NKJV, Open Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version

Holy Bible

Containing

The Old and New Testaments

The Open Bible® Expanded Edition

with Read-Along References® and Read-Along Translations®

Biblical Cyclopedic Index

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life

Book Introductions and Outlines

Visual Survey of the Bible

Special Study Aids

The Open Bible®

Copyright © 1983, 1985, 1990, 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The text of the New King James Version (NKJV) may be quoted or reprinted without prior written permission with the following qualifications:

(1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as the verses quoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible and make up less than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted;

(2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text.

Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgment as follows:

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins, orders of service, Sunday School lessons, church newsletters and similar works in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly, the following notice may be used at the end of each quotation: NKJV.

For quotation requests not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214–1000.

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

1 2 3 4 5–08 07 06

Welcome to …

The intent of this study Bible is to make the Scriptures an open and rewarding book for personal Bible study and to give an overview of the whole Bible message. In combining scholarly commentary with the latest revision of the trusted King James Version, the publisher is pleased to present the labors of learned and reverent men and women who have sought to clarify the meaning of the Scriptures and bring the treasures of God’s Holy Word into the possession of the reader. To that end, the following special features are provided.

The text is that of the New King James Version. It has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in the Hebrew and Greek were inspired by God. Since they are the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation, that men and women may serve Christ to the glory of God.

The following paragraphs describe The Open Bible®’s many special features, which have been prepared by eminent scholars under the supervision of Thomas Nelson Publishers:

This edition of The Open Bible® is the first to include a full system of study notes. Over 4,500 study notes were carefully selected to help increase your understanding of the Bible, its key personalities, and its times.

Other notes that serve to clarify the text are Read-Along References® and Read-Along Translations®. The symbol R beside a word denotes a Read-Along Reference®, which lists at the end of the verse other passages that have similar meanings or further bearing on the word or phrase indicated. This exciting cross-reference method of Bible study ties together the magnificent truths of Scripture. The symbol T beside a word or phrase indicates a Read-Along Translation®, an easy-to-understand equivalent, alternate, or literal translation at the end of the verse. When the symbol * is used, a textual note is given at the end of the page. When more than one reference or translation follows a verse, a center point • is used for division. When space does not allow the letter (R or T) to precede the word or phrase referenced, then it follows immediately at the end of the word or first word of the phrase referenced. The asterisk (*) always follows the word or phrase.

Before each book of the Bible there is an introduction and outline of the book. These introductions are extensive and scholarly, and the outlines are designed to give an overview of the book. Related charts provide an at-a-glance summary of the book’s content.

The Biblical Cyclopedic Index is one of the major study aids in The Open Bible®. A marvel in itself, this distinctive section combines the most useful features of a concordance, reference system, and index. With the BCI, the serious Bible student will find the riches of the Word unfolding in logical fashion. For the busy pastor or speaker, searching the Scriptures for a message, the Biblical Cyclopedic Index provides one of the most helpful tools to the explication of the Scriptures in published form today.

Another very noteworthy study feature is The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, whose thirty-two outlines cover the major teachings of the Bible. Its study notes are placed at the foot of the page near related passages, and they are chained by book chapter-verse and page number of the next related outline point so that you can easily follow the development of each doctrine. With the Christian’s Guide you can actually cover the material of an advanced course in systematic theology, but in a much easier and clearer manner.

For convenience in Bible study, on the Contents page you’ll find a listing of Bible Study Helps included in The Open Bible®. These helps provide a wealth of information normally found only in a complete library of books.

Among the articles in the Bible Study Helps section are How to Study the Bible, Harmony of the Gospels, and Teachings and Illustrations of Christ by Subject. The Visual Survey of the Bible, which begins immediately following the Old Testament, gives you a visual overview of the whole of Scripture.

The Biblical Information section features many items not commonly understood in the Scriptures, plus countless bits of practical information in concise form. Of special interest is the article The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries, which includes photographs and scholarly discussion of many significant archaeological finds.

Messianic prophecies are indicated in The Open Bible® by stars placed with the references in the appropriate passages. An outline star ( ) is used to indicate a prophecy later fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A solid star ( ) is used to indicate a prophecy that has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

This study edition of the Holy Bible is intended to make it an Open Book for the reverent reader. It is hoped that this unique edition will truly make the Scripture plain enough so all can have an Open Bible.

The Publisher

Contributors

to the Study Aids

JEAN M. ALLEY, B.A., M.A.

Biblical Cyclopedic Index (Old Testament Word Studies), Contributing Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

KENNETH D. BOA, Ph.D., D.Phil.

Visual Survey of the Bible, Author; Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Co-Author

Director of Publications, Search Ministries

Atlanta, Georgia

†WICK BROOMALL, A.M., Th.M.

Biblical Cyclopedic Index

Minister, Presbyterian Church

Augusta, Georgia

W. A. CRISWELL, D.D., Ph.D.

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

Pastor, First Baptist Church

Dallas, Texas

ARTHUR L. FARSTAD, Th.D.

Consulting Editor

Bible Editor

Dallas, Texas

PAUL R. FINK, Ed.S., Th.D.

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor

Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Liberty Baptist College

Lynchburg, Virginia

DONALD E. HOKE, D.D.

How to Study the Bible

Pastor, Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church

Knoxville, Tennessee

GEORGE KNIGHT, B.A., B.D., Th.M.

Visual Bible Study Aids, Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

†R. G. LEE, LL.D., Ph.D.

A Guide to Christian Workers

Pastor-Evangelist

Nashville, Tennessee

MYLES LORENZEN, Th.M.

Visual Survey of the Bible, Contributor

Co-Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church

Roswell, Georgia

† Deceased

JIM BILL McINTEER, B.A.

