Axial Commons
Hebrew / JewishChristianity
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Plain English · paraphraseThey had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now both of them were well into old age.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Plain English · paraphraseBut the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zacharias. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John."
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Plain English · paraphraseYou will have joy and happiness; many will celebrate his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
Plain English · paraphraseHe will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He will not drink wine or strong drink. The Holy Ghost will fill him, even from his mother’s womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd he will go ahead of him, filled with the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents toward their children, and the rebellious toward the wisdom of the righteous; to prepare a people ready for the Lord.
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Plain English · paraphraseZacharias said to the angel, "How will I know this? I am an old man, and my wife is also well advanced in years."
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the angel answered him, saying, "I am Gabriel, who stands before God. I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news."
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd you will be unable to speak until the day these things are completed, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they wondered why he stayed so long in the temple.
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he motioned to them and remained unable to speak.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
Plain English · paraphraseWhen his time of service was finished, he went back to his own house.
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Plain English · paraphraseAnd after those days, his wife Elisabeth became pregnant, and she stayed hidden for five months, saying,
Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
Plain English · paraphraseThis is how the Lord has treated me in the days when he looked at me to remove my disgrace among people.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Plain English · paraphraseAnd in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth.
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
Plain English · paraphraseTo a virgin who was promised to a man named Joseph, from the family of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. You are blessed among women."
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when she saw him, she was troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this could be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Plain English · paraphraseThe angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God."
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd you will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Plain English · paraphraseHe will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and his kingdom will never end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Plain English · paraphraseMary asked the angel, "How can this happen, since I don't know a man?"
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Ghost will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child who is born to you will be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd look, your cousin Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age. This is her sixth month, though she was once called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Plain English · paraphraseWith God, nothing is impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be with me as you have said." And the angel left her.
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Mary got up in those days and went quickly to the hill country to a city in Judah.
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
Plain English · paraphraseAnd it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby jumped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "You are blessed among women, and blessed is the child in your womb."
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Plain English · paraphraseFor when I heard your voice, the child in my womb jumped for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd blessed is she who believed, because what was told her from the Lord will be done.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Mary said, My soul honors the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd my spirit has been glad about God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Plain English · paraphraseHe has noticed how low I am, how lowly his servant girl is. For look, from now on all future generations will call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Plain English · paraphraseFor the one who is powerful has done great things for me; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Plain English · paraphraseHis mercy is on those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
Plain English · paraphraseHe has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Plain English · paraphraseHe has brought down the powerful from their positions and lifted up those of low status.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Plain English · paraphraseHe has given good things to those who are hungry; and he has sent the rich away empty.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Plain English · paraphraseHe has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy.
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Plain English · paraphraseAs he spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham, and to his descendants forever.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Mary stayed with her for about three months, and then went back to her own home.
Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
Plain English · paraphraseElizabeth's time to give birth had come, and she gave birth to a son.
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
Plain English · paraphraseOn the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they named him Zacharias, after his father's name.
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said to her, No one in your family is named like this.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
Plain English · paraphraseHe asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." Everyone was amazed.
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Plain English · paraphraseAt once, his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed. He spoke and praised God.
And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd fear came on all the people living around them. These events were spread throughout the whole hill country of Judaea.
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Plain English · paraphraseAs he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Plain English · paraphraseTo carry out the mercy promised to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant;
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Plain English · paraphraseThe oath he made to our father Abraham,
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Plain English · paraphraseThat he would give to us the chance to serve him without fear, now that we have been rescued from the hands of our enemies,
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
Plain English · paraphraseAnd you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Plain English · paraphraseTo give knowledge of salvation to his people through the forgiveness of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Plain English · paraphraseBecause of God's kind love, the morning light from heaven has come to us.
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the child grew and became strong in spirit. He was in the desert until the day he was revealed to Israel.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
Plain English · paraphraseIn those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that the whole world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Plain English · paraphrase(This tax was first carried out when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd everyone went to be taxed, each one to their own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Plain English · paraphraseAnd Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. (For he was of the house and lineage of David.)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Plain English · paraphraseTo be taxed with Mary his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloth and laid him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd there were in the same country shepherds staying in the field, watching over their flock at night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them. They were very afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people."
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Plain English · paraphraseToday, in the city of David, a Saviour is born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd this will be a sign for you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a feeding trough.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Plain English · paraphraseGlory to God in the highest. On earth, peace and good will toward people.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the angels went up to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Let's go right now to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord told us about.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd they came quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they saw it, they told everyone the message they had been given about this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd all who heard it were amazed at the things the shepherds told them.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Plain English · paraphraseBut Mary kept all these things and thought about them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd when eight days had passed, the time for the child's circumcision, his name was given as Jesus. This name had been given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd to offer a sacrifice, as the law of the Lord says: a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Plain English · paraphraseAnd there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. This man was just and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Plain English · paraphraseHe was shown by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ.