Prayer Before Studying The Holy Gospel

By St. John Chrysostom

Lord Jesus Christ, open up the eyes of my heart to hearken unto Your
Word and to understand and do Your Will, for I am a pilgrim upon the
earth. Conceal not from me Your commandments, but unveil my eyes
that I may comprehend the wonders of Your law: Tell me the secret
and hidden things of Your wisdom. O my God, I trust that You will
illumine my mind and comprehension by the light of Your reason, that
I may not simply read the scriptures, but also live by them; that I
may read the lives and words of the Saints not to sins unto myself,
but unto renovation and illumination and sanctification, and unto the salvation of my soul
and unto the inheritance of life everlasting. For You illumine those in darkness, and from
You comes every good gift and every perfect gift, and unto You we ascribe glory: now
and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen

St. John Chrysostom, the "Goldenmouth" was

born in the year of 347 in Antioch, Asia Minor,
and died 407, AD. He is the patron saint of
Constantinople, epilepsy, epileptics, Istanbul,
lecturers, orators, preachers, and speakers.

For more information please see The Easter Sermon of St. John Chrysostom or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Chrysostom.
 MATTHEW
Prologue: The King’s Ancestry (1:1-17)

1 A book of the lineage of Jesus Christ , son of David, son of Abraham. 2. Abraham was the father
1 2

of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3. Judah was the
father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram. 4. Ram was
the father of Aminadab, Aminadab the father of Nashon, Nashon the father of Salmon. 5. Salmon was
the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. 6. Jesse
was the father of King David.
King David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. 7. Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa. 8. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 9. Uzziah was the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah. 11. Josiah was the father of Jeconiah and his
brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12. After the exile, Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. 13.
Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Abner, Abner the father of Eliakim, Eliakim
the father of Azor. 14. Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of
Eliud. 15. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob.
16. Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17. So there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham until David, fourteen generations from
David until the exile to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the exile until the Christ.
The Birth of the King (1:18-25)
18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary was engaged to
Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19. Then Joseph
her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly, planned to divorce her
privately . 20. But while he was considering this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and
3

said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife , for the Child in her has been
4

conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21. She will give birth to a Son and you will call His name Jesus, for He
will save His people from their sins.” 22. Now all this took place that the word spoken by the Lord
through the prophet might be fulfilled when he says,
23. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son,
and they will call His name Emmanuel “ 5

1“lineage”: Gk. genesis which is also the name of the first book of the Bible. A different word is used for “birth” in v. 18, though it is
really a variant of the same word (cp. Ja. 1:23; 3:6).

2“Christ” or “Messiah”.

3A Jewish engagement was as binding as marriage. It could be dissolved only by divorce. If her fiancé died, the woman was a widow, “a
virgin widow.” For the identical word divorce, see Mt. 19:3; Mk. 10:2.

4i.e., “to keep her in his house”, (St. John Chrysostom).

5Is. 7:14; 8:10, LXX verbatim except LXX has “you will call.

1
which means when translated, “God is with us.” 24. Then Joseph, on waking from sleep, did as the
angel of the Lord had directed him and took his wife . 25. But he did not know her until she gave
6 7

birth to her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

The Infancy of the King (2)

2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, wise men from
the East arrived in Jerusalem, 2. saying, “Where is the King of the Jews who has just been born?
For we saw His star at its rising, and we have come to worship Him.” 3. But when Herod the king
8

heard this he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. And he gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people and was inquiring from them, “Where is the Christ being born?”. 5. So they told
9

him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6. `And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among Judah’s rulers.
For out of you will come a Leader
who will be the Shepherd of My people Israel .’” 10

7. Then Herod called the wise men secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearing.
8. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and find out the exact details about the Child. And
when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9. Then, after listening to
the king, they traveled on. And the star they had seen at its rising went ahead of them, until it came and
stopped above the place where the Child was. 10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly
with great joy. 11. And they went into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they
11

fell down and worshiped Him. And they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts: gold,
frankincense and myrrh . 12. Then, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went
12

back to their own country by another way.

13. But after they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Rise and
take the Child and His mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is going
to search for the Child to destroy Him.” 14. So he rose, took the Child and His mother by night and left
for Egypt. 15. And he stayed there until the death of Herod, that what had been spoken through the
prophet might be fulfilled when he says,
“Out of Egypt I called My Son .” 13

16. Then, on seeing he had been outwitted by the wise men, Herod was extremely angry. And he sent

6 i.e., “to keep her in his house”, (St. John Chrysostom).

7Gk. heos = until, after. Cp. Ge. 8:7; Ps. 110:1 (109:1 LXX); Mt. 28:20, “I am with you always until the end of the world or age.”
8“wise men” or “magi”.

9Christos (Gk.), Messiah (Heb.) = Anointed.

10Mic. 5:2 (LXX). Cp. Is. 40:9-11; Ez. 34:12-16; Ps. 22(23); Jn. 10:11-16; Rev. 7:17.

11“house”. This indicates that they had moved from the stable (cp. Lk. 2:12).

12Is. 60:3-6.

13Hos. 11:1.

2
his men, who killed all the boys in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding country who were two years
old and under, according to the time he ascertained from the wise men. 17. Then was fulfilled what
had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah when he says : 14

18. “A cry was heard in Rama,

weeping and wailing and great lamentation.
It was Rachel weeping aloud for her children.
And she was not wanting to be comforted
because they are no longer here .” 15

19. But after Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20.
“Rise and take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take
the Child’s life are dead.” 21. So he rose and took the Child and His mother and came into the land of
Israel. 22. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod,
he was afraid to go there. So having been warned in a dream, he went back into the district of Galilee.
23. And he came and settled in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the
prophets might be fulfilled,
“He will be called a Nazarene .” 16

Narrative: Preparation for the King, His Forerunner’s Ministry (3)

3 Now in those days John the Baptist made his appearance, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2.
and saying, “Repent , for the Kingdom of Heaven has come.” 3. For this is the man referred to
by the prophet Isaiah when he says:
17

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make His paths straight .” 18

4. Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food
was locusts and wild honey.
5. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the valley of the Jordan were going out to him 6. and were
19

being baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You
brood of vipers, who warned you to escape from the coming wrath? 8. Then produce the appropriate 20

14Heb. 11:4, “though dead, he still speaks.” But “to God all are alive” (Lk. 20:38).

15Jer. 31:15(38:15 LXX).

16Not a quotation. But Heb. nezer = Branch. Cp. Is. 4:2; 11:1; Jer. 23:5-6; 33:15; Zac. 3:8; 6:12. “Nazorean”: Cp. 26:71 and note.

17“Repent”. Gk. metanoeite = change your thinking, outlook, attitude, and then your life.

18Is. 40:3 LXX verbatim except LXX has “Make the paths of our God straight.”

19“valley”. Cp. Lk. 3:3 and fn.

20“appropriate”. Lit. “counterbalancing”, e.g., `Have you been bitter, resentful, sullen? Then start forgiving and loving. Have you been
dishonest? Then be honest.’ Cp. Lk. 3:8.

3
fruit of repentance. 9. And do not presume to say among yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.’
For I tell you God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. 10. But even now the ax is lying
at the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
11. “I baptize you in water for repentance . But One is coming after me who is more powerful than I
21

am, whose sandals I am not fit to carry . He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire. 12. His
22

winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean His threshing floor and will gather His
23

wheat into His barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The Anointing of the King (3:13-17)
12. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14. But John tried to
stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15. But Jesus answered
and said to him, “Allow Me to come to you now, for this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness .” 24

Then he allowed Him to come. 16. And after being baptized, Jesus immediately stepped up from the
water. And behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and coming upon Him. 17. And suddenly a voice came from the heavens saying, “This is My
beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. 25

The Testing of the King (4:1-11)

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2. And after
fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3. Then the tempter came to Him and said,
“If You are God’s Son, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4. But He answered and said, “It
is written:
`Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every
word that comes from the mouth of God .’” 26

5. Then the devil took Him along into the holy city and stood Him on the top of the temple. 6. And he
said to Him, “If You are God’s Son, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
`He will command His angels regarding you,
and they will lift you up on their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone .’” 27

7. Jesus said to him, “It is also written:

`You shall not tempt the Lord your God .’” 28

21or “into repentance”, i.e., into an ever-increasing practice of repentance (Ac. 17:30).

22“carry”, or “remove, take off.”

23“winnowing fan”, or “winnowing shovel”. Cp. Lk. 3:17.

24“righteousness”. Priests at 30 (Num. 4:3) had to be consecrated by washing and anointing (Ex. 29:4,7; Lev. 8:6,12). Cp. Heb. 3:1f.

25Is. 42:1.
26Dt. 6:16.

27Ps. 90(91):11,12.

28Dt. 6:16. “tempt”, or “try, test”. Cp. Lk. 4:12.

4
8. Then the devil took Him along to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the
world and their glory. 9. And he said to Him, “All these I will give You, if You will fall down and
worship me.” 10. Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan . For it is written: 29

`You shall worship the Lord your God

and you shall serve Him alone .’” 30

11. Then the devil left Him, and angels came and were ministering to Him. 31

The King begins His Reign with Service and Ministry (4:12-25)
12. Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He went back to Galilee. 13. And leaving
Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum which is on the sea shore within the limits of Zabulon and
Naphtali, 14. that what had been said through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled when he says:
15. “Land of Zabulon and land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the nations--
16. The people sitting in darkness
saw a great Light,
and Light dawned on those sitting
in the land and shadow of death .” 32

17. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come.”
18. Now as He was walking along beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter
and Andrew his brother, throwing a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19. And He said to them,
“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” 20. And immediately they left the nets and followed
33

Him. 21. And going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his
brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father mending their nets, and He called them. 22. And
immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
23. And Jesus was going around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Gospel of
the Kingdom and healing all disease and all sickness among the people. 24. And His fame went out
into the whole of Syria, and they brought to Him all who were physically ill, suffering from various
diseases and severe pains, and demoniacs and those who were epileptics , and paralytics, and He 34

healed them. 25. And great crowds followed Him from Galilee and Decapolis, from Jerusalem and
Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

29Cp. Mk. 8:33 where exactly the same words are addressed to Peter as a mouthpiece of Satan. Also, Mt. 16:23.

30Dt. 6:13; Lk. 4:8.

31“were ministering”, i.e., supplying food, as the same verb means in 8:15; 27:55; etc. Cp. Jn. 4:32, “I have food to eat which you do not
know.”

32Is. 9:1-2. “People’s condition was at its worst before Christ’s coming. Not knowing where to step forward, they sat in darkness, unable
even to stand” (St. Chrysostom).

33“Follow Me”, or “Come here, behind Me and I will...” Cp. Mk. 1:17; Dt. 13:4.

34or “moonstruck”, a popular term. Cp. Mt. 17:15 and fn.

5
First Great Discourse: The Law of the Kingdom (5-7)

5 But on seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain. And when He sat down, His disciples
came to Him. 2. And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying:35

3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

36

because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. “Blessed are those who mourn,
because they will be comforted.
5. “Blessed are the meek,
because they will inherit the earth.
6. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
because they will be filled.
7. “Blessed are the merciful,
because they will receive mercy.
8. “Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God.
9. “Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called sons of God.
10. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11. “Blessed are you when people revile and persecute you
and say every evil thing against you falsely for My sake.
37

12. “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.

For this is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, how will it be salted? It is good for
38

nothing anymore except to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by people. 14. You are the light of the
world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden . 15. People do not light a lamp and put it under a
39

bucket , but on the lamp stand, and it shines for all who are in the house. 16. Let your light shine
40

before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the
heavens.
17. “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill

35“began”, or “used”. The imperfect tense indicates ch. 5-7 are a summary or the gist of what Jesus was continually teaching His
disciples.

36Gk. makarios = happy and deathless. “poor...” = those who know they are nothing, have nothing, can do nothing without God; all
dependent, humble.

37“falsely”. Lit. “lying”.

38Cp. Mk. 9:49; Ez. 43:24; Lev. 2:13.

39Mic. 4:1-3; Is. 2:2-5; Dan. 2:34-35; Eph. 5:8. “You are light in the Lord.”

40“bucket”, or “grain-measure”. Cp. Mk. 4:21; Lk. 11:33.

6
them. 18. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one point or one detail will pass
41 42

from the Law until everything has taken place . 19. So whoever breaks one of the least of these
43

commandments and teaches other people to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But
whoever teaches God’s laws and obeys them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20. For I
tell you unless your righteousness is more abundant than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will
44

never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

21. “You have heard that it was said to the people of old, `Do not murder, and whoever murders will be
liable to the judgment .’ 22. But I tell you that everyone who is slightly angry with his brother will be
45

liable to the judgment. But whoever says to his brother, `You ignoramus ‘ will be liable to the 46

Council, while whoever says `Moreh’12 will be liable to the hell of fire. 23. So if you are offering your
47

gift at the altar and there you remember your brother has something against you, 24. leave your gift
there before the altar and go away. First be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.
25. Make friends quickly with your opponent while you are on the way with him. Otherwise your
opponent may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the jailer, and you will
be put in prison. 26. Truly I tell you, you will not come out of there until you have paid the last coin . 48

27. “You have heard that it was said to the people of old, `Do not commit adultery.’ 28. But I tell you,
everyone who looks at a woman to desire her wrongfully has already committed adultery with her in
49

his heart. 29. So if your right eye makes you stumble and fall, take it out and throw it from you. For it
is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell13. 30.
And if your right hand makes you stumble and fall, cut it off and throw it from you. For it is better for
you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell13.
31. “It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce .’ 32. But I tell 50

you, whoever divorces his wife for any reason except adultery makes her commit adultery, and
whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
33. “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people of old, `Do not swear an oath falsely, but pay
41“sky and earth”, the universe.

42“point...detail”, or “dot of an i or cross of a t”.

43“He Himself performed and completed the Law” (St. Chrysostom).

44Cp. Jn. 10:10; Lk. 12:15.

45Ex. 20:13; Lv. 24:17; Dt. 17:8; Enoch 27:2; 90:26-27.

46Lit. “Raka”. The meaning of “Raka” and “Moreh” is uncertain. The sense is: “Do not call people bad names of any kind in anger,
because anger is an expression of hate, which is murder (1 Jn. 3:15). As angry words vary in venom, so there are degrees of judgment to
fit the grades of hate.”

47Lit. “Gehenna”. Cp. 18:9 and fn.

48Gk. kodrantis = quadrant. 40 quadrants = 1 denarion (a day’s wage).

49Desire is the God-given power of prayer (Lk. 22:15) that we may escape “the corruption in the world caused by (misdirected) desire” (2
Pe. 1:4). Cp. Mt. 5:6; 6:33; Ro. 14:17.

50Dt. 24:1.

7
your oaths to the Lord .’ 34. But I tell you not to swear at all, not by heaven because it is God’s throne,
51

35. nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the
great King . 36. And do not swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
52

37. But let your word for `Yes’ be `Yes’, and for `No’ be `No’. Anything more than this is from the
evil one.
38. “You have heard it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth .’ 39. But I tell you not to
53

resist an evil man . But if someone hits you on the right jaw, turn to him the other one also. 40. And if
54

someone wants to go to law with you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well. 41. And if
someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42. Give to anyone who asks you, and
55

from anyone who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
43. “You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy .’ 44. But I
56

tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for
those who treat you badly and persecute you , 45. so that you may become sons of your Father who is
57

in heaven, because He makes His sun shine on the evil and on the good, and He showers rain on
righteous and unrighteous people. 46. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing? 47. And if you greet only your friends, what are you
doing more than others? Do not even the tax collectors behave like this? 48. But be perfect as your
Father who is in heaven is perfect.”

6 “Take care not to do your alms giving in public to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no
reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2. “So when you do your alms giving, do not blow a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets to be glorified by people. Truly, I tell you, they have their reward. 3. But
when you do your alms giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4. that
your alms giving may be in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you
openly.
5. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and at the corners of the streets to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their
reward. 6. But when you pray, go into your inner room and close your door and pray to your Father
58

who is in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly.

51Lv. 19:12; Nu. 30:2; Dt. 23:21,23.

52Ps. 47:3(48:2).

53Ex. 21:24; Lv. 24:20; Dt. 19:21.

54“evil man”, or “malicious person”. Cp. 1 Pe. 5:9; Ja. 4:7.

55Lit. “impresses”. Originally referred to mounted mail carriers. Cp. 27:32.

56“love...” (Lv. 19:18); “hate...” was the Pharisees’ teaching.

57Cp. Lk. 6:27-28.

58Is. 26:20 LXX.

8
7. “But when praying, do not babble like the foreigners . For they think that they will be heard by their
59

wordiness. 8. So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9.
And so pray like this:
`Our Father who is in the heavens,
Your name be sanctified . 60

10. Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11. Give us today our essential bread.
12. And forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
13. And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory
throughout the ages. Amen.’
14. For if you forgive people their sins , your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. But if you do
61

not forgive people their sins, then your Father will not forgive your sins.
16. “And when you fast, do not become glum-faced like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces 62

so that people will see they are fasting. Truly I tell you they have their reward. 17. But when you are
fasting, anoint your head and wash your face, 18. that you may not be seen fasting by people but by
your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly.
19. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and corrosion destroy, and where
thieves break in and steal. 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
corrosion destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal . 21. For where your treasure is, there
63

your heart will be also.

22. “The lamp of the body is the eye. So if your eye is single , your whole body will be full of light.
64

23. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be dark. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how
great will be the darkness ! 65

24. “No one can be a slave to two lords, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be
59Gk. ethnos = nation; ethnikos = national, i.e., foreigner. There is no word for “gentiles” in Gk. Israel did not reckon itself among the
nations. (Nu. 23:9; Ex. 33:16). John’s Gospel calls non-Jews “Greeks” (Jn. 7:35, etc.). Cp. Mk. 10:33.

60Cp. 1 Pe. 3:15; Re. 22:11, “Let the holy still go on being sanctified.”

61or “faults”. Cp. Mk. 11:25,26; Mt. 18:35.

62“disfigure” themselves by smearing ashes and paint on their faces, as is still done in India today.

63Ec. 29:7-12; 1 Ti. 6:17-19.

64Gk. aplour = single (in single focus), sound, healthy, clear. The single eye is the undivided aim, desire. Inner division is fatal, as v. 24
shows. Cp. 5:8.

65The “light within you” is the mind. “What the eye is to the body, the mind is to the soul” (St. Chrysostom). Hoarding riches nails heart
and mind to earth. Cp. Lk. 11:34-36.

9
devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot be a slave to God and to mammon . 66

25. “That is why I tell you, do not worry about yourself , what you are going to eat and drink, or how
67

you are going to clothe your body. Is not your soul more than food and your body more than clothing?
26. Look at the birds of the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not worth more than birds? 27. But which of you by worrying can add one day 68

to his life? 28. Then why do you worry about clothing? Consider how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not toil or spin. 29. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of
these. 30. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field which is here today and tomorrow is put in the
fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you people of little faith? 31. So do not worry and say,
`What shall we eat?’ or `What shall we drink?’ or `What shall we put on?’ 32. For all these things are
what the nations are searching for, while your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33. But
seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34. So
do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of its own affairs. Each day has enough
trouble of its own.

7 “Do not judge, that you may not be judged. 2. For with the judgment by which you judge you
will be judged, and you will be measured by the measure with which you are measuring . 3. And
69

why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but not notice the log in your own eye? 4. Or how
will you say to your brother, `Let me take out that speck from your eye’? And look, there is a log in
your own eye. 5. Hypocrite, first take out the log from your own eye, then you will see clearly to take
the speck from your brother’s eye.
6. “Do not give what is holy to dogs
or throw your pearls to hogs,
lest they trample them under their feet
and then turn and rip you to pieces.
7. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. 8. For
everyone who asks receives, and one who seeks finds, and to one who knocks it will be opened. 9. Is
there a man among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone, 10. or if he asks for fish,
will give him a snake? 11. So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. 12. And so,
70

always do for other people just what you wish they would do for you, for this is the Law and the
71

Prophets . 72

13. “Enter through the narrow gate, because wide is the gate and broad is the way leading to
66“mammon”. Aramaic for riches, money, regarded as an idol or false god of the heart.

67“yourself”, or “your soul” or “your life”. Gk. psyche.

68Lit. “cubit”. Span of life. Time is God’s gift. Cp. Jn. 9:21(Gk.).

69Cp. Mk. 4:24; Lk. 6:38.

70or “good things, what is good”. Cp. Lk. 11:13.

71or “to”. Cp. Lk. 6:31.

72Gal. 5:14.

10
destruction, and many are entering through it. 14. How narrow the gate and restricted the way leading
to life , and how few are finding it!
73

15. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16. By their fruit you will know them. Do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? 17.
So every good tree bears good fruit, but a rotten tree bears bad fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bear bad
fruit, and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit. 19. Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire. 20. So by their fruit you will know them.
21. “Not everyone who says to me, Me `Lord, Lord ‘ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one
74

who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22. In that day many will say to Me, `Lord, Lord,
did we not prophesy in Your name, and expel demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your
name?’ 23. And then I will confess to them, `I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice
lawlessness .’ 75

24. “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice, I will compare him to a
wise man who built his house on the rock. 25. And the rain came down and the rivers flooded and the
winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it was founded on the rock. 26. And
everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who
built his house on the sand. 27. And the rain came down and the rivers flooded and the winds blew and
beat against that house, and it fell. And great was its downfall.”
28. And it happened that when Jesus had finished these instructions , the crowds were struck with
76

astonishment at His teaching. 29. For He was teaching them like one having authority, and not like the
Scribes.
Narrative: The Power of the King (8,9)

8 Now when He came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. 2. Then a leper came
to Him, bowed down, and said, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.” 3. And Jesus
stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “It is My will. Be clean.” And immediately his
leprosy was cleansed . 4. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you do not tell anyone. But go and show
77

yourself to the priests and as evidence to them offer the gift that Moses ordered . 78

5. Now as He was entering Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him and saying, 6. “Lord,
my servant is lying in the house paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7. And Jesus said to him, “I will come
and heal him.” 8. The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not important enough that You should
come under my roof, but only speak and by Your word my servant will be healed. 9. For I am also a
79

man under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this one, `Go’, and he goes, and to another,
73Lit. “the life”.

74Cp. 25:11-12; Lk. 6:46-49; Jn. 13:13-15; Ro. 10:13; Ho. 8:2.

75Cp. 25:16; Lk. 13:27; 19:13; 2 Ti. 2:19; Ps. 6:9 LXX.

76Ea. of Matthew’s five great discourses ends more or less with this formula (7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Cp. Lk. 7:1.
77Mk. 1:40; Lk. 5:13. “will”: 6:10; 7:21; Lk. 22:42; Jn. 6:40; 1 Ti. 2:3,4.

78Lv. 14:4.

79or “with a word”. Cp. 8:16; Lk. 7:7.

11
`Come’, and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this’, and he does it.” 10. Now when Jesus heard this, He
was filled with admiration and said to those who were following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not
found such faith as this in Israel . 11. But I tell you many will come from the East and from the West
80

and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven , 12. but the sons 81

of the Kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and chattering of
teeth .” 13. Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go, and as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
82

And his servant was healed in that hour.

14. Then Jesus went to Peter’s house and saw his mother-in-law lying down and suffering with fever.
15. And He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve Him . 16. Now 83

when evening came, they brought to Him many who were afflicted by demons , and He cast out the 84

spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, 17. that what had been spoken through the prophet
Isaiah might be fulfilled when he says,
“He Himself took our sicknesses
and carried away our diseases .” 85

18. But when Jesus saw great crowds around Him, He gave orders to go across to the opposite shore.
19. Then a scribe came up and said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 20. And Jesus said
to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have places to roost , but the Son of Man has 86

nowhere to lay His head.” 21. Another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my
father.” 22. But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me and let the dead bury their own dead.”
23. Then He got into the boat and His disciples accompanied Him. 24. And a great storm came up on
the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves. But He was asleep. 25. So His disciples went
to Him and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us, we are perishing.” 26. But He said to them, “Why
are you so terrified, you men of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and
there came a great calm. 27. But the men were filled with wonder and said, “What kind of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
28. And when He came to the opposite shore, to the country of the Gergesenes, two men afflicted by
demons came out of the tombs and met Him. They were extremely savage, so that no one could pass
that way. 29. And they screamed saying, “What have we to do with You , Jesus, Son of God? Have 87

80Cp. Lk. 7:9.

81Lit. “the heavens”. Cp. Lk. 13:29, noting the different context.

82Inner darkness is blindness of heart, while outer darkness belongs to the endless night of torment” (St. Greg. Dial., Hom. 38). “weeping
and chattering”: despair and fear as opposed to faith and love. Cp. 24:51; 22:13; 25:30; Is. 8:22.

83or “minister to Him”. Cp. 4:11; Mk. 1:31; Lk. 4:39; 8:3.

84or “demoniacs”. Cp. 4:24; 8:28,33; 9:32; 12:22; Mk. 1:32; 5:15,16,18; Lk. 8:36; Jn. 10:21.

85Is. 53:4 (Heb.). LXX “He bears our sins” gives the Rabbis’ interpretation that the Messiah would bear Israel’s sins and sufferings with
all the resultant ills.

86Gk. kataskenosis = camp, abode, haunt (Cp. Ez. 37:27; Wis. 9:8; Tob. 1:4). Birds have nests only for a short time each year. Cp. Lk.
9:58.

87Lit. “What to us and to You?” Cp. Mk. 1:24.

12
You come here to torment us before the time ?” 30. Now in the distance a large herd of swine was
88

grazing. 31. So the demons were begging Him saying, “If You drive us out, allow us to go into the
herd of swine.” 32. And He said to them, “Go.” And they came out and went into the herd of swine.
And the entire herd stampeded down the slope into the sea and were drowned in the waters. 33. But the
herdsmen fled and went into the town and reported everything, including what happened to the men
afflicted by demons. 34. And the entire population came out to meet Jesus. But when they saw Him,
they begged Him to leave their country.

9 Then He got into a boat and crossed over and came to His own town . 2. And some people
brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a bed . And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the
90

paralyzed man, “Take courage, child, your sins have been forgiven you.” 3. And some of the scribes
89

said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4. But Jesus saw their thoughts and said, “Why do you
think evil thoughts in your hearts? 5. For which is easier to say, `Your sins have been forgiven,’ or,
`Get up and walk’? 6. But that you may know the Son of Man has power3 on earth to forgive sins, I
will do this.” Then He said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, pick up your bed and go to your house.” 7.
And he got up and went back to his house. 8. But when the crowds saw it, they were filled with
wonder and admiration, and they glorified God who had given such power to men. 91

9. And as Jesus was walking along from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the toll house,
and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. 10. And when He was reclining at
table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and reclined with Jesus and His disciples. 11.
And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax
collectors and sinners?” 12. But Jesus heard them and said to them, “It is not those who are strong who
have need of a doctor, but those who are sick . 13. Go and learn what this means, `I want mercy and
92

not sacrifice .’ For I did not come to call righteous people but sinners to repentance .”
93 94

14. Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, “Why is it we and the Pharisees often fast, but Your
disciples do not fast?” 15. And Jesus said to them, “Can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while the 95

bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them.
Then they will fast. 16. No one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for when it shrinks it
tears away from the garment and the rip becomes worse. 17. Nor do people put new wine into old wine
skins If they do, the skins burst, the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But they put new wine
into fresh wine skin, and both are kept safe.”

88Cp. Re. 20:10.

89Capernaum.

90Cp. Mk. 2:1-12; Lk. 5:18-26.

91Cp. Mt. 10:1. Gk. exousia. See Jn. 1:12 and fn.

92Cp. Mk. 2:17; Lk. 5:31 has “healthy” instead of “strong”.

93Ho. 6:6 LXX. The Pharisees knew no mercy that was not sacrifice and meritorious. Jesus knew no acceptable sacrifice that was not
mercy and love. Cp. 12:7; Lk. 10:37.

94Cp. Lk. 5:32; Ro. 2:10f.

95Lit. “children of the bridal hall. Cp. Mk. 2:19, fn.

13
18. While He was telling them these things, a synagogue ruler came and bowed down before Him and
said, “My daughter has just died. But come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19. So Jesus
rose and followed him with His disciples. 20. And a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for
twelve years came up behind Him and touched the tassel of His garment. 21. For she was saying to
96

herself, “If I only touch His garment, I shall be healed.” 22. But Jesus turned and saw her and said,
“Take courage, daughter, your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that hour. 23.
And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making an uproar,
He said to them, 24. “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” And they started laughing at Him in
derision. 25. But when the crowd had been put out, He went in and took hold of her hand and the girl
got up. 26. And the report of this went out into all that country.
27. And as Jesus was walking along from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting and saying,
“Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28. And when He went into the house, the blind men came to Him.
And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe I can do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29. Then He
touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done for you.” 30. And their eyes were
opened. Then Jesus sternly warned them saying, “See that no one knows about this.” 31. But they
went out and spread the news about Him in all that country. 32. Now as they were going out, people
brought to Him a deaf and dumb man afflicted by a demon . 33. And when the demon was expelled,
97

the dumb man spoke. And the crowds were filled with wonder, saying, “Nothing like this has ever
been seen in Israel.” 34. But the Pharisees were saying, “He expels the demons by the chief of the
demons.”
35. And Jesus was going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching
the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all disease and all sickness among the people. 36. But when
He saw the crowds, He was filled with compassion for them, because they were exhausted and 98

scattered like sheep that have no shepherd. 37. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but
the workers are few. 38. So pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send out workers into His
harvest.”
Second Great Discourse: The Proclamation of the Kingdom (10)

10 Then He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to
expel them and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2. Now the names of the twelve
apostles are these: first Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and his
99

brother John, 3. Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of
Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus who was surnamed Thaddaeus, 4. Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the
one who betrayed Him.
5. These twelve Jesus sent off after instructing them, saying, “Do not go off on a road of the Nations 100

and do not go into a town of the Samaritans. 6. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7.

96Cp. Nu. 15:37-40; Dt. 22:12.

97Lit. “a demonized man”. Cp. 8:16 and fn. Gk. kophos = deaf and dumb.

98The same verb occurs in 15:32 and Mk. 8:3.

99Gk. exousia = power and authority. Cp. Lk. 9:1 where Gk. has 2 words, so the meaning here is the same. Cp. Jn. 1:12 and fn.

100i.e., non-Jews. Cp. 6:7 and fn.

14
And as you go, preach saying, `The Kingdom of Heaven has come .’ 8. Heal the sick, cleanse the 101

lepers, raise the dead, expel the demons. The gift you received, give as a gift . 102

9. You should not acquire gold or silver or copper for your money belts, 10. or a bag for your journey,
or two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his keep . 103

11. Now in whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay there until you
leave. 12. But as you enter the house, greet it and say, `Peace to this home.’ 13. And if the house is
worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14. And if
anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, when you go out of that house or town, shake the
dust from your feet. 15. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah
on the day of judgment than for that town.
16. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be clever as snakes and harmless as doves . 104

17. But beware of men, for they will betray you to courts and councils and they will flog you in their
synagogues. 18. And you will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake as witnesses to them and
to the nations. 19. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how to speak or what to say. For
it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20. For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of
your Father speaking in you. 21. Then brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and
children will rebel against their parents and will put them to death. 22. And you will be hated by all on
account of My name. But anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved. 23. But when they
persecute you in one town, escape to another. For truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the
towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant or
slave above his lord . 25. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher, and for a servant or
105

slave to be like his lord. If they have called the Lord of the House Baalzebul , how much more the 106

members of His family!

26. “So do not be afraid of them. For nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing
hidden that will not become known . 27. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. And what you
107

hear in your ear , proclaim on the housetops. 28. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but
108

cannot kill the soul. But rather fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell . 29. Are not 109

two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father
110

101Cp. 3:2; 4:17; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 10:9,11.

102or “You received a free gift; give a free gift.” Gk. dorean is noun or adverb.

103or “food, maintenance, living, support”. Cp. Lk. 10:7 which has misthos = wages, pay, reward, which is quoted verbatim in 1 Ti. 5:18.

104or “cunning”. Gk. phronimoi. It takes cunning to win the battle of life (Ep. 6:12, etc.). Cp. Ge. 3:1 (same Gk.).

105Cp. Lk. 6:40; Jo. 13:16; 15:20.

106Cp. Mk. 3:22.

107Cp. Mk. 4:22; Lk. 8:17; 12:2. All four differ slightly.

108i.e., what the Lord whispers in your ear, tell your neighbor, whom you meet on your housetop. Cp. 1 Sa. 9:15f.

109Lit. “Gehenna”. Cp. 18:9 and fn.; 6:15; Mk. 11:26; Lk. 12:5 (same).

110Lit. assarion: a small brass coin. 10=1 denarion. Lk. 12:6 has 5 sparrows for 2 cents, one thrown in for nothing.

15
knowing it. 30. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31. So do not be afraid. You are
worth more than many sparrows. 32. Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will confess before 111

My Father in heaven. 33. But whoever denies Me before men, I will deny before My Father in heaven.
34. “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35. For I came to divide a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-
law against her mother-in-law. 36. And a man’s enemies will be the members of his own family . 37. 112

Anyone who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and anyone who loves son or
daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38. And anyone who does not take his cross and follow
after Me is not worthy of Me. 39. Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life
for My sake will find it . 40. “Anyone who receives you receives Me, and anyone who receives Me
113

receives the One who sent Me. 41. Anyone who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will
receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous
person will receive a righteous persons reward. 42. And whoever in the name of a disciple gives one of
these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink, truly I tell you he will not lose his reward.”
114

Narrative: The Rejection of the King (11-12)

11 And it happened when Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He moved on from
there to teach and preach in their towns.
2. Now John heard in his prison what Christ was doing, and he sent two of his disciples 3. and said to
115

Him, “Are You the Coming One or should we expect someone else?” 4. Jesus answered and said to
them, “Go and report to John what you are seeing and hearing: 5. The blind see and cripples walk,
lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the poor have the Good News
preached to them. 6. And blessed are those who find no cause for stumbling in Me .” 116

7. Now while these two were going back, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John: “What did you
go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8. But what did you go out to see? A
man dressed in soft garments? Those who wear soft garments are in kings’ palaces. 9. But what did
you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10. For this is the man about
whom it is written:
`Behold, I am sending My messenger before Your face. 117

He will prepare Your way before You.’

111This use of Gk. en corresponds with its use in cases of demon affliction: “in a spirit” = belonging to a spirit: e.g., Mk. 5:2.

112Mic. 7:6, “are the people in his house”.

113God finds us best when we lose ourselves in others. The merciful receive mercy (5:7). A matter of priority (6:33). To live for your
self-life is to waste and destroy your real life (Ga. 2:20). Gk. psyche = soul, self, life. Apollymi = lose or destroy.

114Cp. Za. 13:7; also 11:11; Lk. 7:28; Mt. 18:5.

115or "Messiah". See 2:4; 12:23.

116Cp. Ro. 9:3, "They stumbled over the Stumbling Stone".

117or "angel". Cp. Mal. 3:1 LXX; 4:5.

