The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and you do not show favor to anyone, but you teach the truth about God's way:"

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

Plain English · paraphraseIs it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Plain English · paraphraseBut he saw their trickery and said to them, "Why are you testing me?"

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.

Plain English · paraphraseShow me a penny. Whose image and writing does it have? They answered, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

Plain English · paraphraseSaying, "Master, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies, leaving a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up children for his brother.'"

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

Plain English · paraphraseThere were seven brothers. The first one married and then died without having any children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the third took her; and in the same way the seven did: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Plain English · paraphraseLast of all, the woman also died.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

Plain English · paraphraseJesus answered them, "The people of this world get married and are given in marriage.

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Plain English · paraphraseBut those who are considered worthy to enter that world and be raised from the dead will not marry, nor will they be given in marriage.

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Plain English · paraphraseThey will not die again, for they are like the angels, and are the children of God, since they are the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

Plain English · paraphraseNow that the dead are raised, even Moses showed this at the bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

Plain English · paraphraseThen some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well."

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd David himself says in the book of Psalms, "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand,' "

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Plain English · paraphraseUntil I make your enemies your footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Plain English · paraphraseDavid therefore calls him Lord. How then is he his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Plain English · paraphraseThen, in front of all the people, he said to his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Plain English · paraphraseBeware of the scribes, who like to wear long robes, and who enjoy being greeted in the marketplaces, and who want the best seats in the synagogues, and the most honored places at banquets.

Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he also saw a poor widow putting in two small coins.

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Plain English · paraphraseAll these gave from their abundance to God’s offerings, but she gave from her poverty everything she had.

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

Plain English · paraphraseAnd as some spoke of the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and offerings, he said,

As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Plain English · paraphraseAs for these things you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left on top of another. Everything will be thrown down.

And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Plain English · paraphraseBut when you hear about wars and uprisings, don’t be afraid. These things must happen first, but the end is not right away.

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Plain English · paraphraseThen he said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd great earthquakes will happen in many places, along with famines and diseases. And terrifying sights and great signs will come from heaven.

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.

Plain English · paraphraseBut before all these things happen, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and to prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers because of my name.

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd it will become a testimony for you.

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

Plain English · paraphraseDecide in your hearts not to think beforehand about what you will answer:

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Plain English · paraphraseI will give you words and wisdom, and your enemies will not be able to argue against you or stand up to you.

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd you will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you they will cause to be killed.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd you will be hated by all people because of my name.

But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Plain English · paraphraseBut not even a hair on your head will be lost.

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Plain English · paraphraseKeep your souls by being patient.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its destruction is near.

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Plain English · paraphraseThese are the days of revenge, so that everything written will be completed.

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

Plain English · paraphraseBut woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days! For there will be great suffering in the land, and wrath upon this people.

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they will fall by the sword, and be taken captive to all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles is completed.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Plain English · paraphraseMen's hearts will fail them because of fear and because of looking after the things that are coming upon the earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

Plain English · paraphraseHe told them a story: "Look at the fig tree and all the other trees."

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

Plain English · paraphraseWhen they now begin to grow, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Plain English · paraphraseSo also you, when you see these things happen, know that the kingdom of God is near.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until everything has been fulfilled.

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Plain English · paraphraseHeaven and earth will disappear. But my words will not disappear.

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Plain English · paraphraseIt will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth like a trap.

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Plain English · paraphraseSo be alert, and keep praying always, so that you may be considered worthy to escape all these things that are going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

Plain English · paraphraseDuring the day he taught in the temple; and at night he went out and stayed on the mountain called the Mount of Olives.

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

Plain English · paraphraseNow the feast of unleavened bread was near, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the chief priests and scribes looked for ways to kill him, because they feared the people.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Plain English · paraphraseThen Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve.

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

Plain English · paraphraseThey were happy and agreed to give him money.

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us so that we may eat."

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they said to him, Where do you want us to prepare?

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Look, when you enter the city, a man will meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house he enters."

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Plain English · paraphraseAnd you shall say to the owner of the house, The Master says to you, Where is the guest room, where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. There, make ready.

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd they went and found just as he had told them. They prepared the Passover.

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd when the time came, he sat down, and the twelve apostles sat with him.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "I have longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you, I will not eat of this again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

Plain English · paraphraseI tell you, I will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives.

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Plain English · paraphraseHe took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them. He said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me."

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Plain English · paraphraseLikewise, the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

Plain English · paraphraseBut look, the hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table.

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Plain English · paraphraseThe Son of Man will go as decided. But woe to the man who betrays him!

And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd there was also a disagreement among them about who would be considered the greatest.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "Kings of the nations rule over their people, and those who hold power over them are called benefactors."

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Plain English · paraphraseBut you must not be like that. The one who is greatest among you should be like the younger one, and the one who is in charge should be like the one who serves.

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Plain English · paraphraseWhich is greater, the one who is served at the meal or the one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Plain English · paraphraseYou are the ones who have stayed with me through my trials.

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Plain English · paraphraseAnd I give to you a kingdom, just as my Father has given it to me;

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Plain English · paraphraseAnd the Lord said, Simon, Simon, look, Satan wants to have you, so that he can sift you like wheat:

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Plain English · paraphraseBut I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail. And when you are turned back, strengthen your brothers.

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Plain English · paraphraseAnd he said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today before you deny three times that you know me.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Plain English · paraphraseHe said to them, "When I sent you out without money, a bag, or shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."