger
3 “Behold, (BA)I send My messenger,
And he will (BB)prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
(BC)Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, (BD)He is coming,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
2 “But who can endure (BE)the day of His coming?
And (BF)who can stand when He appears?
For (BG)He is like a refiner’s fire
And like launderers’ soap.
3 (BH)He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
He will purify the sons of Levi,
And [j]purge them as gold and silver,
That they may (BI)offer to the Lord
An offering in righteousness.
4 “Then (BJ)the offering of Judah and Jerusalem
Will be [k]pleasant to the Lord,
As in the days of old,
As in former years.
5 And I will come near you for judgment;
I will be a swift witness
Against sorcerers,
Against adulterers,
(BK)Against perjurers,
Against those who (BL)exploit wage earners and (BM)widows and orphans,
And against those who turn away an alien—
Because they do not fear Me,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
6 “For I am the Lord, (BN)I do not change;
(BO)Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
7 Yet from the days of (BP)your fathers
You have gone away from My ordinances
And have not kept them.
(BQ)Return to Me, and I will return to you,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
(BR)“But you said,
‘In what way shall we return?’
Do Not Rob God
8 “Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
‘In what way have we robbed You?’
(BS)In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
10 (BT)Bring all the tithes into the (BU)storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the (BV)windows of heaven
And (BW)pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke (BX)the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be (BY)a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
The People Complain Harshly
13 “Your(BZ) words have been [l]harsh against Me,”
Says the Lord,
“Yet you say,
‘What have we spoken against You?’
14 (CA)You have said,
‘It is useless to serve God;
What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance,
And that we have walked as mourners
Before the Lord of hosts?
15 So now (CB)we call the proud blessed,
For those who do wickedness are [m]raised up;
They even (CC)tempt God and go free.’ ”
A Book of Remembrance
16 Then those (CD)who feared the Lord (CE)spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So (CF)a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who [n]meditate on His name.
17 “They(CG) shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My (CH)jewels.[o]
And (CI)I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him.”
18 (CJ)Then you shall again discern
Between the righteous and the wicked,
Between one who serves God
And one who does not serve Him.
The Great Day of God
4 “For behold, (CK)the day is coming,
Burning like an oven,
And all (CL)the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be (CM)stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will (CN)leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But to you who (CO)fear My name
The (CP)Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3 (CQ)You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet
On the day that I do this,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
4 “Remember the (CR)Law of Moses, My servant,
Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,
With (CS)the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you (CT)Elijah the prophet
(CU)Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
6 And (CV)he will turn
The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and (CW)strike the earth with (CX)a curse.”
Footnotes
- Malachi 1:1 oracle, prophecy
- Malachi 1:1 Lit. by the hand of
- Malachi 1:7 Or to be despised
- Malachi 1:8 Lit. lift up your face
- Malachi 1:12 So with Bg.; MT Lord
- Malachi 2:3 Lit. to it
- Malachi 2:6 Or True instruction
- Malachi 2:6 Or unrighteousness
- Malachi 2:12 Talmud, Vg. teacher and student
- Malachi 3:3 Or refine
- Malachi 3:4 pleasing
- Malachi 3:13 Lit. strong
- Malachi 3:15 Lit. built
- Malachi 3:16 Or esteem
- Malachi 3:17 Lit. special treasure
Acts 3-12
New King James Version
A Lame Man Healed
3 Now Peter and John went up together (A)to the temple at the hour of prayer, (B)the ninth hour. 2 And (C)a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, (D)to [a]ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: (E)In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, (F)leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 (G)And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who (H)sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Preaching in Solomon’s Portico
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch (I)which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 (J)The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, (K)glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you (L)delivered up and (M)denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied (N)the Holy One (O)and the Just, and (P)asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the [b]Prince of life, (Q)whom God raised from the dead, (R)of which we are witnesses. 16 (S)And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that (T)you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But (U)those things which God foretold (V)by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 (W)Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send [c]Jesus Christ, who was [d]preached to you before, 21 (X)whom heaven must receive until the times of (Y)restoration of all things, (Z)which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since [e]the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, (AA)‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and (AB)all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also [f]foretold these days. 25 (AC)You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, (AD)‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you (AE)first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, (AF)in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
Peter and John Arrested
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the (AG)Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Addressing the Sanhedrin
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as (AH)Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, (AI)“By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 (AJ)Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, (AK)that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, (AL)whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the (AM)‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 (AN)Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, (AO)and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed (AP)standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, (AQ)“What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a [g]notable miracle has been done through them is (AR)evident[h] to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 (AS)So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, (AT)“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 (AU)For we cannot but speak the things which (AV)we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, (AW)because of the people, since they all (AX)glorified God for (AY)what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Prayer for Boldness(AZ)
23 And being let go, (BA)they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, (BB)You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [i]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
(BC)‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For (BD)truly against (BE)Your holy Servant Jesus, (BF)whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 (BG)to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants (BH)that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, (BI)and that signs and wonders may be done (BJ)through the name of (BK)Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, (BL)the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, (BM)and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Sharing in All Things