16
11. Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not arisen a greater man than John the
Baptist. Yet the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is. 12. But from the days of John
the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven is being taken by force, and forceful people are seizing
it . 13. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14. And if you are willing to receive
118

it, he is that Elijah who was going to come. 15. Anyone who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16. “But to
what shall I compare the people of today ? They are like children sitting in the market places, who
119

call to their playmates and say:

17. `We piped for you, and you did not dance.
We wailed for you, and you did not mourn .’ 120

18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon.’ 19. The Son of Man
came eating and drinking, and they say, `See what a glutton and wine-drinker He is, a friend of tax
collectors and sinners!’ Yet Wisdom is justified by her children .” 121

20. Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where most of His miracles had taken place, because they
had not repented. 21. “Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida, because if the miracles which
took place in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in
sackcloth and ashes. 22. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of
judgment than for you. 23. And you, Capernaum, exalted to heaven, you will go down to hell , 122

because if the miracles which took place in you had taken place in Sodom, it would have survived until
today. 24. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable in the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than
for you.”
25. At that time Jesus prayed and said, “I thank You , Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You hid
123

these things from wise and intelligent people and revealed them to children . 26. Yes, Father, this was
124

pleasing to You.”
27. “Everything has been entrusted to Me by My Father. And no one fully knows the Son except the
Father, and no one fully knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to
reveal Him. 28. Come to Me, all of you who are laboring and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls. 30. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

12 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on a Sabbath. And His disciples were
hungry, and they started plucking heads of grain and eating them . 2. But when the 125

118"It is clear I am the Messiah from the Prophets ceasing and from those who daily take by force faith in Me. Who are they? All who
come to Me with zeal" (St. Chrysostom). Lk. 16:16.

119Lit. "this generation". Cp. Lk. 7:31.

120or "beat your breasts". Cp. Lk. 7:32 and fn.

121Cp. Lk. 7:35 and fn.

122Lit. Hades.

123Cp. St. Chrysostom. Lit. "I confess to You". Cp. Lk. 10:21.

124Hidden from the proud, revealed to the humble. Cp. Lk. 10:21.

125Deut. 23:25.

17
Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what it is unlawful to do on a
Sabbath.” 3. But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and the men with him
were hungry: 4. how he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the bread offering which was
unlawful for him or the men who were with him to eat, but only for the priests? 5. Or have you not
read in the Law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are blameless ? 6. 126

But I tell you that Someone greater than the temple is here . 7. But if you knew what this means, `I
127

want mercy and not sacrifice ,’ you would not have condemned blameless people. 8. For the Son of
128

Man is also Lord of the Sabbath .” 129

9. Then He moved on from there and went into their synagogue. 10. And a man who had a withered
hand was there. And in order to accuse Him they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11.
But He said to them, “Is there anyone among you who has one sheep who will not take hold of it and
lift it out if it falls into a pit on a Sabbath? 12. How much more is a man worth than a sheep? So then
it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he
stretched it out, and it was restored to him as healthy as the other one. 14. But the Pharisees went out
and plotted against Him, how to destroy Him.
15. But Jesus knew it and went away from there. And large crowds followed Him and He healed them
all. 16. But He warned them not to make Him known, 17. that what had been spoken through the
prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled when he says:
18. “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen,
My Beloved, with whom My soul is well-pleased.
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
and He will proclaim judgment to the nations.
19. He will not wrangle or shout,
nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets . 130

20. He will not crush a broken reed 131

or snuff out a smoking wick

until He sends out judgment to victory.
21. And in His name the nations will hope .” 132

22. Then a blind and dumb man afflicted by demons was brought to Him, and He healed him , so that 133

126Nu. 28:9-10 shows how the priests were ordered to work on the Sabbath.

127Jesus is the real Temple (Jn. 2:21; Re. 21:22). His presence turns the field into a sanctuary (Ex. 3:5). In Him the Church was present,
the spiritual temple (1 Pe. 2:5).

128Ho. 6:6 LXX.

129Cp. Mk. 2:27-28.

130He was not a "militant" but to win His victory by caring for the poor and needy (Is. 61:1-3) and by dying for His enemies (Is. 53).

131Cp. Lk. 4:18, "to heal the broken-hearted". Same Gk. verb.

132Is. 42:1-4. "sends out judgment", Cp. 9:38, "send out workers".

133or "ministered to him".

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the blind and dumb man was able to talk and see. 23. And all the crowds were ecstatic and were
134 135

saying, “Is not this the Christ, the Son of David?” 24. But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This
man only expels the demons by Baalzebul, the chief of the demons.” 25. But knowing their thoughts,
Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined, and no city or household divided
against itself will stand. 26. So if Satan expels Satan, he is divided against himself. Then how will his
kingdom stand? 27. And if I expel demons by Baalzebul , by whom do your sons expel them? 136

Therefore they will be your judges. 28. But if I expel the demons by the Spirit of God, then the
Kingdom of God has come upon you. 29. Or how can anyone enter the strong one’s house and seize
his goods, unless he first binds the strong one? And then he will rob his house. 30. Anyone who is not
with Me is against Me, and anyone who is not gathering with Me is scattering. 31. That is why I tell
you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be
forgiven. 32. And whoever says a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever
speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in the present age or in the age to 137

come.
33. “Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit will be
rotten. For the tree is known by its fruit. 34. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say
anything good? For the mouth talks from the overflow of the heart. 35. The good man out of his good
treasure gives out what is good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure gives out what is evil . 36. 138

But I tell you that for every useless thing people say, they will give an account for it at the day of
judgment. 37. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered Him and said, “Teacher, we want to see a sign
from You.” 39. But He answered and said to them, “An evil and idolatrous generation wants a sign, 139

but no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40. For just as the prophet Jonah was
three days and three nights inside the huge fish, so the Son of Man will also be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth. 41. The people of Nineveh will rise at the judgment with this
generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and look, Someone greater
than Jonah is here. 42. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and
140

condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and look,
Someone greater than Solomon is here.
43. “But when an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it goes through waterless places seeking rest,
and does not find it. 44. Then it says, `I will return to my house where I came from.’ But when it
comes, it finds the house unoccupied, swept and put in order. 45. Then it goes and takes along with it
seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle there. And the last state of that person
134Gk. kophos also means "deaf". Possible a deaf-mute.

135or "went wild with excitement". Cp. Lk. 8:56.

13612:25-30 = Lk. 11:17-23. Cp. 2 Ki. 1:3; Is. 49:24-26 LXX.

137Lit. "the now age", i.e., under the Mosaic Law. Cp. Rom. 3:26; 8:18 (Gk.), "in the now time".

138Cp. Lk. 6:45. "gives out", Lit. "throws out" or "puts out".

139Lit. "adulterous". Idolatry is spiritual adultery, infidelity. Cp. 16:4; Jer. 3:9; Ez. 6:9.

140Yemen and Ethiopia. 1 Ki. 10:1-10; 2 Chr. 9:1-9. Cp. Lk. 11:31.

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becomes worse than the first. And this is the way it will be with this evil generation .”
141

46. Now while He was still talking to the crowds, His mother and His brothers were standing outside,
wanting to talk to Him. 47. Then someone told Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing
outside, wanting to see You.” 48. But He answered the man who told Him and said, “Who is My
mother and who are My brothers?” 49. And stretching out His hand towards His disciples, He said,
“Look, My mother and My brothers! 50. For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven is
My brother and sister and mother.”
Third Great Discourse: The Growth of the Kingdom (13)

13 Now on that day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. 2. And huge crowds
gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing
on the shore. 3. And He told them many things in parables , saying: 4. “The sower went out to sow.
142

And as he was sowing, some seed fell on the road, and the birds came and devoured them. 5. Other
seed fell on rocky places, where they had not much soil. And they shot up at once, because the soil had
no depth. 6. But when the sun rose, they were scorched by the heat and withered away because they
had no root. 7. And other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8. But
other seed fell on good soil and produced fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty . 9. 143

Anyone who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

10. Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Why do You talk to them in parables?” 11. He
answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of
Heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12. For whoever has will be given more, and he will have
an abundance. But whoever has not, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13. That is why I
talk to them in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not hear or
understand, lest they return. 14. And then Isaiah’s prophecy will be fulfilled for them, which says:
`While listening you will hear, but you will not understand,
and while looking you will look but you will not see.
15. For this people’s heart has grown fat, and they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their
ears
and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them .’
144

16. But blessed are you who have eyes that see and ears that hear. 17. For truly I tell you, many
prophets and righteous people desired to see what you see yet did not see it, and to hear what you hear
yet did not hear it.
18. “Now hear the parable of the sower. 19. When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and does not
understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed that
145

was sown as on the road. 20. The one in whom the seed was sown as on the rocky places is the one
141Cp. Ho. 9:7 LXX; 2 Pe. 2:20; Mt. 12:43-45 = Lk. 11:24-26.

142A parable is a comparison. Cp. Mk. 4:30.

143See vv. 18-23, 37-43.

144Is. 6:9-10. Cp. Mk. 4:12; Lk. 8:10; Ac. 28:26-27.

145Lit "lifts".

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who hears the word and at once receives and accepts it with joy. 21. But he has no root in himself,
146

and is short-lived. So when trouble or persecution comes on account of the word, immediately he
stumbles and falls. 22. The one in whom the seed was sown as among the thorns is the one who hears
the word, but the worry of this world and the delusion of wealth choke the word, and he becomes
unfruitful. 23. But the one in whom the seed was sown as on the good earth is the one who hears and
understands the word, and who really bears fruit and produces: some a hundred, some sixty, and some
147

thirty.
24. He put before them another parable, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a man
who sowed good seed in his field. 25. But while his men were asleep, his enemy came and sowed
weeds among the wheat and went away. 26. So when the crop sprang up and bore fruit the weeds also
appeared. 27. Then the landlord’s slaves came and said to him, `My lord, did you not sow good seed in
your field? Then where have the weeds come from?’ 28. He told them, `An enemy has done this .’ 148

So his servants said to him, `Do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29. But he said, `No, because
while gathering the weeds, you might root up the wheat along with them. 30. Let both grow together
until the harvest. Then at harvest time I will tell the harvesters, “First gather the weeds and bind them
in bundles to burn them. Then gather the wheat into my barn.”’“
31. He put before them another parable saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard
seed which a man took and sowed in his field. 32. It is smaller than all the seeds, but when it grows up,
it is larger than all the plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and perch on its
branches.”
33. He told them another parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid
in three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”
34. Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables, and without a parable He told them nothing, 35.
that what had been said through the prophet might be fulfilled when he says : 149

“I will open my mouth in parables,

and tell things hidden since the world’s creation .” 150

36. Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said,
“Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37. So He answered and said to them, “The one
who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38. The field is the world. The good seed? These are the
sons of the Kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one. 39. The enemy who sowed the weeds is
the devil. The harvest is the end of the age . The harvesters are angels. 40. Therefore just as weeds
151

are gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41. The Son of Man will send His
angels, and they will gather out of His Kingdom all the stumbling blocks and the evildoers , 42. and 152

146Slavonic has only one verb here and omits "and accepts".

147Just as the fruit of an apple is an apple, the fruit of a man is a man (Mt. 4:19).

148Lit. "enemy man did this". Angels are sometimes called men, e.g., Lk. 24:4. See v. 39.

149Cp. He. 11:4, "though dead, he still speaks".

150Cp. Ps. 77:2 (Heb. 78:2). "I will open my mouth..." or "I will speak my mind in parables".

151Cp. 13:40; 24:3; 28:20.

152"stumbling blocks", see 18:7. "evildoers", Lit. "those doing lawlessness".

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they will throw them into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and chattering of teeth . 43. 153

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone who has ears to hear, let
him hear.
44. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid.
Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a traveling merchant searching for beautiful pearls, 46.
154

who found one most precious pearl and went and sold all that he had and bought it.
47. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea and gathering fish of every kind.
48. When it was full, they dragged it up on the beach. Then they sat down and gathered the good ones
into buckets, but threw the bad ones out. 49. That is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels
will come out and will separate the evil from among the righteous, 50. and they will throw them into
the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and chattering of teeth 11.” 51. Jesus said to them,
“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 52. Then He said to them,
“Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a
155

householder who brings out from his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
53. Now it happened that when Jesus had finished these parables, He moved on from there. 54. And
He came to His home town and was teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were struck with
astonishment and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these powers? 55. Is this not the
carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary and His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and
Jude? 56. And are not all His sisters with us? Then where did this Man get it all?” 57. And they were
being repelled by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own
156

country and in his own family.” 58. And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Narrative: The Mission of the King (14-17)

14 At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the report about Jesus. 2. And he said to his servants,
“This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead, and that is why these powers are at
work in him.” 3. For Herod had arrested John, bound him and put him in prison, because of Herodias,
his brother Philip’s wife. 4. For John had been telling him, “It is not right for you to have her.” 5. And
he wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the people, because they held that John was a prophet . 6. 157

But when Herod’s birthday was being celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst (of the
company) and pleased Herod. 7. So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8.
158

153Cp. 8:12; 24:51.

154Cp. Lk. 19:13; 10:33.

155Three Gk. words represent scribes: grammateis = scripture teachers; nomodidaskaloi = law teachers; nomikoi = lawyers. They were
the official teachers of the Law or Scriptures, and were also judges and members of the Sanhedrin or Supreme Court, rulers of "the
Household of God" or Jewish community (cp. Heb. 3:1-6). They guarded, studied, transcribed, taught and interpreted the Law or Sacred
Writings (cp. 23:2). St. Chrysostom says: "Do you see how Jesus calls the Old Testament `treasure’? So people ignorant of the Divine
Scriptures cannot be householders or heads of families" (Hom. on Mat.).

156or "they stumbled". Cp. Ro. 9:32; Lk. 4:24.

157Cp. 21:26,46.

158Words in parentheses not in the Gk.

22
Then, prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9.
And the king was saddened , but because of his oaths and his guests he ordered it to be given to her.
159

10. And he sent a man and had John beheaded in the prison. 11. And his head was brought on a platter
and given to the girl, and she carried it to her mother. 12. And his disciples went and removed the body
and buried it. Then they came and told Jesus.
13. Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there privately in a boat to a deserted place. But when
the crowds heard of it, they followed Him on foot from the towns. 14. So when Jesus got out He saw a
great crowd, and He was filled with compassion for them and He healed their sick. 15. But when it
was evening, His disciples came to Him and said, “The place is a desert and it is past supper time now.
Send the crowds away, that they may go to the villages and buy provisions for themselves .” 16. But 160

Jesus said to them, “They need not go away. You give them something to eat.” 17. But they said to
Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” 18. Then He said, “Bring them here to
Me.” 19. And He ordered the crowds to recline on the grass. Then taking the five loaves and the two
fish He looked up to heaven and said the blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples,
and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20. And they all ate and were satisfied. Then they picked
up and carried away what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets! 21. Yet the men who
had eaten were about five thousand, not counting women and children.
22. Then immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the opposite
shore, while He sent the crowds away. 23. And when He had sent the crowds away, He went up into
the mountain by Himself to pray. So at nightfall He was there alone. 24. But the boat was by now in
161

the middle of the sea and was being lashed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25. Then in
the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26. But when the disciples saw
162 163

Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost.” And they cried out with fear. 27.
And immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take courage. I Am (here) . Do not be afraid.” 164

28. Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, order me to come to You on the water.”
29. And He said, “Come.” So Peter stepped down from the boat and started walking on 7 the water to
go to Jesus. 30. But when he saw the strong wind he was afraid. Then he began to sink and he cried
out, saying, “Lord, save me.” 31. And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him
and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32. And when they stepped into the boat, the
wind stopped. 33. Then the men in the boat came and worshiped Him saying, “You really are the Son
of God.”
34. And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35. And when the people of

159“saddened”; see 17:23, 18:31 for identical verb tense.

160This miracle is given by all 4 Evangelists: Mk. 6:35-44; Lk. 9:12-17; Jn. 6:1-15. “When evening came.” This Gk. phrase occurs
frequently: e.g., 8:16; 20:8; 26:20. At 14:23 the Gk. is identical, but we have rendered it, “At nightfall.” Cp. Mk. 6:47. v.15 refers to the
“1st evening” and v.23 to the “2nd evening.” See fn.

161The Hebrews reckoned two evenings: (1st) from 3 P.M. ‘till sunset, (2nd) till dark.

162Night was divided into four watches. The 4th watch was 3-6 am.

163Gk. epi = on, over (as 14:28,29).

164or “I Am.” Cp. Jn. 6:20; 13:19; Mk. 6:50. Note v.26, “on the sea”. For Gk. epi with the genitive, cp. 4:6; 9:2; 27:19, etc.

23
that place recognized Him, they sent word to all that surrounding country and brought to Him all who
were sick. 36. And they were begging Him only to let them touch the tassel of His garment. And all 165

who touched it were healed.

15 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on a Sabbath. And His disciples were
hungry, and they started plucking heads of 1. Then the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem
came to Jesus and said, 2. “Why do Your disciples sidestep the tradition of the elders? For they are
not washing their hands when they eat bread.” 3. But He answered and said to them, “And why do you
sidestep the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4. For God commanded and said,
`Honor your father and mother,’ and `Anyone who curses father or mother, let him be put to death .’
166 167

5. But you say, whoever tells his father or mother, `Whatever help you might have had from me is an
offering ,’ then he may not honor his father or mother. 6. So you have invalidated the commandment
168

of God for the sake of your tradition. 7. You Hypocrites, how well Isaiah described you when he
prophesied about you and said:
8. `This people draws near to Me with their mouth
and honors Me with their lips,
but their heart is far away from Me.
9. So they worship Me in vain,
teaching the doctrines and laws of men .’” 169

10. Then He called the crowd to Him and said to them, “Listen and understand! 11. It is not what goes
into your mouth that makes you unclean, but what makes you unclean is what comes out of your
mouth.” 12. Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You realize that the Pharisees were
outraged when they heard what You said ?” 13. But He answered and said, “Every plant which my
170

heavenly Father did not plant will be rooted out . 14. Leave them alone! They are blind guides of
171

blind people. But if a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.” 15. Then Peter
answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16. So Jesus said, “Are even you still without
understanding? 17. Do you not see that everything going into the mouth passes into the stomach and is
thrown out into the drain? 18. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and
those make a person unclean. 19. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, acts of murder, adultery,
fornication, theft, false witness and slander. 20. These are the things which make a person unclean.
But to eat with unwashed hands does not make a person unclean .” 172

165“tassel”. Cp. 9:20 and fn.

166“curses”, or reviles, speaks evil of. But actions can be a greater curse than words.

167Lit. “let him end by death.” Ex. 21:16 LXX. Cp. Pr. 28:24.

168Lit. `Whatever you might have been helped by from me is a gift.’ Cp. Mk. 7:11. Korban, that is, an offering. “Honor” = give help,
support, money - just as to honor a check means to give money for it. Cp. Mk. 7:11 and fn.

169Cp. Is. 29:13 LXX. Heb. differs widely. The last line in Mt. and Mk. differs from LXX in omitting “and”. Lit. `Teaching teachings,
laws of men.” Mk. 7:6 drops line 1 of Mt. 15:8.

170“what You said”, Lit. “the word”.

171Cp. Mt. 13:38; Is. 60:21; 61:3.

172Mt. 15:18-20 = Mk. 7:20-23.

24
21. Then Jesus came away from there and went into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22. And a Canaanite
woman from that district came out and shouted to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of
David, my daughter is severely attacked by a demon .” 23. But He did not answer her a word. Then
173

His disciples came up and were begging Him, saying, “Send her away , because she is screaming174

behind us.” 24. But He answered and said, “I was not sent to anyone except to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel.” 25. Then she came and bowed down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26. But
He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs .” 27. But
175

she said, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs10 eat the crumbs that fall from their owner’s table.” 28. Then
Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith. What you want will be done for you.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.
29. Then Jesus moved on from there and came along by the Sea of Galilee. And He went up into the
mountain and was sitting there. 30. And huge crowds came to Him, having with them lame, blind, deaf
and dumb people. Also cripples and many others whom they put down at Jesus’ feet and He healed
176

them, 31. so that the crowds were filled with wonder when they saw the deaf hearing, the dumb
talking, the lame walking, the blind seeing and the cripples healed. And they glorified the God of
Israel.
32. But Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I feel compassion for the crowd, because they have
been with Me now for three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away
hungry, in case they become exhausted on the way .” 33. And His disciples said to Him, “Where
177

would there be enough bread in a desert for us to satisfy such a crowd?” 34. But Jesus said to them,
“How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few little fish.” 35. Then He ordered the
crowds to sit on the ground. 36. And He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given
thanks He broke them and gave them to His disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37.
And they all ate and were satisfied. Then they picked up and carried away seven full hampers of what
was left over of the broken pieces. 38. Four thousand men had eaten, not counting women and
children. 39. Then, after sending the crowds away, He got into the boat and came to the neighborhood
of Magdala.

16 Then some Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tried to trap Him by asking Him to
show them a sign from heaven. 2. But He answered and said to them, “When evening comes
you say, `It is going to be fine weather, for the sky is red.’ 3. And in the morning you say, `Today will
be stormy, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You hypocrites, you know how to judge the appearance
of the sky, but you cannot understand the signs of the times. 4. An evil and idolatrous generation 178

wants a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and
went away.

173Lit. “demonized”.

174or “Relieve her and let her go”. Cp. 18:27; 27:15; Lk. 2:29; 13:12 for same verb usage.

175Lit. “little dogs”, pet dogs, puppies.

176“deaf and dumb”: Gk. kophous means both. Cp. v.31, listing both.

177Cp. Mk. 8:3.

178Lit. “adulterous”. Cp. 12:39 and fn.

25
5. Now when they came to the opposite shore , His disciples had forgotten to take any bread. 6. Then
179

Jesus said to them, “Watch and be on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
180

7. And they started arguing among themselves saying, “It is because we took no bread.” 8. But Jesus
181

knew it and said to them, “Why are you arguing among yourselves, you men of little faith? Is it
because you took no bread? 9. Do you still not understand? And do you not remember the five loaves
of the five thousand and how many baskets you took away, 10. or the seven loaves of the four
thousand and how many hampers you took away ? 11. How is it you do not understand that it was not
182

about bread I told you to be on your guard, but against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?” 12.
Then they understood that He had not told them to guard against the leaven3 of bread, but against the
teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13. Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do
people say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14. They said, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and
others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16.
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17. Then Jesus
answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18. And I tell you also, you are Peter , and on this rock I 183

will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 19. And I will give you the
184

keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven .” 20. Then He warned His disciples not
185

to tell anyone that He was the Christ.

21. From then onwards Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer
much from the elders, the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, but be raised on the third day. 22.
Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Mercy on You, Lord! This must never
happen to You.” 23. But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling
block to Me, because you are not thinking the thoughts of God but the thoughts of men.”
24. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and 186

take up his cross and follow Me. 25. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
his life for My sake will find it . 26. For what use will it be if a person gains the whole world but loses
187

179Cp. Mk. 8:13-15.

180“leaven”, or yeast, ferment.

181Cp. 21:25; Mk. 8:16,17; 11:31.

182Here Jesus Himself makes it clear beyond doubt that the Feeding of the 5000 and Feeding of 4000 were two distinct miracles, not two
versions of one. Cp. Mk. 8:19,20. Note also “hampers” (4000) and “baskets” (5000).

183“You are Peter (petros) and on this rock (petra)”. Petros (masc.) is a piece of rock or stone. Petra (fem.) is a massive, unquarried rock.
The pronoun “this” is feminine and cannot refer to petros (masc.). Cp. 1 Cor. 10:4, “The petra was Christ”.

184Lit. hades.

185Cp. 18:18 where the same promise is given to the Church.

186“deny”, or “renounce”. But cp. 26:34,35,75; Lk. 9:23.

187The paradox swings between two kinds of life: physical and eternal. Gk. psyche has three senses: soul, self, life. Cp. Jn. 12:24-26.

26
his soul? Or what will a person pay in exchange for his soul ? 27. For the Son of Man is going to
188

come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he
has done . 28. Truly I tell you, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until
189

they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”

17 And after six days Jesus took along Peter and James and his brother John, and He led them up
into a high mountain by themselves. 2. And He was transfigured before them, and His face
shone like the sun, while His clothes became as white as the light. 3. And behold, Moses and Elijah
also appeared to them, talking with Him. 4. Then Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good
for us to be here. If You wish, let us make three shrines , one for You, one for Moses and one for
190

Elijah.” 5. While he was still talking, a bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice came from the
cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to Him.” 6. And when
the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7. Then Jesus came and touched them
and said, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8. And looking up they saw no one except Jesus alone.
9. And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus ordered them, saying, “Do not tell the
vision to anyone until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” 10. And His disciples asked Him,
saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11. Jesus answered and said to
them, “Elijah is coming first and will restore everything . 12. But I tell you Elijah has already come
191

and they did not recognize him, but they did with him what they wanted. Likewise the Son of Man is
going to suffer at their hands.” 13. Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about
John the Baptist.
14. And when they came to the crowd, a man approached Him, fell on his knees before Him and said,
15. “Lord have mercy on my son, because he is an epileptic and suffers badly. For he often falls into
192

the fire and often into the water. 16. And I brought him to Your disciples, but they were not able to
heal him.” 17. Then Jesus answered and said, “O unbelieving and distorted generation, how long shall
I be with You? How long shall I be patient with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18. And Jesus rebuked
the demon and it came out of him, and the boy was healed from that hour. 19. Then the disciples came
to Jesus privately and said, “Why were we not able to drive it out?” 20. Jesus said to them, “Because
of your unbelief. For truly I tell you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this
mountain, `Go from here to there,’ and it will go. And nothing will be impossible for you . 21. But 193

this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

22. Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be
betrayed and delivered up into the hands of men, 23. and they will kill Him, but He will be raised on
188Lit. “as an exchange”. How will you buy it back if you lose it? Mk. 8:37.

189or “conduct”. Gk. praxis = doing, action, practice, achievement, battle, etc.

190“shrine”. The word used for the movable temple or tabernacle (cp. Ex. 26:1; 40:28,34). Also means: shelter, booth, tent, home. It could
be rendered “sanctuary”.

191It is true that God foretells that Elijah is coming to restore right relations (Mal. 3:4). But he has come and gone in the person of John.
Cp. 11:14; Lk. 1:17.

192or “moonstruck”. Popular terminology. Demons attack their victims at full moon to deceive people into thinking the moon is the cause
of the disorder: “an erroneous opinion” says St. Chrysostom. Jesus deals with the true cause (v.18).

193Cp. Lk. 17:6.

27
the third day.” And they were extremely saddened.
24. But when they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does 194

your Teacher pay the temple tax?” 25. He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke
first saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings take toll or poll tax? From
their sons or from others?” 26. Peter said to Him, “From others.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are
free. 27. But so as not to scandalize them, go to the sea and drop a hook, and take the first fish that
195

comes up. Then open its mouth and you will find a shekel . Take that and give it to them for you and
196

Me.”
Fourth Great Discourse: The Fellowship of the Kingdom (18)

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of
Heaven?” 2. Then Jesus called to Him a little child and stood him in the midst of them and
said, 3. “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the
197

Kingdom of Heaven. 4. And so, whoever humbles himself like this little child, he is the greatest in the
Kingdom of Heaven.
5. “And whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6. But whoever causes one
of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and fall , it would be better for him to have a
198

millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
199

7. “Woe to the world for its stumbling blocks . For stumbling blocks are bound to come, but woe to
200

that person through whom the stumbling block comes. 8. So if your hand or you foot makes you
stumble and fall, cut it off and throw it from you. It is good for you to go into life lame or maimed,
rather than having two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9. And if your eye makes
you stumble and fall, take it out and throw it from you. It is good for you to enter into life with one
eye, rather than having two eyes to be thrown into the Gehenna of fire . 201

10. “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels
continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11. For the Son of Man came to save the lost . 202

12. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, does he not leave the
ninety-nine and go to the mountains and search for the one that is straying? 13. And if he happens to

194Lit. “the didrachma (Gk.) = the half-shekels (Heb.). Cp. Ex. 30:13.

195Lit. “cause to stumble and fall” (18:6). Same Gk. verb. Cp. 18:7 for noun.

196Lit. stater (Gk.) = shekel (Heb.). 2 didrachmas = 1 stater = 4 denaria.

197Cp. Mk. 9:34 and fn.

198Cp. 17:27 and fn.

199Lit. “donkey-millstone”, i.e., a large millstone turned by a donkey. Mt. 18:6-7 = Lk. 17:1-2 (approx.).

200Gk. skandalon = spring-trap, snare, pitfall, scandal, obstacle, temptation, seduction, occasion of sin (Cp. 5:29-30).

201Gehenna was a valley outside Jerusalem where rubbish and garbage was burned. Jesus says it is better to suffer loss here than to be
thrown headlong into the fire of the ever-burning rubbish dump. (Cp. 5:29-30) Gehenna = eternal fire (v.8).

202or “what has been lost”. Cp. Lk. 19:10 and fn.

28
find it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
14. In the same way it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should
be lost.
15. “If your brother sins against you, go and reprove him between you and him alone. If he listens to
you, you have won your brother. 16. But if he will not listen, take one or two more with you, so that by
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established . 17. If he refuses to listen to
203

them, tell the church. But if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a foreigner 204

and a tax collector. 18. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. 19. Again, truly I tell you that if two
of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father who is in
heaven. 20. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of
205

them.”
21. Then Peter came up to Him and said, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother if he goes
on sinning against me? Up to seven times?” 22. Jesus said to him, “I tell you, not up to seven times,
but up to seventy times seven.
23. “That is why the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle accounts 206

with his servants. 24. Now when he began to settle his accounts, one debtor was brought to him who
owed him ten thousand talents . 25. But as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his
207

wife and children and all that he had, and the debt to be paid. 26. So the servant fell at his feet and
bowed down before him, saying, `My lord, be patient with me, and I will repay you everything.’ 27.
Then the lord of that servant was filled with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. 28.
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denaria11,
and he seized him and began to strangle him, saying, `Pay back what you owe me.’ 29. So his fellow
servant fell at his feet and implored him, saying, `Be patient with me and I will repay you.’ 30. But he
refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay back what he owed. 31. Now when his
fellow servants saw what had happened, they were extremely saddened, and they went and told their
lord all that had happened. 32. Then his lord called him and said to him, `You wicked servant, I
forgave you all that debt when you appealed to me. 33. Were you not also bound to have mercy on
your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34. And his lord was angry with him and gave him
up to the torturers , until he should repay all that he owed him. 35. And this is what My heavenly
208

Father will do with you, if each of you, from your heart, does not forgive his brother his sins.”
Narrative: The King Goes to Jerusalem (19-23)

203Cp. Dt. 19:15(LXX). Mt. 18:15-22 corresponds to Lk. 17:3-5.

204Lit. “national”, i.e., non-Jew, foreigner. Cp. 6:7 and fn.

205or “have been led together”, i.e., by the Spirit of God. Cp. Rom. 8:14).

206Lit. “man king” or “a man, a king”. Cp. 22:2 for identical phrase.

207Proportion between 10,000 talents and 100 denaria is a million to one.

208Gk. vasanistes = torturer, examiner, jailer. In those days jailers were often torturers, as in some countries today. In Acts 16:23 a
different word is used.

29
19 And when Jesus had finished these instructions He left Galilee and came into the region of
209

Judea, beyond the Jordan. 2. And large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.
3. Then some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trap Him by saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to
divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4. But He answered and said to them, “Have you not read
that the One who made them from the beginning `made them male and female ‘ and said, 5. `For this 210

reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one
flesh ? 6. So then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, let man not separate what God has
211

united together .” 7. They said to Him, “Then why did Moses direct us to give her a certificate of
212

divorce and put her away?” 8. He said to them, “It was in view of your hardheartedness that Moses
allowed you to divorce your wives, but it has not been so from the beginning . 9. And I tell you 213

whoever divorces his wife, except for adultery, and marries another woman commits adultery. And
anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
10. His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11.
But He said to them, “Not all receive this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12. For
214

there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were
made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the
Kingdom of Heaven. Anyone able to receive this should receive it.”
13. Then little children were brought to Jesus, for Him to lay His hands on them and pray for them.
But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to
Me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” 15. Then He laid
His hands on them and went away from there.
16. Now a man came up to Him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have
eternal life?” 17. But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One: God.
But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18. He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus
said, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, 19. honor your
father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” 20. The young man said to Him, “All these I
have kept from my childhood . What do I still lack?” 21. Jesus said to him, “If you want to be
215

perfect , go and sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then
216

come and follow Me.” 22. But when the young man heard these words , he went away sad because he 217

209Gk. logous, or, “words”, “teachings”. Cp. Jn. 1:1 and fn.

210Gen. 1:27.

211Ge. 2:24; Ep. 5:31.

212lit. yoked together

213Cp. Mk. 10:5. Divorce was a concession to human degeneracy, not the original plan or a permanent law.

214Lit. “make room for”. Cp. Lk. 2:7; Is. 56:3-8. To remain unmarried is a gift not given to all (v.11). Cp. 1 Cor. 7:6-9.

215Cp. 15:1-14; 23:23-24; 1 Jn. 1:8.

216or “mature”, “adult”, fit to fulfill your purpose in life (cp. Mk. 10:21).

217Lit. “the word”. Cp. Mk. 10:22. Luke’s version is different (18:23).

30
was holding many possessions.
23. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is with difficulty that a rich man will enter the
Kingdom of Heaven. 24. And again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” 25. Now when His disciples heard this, they were
struck with utter bewilderment and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26. But Jesus looked at them and
said, “With men this is impossible, but with God everything is possible.” 27. Then Peter answered and
said to Him, “We left everything and followed You. So what will there be for us?” 28. Jesus said to
them, “Truly I tell you that in the new age , when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you
218

who followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And everyone
who left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for the sake of My
name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 30. But many who are first will be
last, and many who are last will be first.”

20 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire workers for
his vineyard. 2. And when he had agreed with the workers on a denarion a day, he sent
them into His vineyard. 3. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the
219

market place. 4. And he said to them, `You go into the vineyard too, and I will give you whatever is
right.’ So away they went. 5. And he went out again about the sixth and ninth hour and did the same
thing. 6. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and he said to them,
`Why do you stand here all day idle?’ 7. They said to him, `Because no one hired us.’ He said to them,
`You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right you will receive.’ 8. Now when evening came, the
lord of the vineyard said to his foreman, `Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning from
the last and ending with the first.’ 9. Then those who came about the eleventh hour received a denarion
apiece. 10. But those who came first thought they would receive more, yet each of them also received
a denarion. 11. And on receiving it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12. saying, `These who
were last did only one hour’s work, yet you have made them equal to us who bore the brunt of the day
and the scorching heat.’ 13. But he answered one of them and said, `Friend, I am not wronging you.
Did you not agree with me on a denarion? 14. Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give this
last one the same as you. 15. Is it not right for me to do what I want with what is my own? Is your eye
envious because I am generous ?’ 16. So the last will be first and the first last. For many are called
220

but few are chosen.”

17. Now when Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and
on the way He said to them , 18. “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be be-
221

trayed to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. 19. And they will give
Him over to the nations to be mocked and scourged and crucified, but on the third day He will rise
222

again.”

218Gk. palingenesia = again-birth, rebirth, regeneration (cp. Tit. 3:5). To follow Christ now in the work of renewal is to be with Him in
the New Age (2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Pe. 3:13; Is. 65:17; 66:22; Re. 21:1-8). Cp. Mt. 24:8.

219“denarion” = Lat. denarius = a day’s wage. Cp. 18:28 and fn.

220or “good”, “gracious”, “kind”.

221Cp. Mk. 10:32; Lk. 18:31.

222i.e., non-Jews, foreigners. Cp. 6:7 and fn.

31
20. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down to ask Him for
something. 21. And He said to her, “What is it you want?” She said to Him, “Say that these two sons
of mine may sit with You, one at Your right and one at Your left in Your Kingdom.” 22. But Jesus
answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I am
going to drink or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to Him, “We
are able.” 23. Then He said to them, “You will drink My cup and be baptized with the baptism with
which I am baptized. But to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but is for those for
whom it has been prepared by My Father .” 24. Now when the ten heard this, they were indignant
223

with the two brothers. 25. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “You know that the rulers of the

nations domineer over them and their great men tyrannize over them. 26. It must not be like that
among you, but whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27. and whoever
wants to be first among you must be your slave, 28. just as the Son of Man came not to be served but
to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
29. As they were walking out of Jericho, a great crowd followed Him. 30. Then two blind men sitting
beside the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, shouted, saying, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of
David .” 31. But the crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet. But they went on shouting even
224

more, saying, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David.” 32. Then Jesus stopped and called them and
said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33. They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be
opened.” 34. Then Jesus was filled with compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately they
225

regained their sight and followed Him.

21 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus
sent two disciples, 2. saying to them, “Go to the village opposite you and immediately you
will find a donkey tied up and a colt with her. Untie her and bring them to Me. 3. And if anyone says
anything to you, you shall say the Lord has need of them, and He will send them back directly .” 4. 226

Now all this took place that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled when he says:
5. `Tell the daughter of Zion: your King is coming to you,
meek and mounted on a donkey, that is, a colt, a donkey’s foal !’ 227

6. So the disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. 7. They brought the donkey and the colt,
and laid their garments on them, and He sat on them. 8. Most of the crowd spread their garments on
the road, while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9. The
crowds, those going ahead and those following, kept shouting and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the One who comes
in the name of the Lord ! 228

223See 27:38; Lk. 23:32-42.

224Cp. Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43. Mark and Luke mention only one blind man.

225Cp. Lk. 18:41 and fn.

226Cp. Mk. 11:3 where the Gk. makes the meaning of this sentence quite clear.

227Is. 62:11; Za. 9:9. Cp. Jn. 12:14-15.

228Ps. 117:26(118:26). Lit. “in Lords name” (no articles). “Lord” is the word always used in the LXX for the Tetragrammaton YHWH, of
Ex. 3:14. Here Jesus is praised as the Messiah King who comes in God’s name. Cp. Mk. 11:9; Lk. 19:38.

32
 Hosanna in the highest!”
10. And when He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken, saying, “Who is this?” 11. And the
crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
12. Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all who were buying and selling in the
temple. And He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 13.
And He said to them, “It is written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer.’ But you have made it
`a den of robbers ‘.” 229

14. And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple and He healed them. 15. But when the
230

chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple
and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 16. And they said to Him, “Do You
hear what they are saying?” But Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read:
`Out of the mouth of babes and infants
You have prepared praise for Yourself .’” 231

17. Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there . 232

18. Now in the morning, as He was returning to the city, He was hungry. 19. And seeing a fig tree by
the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May no fruit ever
again come from you.” And the fig tree withered at once . 20. And when the disciples saw this, they
233

were filled with wonder and said, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21. But Jesus answered and
said to them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done
to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will
happen. 22. And everything, whatever you ask for in prayer, by believing, you will receive .” 234

23. And when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him
while He was teaching and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this
authority?” 24. And Jesus answered and said to them, “And I will ask you one thing . If you tell Me, 235

then I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25. John’s baptism, where did it come
from? From heaven or from men?” And they started discussing it among themselves saying, “If we
say, `From heaven,’ He will say to us, `Then why did you not believe him?’ 26. But if we say, `From
men,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27. So they answered Jesus
and said, “We cannot tell.” And He said to them, “And I am not telling you by what authority I am

229Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. “A den of robbers”, or “a robbers’ cave”. Cp. Mk. 11:17; Lk. 19:46.

230Cp. Lv. 21:18; 2 Sa. 5:8.

231Ps. 8:2-3. Cp. Wis. 10:21. Ps. 8 continues: “because of Your enemies, to silence (and shame) Your enemies bent on revenge” (out for
the blood of God’s Son). The LXX reads: “For the overthrow (or destruction) of the enemy and avenger.”

232Cp. Lk. 21:37.

233Cp. Mk. 11:12-14, 20-26. See also Lk. 13:6-9 for the Fig Tree Parable.

234Cp. Mk. 11:24.

235Lit. “for a statement”. Gk. logon refers to their answer, not His question. “You ask Me to state My authority. I will ask you for a
statement.” Cp. Mk. 11:29; Lk. 20:3.

33
doing these things.
28. “Now what do you think? A man had two sons, and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and
work today in my vineyard.’ 29. But he answered and said, `I will not .’ Yet afterwards he repented 236

and went. 30. Then he went and said the same thing to the second, who answered and said, `I will,
lord .’ Yet he did not go. 31. Which of the two did the father’s will?” They told Him, “The first.”
237

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going into the kingdom of
God before you . 32. For John came to you in the way of righteousness , and you did not believe him.
238 239

Yet the tax collectors and the harlots believed him. But you, even after seeing that, did not repent and
believe him.
33. “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it,
dug a wine press in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to farmers and went into another
country. 34. Now when harvest time came, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his crops . 240

35. But the farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another and stoned another. 36. Again he sent
other servants, more than before, and they did the same to them. 37. And last of all he sent his son to
them, saying, `They will feel ashamed before my son.’ 38. But when the farmers saw the son, they said
among themselves, `This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and keep his inheritance.’ 39. So they
took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40. Now when the lord of the vineyard
comes, what will he do to those farmers?” 41. They said to Him, “He will bring those wretches to a
wretched end, and he will rent the vineyard to other farmers who will give him his crops in their
seasons.” 42. Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:
`The Stone which the builders rejected,
this has become the head of the corner . 241

This came about from the Lord,

and it is wonderful in our eyes .’? 242

43. That is why I tell you the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and will be given to a people
producing the fruits of the Kingdom .” 243

44. `Whoever falls on this Stone

will be shattered and crushed.
236Lit. “I do not want.”

237Lit. `I, lord.’

238Tax-collectors and harlots represent two strongest passions: love of money and sex.

239John lived and taught a life of repentance and conformity with God’s will which leads to righteousness. “The law was our childhood-
guide to Christ” (Gal. 3:24). Rom. 1:17.

240Lit. “his fruits”, i.e. “his share of the crops” (Mk. 12:2 = Lk. 20:10). Rent was paid in kind.

241i.e., Cornerstone joining two walls.

242Ps. 117(118):22-23. The Stone of v.42 is the rejected Son of v.39.

243The ultimatum to the Jewish leaders. “God’s Kingdom” sums up the whole covenant and revelation of God to the Jews which was to
be passed on to others (Is. 42:5-7; 49:5-7, 18-22; Ps. 65(66):16; 95(96):1-3). Fear of contamination paralyzed the practice of love.
Barrenness is doomed. “people”, Gk. ethnos, also means “nation”. Cp. Gal. 6:16.

34
 And if it falls on him, it will blow him to dust .’ 244

45. Now when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard these parables of His, they knew He was
talking about them. 46. And they wanted to arrest Him but were afraid of the crowds, because they
held Him to be a prophet.

22 Then Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables saying, 2. “The Kingdom of
Heaven may be compared to a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son . 3. And
he sent his servants to call those invited to the marriage but they would not come. 4. Again he sent
247
245 246

other servants saying, `Tell those invited, “I have prepared my banquet. My bulls and fattened cattle
have been killed and everything is ready. Come to the marriage.’ 5. But they paid no attention and
went away, some to their farms, others to their businesses, 6. while the rest seized his servants, treated
them shamefully and killed them. 7. Now on hearing this, that king was angry. And he sent his troops
and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8. Then he said to his servants, `The marriage is
ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9. So go to the roads going out of the city , and invite as
248 249

many as you find to the marriage.’ 10. Then those servants went out on the roads and gathered all the
people they found, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who was not wearing a wedding
garment. 12. And he said to him, `Friend, how did you come in here without having a wedding
garment?’ And he was speechless. 13. Then the king said to the servants, `Bind his hands and feet and
take him away, and throw him out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and chattering
of teeth.’ 14. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
15. Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him in His talk . 16. And they sent their disciples
250

to Him with some Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know You are an honest man and teach the way of
God truly, and are not afraid of anyone, for You do not look at people’s appearance . 17. So tell us,
251 252

what do You think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18. But knowing their malice , Jesus 253

244The rebel and the drifter both break themselves on the rock of truth, the laws of life.

245Lit. “marriage festivities”. The phrase occurs also in v. 3,4,9. But v.8 has “marriage”.

246Cp. Is. 54:5, “Your Creator is your Husband.” 2 Cor. 11:2, “I married you to one Husband, Christ.” Ep. 5:32, “The great mystery, the
marriage between Christ and His Church.” “human king”: cp. 18:23 for identical phrase.

247“invited”. Gk. kalein = to call or to invite.

248“invited”. Gk. kalein = to call or to invite.

249Lit. “the exits of the roads.” In ancient cities the roads went out through the city gates, which was where people gathered (cp. Ru. 4:1;
Ez. 48:30).

250Cp. Mk. 12:13; Lk. 20:20.

251or “do not care for”. Here “care” means anxiety and worry. Worry is a ring of negative thoughts whirling round a point of fear. Cp. Dt.
1:17.

252Lit. “face”, i.e., outward appearance, rank, wealth, etc. Cp. 1 Kg. 16:7 LXX, “Man looks at the face, but God looks at the heart” (=1
Sa. 16:7). Cp. Ps. 81:2 LXX; Mk. 12:14.

253Cp. Mk. 12:15, “hypocrisy”; Lk. 20:23, “trickery”.

35
said, “Why are you trying to trap Me, you hypocrites? 19. Show Me a coin of the poll tax.” So they
brought Him a denarion . 20. And He said to them, “Whose picture is this and whose inscription?”
254 255

21. They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “So give back to Caesar what belongs to
Caesar, and to God what belongs to God .” 22. And when they heard this, they were filled with
256

wonder. And they left Him and went away.

23. On that day Sadducees who say there is no resurrection came to Jesus and questioned Him, 24.
saying, “Teacher, Moses said, `If someone dies without having children, his brother shall marry his
wife and raise a family for his brother .’ 25. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one
257

married and died, and as he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26. Likewise also the
second and third, down to the seventh. 27. Last of all the woman also died. 28. Now in the
resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven? For they all had her.”
29. But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken because you know neither the Scriptures
nor the power of God. 30. For in the resurrection people neither marry nor are given in marriage, but
they are like God’s angels in heaven. 31. But about the resurrection of the dead, have you not read
what God told you when He says, 32. `I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of
Jacob ‘? God is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33. And when the crowds heard this, they
258

were struck with amazement at His teaching.

34. But when the Pharisees heard He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together . 35. And 259

one of them, a lawyer, questioned Him and tried to trap Him by saying, 36. “Teacher, which is the
great commandment in the law?” 37. Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all
you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . 38. This is the first and great commandment.
260

39. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40. All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments .” 261

41. But while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus questioned them 42. and said, “What do you
think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43. He said to
them, “Then how is it David in the Spirit calls Him `Lord,’ saying:
262

44. `The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand

254A Roman coin having the Emperor’s head stamped on it. Cp. 18:28 and fn.

255Gk. eikon = likeness, picture, image, portrait. Cp. Mk. 12:16; Lk. 20:24; Col. 1:15.

256Cp. Mk. 12:17 and fn.; Lk. 20:25.

257Dt. 25:5. Cp. Mk. 12:19, Lk. 20:28 which begin, `If someone’s brother dies’.

258Ex. 3:6. Cp. Mk. 12:26; Lk. 20:37; 2 Cor. 6:16.

259The Gk. means they came into a new harmony which led to their getting together in a conference.

260A prophecy: you will love when you have been forgiven (Lk. 7:47), born and raised to life in the Kingdom of God. Cp. Mk. 12:30-31;
Lk. 10:27; Ro. 1:17; 1 Pe. 1:18-23.

261Cp. Dt. 6:5; Lv. 19:18; Josh. 22:5; 23:11; Ro. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:14.

262Ps. 109(110):1. “In the Spirit” = inspired by the Spirit (Mk. 12:36; Lk. 20:42). Jesus says, “I am the Root and the Son of David” (Re.
22:16). He is God and Man.

36
 till I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’
45. So if David calls Him `Lord,’ how is He his son?” 46. And no one was able to answer Him a word,
and from that day no one dared to question Him any more . 263

23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2. saying, “The scribes and the
Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses . 3. So observe and do all they tell
264

you. But do not do as they do. For they tell you what to do, but they themselves do not do it. 4. For
265

they bind heavy and oppressive burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, yet they will not lift one
of their fingers to move them . 5. But they do all their works to be seen by people. For they widen
266

their phylacteries and enlarge the tassels of their cloaks. 6. They love the seats of honor at banquets
267

and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7. and the greetings in the market places and to be called,
`Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8. But you are not to be called Rabbi, for your one teacher is Christ , while you are all 268

brothers. 9. And call no one on earth your father, for your one Father is the One who is in heaven . 269

10. And do not be called leaders, for your one leader is Christ, 11. while the greatest among you shall
be your servant . 12. But whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will
270

be exalted.
13. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites , because you rob widows of their houses
271 272

while saying long prayers for show. For this you will receive more severe judgment . 14. Woe to you, 273

scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you shut the door to the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s
faces. You do not enter yourselves, and those who are going in you do not allow to enter. 15. Woe to
you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you travel over land and sea to make one proselyte,
and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. 274

16. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, `If anyone swears by the temple it is nothing, but if anyone
263Cp. Mk. 12:34; Lk. 20:40.

264Cp. Ac. 15:21, “Moses has his preachers in every town.”

265Lit. “everything whatever”. But unqualified obedience cannot be intended, because elsewhere Jesus condemns the Pharisees’ teaching
(cp. 16:6-12).

266Cp. Lk. 11:46.

267Cp. 9:20 and fn.

268Cp. Jn. 1:38-39. “Rabbi means Teacher.”

269Cp. Ep. 3:15; 4:6.

270In each verse here (23:5-12) Jesus is correcting “the mad desire for glory, honor, praise of men” (St. Chrysostom) and teaching the
beauty of service and humility.

271Cp. Jer. 8:7-13.

272Lit. “You eat up (swallow) the houses (homes) of widows.” Cp. Is. 5:8; Mi. 2:2.

273Cp. Mk. 12:38-40; Lk. 20:46-47; Ro. 2:17-29.

274Lit. “son of Gehenna”.

37
swears by the gold of the temple it is binding.’ 17. Foolish and blind people! For which is greater, the
gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18. And you say, `If anyone swears by the altar it is
nothing, but if anyone swears by the offering on the altar it is binding.’ 19. Foolish and blind people!
For which is greater, the offering or the altar which sanctifies the offering? 20. So anyone swearing by
the altar is swearing by the altar and everything on it. 21. And anyone swearing by the temple is
swearing by the temple and the One living in it . 22. And anyone swearing by heaven is swearing by
275

the throne of God and the One sitting on it.

23. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you tithe mint, dill and cumin, and 276

you have neglected the more important requirements of the law—justice, mercy and faith. But these
you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the other things. 24. Blind guides, you strain out a fly
but you swallow a camel.
25. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you clean the outside of your cup and
dish, while inside they are full of greed and wrongdoing. 26. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of
your cup and dish, so that the outside may also become clean.
27. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed tombs which
look beautiful from outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28. So
outwardly you also appear to people to be righteous, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and
lawlessness.
29. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites, because you build the tombs of the prophets
and decorate the monuments of the righteous. 30. And you say, `If we had been living in the days of
our fathers, we would not have been their accomplices in the murder of the prophets.’ 31. So then277

you testify against yourselves that you are sons of the men who murdered the prophets. 32. Then fill
up the measure of your fathers’ sins. 33. You snakes, you brood of vipers. How will you escape from
the judgment of hell ? 34. For this reason I am sending to you prophets, wise men and teachers .
278 279

Some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will beat in your synagogues and
persecute from town to town, 35. so that all the righteous blood shed on the earth will come upon you,
from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered
280

between the temple and the altar . 36. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. 37. “O
281

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often I wanted
to gather your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you did not want it. 38.
Look, your house is being left to you deserted. 39. For I tell you, from now on you will not see Me
275Cp. Ac. 7:48; 15:17; 17:24; Is. 66:1; 1 Kg. 8:27.

276Cp. Lv. 27:30-33; Dt. 14:22-30. The teaching of Mt. 23:23 and Lk. 11:42 is identical, with only verbal differences.

277Lit. “in the blood”.

278Lit. “Gehenna”.

279or “scribes”. See 13:52. Cp. Lk. 11:49, “prophets and apostles”.

280St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Theophylact say Zacharias is John the Baptist’s father who
was killed because he testified to the virginity of the Mother of Jesus after childbirth. But see 2 Chr. 24:19-22.

281Cp. Lk. 11:51, “between the altar and the house.” Evidently means between the altar and the Holy of Holies or inner sanctuary (cp. 2
Chr. 24:21).

38
until you say, `Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord .’” 282

Fifth Great Discourse: The Coming of the King (24, 25)

24 Then Jesus came out of the temple and was walking away when His disciples came to Him to
point out the buildings of the temple. 2. But Jesus said to them, “Do you see all these things?
Truly I tell you, there will not be one stone left here upon another that will not be knocked down.”
3. Now when He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and said,
“Tell us, when will this be ? And what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
283 284

4. Jesus answered and said to them, “See that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in My
name, saying, `I am the Christ,’ and they will deceive many. 6. And you are going to hear the noise of
wars and news of wars. See that you are not alarmed. For all these things are bound to happen, but the
end will not be yet. 7. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will
be famines, plagues and earthquakes in various places. 8. But all these are only a beginning of birth
pains .285

9. “Then they will deliver you over to affliction and kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations
286

on account of My name. 10. Then many will stumble and fall and will betray one another and hate one
another. 11. And many false prophets will arise and deceive many. 12. And because of the rampant
lawlessness, most people’s love will grow cold. 13. But anyone who perseveres to the end will be
saved. 14. And this Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached in the whole world as a witness to all 287

the nations, and then the end will come.

15. “So when you see the abomination of desolation , foretold through Daniel the prophet, standing in
288

the holy place (let the reader understand), 16. then those in Judea should escape to the mountains.
289

17. Let no one on the roof go down to take things out of his house, 18. and let no one in the field turn
back to get his clothes. 19. And woe to women who are with child and to nursing mothers in those
days! 20. And pray that your flight may not take place in winter or on a Sabbath. 21. For then there
will be great tribulation such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, and it will
never happen again. 22. And unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved. But for the 290

sake of His chosen ones, those days will be cut short. 23. Then if anyone says to you, `Look, here is
282or `in God’s name.’ Cp. Lk. 13:34-35 and fn.

283i.e., the destruction of the temple (cp. Lk. 21:20-24).

284or “presence”.

285i.e., the birth of the new order, the Messianic Age (Mk. 13:8-9; cp. Mt. 19:28).

286or “oppression”, “tribulation”. See also vv.21 & 29.

287or “evidence” (Mk. 16:17) of the supernatural power and presence of God (1 Cor. 2:4-5).

288Cp. Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. See Mt. 1:22. Refers to idolatry. In 168 B.C. an idol of Zeus was placed in the temple (1 Mac. 1:10-59; 2
Mac. 6:1-6). Lk. 21:20 gives a clue to what Jesus had in mind. In 70 A.D. Josephus says the Roman army brought their ensigns into the
temple and sacrificed to them (War 6:6).

289Mk. 13:14, “where it ought not”.

290Cp. Mk. 13:20 and fn.

39
the Christ,’ or `Here He is,’ do not believe it. 24. For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and
will perform great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even those He has chosen. 25. Take
note, I have told you beforehand. 26. So if they say to you, `Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go out.
Or if they say, `Look, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27. For just as the lightning comes
out from the east and flashes across to the west, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28. For
291

wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered . 292

29. “But immediately after the tribulation of those days

the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light.
The stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken . 293

30. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. And all the tribes of the earth will
mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with great power and glory. 31.
And with a great trumpet blast He will send His angels, and they will gather His chosen from the four
winds, from one end of the heavens to the other . 294

32. “Now learn the parable from the fig tree. When its branch is already becoming tender and
sprouting leaves, you know the summer is near . 33. So also when you see all these things, you know
295

He is near, at the doors. 34. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things
296

have taken place. 35. Earth and sky will pass away , but My words will not pass away.
297

36. “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but only My Father. 37.
But as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38. For as in the days
298

before the flood people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah
went into the ark; 39. and they did not realize (what was happening) until the flood came and took
them all away . So it will be at the coming16 of the Son of Man. 40. Then two men will be in the field:
299

one will be taken and one will be left. 41. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken
and one will be left. 42. So watch and keep awake, because you do not know at what hour your Lord is
291or “presence”: Gk. parousia. Cp. v.3.

292Cp. Job 39:27,30 LXX, “At Your command the eagle soars, but the vulture stays seated on its nest... Wherever carcasses are,
suddenly vultures are found.” Eagles do not fly in flocks or feed on carrion. Yet in Mt. 24:28, Lk. 17:37 Gk. has eagles. “Just as when a
carcass is exposed,
293carnivorous birds flock to it, so when the Son of Man appears the eagles who fly high and rise above earthly things will hasten to
Him.” (St. Cyril of Alexandria). “The eagles... meaning the angels, the martyrs and all the saints.” (St. John Chrysostom).

Cp. Is. 13:9-13; 34:4; Joel 2:10; Mk. 13:25; Lk. 21:26; Re. 6:12-14; 8:12.

294i.e., from horizon to horizon. Cp. Mk. 13:27.

295Mk. 13:28-29; Lk. 21:29-31 also have this parable.

296Cp. Mk. 13:30; Lk. 21:32.

297Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33 have identical words.

298Cp. vv. 3,27,37,39.

299or “killed”. Cp. Mk. 16:18 and fn. Words in parentheses not in Gk.

40
coming. 43. But you do know this, that if the head of the house knew in which watch of the night the 300

thief was coming, he would stay awake and would not let his house be broken into. 44. So you also be
ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you are not expecting Him . 301

45. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his Lord has placed over His household to give
them their food at the right times? 46. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord will find so doing at His
coming. 47. Truly I tell you, He will place him over all His possessions. 48. But if that man is a bad
servant who says in his heart, `My Lord is taking a long time to come,’ 49. and starts beating his
fellow servants, and eating and drinking with the drunkards, 50. the Lord of that servant will come on
a day when he is not expecting Him and at an hour he does not know, 51 and He will cut him in two,
and assign him his place with the hypocrites , where there will be weeping and chattering of teeth .”
302 303

25 Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to
meet the bridegroom . 2. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. 3. The foolish ones
304

took their lamps, but took no oil with them. 4. The wise took oil in their vessels along with their lamps.
5. As the bridegroom was delaying, they were all nodding and falling asleep . 6. But at midnight there 305

was a cry, `The bridegroom is coming. Come out to meet him.’ 7. Then all those virgins woke up and
trimmed their lamps. 8. And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, because our lamps
are going out.’ 9. But the wise answered saying, `No! Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for
306

you. Go rather to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10. But while they were going away to
buy it, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage , and the 307

door was closed. 11. Afterwards the other virgins also came saying, `Lord, Lord, open the door for us.’
12. But he answered and said, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13. So keep watch, because you do
not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man is coming.
14. For it is like a man going to another country who called his servants and entrusted them with his
possessions. 15. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—to each according to
his ability. And immediately he left for another country. 16. Now the man who received the five
talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. 17. And likewise the man with the
308

300The Romans divided the night into 4 watches: 6-9, 9-12, 12-3, 3-6. Cp. Mt. 14:25. The Jews divided the night into 3 watches. Cp. Jg.
7:19; Lk. 12:37-43.

301The Son, like the Holy Spirit, is sovereign unpredictability (cp. Jn. 3:8; 14:23).

302“hypocrites”: actors on the stage of life who play parts and pretend to be what they are not. In the parable, his part is his destiny. “Cut
him in two” means to separate soul and body in death (cp. Lk. 12:46).

303Cp. 8:12; 13:42,50; 22:13; 24:51: 25:30; Lk. 13:28.

304Often the Kingdom represents the Church Militant, e.g., Mt. 13:41-42. “All are virgins, but not all enter through the gates of eternal
happiness.” (St. Gregory the Dialogist).

305“nodding”: Gk. is aorist. “falling asleep”: Gk. is imperfect. Nodding signifies the decline of health and strength. As the Judge delays
His coming, good and bad, all sleep the sleep of death.

306Lit. “Lest”.

307Lit. “marriage festivities”. Cp. 22:2; Lk. 14:8.

308Cp. Lk. 19:13 and fn., but the Gk. word is different.

41
two, he also gained another two. 18. But the man who received the one talent went and dug a hole in
the ground and buried his lord’s money. 19. After a long time the lord of those servants came and
settled accounts with them. 20. Then the man who received the five talents came and brought the other
five talents, saying, `My lord, you entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have gained with them
another five talents.’ 21. His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful over a few things ; I will place you over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ 22.
309

Then the man who received the two talents came and said, `My lord, you entrusted me with two talents.
Look, I have gained with them another two talents.’ 23. His lord said to him, `Well done, good and
faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will place you over many things. Enter
into the joy of your Lord.’ 24. But the man who received the one talent came and said, `My lord, I
knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter.
25. So I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
26. But his lord answered and said to him, `You wicked and lazy servant. You knew I reap where I did
not sow and gather where I did not scatter. 27. So you ought to have put my money in the bank. Then
when I came I would have received my money back with interest.’ 28. So take the talent from him and
give it to the man who has the ten talents. 29. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will
have an abundance. But from the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away from him.
30. And throw the useless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and chattering
of teeth . 310

31. “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on
the throne of His glory 32. and all the nations will be gathered before Him. And He will separate them
from one another , as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats . 33. And He will place the sheep
311 312

on His right and the goats on His left. 34. Then the King will say to those on His right, `Come, you
who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world . 35. For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a
313

stranger and you took Me in , 36. I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me , I
314 315

was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37. Then the righteous will answer Him saying, `Lord, when did
we see You hungry and fed You, or thirsty and gave You drink? 38. And when was it we saw You a
stranger and took You in, or naked and clothed You? 39. And when was it we saw You sick or in
prison and came to You?’ 40. And the King will answer them, `Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it
to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’ 41. Then He will also say to those on His
left, `Depart from Me, you accursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42.
For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink. 43. I was a
309or “little things”.

310Cp. 8:12 and fn.; 24:51.

311Cp. 13:49, “The angels will come out and will separate the bad from among the righteous.”

312Lit. “kids”. Those who are immature and cannot bear fruit (see St. John Chrysostom, On Matthew, Hom. 79). Cp. Lk. 15:29.

313The Kingdom is a gift and present reality: e.g., Lk. 12:32; 17:21; Mt. 5:3; 12:28; Col. 1:13. Also a future goal and inheritance: e.g., Ja.
2:5; 1 Cor. 15:24,50; Mt. 6:10.

314or “gave Me hospitality” or “took Me with you”.

315or “looked after Me”, “came to My help”, “took care of Me”.

42
stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison
and you did not visit Me.’ 44. Then they also will answer Him saying, `Lord, when did we see You
hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not help You?’ 45. Then He will 316

answer them, `Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do
it to Me.’ 46. And they will go into eternal punishment , but the righteous into eternal life.”
317

Narrative: The Death and Resurrection of the King (26:1-28:15)

26 Now it happened when Jesus had finished all these instructions , He said to His disciples, 2.
“You know that after two days the Passover takes place, and the Son of Man will be given up
to be crucified.”
318

3. Then the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the chief
priest, who was called Caiaphas. 4. And they plotted together to arrest Jesus by cunning and kill Him.
5. But they were saying, “Not during the feast, in case a riot should break out among the people.”
6. Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the Leper, 7. a woman having an alabaster
bottle of very costly perfume came to Him, and she poured it down over His head as He was reclining
at table. 8. But when His disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste? 9. For this
perfume could have been sold for a large sum and (the money) given to the poor.” 10. But Jesus
319

knew it and said to them, “Why do you cause the woman misgivings ? She has done a beautiful work 320

for Me. 11. For you always have the poor with you , but you are not always going to have Me. 12. In
321

putting this perfume on My body, she did it in order to prepare Me for burial. 13. Truly I tell you,
wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what she did will also be told in remembrance of
her.”
14. Then one of the twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 15. “What
are you willing to give me, if I give Him up to you?” Then they settled with him for thirty pieces of
silver . 16. And from then on he kept looking for an opportunity to betray Him.
322

17. Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and said to
323

Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18. He said, “Go into the city to
such and such a man and say to him, `The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am celebrating the 324

316or “serve”.

317Aristotle explains that the difference between kolazo and timoreomai is that kolazo aims at the correction of the offender, whereas
timoreomai aims at the satisfaction of the offended person (Rhet. 1:10,17).

318i.e., the whole discourse consisting of chs. 24 & 25.

319Words in parentheses not in Gk.

320or “embarrassment, trouble, pain, suffering”. Gk. is in the plural.

321Cp. Dt. 15:11.

322“settled with him for”: Cp. Mk. 14:11, “promised to give him” and Lk. 22:5, “engaged to give him”. Thirty silver shekels was the
penalty required by the Mosaic Law for killing a slave (Ex. 21:32; Za. 11:12.

323Cp. Lk. 22:1.

324Lit. “doing”: i.e., holding, observing, celebrating, performing.

43
Passover with My disciples at your house.”’” 19. And the disciples did as Jesus arranged with them,
and they prepared the Passover.
20. Now when evening came , He was reclining at table with the twelve disciples. 21. And while they
325

were eating He said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” 22. And they were extremely sad,
and each of them began to say to Him, “Surely I am not the one, Lord.” 23. But He answered and said,
“One who has dipped his hand in the bowl with Me will betray Me. 24. The Son of Man is going
326

home just as it has been written about Him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.
It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25. Then Judas, who was betraying
Him, answered and said, “Surely Rabbi, I am not the one?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it.”
26. Now while they were eating, Jesus took the bread , and when He had given thanks He broke it and
327

gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat. This is My body.” 27. Then He took the cup and when He
had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28. For this is My blood of the
new covenant which is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29. But I tell you, from
now on I will not drink from this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink the new wine with you
328 329

in My Father’s Kingdom.”
30. And when they had sung the psalm , they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them,
330

31. “You will all stumble over Me during this night. For it is written, `I will strike the Shepherd and
331

the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33. Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all stumble over You, I will never stumble 14.” 34.
Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you: this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three 332

times.” 35. Peter said to Him, “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the
disciples spoke in a similar way.
36. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while
I go and pray over there.” 37. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. And He
began to be filled with grief and anguish . 38. Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is sick to death with
333

grief. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39. And He went forward a little and fell on His face and prayed,

325or “when it became dusk”. Actually, when the first three stars appeared.

326Cp. Mk. 14:20; Jn. 13:26-30.

327“the bread”: Gk. ton arton = the leavened bread. Obviously Jesus is instituting a new kind of Passover, for only unleavened bread can
be used for the Jewish Passover. Cp. Mk. 14:22; Lk. 22:19.

328Lit. “produce”.

329The new wine will be drunk in a new way (cp. St. Chrysostom).

330Last Psalm sung at Passover (136, 135 LXX) called “The Great Hallel” (cp. Mk. 14:26).

331Lit. “be tripped and brought down”. Cp. Za. 13:7; Mk. 14:27. “They stumbled over the stumbling stone” (Ro. 9:32,33).

332or “disown”. Cp. 10:33; 26:70,72; Mk. 14:68,70.

333Cp. Mk. 14:33, “horror and anguish”.

44
saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I want, but as You want .” 334

40. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, “So you could not
stay awake with Me for one hour. 41. Stay awake and pray, that you may not come into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42. Again, a second time He went away and prayed,
saying, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43. And
again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44. And leaving them, He went
away and prayed a third time, saying the same words . 45. Then He came to His disciples and said to
335

them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come and the Son of Man is being
betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46. Get up, let us go. The man who is betraying Me has come.”
47. And while He was still talking, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a great crowd with
swords and sticks, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 48. Now the man betraying Him
had given them a signal, saying, “The One I kiss, He is the Man. Arrest Him.” 49. And at once he
went up to Jesus and said, “Rejoice, Rabbi,” and kissed Him. 50. But Jesus said to him, “Friend why
are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him. 51. But one of the men with
Jesus reached for his sword and struck the servant of the chief priest and cut off his ear . 52. Then 336

Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword. 53. Or
do you think that I cannot even now appeal to My Father, and He would provide Me with more than
twelve legions of angels? 54. But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say this is the way
it has to be ?” 55. In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “You have come out with swords and sticks to
337

capture Me as if you were after a robber. Every day I was sitting with you, teaching in the temple and
you did not arrest Me. 56. But all this has happened that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.”
Then all the disciples left Him and escaped . 338

57. Now the men who arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the chief priest, where the scribes and
the elders were assembled. 58. But Peter was following Him at a distance until he came to the chief
priest’s palace. Then he went inside and was sitting with the guards to see the outcome. 59. Now the
chief priests and the elders and the whole council were trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in
order to put Him to death. 60. But they found none, even though many false witnesses came forward.
At last two false witnesses came forward and said, 61. “This man said, `I can destroy the temple of
God and build it in three days .’” 62. Then the chief priest stood up and said to Him, “Are You
339

answering nothing? What about the evidence these men are bringing against You?” 63. But Jesus was
silent. Then the chief priest answered and said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God to tell us
whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64. Jesus said to him, “You said it . But I tell you, from 340

now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds341

334Cp. Lk. 22:42, “Yet not My will but Yours be done”.

335Lit. “word”.

336Later, villain and victim are identified (Jn. 18:10).

337Cp. Isaiah 53:4-12; Lk. 24:26-27; Ac. 2:23; 13:27-29.

338Mt. 26:56 = Mk. 14:49-50.

339or “during three days”. An ambiguous phrase. Cp. Jn. 2:21, “He was talking about the temple of His body.”

340Cp. Mk. 14:62, “I am.”

341A Jewish periphrasis for God, the Divine Majesty.

45
of the sky .” 65. Then the chief priest tore his robes, saying, “He has blasphemed. Why do we need
342

any more witnesses? Now you have heard His blasphemy. 66. What is your verdict?” They answered
and said, “He is liable to the penalty of death.” 67. Then they spat in His face and struck Him with
their fists, while some slapped Him in the face 68. and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. who is the one
who hit You?”
69. Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him and said, “You
were also with Jesus the Galilean.” 70. But he denied it before them all saying, “I do not know what
343

you are talking about.” 71. Then he went out to the gateway, and another servant girl saw him and said
to the bystanders, “This man was also there with Jesus of Nazareth .” 72. And again he denied it 26
344

with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73. A little while later the bystanders came up to Peter and
said, “And you are certainly one of them, for even the way you talk makes it obvious.” 74. Then he
began to curse and swear: “I do not know the man.” And immediately a rooster began to crow. 75.
Then Peter remembered what Jesus had told him, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three
times.” And he went out and wept aloud bitterly.

27 Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a consultation
against Jesus in order to put Him to death . 2. And when they had bound Him, they led Him
away and delivered Him up to Pontius Pilate the governor.
345

3. Then Judas, the traitor, seeing Jesus was condemned, was filled with remorse and returned the 346

thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, saying, 4. “I have sinned by betraying innocent
blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself .” 5. So he threw down the money in the
347

temple and went away. Then he went out and hanged himself. 6. But the chief priests took the money
and said, “It is not lawful to put this into the temple treasury, because it is blood money ,” 7. So after 348

consultation, they bought the Potter’s Field with it as a burial ground for foreigners. 8. That is why that
field is called the “Field of Blood” until today. 9. Then what had been said through the prophet
Jeremiah was fulfilled when he says,
“And they took the thirty silver coins,
the price of the One
whose price was set by some of the sons of Israel.
10. And they gave them for the Potter’s Field,
as the Lord directed me .” 349

342Cp. Dan. 7:13-14; Mt. 16:27; 24:30; 25:31-32; Ac. 2:32-36; 7:55; Re. 1:7.

343or “disowned Him”. There is no pronoun in the Gk. Cp. v.75.

