The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, "Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last and going to the first."

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when those who were hired about the eleventh hour came, they received each man a penny.

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when the first came, they thought they should get more. But they also received a penny each.

And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had received it, they complained about the house owner,

Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "These last have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have carried the burden and heat of the day."

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

Plain English · paraphraseBut he answered one of them and said, "Friend, I do you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a penny?"

Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Plain English · paraphraseTake what is yours and go. I will give to this last one just as I have given to you.

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Plain English · paraphraseIs it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own? Is your eye bad because I am good?

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Plain English · paraphraseSo the last will be first, and the first last. Many are called, but few are chosen.

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

Plain English · paraphraseJesus was going up to Jerusalem. Along the way, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them,

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Plain English · paraphraseLook, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will sentence him to death.

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to whip, and to crucify him. And on the third day, he will rise again.

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the mother of Zebedee’s children came to him with her sons. She worshipped him and asked him for something.

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Plain English · paraphraseHe asked her, "What do you want?" She answered, "Let these my two sons sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give. It will be given to those for whom it is prepared by my Father."

And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen the ten heard this, they were angry with the two brothers.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles rule over them, and those who are considered great use authority over them."

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Plain English · paraphraseBut it will not be like that among you. Whoever wants to be great among you, let them be your servant.

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd whoever wants to be the leader among you, let them be your servant:

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Plain English · paraphraseThe Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseAs they left Jericho, a large crowd followed him.

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Have mercy on us, Lord, you son of David."

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the crowd scolded them, telling them to be quiet. But they shouted even louder, saying, "Have mercy on us, Lord, you son of David."

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus stopped and called to them. He said, "What do you want me to do for you?"

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus felt compassion for them and touched their eyes. At once, their eyes were healed, and they followed him.

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they came near Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples.

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

Plain English · paraphraseThey said to them, "Go to the village across from you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey tied up and a young donkey with her. Untie them and bring them to me."

And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Plain English · paraphraseAll this happened so that what the prophet said would come true. He said,

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

Plain English · paraphraseTell the daughter of Zion, "Look, your King is coming to you, humble and riding on an ass, and on a young donkey, the foal of a donkey."

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

Plain English · paraphraseA very large crowd spread their clothes along the road. Others cut branches from the trees and laid them on the path.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the crowds that went before and those that followed shouted, saying, "Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came into Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred, asking, "Who is this?"

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the crowd said, "This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Plain English · paraphraseJesus went into God’s temple and drove out everyone who was selling and buying there. He overturned the moneychangers’ tables and the seats of those selling doves.

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd said to him, Do you hear what these are saying? And Jesus said to them, Yes. Have you never read, From the mouths of babies and nursing infants you have perfected praise?

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Plain English · paraphraseHe left them and went out of the city to Bethany. He stayed there for the night.

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

Plain English · paraphraseIn the morning, as he went back into the city, he was hungry.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he saw a fig tree along the road, he went to it. He found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you from now on forever." And immediately the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the disciples saw it, they were amazed. They said, "How quickly the fig tree withered!"

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and cast into the sea,’ it will be done.”

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd all things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching. They said, "By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you this authority?"

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered, "I will ask you one thing. If you tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things."

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

Plain English · paraphraseThey asked, "Where did John's baptism come from? From heaven, or from people?" They discussed among themselves, saying, "If we say it came from heaven, he will say to us, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'"

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Plain English · paraphraseThey answered Jesus and said, "We cannot tell." He said to them, "Then I will not tell you by what authority I do these things."

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Plain English · paraphraseBut what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, "Son, go work in my vineyard today."

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

Plain English · paraphraseHe answered, "I won't." But later he changed his mind and went.

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he came to the second, and said the same thing. The man answered, "I'm going, sir," but he did not go.

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Plain English · paraphraseWhich of the two did what his father wanted? They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you."

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Plain English · paraphraseJohn came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And you, after seeing this, did not repent afterward to believe him.

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Plain English · paraphraseHear another parable: A man owned a house and planted a vineyard. He built a fence around it, dug a winepress, and constructed a tower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went far away.

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the time for the harvest came near, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive the fruits.

And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

Plain English · paraphraseBut in the end he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when the husbandmen saw the son, they said to each other, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance."

And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

Plain English · paraphraseSo when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Plain English · paraphraseThey said to him, "He will completely destroy those wicked men and give the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the harvest at the right times."

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Plain English · paraphraseJesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? This is the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing to us.”

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Plain English · paraphraseTherefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation that produces its fruits.

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd whoever falls on this stone will be broken. But whoever it falls on, it will grind to powder.

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the chief priests and Pharisees heard his parables, they realized he was speaking about them.

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when they tried to arrest him, they were afraid of the crowd, because the crowd considered him a prophet.

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus answered, speaking to them again through parables, and said,

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Plain English · paraphraseThe kingdom of heaven is like a king who arranged a wedding for his son.

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he sent his servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding. But they would not come.

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Plain English · paraphraseAgain, he sent out other servants with a message: "Tell those who were invited, 'Look, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened animals have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding.'"

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

Plain English · paraphraseBut they dismissed it and went on their way, one to his farm, another to his business:

And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the remnant took his servants, treated them cruelly, and killed them.

But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when the king heard about it, he was angry. He sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

Plain English · paraphraseThen he said to his servants, "The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy."

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Plain English · paraphraseGo then to the highways, and invite everyone you find to the wedding.

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to him, Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment? And he had no reply.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the king said to the servants, "Tie him hands and feet, take him away, and throw him into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

Plain English · paraphraseThen the Pharisees went away and planned how they might trap him in what he said.

And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they sent out their disciples with the Herodians to him. They said, "Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach God's way honestly. You don't care about anyone's status. You don't favor people."

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

Plain English · paraphraseTell us then, What do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Plain English · paraphraseBut Jesus knew their evil intentions and said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?"

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

Plain English · paraphraseShow me the tax money. They brought him a coin.

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"

They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Plain English · paraphraseThey say to him, “Caesar’s.” He says to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen they heard these words, they were amazed. They left him and went their own way.

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

Plain English · paraphraseNow there were seven brothers with us. The first married a wife, but he died without children. He left his wife to his brother.

Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

Plain English · paraphraseLikewise, the second also, and the third, up to the seventh.

And last of all the woman died also.