32 Now the multitude of those who believed (BN)were of one heart and one soul; (BO)neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with (BP)great power the apostles gave (BQ)witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And (BR)great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; (BS)for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 (BT)and laid them at the apostles’ feet; (BU)and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And [j]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [k]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 (BV)having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 (BW)But Peter said, “Ananias, why has (BX)Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, (BY)fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and (BZ)wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together (CA)to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 (CB)Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 (CC)So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Continuing Power in the Church
12 And (CD)through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. (CE)And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet (CF)none of the rest dared join them, (CG)but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, (CH)that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing (CI)sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Imprisoned Apostles Freed
17 (CJ)Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with [l]indignation, 18 (CK)and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night (CL)an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people (CM)all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. (CN)But the high priest and those with him came and called the [m]council together, with all the [n]elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Apostles on Trial Again
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing [o]outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when [p]the high priest, (CO)the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, [q]saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, (CP)for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, (CQ)“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, (CR)and intend to bring this Man’s (CS)blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: (CT)“We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 (CU)The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by (CV)hanging on a tree. 31 (CW)Him God has exalted to His right hand to be (CX)Prince and (CY)Savior, (CZ)to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And (DA)we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit (DB)whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Gamaliel’s Advice
33 When they heard this, they were (DC)furious[r] and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named (DD)Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, [s]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [t]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 (DE)but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found (DF)to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had (DG)called for the apostles (DH)and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, (DI)rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for [u]His name. 42 And daily (DJ)in the temple, and in every house, (DK)they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Seven Chosen to Serve
6 Now in those days, (DL)when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the (DM)Hellenists,[v] because their widows were neglected (DN)in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, (DO)“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, (DP)seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this (DQ)business; 4 but we (DR)will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, (DS)a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and (DT)Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and (DU)Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and (DV)when they had prayed, (DW)they laid hands on them.
7 Then (DX)the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many (DY)of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 And Stephen, full of [w]faith and power, did great (DZ)wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And (EA)they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 (EB)Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak [x]blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 (EC)for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham
7 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
2 And he said, (ED)“Brethren and fathers, listen: The (EE)God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in (EF)Haran, 3 and said to him, (EG)‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ 4 Then (EH)he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was (EI)dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. 5 And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, (EJ)He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. 6 But God spoke in this way: (EK)that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into (EL)bondage and oppress them four hundred years. 7 (EM)‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will (EN)judge,’ said God, (EO)‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ 8 (EP)Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; (EQ)and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; (ER)and Isaac begot Jacob, and (ES)Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.
The Patriarchs in Egypt
9 (ET)“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, (EU)sold Joseph into Egypt. (EV)But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, (EW)and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 (EX)Now a famine and great [y]trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 (EY)But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And the (EZ)second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. 14 (FA)Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and (FB)all his relatives to him, [z]seventy-five people. 15 (FC)So Jacob went down to Egypt; (FD)and he died, he and our fathers. 16 And (FE)they were carried back to Shechem and laid in (FF)the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
God Delivers Israel by Moses
17 “But when (FG)the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, (FH)the people grew and multiplied in Egypt 18 till another king (FI)arose who did not know Joseph. 19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, (FJ)making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. 20 (FK)At this time Moses was born, and (FL)was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. 21 But (FM)when he was set out, (FN)Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was (FO)mighty in words and deeds.
23 (FP)“Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. 25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ 27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, (FQ)‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 (FR)Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he (FS)had two sons.
30 (FT)“And when forty years had passed, an Angel [aa]of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, (FU)‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 (FV)‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely (FW)seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will (FX)send you to Egypt.” ’
35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, (FY)‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer (FZ)by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 (GA)He brought them out, after he had (GB)shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, (GC)and in the Red Sea, (GD)and in the wilderness forty years.
Israel Rebels Against God
37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, (GE)‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. (GF)Him[ab] you shall hear.’
38 (GG)“This is he who was in the [ac]congregation in the wilderness with (GH)the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, (GI)the one who received the living (GJ)oracles[ad] to give to us, 39 whom our fathers (GK)would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 (GL)saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 (GM)And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and (GN)rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 Then (GO)God turned and gave them up to worship (GP)the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:
(GQ)‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
43 You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And (GR)I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’
God’s True Tabernacle
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses (GS)to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, 45 (GT)which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, (GU)whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the (GV)days of David, 46 (GW)who found favor before God and (GX)asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. 47 (GY)But Solomon built Him a house.
48 “However, (GZ)the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:
49 ‘Heaven(HA) is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?
50 Has My hand not (HB)made all these things?’
Israel Resists the Holy Spirit
51 “You (HC)stiff-necked[ae] and (HD)uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 (HE)Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of (HF)the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 (HG)who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
Stephen the Martyr
54 (HH)When they heard these things they were [af]cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, (HI)being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the (HJ)glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! (HK)I see the heavens opened and the (HL)Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And (HM)the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, (HN)receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, (HO)“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Saul Persecutes the Church
8 Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and (HP)they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and (HQ)made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, (HR)he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
Christ Is Preached in Samaria
4 Therefore (HS)those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then (HT)Philip went down to [ag]the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For (HU)unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
The Sorcerer’s Profession of Faith
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously (HV)practiced [ah]sorcery in the city and (HW)astonished the [ai]people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his [aj]sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things (HX)concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
The Sorcerer’s Sin
14 Now when the (HY)apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them (HZ)that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For (IA)as yet He had fallen upon none of them. (IB)They had only been baptized in (IC)the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then (ID)they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because (IE)you thought that (IF)the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your (IG)heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God (IH)if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are (II)poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
24 Then Simon answered and said, (IJ)“Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Christ Is Preached to an Ethiopian(IK)
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to (IL)Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is [ak]desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, (IM)a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and (IN)had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this:
(IO)“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
(IP)So He opened not His mouth.
33 In His humiliation His (IQ)justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is (IR)taken from the earth.”
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, (IS)and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. (IT)What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 [al]Then Philip said, (IU)“If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, (IV)“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, (IW)the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at [am]Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to (IX)Caesarea.
The Damascus Road: Saul Converted(IY)
9 Then (IZ)Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked (JA)letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 (JB)As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, (JC)why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [an]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 And (JD)the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus (JE)named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul (JF)of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, (JG)how much [ao]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all (JH)who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for (JI)he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before (JJ)Gentiles, (JK)kings, and the (JL)children[ap] of Israel. 16 For (JM)I will show him how many things he must suffer for My (JN)name’s sake.”
17 (JO)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (JP)laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [aq]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (JQ)be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. (JR)Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Saul Preaches Christ
20 Immediately he preached [ar]the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, (JS)“Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, (JT)and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Saul Escapes Death
23 Now after many days were past, (JU)the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 (JV)But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and (JW)let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Saul at Jerusalem
26 And (JX)when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 (JY)But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, (JZ)and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So (KA)he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the (KB)Hellenists,[as] (KC)but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
The Church Prospers
31 (KD)Then the [at]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were (KE)edified.[au] And walking in the (KF)fear of the Lord and in the (KG)comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were (KH)multiplied.
Aeneas Healed
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went (KI)through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, (KJ)Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and (KK)Sharon saw him and (KL)turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named [av]Tabitha, which is translated [aw]Dorcas. This woman was full (KM)of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in (KN)an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter (KO)put them all out, and (KP)knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he (KQ)said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, (KR)and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with (KS)Simon, a tanner.
Cornelius Sends a Delegation
10 There was a certain man in (KT)Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [ax]Regiment, 2 (KU)a devout man and one who (KV)feared God with all his household, who gave [ay]alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About [az]the ninth hour of the day (KW)he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”
So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now (KX)send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with (KY)Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. (KZ)He[ba] will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, (LA)Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about [bb]the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and (LB)saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! (LC)For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, (LD)“What God has [bc]cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
Summoned to Caesarea
17 Now while Peter [bd]wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, (LE)the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 (LF)Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men [be]who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and (LG)has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.
On the next day Peter went away with them, (LH)and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter Meets Cornelius
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, (LI)“Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how (LJ)unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But (LK)God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
30 So Cornelius said, [bf]“Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, (LL)a man stood before me (LM)in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, (LN)your prayer has been heard, and (LO)your [bg]alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. [bh]When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
Preaching to Cornelius’ Household
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: (LP)“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But (LQ)in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is (LR)accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the [bi]children of Israel, (LS)preaching peace through Jesus Christ—(LT)He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and (LU)began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how (LV)God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who (LW)went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, (LX)for God was with Him. 39 And we are (LY)witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom [bj]they (LZ)killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him (MA)God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 (MB)not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us (MC)who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And (MD)He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify (ME)that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge (MF)of the living and the dead. 43 (MG)To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, (MH)whoever believes in Him will receive (MI)remission[bk] of sins.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, (MJ)the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 (MK)And [bl]those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, (ML)because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit (MM)just as we have?” 48 (MN)And he commanded them to be baptized (MO)in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Peter Defends God’s Grace
11 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, (MP)those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, (MQ)“You went in to uncircumcised men (MR)and ate with them!”