344Cp. 1:23; Lk. 18:37; Ac. 26:9; Jn. 18:5,7; 19:19.

345Cp. Mk. 15:1; Lk. 22:66.

346Remorse is being sorry without change of conduct or character. Repentance is being sorry enough to stop sinning through a change of
thinking and living.

347or “You will see.” Cp. Nu. 32:23 LXX, “You will know your sin when evils overtake you.”

348Lit. “the price of blood”.

349Cp. Jer. 18:2-4; 19:1-4; 32:6-15; Za. 11:12-16.

46
11. Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the
King of the Jews ?” He said to him, “It is as you say.” 12. But when He was accused by the chief
350

priests and the elders, He answered nothing. 13. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how much
they are testifying against You?” 14. But He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the
governor wondered greatly.
15. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd one prisoner whom they
were wanting. 16. Just then they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17. So when they
were assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you? Barabbas
or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18. For he knew they had handed Him over out of jealousy. 19. Now
while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, saying, “Let there be nothing
between you and that just man , for I suffered much today in a dream because of Him .” 20. But the
351 352

chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus. 21. So the
governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” They
said, “Barabbas.” 22. Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Crucify Him!” 23. But the governor said, “Why, what harm has He done?” But
they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”
24. Now when Pilate saw that nothing was helping, but instead a riot was starting, he took water and
washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, “I am innocent of this just man’s blood. See to it
353

yourselves .” 25. And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26.
354

Then he released Barabbas for them, but he scourged Jesus and gave Him up to be crucified.
355

27. Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around
Him. 28. And they stripped Him of His clothes and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29. And when they had
twisted a crown of thorns, they placed it on His head and put a stick in His right hand. Then they knelt
down before Him and mocked Him saying, “Rejoice, King of the Jews.” 30. And they spat at Him, and
they took the stick and were striking Him on the head. 31. And when they had finished mocking Him,
they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.
32. Now as they were going out, they met a man of Cyrene named Simon. They forced this man to 356

carry His cross. 33. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, “Place of a Skull,”
34. they gave Him vinegar to drink mixed with gall. But after tasting it, He was not willing to drink it.

350Cp. Jn. 18:33 and fn.

351Lit. “nothing for you and that Just (One)”. Both Pilate and Claudia call Jesus a just man. Justice was the basic Roman virtue. Cp. Lk.
23:47.

352“She had seen the dream that very night.” (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. 86 on Mt.).

353Cp. Dt. 21:6-9.

354See v.4 for identical expression.

355The scourge was a whip with pieces of bone and metal fastened to the leather thongs. Pilate may have hoped to arouse the pity of the
mob. He had already referred to the scourging by a euphemism, “I will teach Him a lesson and let Him go” (Lk. 23:16). Cp. Jg. 8:16.

356Lit. “impressed”: word of Persian origin which originally referred to the system of mounted mail-carriers. Cp. Mt. 5:41; Mk. 15:21.

47
35. Now when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments by casting lots for them . 36. Then 357

they sat down and were guarding Him there. 37. And they placed above His head the written
accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38. At the same time two 358

robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.
39. Now the people going by kept blaspheming Him, wagging their heads 40. and saying, “You who
are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself. If You are the Son of God,
come down from the cross.” 41. Likewise, the chief priests with the scribes, the elders and the
Pharisees were also mocking Him and saying, 42. “He saved others. He cannot save Himself. If He is
the king of Israel, let Him come down from the cross now and we will believe in Him . 43. He trusts 359

in God. Let Him deliver Him now, if He wants Him . For He said, `I am the Son of God.’” 44. Even
360

the robbers who were crucified with Him kept blaming Him in the same way.
45. Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the earth . 46. Then about the 361

ninth hour Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani ?” That is, “My God, My God,
362

why did You forsake Me?” 47. Now some of the people standing there heard this and were saying,
“He is calling Elijah.” 48. And immediately one of them ran and grabbed a sponge, soaked it in
vinegar, fixed it around a stick, and gave it Him to drink . 49. But the rest were saying, “Leave Him
363

alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” 50. But Jesus again cried out with a loud voice and
yielded up His spirit . 364

51. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth quaked, and the
rocks were split, 52. and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep
were raised to life. 53. And after His resurrection they came out of their tombs and went into the holy
city and appeared to many people. 54. Now when the centurion and the men who were with him
guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man
really was the Son of God.” 55. And many women were also there, watching from a distance. They
had accompanied Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him . 56. Among them was Mary Magdalene,
365 366

357Cp. Jn. 19:23-24.

358Lit. “Then”, but cp. Lk. 23:32.

359Actually we believe in Him precisely because He would not come down from the cross. Cp. Mk. 15:32.

360Cp. Wis. 2:18-24; Ps. 17:20 LXX, “He will deliver Me because He wants Me.” The verbs are identical in Ps. 17 and Mt. Gk. “wants”
also means “delights in, loves”.

361While men were merciless, the natural world showed its horror, shame and sympathy by shrouding the crime in darkness. Cp. Ac. 8:9;
Mk. 15:33; Lk. 23:44.

362Ps. 21(22):1. Cp. Is. 54:7 LXX.

363Cp. Jn. 19:29 and fn.

364Lit. “let go, released, dismissed the spirit”. His death was unique, deliberate, voluntary (Jn. 10:17-18). Cp. Mk. 15:37, “gave out a
great cry”.

365or “followed”.

366i.e., supporting, helping, attending to Him and providing for His needs. Cp. Lk. 8:3; Mk. 15:41.

48
also Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
57. Now when evening came, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself had also become
a disciple of Jesus, 58. went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate gave orders for the
body to be given to him. 59. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean shroud 60. and laid it in
his own new tomb which he had cut out in the rock. Then he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the
tomb and went away. 61. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the
tomb.
62. Now on the following day, that is, the day after Friday, the chief priests and the Pharisees went
together to Pilate and said, 63. “Sir , we remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said,
367 368

`After three days I will rise again.’ 64. So give orders for the tomb to be made secure until the third
day, or else His disciples may go and steal Him at night and tell the people, `He has risen from the
dead.’ And then the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65. Pilate said to them, “You have a
guard. Go and make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66. So they went and made the tomb
secure with the guard of soldiers, and they sealed the stone.

28 Now late in the night of the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was beginning to dawn,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2. And a great earthquake took
place. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone from the
entrance and sat on it. 3. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing as white as snow, 4. and
for fear of him the guards were shaken and became like dead men. 5. But the angel spoke and said to
the women, “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6. He is not here,
for He has risen as He said. Come and see the place where the Lord was lying. 7. Now go quickly and
tell His disciples He has risen from the dead. And look, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There
you will see Him. Now I have told you.” 8. Then the women came away quickly from the tomb with
fear and great joy, and they ran to tell His disciples.
9. But as they were going to tell His disciples Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice.” And they came and
took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell
369

My brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
11. Now while the women were going, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests
all that had happened. 12. Then they assembled with the elders and after holding a consultation they
gave the soldiers a sufficient sum of money saying, 13. “Tell people, `His disciples came during the
night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14. And if this comes to a hearing before the
governor , we will conciliate him and keep you out of trouble.” 15. So the soldiers took the money
370

and did as they were instructed. And this story has been current among the Jews until today . 371

367Lit. “Lord”.

368There is a play on words or assonance in the Gk.: planos (vagabond) and plani (fraud). Deceiver and deception don’t fully convey the
sense of aberration, deviation and wandering in the Gk. words. Cp. planet = a wandering star.

369Cp. Jn. 20:17, “Do not cling to Me.”

370i.e., “And if this comes up for official investigation in court...”

371St. Justin Martyr (c.170 A.D.) says the Jews spread the story by means of special messengers sent to every country. See “Dialogue
with Trypho the Jew”.

49
Epilogue: The Great Challenge of the Kingdom (28:16-20)
16. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17.
And when they saw Him, they bowed down and worshiped Him . But some doubted. 18. Then Jesus372

came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority and power has been given to Me in heaven and on
373

earth. 19. So go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of 374

the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 20. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And
375

remember, I am with you all the time until the end of the age . Amen.”
376 377

372Cp. Lk. 24:52.

373Cp. 10:1; Lk. 9:1; Jn. 1:12 and fns.

374Lit. “into the name”, i.e., dip, immerse, plunge them into the name, nature, character, being of the Three-in-One relationship (1 Jn.
4:7,16).

375or “keep, obey”.

376Lit. “all the days”, an Hebrew idiom (cp. Jer. 35:19, etc.).

377or “completion of the age”. Cp. 13:39.

50
 MARK
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
1

2. As it is written in the prophets:

“Behold, I am sending My messenger before Your face.
2

He will prepare Your way before You . 3

3. A voice of one calling in the wilderness:

prepare the way of the Lord.
Make His paths straight .” 4

4. John appeared in the wilderness, baptizing and preaching a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of
sins . 5. And all the country of Judea and the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were
5

all being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6. Now John was clothed in
camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist, and he was eating locusts and wild honey. 7. And
he was preaching and saying, “After me, One is coming who is more powerful than I am. The strap of
His sandals I am not fit to stoop down and undo. 8. I baptized you in water, but He will baptize you in
the Holy Spirit.”
9. And it was in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the
Jordan. 10. And immediately, as He came up from the water, He saw the heavens opening and the
Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are My
beloved Son. With You I am well-pleased.”
12. And immediately the Spirit drove Him out into the wilderness. 13. And He was there in the
wilderness about forty days being tempted by Satan. And He was with the wild animals, and the angels
were ministering to Him.
6

14. But after John had been put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the good news of the
Kingdom of God and saying, 15. “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God has come . Repent 7

and believe in the good news.”

16. Now as He was walking along by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Simon’s brother Andrew,

1The beginning, origin, power, primacy. Gk. conveys all these meanings.

2or “angel”.

3Mal. 3:1.

4Is. 40:3. Cp. Ps 67:5 LXX: “Make a way for Him who rides upon the sunsets.”

5or “into forgiveness”, i.e., into a growing appropriation and experience of forgiveness (cp. Mt. 3:11). John’s baptism was the outward
and visible sign that the people he baptized had repented and confessed their sins (cp. v.5).

6i.e., supplied Him with food. Cp. v.31; Mt. 4:11 and fn.; Jn. 4:32.

7The Kingdom comes with the coming of the King Jesus, as a gift and present reality, but also a goal which draws nearer with the birth
and growth of new subject-members. Cp. Lk. 12:32; 17:21; Col. 1:13 with Mt. 6:10,33; Ac. 14:22.

1
casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. 17. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me , and I will 8

make you become fishers of men.” 18. And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19.
And going on from there a little further, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, who
were also in their boat mending the nets. 20. And immediately He called them. And they left their
father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and they went off to follow Him.
21. And they entered Capernaum. And immediately, on the Sabbath, He went into the synagogue and
began to teach. 22. And they were struck with astonishment at His teaching, for He was teaching them
as one having authority, and not as the Scribes. 23. And in their synagogue there was a man with an
unclean spirit , and it shouted, saying, 24. “Leave us alone. What have we to do with You , Jesus of
9 10

Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are: the Holy One of God.” 25. And Jesus
rebuked it saying, “Be quiet and go out of him .” 26. And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and
11

screaming with a great cry came out of him. 27. And they were all so filled with awe that they began to
question among themselves saying, “What is this? What new teaching is this? He gives orders with
authority even to the unclean spirits and they obey Him.” 28. And the report of Him went out
immediately into all the surrounding country of Galilee.
29. Then they immediately came out of the synagogue and went with James and John to the house of
Simon and Andrew. 30. But Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down suffering from a fever, and they
immediately told Him about her. 31. And He went to her and took hold of her hand and lifted her up.
And immediately the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 12

32. Now when evening came and the sun had set, they kept bringing to Him all who were sick, as well
as the demoniacs . 33. And the whole town was gathered at the door. 34. And He healed many who
13

were sick with various diseases, and He expelled many demons. And He was not allowing the demons
to speak because they knew He was the Christ.
35. And very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up and went out. And He went off to
a deserted place and was praying there, 36. but Simon and those who were with him hunted for Him.
37. And when they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38. But He said to
them, “Let us go to the neighboring towns so that I may preach there also, because it is for this I have
come out .” 39. And He was preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons throughout the
14

whole of Galilee.
40. Then a leper came to Him imploring Him, falling on his knees before Him and saying to Him, “If

8or “Come here, behind Me, and I will make...” Cp. Mt. 4:19; Dt. 13:4.

9Lit. “in an unclean spirit”. Or “belonging to...” Cp. Gk. of Mt. 10:32; Lk. 12:8.

10Lit. “What to us and to You?” Cp. Gk. of 2 Sa. 16:10; Mt. 8:29; Lk. 4:34; Jn. 2:4. This could be translated: “What do You want with us,
Jesus, You Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are, You Nazarite.” (Cp. Judg. 16:17 LXX). Parallel: Lk. 4:35.

11Lit. “Be muzzled” (fr. Gk. phimos = muzzle). Cp. 4:39; Lk. 4:35.

12or “to minister to”. Cp. v.13; Mt. 4:11; 8:15; Lk. 4:39.

13Lit. “demonized”. They need not be “possessed”. Cp. Mt. 5:22; 8:15.

14Cp. Lk. 4:43; Jn. 16:28. This was His life’s mission.

2
You will, You can make me clean .” 41. And Jesus was filled with compassion, and He stretched out
15

His hand and touched him and said to him, “It is My will. Be clean.” 42. And while He spoke,
immediately the leprosy left him and he became clean. 43. Then, after sternly warning him, Jesus
immediately sent him out and said to him, 44. “See that you say nothing to anyone. But go and show
16

yourself to the priests, and offer for your purification what Moses ordered as evidence for them.” 45.
But he went out and began to preach and spread the news so much that Jesus could no longer openly
enter a town, but was outside in deserted places. Yet people kept coming to Him from all directions.

2 And after some days He again entered Capernaum, and it was heard He was at home. 2. And
immediately so many people gathered that even the space in front of the door could hold no more.
And He was preaching the word to them. 3. Then some people came to Him, bringing a paralyzed
man, who was being carried by four men. 4. But as they could not come near Him because of the
crowd, they broke up the roof where Jesus was. And when they had dug through it, they lowered the
bed on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5. Then, seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man,
“Son, your sins have been forgiven you .” 6. But some of the scribes were sitting there reasoning in
17

their hearts, 7. “Why does this man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins except one:
God?” 8. And Jesus immediately knew in His spirit that they were reasoning in themselves like this,
and He said to them, “Why do you reason about these thoughts in your hearts? 9. Which is easier, to
say to the paralyzed man, `Your sins have been forgiven,’ or to say, `Rise, pick up your bed and walk?’
10. But that you may know the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, (I will do this) .” Then 18

He said to the paralyzed man, 11. “I tell you, rise, pick up your bed and go to your house.” 12. And he
got up immediately, picked up his bed and walked out in full view of them all, so that they were all
astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
13. Then Jesus went out again along the seashore. And all the crowd kept coming to Him, and He was
teaching them. 14. And as He was walking along, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the toll
19

house, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he got up and followed Him.
15. And it happened as Jesus was reclining at table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners
were also reclining with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. 16. But when
the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they were saying to His
disciples, “Why is it that He eats and drinks with the tax collectors and sinners?” 17. But Jesus heard
them and said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who have need of a doctor, but those who are
sick. I did not come to call righteous people but sinners to repentance.”
18. Now John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to
Jesus, “Why is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, while Your
disciples are not?” 19. And Jesus said to them, “Can the Bridegroom’s guests fast while the 20

15Cp. Mt. 8:2,3; Lk. 5:12,13.

16Lit. “put, drove, threw him out”. But cp. Mt. 9:38, Lk. 10:2, “send out workers”. The same Gk. verb.

17Mt. 9:2 and Lk. 5:20 are identical.

18Words in parentheses not in Gk. “power”: Cp. Mt. 9:6; 10:1.

19As in Lk. 5:27. He is called Matthew (= Gift of God) in Mt. 9:9.

20Lit. “children (sons) of the bridal-hall”. This is what the closest guests who stayed for the whole wedding week were called. The bridal-

3
Bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the Bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20. But
days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those
days. 21. No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. But if he does, the patch pulls
away from it, the new from the old, and the rip becomes worse. 22. And no one puts new wine into old
wine skins But if he does, the new wine bursts the skins, the wine is spilled and the skins are
destroyed. So new wine must be put into fresh wine skins”
23. And it happened that He was walking along through the grain fields on a Sabbath. And His
disciples began to make their way , plucking the ears of grain (as they went) . 24. And the Pharisees
21 22

were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25. But He said to
them, “Have you never read what David did when he and the men with him were in need and hungry ; 23

26. how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was chief priest and ate the loaves of the bread
offering, which no one is allowed to eat except the priests. And he even gave some to the men who
were with him?” 27. And Jesus used to tell them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the
Sabbath. 28. So then the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.”
24

3 And again He went into the synagogue. And a man was there who had a withered hand. 2. And
they were watching Him to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath, in order to accuse Him. 3.
And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Stand up in the middle.” 4. And He said to them,
“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5.
Then, looking around at them with anger, yet sorry for them at the callousness of their hearts, He said
to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored to him as
healthy as the other one. 6. But the Pharisees walked straight out and began plotting against Him with
the Herodians, how they might kill Him.
7. Then Jesus went away with His disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed Him from Galilee,
8. Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the people around Tyre and Sidon. Hearing
what He was doing, this great crowd came to Him. 9. And He told His disciples that a small boat
should stay ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush Him. 10. For He healed
so many that all who had afflictions were crowding upon Him, in order to touch Him. 11. And
25

whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, saying, “You are
the Son of God.” 12. But He was warning them repeatedly not to make Him known.
13. Then He went up into the mountain and called to Him the men He wanted, and they went away to
Him. 14. And He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to
preach, 15. and to have authority to heal diseases and to expel demons. 16. He appointed Peter (the
26

hall is Heaven and Christians are children of Heaven and of the Bridegroom-King of Heaven.

