The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, produce fruits that show you have repented.

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd do not say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father." For I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Plain English · paraphraseNow the axe is placed at the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Jesus comes from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Plain English · paraphraseBut John stopped him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter he had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he answered, "It is written: People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Plain English · paraphraseThen the devil takes him to the holy city and puts him on the highest point of the temple.

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'"

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Plain English · paraphraseAgain, the devil takes him to a very high mountain and shows him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd says to him, I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Jesus said to him, Go away, Satan. For it is written, You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the devil left him, and look, angels came and took care of him.

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went to Galilee.

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, which is on the seacoast, in the area of Zabulon and Nephthalim.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

Plain English · paraphraseSo that what the prophet Isaiah said would come true, as he said:

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

Plain English · paraphraseThe land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, along the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Plain English · paraphraseThe people who sat in darkness saw a great light; and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has risen.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Plain English · paraphraseFrom that time, Jesus began to teach, saying, "Change your lives. The kingdom of heaven is near."

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus traveled through all of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. He healed every kind of sickness and every kind of disease among the people.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd his fame spread throughout all Syria. They brought to him all the sick people who were suffering from various diseases and pains, those who were possessed by demons, those who were epileptic, and those who had paralysis. And he healed them.

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd many crowds of people followed him from Galilee, from Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judaea, and from across the Jordan.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. When he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are those who are poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are the merciful, because they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are those who are pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are those who are persecuted for doing what is right, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and say all kinds of false evil things about you because of me.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Plain English · paraphraseBe very happy, for your reward in heaven is great. That is how people persecuted the prophets who came before you.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Plain English · paraphraseYou are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how can it be made salty again? It is then good for nothing, except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Plain English · paraphraseYou are the light of the world. A city placed on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseLet your light shine in front of people, so they see your good actions and honor your Father in heaven.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will disappear from the law until everything is completed.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever breaks even one of these smallest commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you, unless your righteousness is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Plain English · paraphraseYou have heard that it was said long ago, "You must not kill; and whoever kills will be in danger of judgment."

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Plain English · paraphraseBut I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of judgment. And whoever says to his brother, "Raca," will be in danger of the council. But whoever says, "Thou fool," will be in danger of hell fire.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you;

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Plain English · paraphraseLeave your gift there by the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift.

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Plain English · paraphraseAgree with your adversary quickly while you are on the road with him. Otherwise, the adversary might hand you over to the judge, and the judge might hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.

Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you the truth, you will not leave there until you have paid every last penny.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

Plain English · paraphraseYou have heard that it was said long ago, “You must not commit adultery.”

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Plain English · paraphraseBut I say to you, whoever looks at a woman with the desire to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Plain English · paraphraseIt has been said, "Whoever sends away his wife, let him give her a written notice of divorce:"

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not swear by your head, because you cannot make even one hair white or black.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Plain English · paraphraseBut I say to you, do not resist evil. If anyone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other cheek to him as well.

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd if anyone sues you in court and takes your coat, let them also have your cloak.

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd if someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two.

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Plain English · paraphraseGive to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Plain English · paraphraseYou have heard that it has been said, "Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy."

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Plain English · paraphraseBut I say to you, love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who treat you badly and persecute you.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseBe careful not to give your gifts in front of people to be seen by them. If you do, you will not receive a reward from your Father in heaven.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Plain English · paraphraseBut when you do good deeds, let your left hand not know what your right hand is doing:

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Plain English · paraphraseSo that your giving may be in secret. Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets, so that people will see them. I tell you the truth, they have already received their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when you pray, go into your private room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Plain English · paraphraseDo not be like them, then. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Plain English · paraphrasePray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseMay your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Plain English · paraphraseGive us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd forgive us our debts, as we forgive those who owe us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Plain English · paraphraseIf you forgive people when they wrong you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Plain English · paraphraseBut if you do not forgive people their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Plain English · paraphraseMoreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad look. They make their faces ugly so people will know they are fasting. I tell you truly, they have already received their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

Plain English · paraphraseBut when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.