Harmony of the Gospels

Minister, West End Church of Christ

Nashville, Tennessee

JOSEPH B. SNIDER, B.A., Th.M.

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor

Indianapolis, Indiana

JEFFREY T. TUCKER, B.A., M.Div., M.A., Ph.D.

Biblical Cyclopedic Index (New Testament Word Studies), Contributing Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

†MERRILL F. UNGER, Th.D., Ph.D.

The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries

Professor Emeritus, Dallas Theological Seminary

Dallas, Texas

C. M. WARD, D.D.

A Guide to Christian Workers

Assemblies of God Radio Evangelist

Santa Cruz, California

WILLIAM WHITE, Ph.D.

The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries

Consulting Editor

Warrington, Pennsylvania

BRUCE H. WILKINSON, Th.M.

Outlines to the Books of the Bible, Author; Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Co-Author and Executive Editor

Founder and President, Walk Thru the Bible

Ministries

Atlanta, Georgia

NEAL D. WILLIAMS, Th.D.

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Liberty Baptist College

Lynchburg, Virginia

HAROLD L. WILLMINGTON, D.Min.

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Executive Editor

Vice President, Liberty Baptist College

Lynchburg, Virginia

Books of the Old and New Testaments and Their Abbreviations

Books of the Old and New Testaments

Alphabetically

Book • O.T. or N.T.

Acts • N.T.

Amos • O.T.

1 Chronicles • O.T.

2 Chronicles • O.T.

Colossians • N.T.

1 Corinthians • N.T.

2 Corinthians • N.T.

Daniel • O.T.

Deuteronomy • O.T.

Ecclesiastes • O.T.

Ephesians • N.T.

Esther • O.T.

Exodus • O.T.

Ezekiel • O.T.

Ezra • O.T.

Galatians • N.T.

Genesis • O.T.

Habakkuk • O.T.

Haggai • O.T.

Hebrews • N.T.

Hosea • O.T.

Isaiah • O.T.

James • N.T.

Jeremiah • O.T.

Job • O.T.

Joel • O.T.

John • N.T.

1 John • N.T.

2 John • N.T.

3 John • N.T.

Jonah • O.T.

Joshua • O.T.

Jude • N.T.

Judges • O.T.

1 Kings • O.T.

2 Kings • O.T.

Lamentations • O.T.

Leviticus • O.T.

Luke • N.T.

Malachi • O.T.

Mark • N.T.

Matthew • N.T.

Micah • O.T.

Nahum • O.T.

Nehemiah • O.T.

Numbers • O.T.

Obadiah • O.T.

1 Peter • N.T.

2 Peter • N.T.

Philemon • N.T.

Philippians • N.T.

Proverbs • O.T.

Psalms • O.T.

Revelation • N.T.

Romans • N.T.

Ruth • O.T.

1 Samuel • O.T.

2 Samuel • O.T.

Song of Solomon • O.T.

1 Thessalonians • N.T.

2 Thessalonians • N.T.

1 Timothy • N.T.

2 Timothy • N.T.

Titus • N.T.

Zechariah • O.T.

Zephaniah • O.T.

In Sequence

Book • Abbr.

Genesis • Gen.

Exodus • Ex.

Leviticus • Lev.

Numbers • Num.

Deuteronomy • Deut.

Joshua • Josh.

Judges • Judg.

Ruth • Ruth

1 Samuel • 1 Sam.

2 Samuel • 2 Sam.

1 Kings • 1 Kin.

2 Kings • 2 Kin.

1 Chronicles • 1 Chr.

2 Chronicles • 2 Chr.

Ezra • Ezra

Nehemiah • Neh.

Esther • Esth.

Job • Job

Psalms • Ps.

Proverbs • Prov.

Ecclesiastes • Eccl.

Song of Solomon • Song

Isaiah • Is.

Jeremiah • Jer.

Lamentations • Lam.

Ezekiel • Ezek.

Daniel • Dan.

Hosea • Hos.

Joel • Joel

Amos • Amos

Obadiah • Obad.

Jonah • Jon.

Micah • Mic.

Nahum • Nah.

Habakkuk • Hab.

Zephaniah • Zeph.

Haggai • Hag.

Zechariah • Zech.

Malachi • Mal.

Matthew • Matt.

Mark • Mark

Luke • Luke

John • John

Acts • Acts

Romans • Rom.

1 Corinthians • 1 Cor.

2 Corinthians • 2 Cor.

Galatians • Gal.

Ephesians • Eph.

Philippians • Phil.

Colossians • Col.

1 Thessalonians • 1 Thess.

2 Thessalonians • 2 Thess.

1 Timothy • 1 Tim.

2 Timothy • 2 Tim.

Titus • Titus

Philemon • Philem.

Hebrews • Heb.

James • James

1 Peter • 1 Pet.

2 Peter • 2 Pet.

1 John • 1 John

2 John • 2 John

3 John • 3 John

Jude • Jude

Revelation • Rev.

Contents

of The Open Bible®

I. Text

Books of the Old and New Testaments

Foreword

Preface

Special Abbreviations

How to Use The Open Bible®

Explanation of Format

Old Testament Text

New Testament Text

II. Bible Study Helps

How to Study the Bible

The Christian’s Guide to the New Life

Biblical Cyclopedic Index

Read Your Bible Through in a Year

Visual Survey of the Bible

Harmony of the Gospels

Teachings and Illustrations of Christ

Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

The Parables of Jesus Christ

The Miracles of Jesus Christ

The Laws of the Bible

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

A Guide to Christian Workers

Concordance

III. Biblical Information

Contributors to Study Aids