The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd his reputation spread to every part of the surrounding country.

And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

Plain English · paraphraseHe stood up from the synagogue and went into Simon’s house. Simon’s wife’s mother had a high fever, and they asked him to help her.

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseHe stood over her and told the fever to leave her. It left her. Right away, she got up and took care of them.

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen the sun was setting, all who had someone sick with various diseases brought them to him. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd demons came out of many, shouting and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of God." But he rebuked them and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Christ.

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd saw two boats by the lake. But the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Plain English · paraphraseHe went into one of the boats, Simon’s boat, and asked Simon to push out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Go out into the deep water and let down your nets to catch some fish."

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Plain English · paraphraseSimon answered him, “Teacher, we worked all night and caught nothing. But I will let down the net at your word.”

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net broke.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they called to their companions in the other boat, telling them to come and help. They came, and filled both boats so much that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinner.”

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

Plain English · paraphraseHe was amazed, and everyone with him, at the huge catch of fish they had made.

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they brought their ships to land, they left everything behind and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when he was in a certain city, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his face and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he reached out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will. Be clean." And at once, the leprosy left him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he told him not to tell anyone. Instead, go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifices required for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, as proof to them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Plain English · paraphraseBut because of this, his fame spread even more. Large crowds gathered to listen to him and to be healed of their illnesses.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Plain English · paraphraseHe went into the wilderness and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

Plain English · paraphraseOne day, while he was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby. They had come from every town in Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd suddenly, some people carried in a man who was paralyzed. They tried to find a way to bring him in and lay him down in front of him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went onto the housetop and lowered him through the tiles on his mat into the middle of the place before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Plain English · paraphraseBut when Jesus knew what they were thinking, he answered them, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?"

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

Plain English · paraphraseWhich is easier to say: "Your sins are forgiven," or "Get up and walk"?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

Plain English · paraphraseBut so you will know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, he said to the man with the palsy, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go to your house."

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd immediately he stood up in front of them, took up the mat he was lying on, and went to his own house, praising God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they were all amazed. They praised God and were filled with fear. They said, "We have seen strange things today."

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter these things, he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. He said to him, "Follow me."

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Plain English · paraphraseHe left everything behind, stood up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Levi held a big feast in his own house. Many tax collectors and others were sitting with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

Plain English · paraphraseBut their scribes and Pharisees complained against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. Sick people do."

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Plain English · paraphraseI did not come to call righteous people, but sinners to repentance.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said to him, "Why do the disciples of John fast often and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same? But your disciples eat and drink?"

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?"

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Plain English · paraphraseBut the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd no one puts new wine into old bottles; otherwise, the new wine will burst the bottles, and the wine will spill out, and the bottles will be ruined.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Plain English · paraphraseNo one who has just drunk old wine wants new wine right away. They say, "The old is better."

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

Plain English · paraphraseOn the second Sabbath after the first, he went through the grain fields. His disciples picked the grain ears and ate them, rubbing them in their hands.

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not allowed on the Sabbath?"

And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Jesus answered them, "Have you not read this? What did David do when he himself was hungry, and those with him?"

How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

Plain English · paraphraseHow he went into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and gave also to those who were with him; which it is not lawful to eat except for the priests alone?

And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath as well."

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

Plain English · paraphraseOn another Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and taught. A man was there whose right hand was withered.

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the scribes and Pharisees watched him to see if he would heal on the Sabbath day, so that they might find an accusation against him.

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

Plain English · paraphraseBut he knew what they were thinking. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Stand up in the middle." The man stood up and stepped forward.

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd looking around at them all, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely healed, just like the other.

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

Plain English · paraphraseThey were filled with madness and talked among themselves about what they could do to Jesus.

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it happened in those days that he went out to a mountain to pray and spent the whole night praying to God.

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Plain English · paraphraseWhen day came, he called his disciples to him. From them he chose twelve, and he named them apostles.

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd Judas, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was also the traitor.

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he came down with them and stood in the plain, along with the company of his disciples, and a great crowd of people from all of Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases;

And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd those who were troubled by unclean spirits were healed.

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the whole crowd tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he looked at his disciples and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you."

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

Plain English · paraphraseBlessed are you when people hate you, when they separate you from their company, when they insult you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Plain English · paraphraseBe happy on that day and jump for joy, for your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, their ancestors treated the prophets.

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Plain English · paraphraseBut woe to you who are rich! You have already received your comfort.

Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

Plain English · paraphraseWoe to you who are full now, because you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, because you will mourn and weep.

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Plain English · paraphraseWoe to you when everyone speaks well of you! That is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Plain English · paraphraseBut I say to you who listen, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Plain English · paraphraseBless those who curse you, and pray for those who treat you badly.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Plain English · paraphraseDo to others what you would want them to do to you.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Plain English · paraphraseIf you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd if you do good to those who do good to you, what reward do you have? For sinners also do the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what thanks do you have? For sinners also lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Plain English · paraphraseBut love your enemies. Do good. Lend, expecting nothing back. Your reward will be great. You will be children of the Highest. He is kind to those who are unthankful and evil.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Plain English · paraphraseBe merciful, as your Father is also merciful.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Plain English · paraphraseDon't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Plain English · paraphraseHe told them a story: "Can a blind person lead another blind person? Won't they both fall into a hole?"

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Plain English · paraphraseA disciple is not greater than his teacher. But anyone who is complete will become like his teacher.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Plain English · paraphraseWhy do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not see the beam in your own eye?

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

Plain English · paraphraseHow can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me take out the speck in your eye," when you yourself do not see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite, take the beam out of your own eye first. Then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother's eye.

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Plain English · paraphraseA good tree does not produce bad fruit. A bad tree does not produce good fruit.

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Plain English · paraphraseYou know a tree by its fruit. Thorns don't produce figs, and a bramble bush doesn't produce grapes.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Plain English · paraphraseA good person brings good things from the good treasure in their heart. An evil person brings evil things from the evil treasure in their heart. For what fills the heart, the mouth speaks.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd why do you call me "Lord, Lord," but do not do the things I say?

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Plain English · paraphraseWhoever comes to me, hears my words, and does them, I will show you what he is like:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Plain English · paraphraseHe is like a man who built a house and dug deep, laying the foundation on a rock. When the flood came, the stream hit that house hard, but it could not shake it, for it was built on a rock.

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Plain English · paraphraseBut the one who hears and does not do is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation. The stream beat against it strongly, and it immediately collapsed. The destruction of that house was great.

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Plain English · paraphraseAfter he finished all his teachings in front of the people, he went into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

Plain English · paraphraseA soldier’s servant, who was very important to him, was sick and about to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when they came to Jesus, they begged him strongly, saying, "He is worthy for you to do this for him:"