4 But Peter explained it to them (MS)in order from the beginning, saying: 5 (MT)“I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then (MU)the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover (MV)these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 (MW)And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, (MX)as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, (MY)‘John indeed baptized with water, but (MZ)you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 (NA)If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, (NB)who was I that I could withstand God?”
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, (NC)“Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
19 (ND)Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to (NE)the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And (NF)the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and (NG)turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out (NH)Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and (NI)encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, (NJ)full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (NK)And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for (NL)Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Relief to Judea
27 And in these days (NM)prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named (NN)Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of (NO)Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send (NP)relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 (NQ)This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Herod’s Violence to the Church
12 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James (NR)the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during (NS)the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So (NT)when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four [bm]squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter Freed from Prison
5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but [bn]constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [bo]keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, (NU)an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and (NV)did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought (NW)he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, (NX)which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that (NY)the Lord has sent His angel, and (NZ)has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
12 So, when he had considered this, (OA)he came to the house of Mary, the mother of (OB)John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together (OC)praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, (OD)“It is his angel.”
16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But (OE)motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.
18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small [bp]stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Herod’s Violent Death
20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of (OF)Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus [bq]the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because (OG)their country was [br]supplied with food by the king’s country.
21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord (OH)struck him, because (OI)he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and [bs]died.
24 But (OJ)the word of God grew and multiplied.
Barnabas and Saul Appointed
25 And (OK)Barnabas and Saul returned [bt]from Jerusalem when they had (OL)fulfilled their ministry, and they also (OM)took with them (ON)John whose surname was Mark.
Footnotes
- Acts 3:2 Beg
- Acts 3:15 Or Originator
- Acts 3:20 NU, M Christ Jesus
- Acts 3:20 NU, M ordained for you before
- Acts 3:21 Or time
- Acts 3:24 NU, M proclaimed
- Acts 4:16 remarkable sign
- Acts 4:16 well known
- Acts 4:25 NU through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father, Your servant David,
- Acts 4:36 NU Joseph
- Acts 4:36 Or Consolation
- Acts 5:17 jealousy
- Acts 5:21 Sanhedrin
- Acts 5:21 council of elders or senate
- Acts 5:23 NU, M omit outside
- Acts 5:24 NU omits the high priest
- Acts 5:25 NU, M omit saying
- Acts 5:33 cut to the quick
- Acts 5:35 be careful
- Acts 5:36 followed
- Acts 5:41 NU the name; M the name of Jesus
- Acts 6:1 Greek-speaking Jews
- Acts 6:8 NU grace
- Acts 6:13 NU omits blasphemous
- Acts 7:11 affliction
- Acts 7:14 Or seventy, Ex. 1:5
- Acts 7:30 NU omits of the Lord
- Acts 7:37 NU, M omit Him you shall hear
- Acts 7:38 Gr. ekklesia, assembly or church
- Acts 7:38 sayings
- Acts 7:51 stubborn
- Acts 7:54 furious
- Acts 8:5 Or a
- Acts 8:9 magic
- Acts 8:9 Or nation
- Acts 8:11 magic arts
- Acts 8:26 Or a deserted place
- Acts 8:37 NU, M omit v. 37. It is found in Western texts, including the Latin tradition.
- Acts 8:40 Same as Heb. Ashdod
- Acts 9:5 NU, M omit the rest of v. 5 and begin v. 6 with But arise and go
- Acts 9:13 bad things
- Acts 9:15 Lit. sons
- Acts 9:17 M omits Jesus
- Acts 9:20 NU Jesus
- Acts 9:29 Greek-speaking Jews
- Acts 9:31 NU church . . . was
- Acts 9:31 built up
- Acts 9:36 Lit., in Aram., Gazelle
- Acts 9:36 Lit., in Gr., Gazelle
- Acts 10:1 Cohort
- Acts 10:2 charitable gifts
- Acts 10:3 3 p.m.
- Acts 10:6 NU, M omit the rest of v. 6.
- Acts 10:9 Noon
- Acts 10:15 Declared clean
- Acts 10:17 was perplexed
- Acts 10:21 NU, M omit who had been sent to him from Cornelius
- Acts 10:30 NU Four days ago to this hour, at the ninth hour
- Acts 10:31 charitable gifts
- Acts 10:32 NU omits the rest of v. 32.
- Acts 10:36 Lit. sons
- Acts 10:39 NU, M they also
- Acts 10:43 forgiveness
- Acts 10:45 The Jews
- Acts 12:4 Gr. tetrads, squads of four
- Acts 12:5 NU constantly or earnestly
- Acts 12:6 guarding
- Acts 12:18 disturbance
- Acts 12:20 who was in charge of the king’s bedchamber
- Acts 12:20 Lit. nourished
- Acts 12:23 breathed his last
- Acts 12:25 NU, M to
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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