21Cp. Lk. 13:22, “making His way”.

22Words in parentheses not in Gk. Cp. Mt. 12:1, “plucking...and eating”.

23Cp. 1 Sa. 21:1-7; Mt. 12:1-7; Lk. 6:1-5.

24Jesus calls Himself “Son of Man” about 80 times in the Gospels. The writers never use it of Him, and no-one normally calls Him by
this title. Cp. Jn. 12:34.

25Lit. “falling (tumbling)”.

26Gk. exousia. Cp. 6:7 and fn.; Jn. 1:12 and fn.

4
name He gave to Simon), 17. James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to them He
gave the name Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder), 18. Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, 19. and Judas Iscariot,
who betrayed Him.
20. And they came to a house, and again such a crowd gathered they could not even eat a meal . 21. 27

And when His family heard of it, they went out to take charge of Him. For people were saying, “He is
out of His mind.” 22. But the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He has
Baalzebul ,” and, “He expels the demons by the chief of the demons.” 23. So calling them to Him, He
28

was saying to them in parables, “How can Satan expel Satan? 24. And if a kingdom is divided against
itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
29

26. And if Satan has risen against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. 27.
No one can enter the strong one’s house and seize his goods , unless he first binds the strong one. And
30

then he will rob his house.

28. “Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all their sins and whatever blasphemies they
31

may have uttered . 29. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is
32

liable to eternal judgment .” 30. (He told them this) because they were saying, “He has an unclean
33 34

spirit.”
31. Then His mother and His brothers arrived. And standing outside they sent word to Him and called
Him. 32. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they told Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are
outside, looking for You.” 33. But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother or My brothers?”
34. Then looking around at the people sitting in a circle about Him, He said, “Behold, My mother and
My brothers! 35. For whoever does the will of God is My brother, My sister and My mother .” 35

4 Then, on another occasion, again He began to teach by the sea, but such a great crowd gathered
around Him that he stepped into a boat on the sea and sat down. And all the crowd was on the
land facing the sea. 2. And He was teaching them many things in parables, and in the course of His
teaching He was saying to them, 3. “Listen! The sower went out to sow . 4. And as he was sowing, it36

happened that some seed fell on the road, and the birds came and devoured it. 5. And some fell on
27Lit. “eat bread”.

28Cp. 2 Kg. 1:3.

29or household, home, family.

30or “vessels”. Cp. Mt. 12:29; Lk. 11:21. For “vessels” = people, cp. Ro. 9:22-23; 1 Th. 4:4; 1 Pe. 3:7; Mt. 12:29 (cp. Gk. in each case).

31i.e., “people” (a Hebraism). Cp. Mt. 12:31.

32or “whatever slanderous things they may have spoken”.

33Gk. krisis = judgment, condemnation, sentence, doom, damnation.

34Words in parentheses not in Gk.

35Cp. Mt. 12:46-50; Lk. 8:19-21.

36Cp. Mt. 13:1-23; Lk. 8:4-15.

5
rocky ground, where it had not much soil. And it shot up at once, because the soil had no depth. 6. But
when the sun rose, it was scorched by the heat, and through having no root, it withered away. 7. And
some fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it gave no fruit. 8. But some fell
into good earth where it came up and grew and was giving fruit, one was bringing thirty, one sixty, and
one a hundred.” 9. And He was saying to them, “Anyone who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
37

10. But when He was alone, those who were around Him with the twelve asked Him about the38

parable. 11. And He was telling them, “It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom
of God, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables, so that
12. `while looking they may look and not see,
and while hearing, they may hear and not understand.
Otherwise they might return
and their sins would be forgiven them .’” 39

13. And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any
parable? 14. The sower sows the word. 15. Those on the road are the ones where the word is sown.
But when they hear it, immediately Satan comes and snatches away the word that was sown in their
hearts. 16. Likewise, those sown on the rocky places are people who, when they hear the word,
immediately receive it with joy. 17. But they have no root in themselves, so they are short-lived. Then
when trouble or persecution comes on account of the word, immediately they stumble and fall. 18.
And those in whom the seed was sown as among the thorns are people who hear the word, 19. but the
worries of this world and the delusion of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the
word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20. But those in whom the seed was sown as on the good earth are
those who hear the word and receive it and bear fruit, one thirty and one sixty and one a hundred .”
40

21. And He was saying to them, “Surely the lamp is not brought in to be put under a bucket or under
the bed? Is it not meant to be placed on the lamp stand? 22. For there is nothing hidden, except to be
made evident. Nothing secret has ever happened, but that it should come to light. 23. If anyone has
ears to hear, let him hear.” 24. And He was saying to them, “Watch what you hear . With the 41

measure with which you are measuring, it will be measured to you, and more will be added to you
42

who obey . 25. For whoever has, to him more will be given. But whoever has not, even what he has
43

will be taken away from him.”

26. And He was saying, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who throws seed on the earth 27. and
sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how. 28. For the earth
bears fruit of its own accord, first grass, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29. But when the
37The numbers refer to people. God’s Kingdom is composed of people (cp. Mk. 4:11).

38Some Gk. mss. read “kept asking” which agrees with v.11 and Lk. 8:9.

39Differs considerably from Is. 6:9-10. Cp. Mt. 13:13-15; Lk. 8:10.

40Cp. Mt. 13:23 and fn.

41Lit. “See what you hear.”

42Cp. Mt. 7:2; Lk. 6:38.

43or “hear”.

6
crop permits, immediately he sends the (reapers with their) sickles, because the harvest has come.”
44

30. And He was saying, “How shall we describe the Kingdom of God, or with what parable shall we 45

picture it? 31. It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when sown on the ground, is smaller than all the
seeds on the earth. 32. Yet when it is sown, it shoots up and becomes larger than all the plants, and
makes great branches, so that the birds of the sky can perch under its shade.”
33. And with many parables like these He was preaching the word to them, as they were able to
understand it. 34. In fact, He was not preaching the word to them without a parable. But privately He
46

was explaining everything to His disciples.

35. And on that day when evening came He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36. So
they left the crowd and took Him along with them just as He was in the boat. Now there were also
other boats with Him. 37. Then a great storm arose, and the waves kept breaking into the boat, so that
it was already beginning to sink. 38. And He was in the stern, asleep on a mat. And they woke Him
and said to Him, “Teacher, is it nothing to You that we are perishing?” 39. Then He rose and rebuked
the wind, and He said to the sea, “Silence. Be quiet .” And the wind dropped and there was a great
47

calm. 40. And He said to them, “Why are you such cowards? How is it you have no faith?” 41. And
they were filled with great awe and kept saying to one another, “Whoever is this, that even the wind
and the sea obey Him?”

5 And they came to the opposite shore of the sea, to the country of the Gergesenes. 2. And when
He got out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs to meet
48

Him. 3. This man had his home in the tombs, and no one could bind him, not even with chains. 4. For
he had often been bound with fetters and chains, but he had snapped the chains and broken the fetters,
and no one had the strength to control him. 5. And continually, night and day, he was in the tombs and
on the mountains, shouting and gashing himself with stones. 6. But when he saw Jesus from a distance,
he ran and bowed down before Him. 7. And shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do
with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? By God I implore You, do not torture me.” 8. For Jesus
was saying to it, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit.” 9. And He was asking it, “What is your
name?” And he answered, saying, “Legion is my name, because we are many .” 10. And it kept 49

begging Jesus again and again not to send them out of the country. 11. Now a great herd of swine was
there grazing on the mountain side . 12. And all the demons begged Him saying, “Send us into the
50

swine, so that we may go into them.” 13. And Jesus immediately gave them permission. And the
unclean spirits came out and went into the swine. And the herd stampeded down the slope into the sea
(there were about 2000), and they were drowned in the sea.
44Words in parentheses not in Gk., but cp. Joel 4:13; Rv. 14:14-20.

45or “comparison”. Cp. Mt. 13:31; Lk. 13:18.

46Lit. “hear”; Gk. akouo = hear, listen, understand, obey. Cp. v.23.

47Lit. “Be silent. Be muzzled.” Cp. 1:25; Lk. 4:35.

48Lit. “in an unclean spirit”.

49A legion in the Roman army numbered from 3000 to 6000. The Gk. can also be translated, “Legion is the name for me, because we are
many.” Cp. v.15, “the legion”.

50Or “by the mountain”. Cp. Lk. 8:32, “on the mountain”. Mt. only says, “far away”, (Mt. 8:30).

7
14. But the men who were herding the swine fled and reported it to the town and to the farms. Then the
people came out to see what had happened. 15. And they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been
a demoniac sitting, clothed and in his right mind - the man who had had the legion - and they were
afraid. 16. But those who witnessed what had happened to the demoniac described it in detail to them
and also about the swine. 17. Then the people began to beg Him to leave their country. 18.But as He
was stepping into the boat, the man who had been a demoniac kept begging Him to let him be with
Him. 19. Yet Jesus did not allow him but said to him, “Go home to your people and tell them how
much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you .” 20. So he went off and began to
51

tell in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all were filled with wonder and admiration .
52 53

21. And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the opposite shore, a great crowd was
gathered to meet Him, and He was beside the sea . 22. Then one of the synagogue-rulers named Jairus
54

came to Him, and as soon as he saw Him he fell at His feet 23. and kept begging Him many times
saying, “My little daughter is about to die, but come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be saved
and live.” 24. And Jesus went with him. And a great crowd was following Him, and they kept jostling
Him.
25. Now there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years. 26. She had suffered much
under many doctors and had spent all she had. Yet she had not been helped at all, but rather had gone
from bad to worse. 27. When she heard about Jesus, she came up from behind Him in the crowd and
touched His garment. 28. For she kept saying to herself, “If I touch even His clothes, I shall be saved.”
29. And immediately the source of her bleeding dried up, and she knew by her body that she was 55

healed of her affliction. 30. Jesus was also immediately aware in Himself that power had gone out
from Him, and He turned around in the crowd and was saying, “Who touched My garments?” 31. And
His disciples kept saying to Him, “You see the crowd jostling You, and yet You say, `Who touched
Me?’” 32. But He kept looking around to see the woman who had done this. 33. Then, knowing what
had happened to her, the frightened and trembling woman came and fell down before Him and told
Him the whole truth. 34. But He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be 56

healthy and free from your affliction.”

35. While He was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house and said, “Your
daughter is dead. Why do you still trouble the Teacher?” 36. But Jesus heard what was said and
immediately told the synagogue ruler, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” 37. And He allowed no one to
accompany Him except Peter, James and John, the brother of James. 38. And He came to the
synagogue ruler’s house and saw a commotion, and women weeping and wailing loudly. 39. And He
went in and said to them, “Why do you make such a commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but
asleep.” But they started laughing at Him in derision. 40. So He put them all out and took the child’s
51Cp. Ps. 65(66):16. Note “the Lord” here means God (cp. Mt. 21:9; 23:39).

52“Decapolis” = “Ten-town”. This was a small country with only ten towns, the capital being Damascus. “tell”: Lit. “herald” or proclaim,
declare, preach.

53One Gk. verb conveys the sense of wonder and admiration. Lit. “all were wondering”.

54i.e., the Sea of Galilee.

55i.e., by what her body told her, by the changes and health of her body.

56Lit. “into peace”. Cp. Lk. 7:50; 8:48.

8
father and mother and the three who were with Him and went in where the child was lying. 41. Then
taking hold of the child’s hand, He said to her, “Talitha, koumi,” which means when translated, “Little
girl, I tell you, get up.” 42. And immediately the girl stood up and started walking about, for she was
twelve years old. And they were stunned with great amazement. 43. And He gave them strict orders
that no one should know this, and He told them to give her something to eat.

6 Then He came out from there and went to His home town , and His disciples followed Him. 2.
57

And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many who heard Him
were struck with astonishment and were saying, “Where does this man get these things? And what
wisdom is this that has been given to Him? And such miracles take place through His hands! 3. Is this
not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Jude and Simon? And are not His
sisters here with us?” And they were doubtful about Him. 4. But Jesus was saying to them, “A
58

prophet is not without honor except in his home town, and among his relatives, and in his own house.”
5. And He could do no miracle there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed
them. 6. And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages in the
surrounding country teaching.
7. Then He called to Him the twelve and began to send them out two by two . And He gave them 59

power and authority over the unclean spirits. 8. And He told them to take nothing for their journey
60

except only a staff: no bag, no bread, no money in their belt. 9. But they were to wear sandals and not
put on two coats. 10. And He was telling them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave
that place . 11. And whoever will not receive you or listen to you, when you go away from there,
61

shake off the dust from under your feet as a protest to them. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable
for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of Judgment than for that town .” 12. And they went out and kept
62

preaching that people should repent, 13. and they were expelling many demons and were anointing
63

many sick people with oil and healing them.

14. Then King Herod heard about Jesus, for His name had become well-known. And he was saying,
“John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15.
Others were saying, “It is Elijah,” while still others were saying, “He is a prophet like one of the
prophets.” 16. But when Herod heard about Him, he said, “This is John whom I beheaded. He has
been raised from the dead.” 17. For Herod himself had sent and arrested John and bound him in prison
on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18. For John kept telling
Herod, “It is not right for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19. So Herodias had a grudge against John
and wanted to kill him, but she could not. 20. For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a
57i.e., Nazareth. Mk. 6:1 = Lk. 4:16.

58Lit. “stumbling”. Cp. Rom. 9:32. “To stumble is to disbelieve,” (St. Chrys.). See 1 Pe. 2:6-8; 1 Cor. 10:4. Mt. 13:57 has the identical
clause.

59Love, which was the heart of their teaching is a relationship and requires two or more to practice it.

60“power and authority”: Gk. exousia. Cp. Lk. 9:1 where two Gk. words are used.

61Cp. Lk. 9:4.

62Cp. Ac. 18:6, “Your blood is on your own head” meaning, “If you are dead (lost), you only have yourselves to blame.”

63Cp. Lk. 9:6.

9
righteous and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard John, he was doing many things (he
suggested) , and he used to hear him gladly. 21. But a convenient day came when Herod, on his
64

birthday, made a banquet for his chiefs and generals and the leading men of Galilee. 22. And when
Herodias’ own daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to
the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23. And he promised her with an
oath, “Whatever you ask me for I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24. So she went out and said
to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25. Then she
went straight in with haste to the king and asked saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of
John the Baptist on a platter.” 26. And the king was extremely sorry, but because of his oaths and his
guests he did not want to refuse her. 27. And so the king immediately sent an executioner from his
bodyguard and ordered his head to be brought. 28. So the man went and beheaded him in the prison,
brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29. But when
John’s disciples heard about it, they went and removed his body and laid it in a tomb.
30. Then the apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and
taught. 31. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves privately to a deserted place and rest a
little.” For so many people were coming and going that they had no time even to eat. 32. So they went
away privately in a boat to a deserted place. 33. But many people saw them leaving and recognized
them and ran there on foot from all the towns. And they arrived before them and gathered to meet
Him. 34. So when Jesus landed He saw a great crowd, and He was filled with compassion for them,
because they were like sheep that have no shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. 35.
And when it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “The place is a desert and it is
already quite late. 36. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and
buy food for themselves, for they have nothing to eat.” 37. But He answered and said to them, “You
give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy food for two hundred
denaria and give them something to eat?” 38. But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have?
65

Go and see.” And when they knew, they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” 39. Then He ordered them
all to recline in groups on the green grass. 40. So they reclined in groups of fifties and hundreds. 41.
66

And taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke the loaves
and was giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And He divided the fish among them all.
42. And they all ate and were satisfied. 43. Then they picked up and carried away twelve full baskets
of broken pieces and what was left of the fish. 44. Yet there were five thousand men who had eaten the
loaves.
45. Then He immediately made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the opposite
shore, to Bethsaida, while He sent the crowd away. 46. And when He had sent them away, He went off
into the mountain to pray. 47. And at nightfall the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone
on the land . 48. And seeing them struggling at their rowing, for the wind was against them, He went
67

to them at about the fourth watch of the night, walking on the sea, and wanted to bypass them. 49. But
when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was an apparition. And they cried out, 50. for
64Words in parentheses not in the Gk.

65Cp. Mt. 18:28; 22:19 and fns. One denarion was a day’s wage.

66Gk. symposia = “dinner parties”, the guests reclining in the form of a horseshoe or open square, looking like flower beds or garden
plots.

67Cp. Mt. 14:23.

10
they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Take
courage. I Am . Do not be afraid.” 51. Then He stepped up into the boat with them, and the wind
68

dropped. And they were amazed beyond measure and were wondering among themselves. 52. For
they had not understood about the loaves, and their heart was hardened.
53. And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and tied the boat to the shore.
54. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized Him. 55. And they ran all
over that countryside and they began to carry the sick on their beds wherever they heard He was. 56.
And wherever He went into villages, towns or farming districts, they were laying the sick in the
marketplaces and begging Him to let them touch even the hem of His garment. And all who were
69

touching Him were being healed . 70

7 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came from Jerusalem and gathered together with
Him . 2. And when they saw some of His disciples eating bread with unclean hands, that is
71

unwashed, they found fault. 3. For the Pharisees and all the Jews, holding the tradition of the elders, do
not eat unless they wash their hands to the wrist . 4. And on coming from the market, they do not eat
72

unless they wash . And there are many other things they have received to observe, (such as) washing
73

of cups and pots and pans and beds. 5. Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why are your
disciples not living according to the tradition of the elders, but are eating their bread with unwashed
hands?” 6. But He answered and said to them, “How well Isaiah described you when he prophesied
about you hypocrites, as it is written:
`This people honors Me with their lips,
but their heart is far away from me.
7. So they worship me in vain,
teaching the doctrines and laws of men.’ 74

8. For while abandoning the commandment of God, you cling to the tradition of men, (such as)
washings of pots and cups. And you are doing many other similar things of this kind.”
75

9. And He went on to say, “How well you reject the commandment of God in order to keep your
tradition. 10. For Moses said, `Honor your father and your mother,’ and `Anyone who curses father or 76

68Cp. Jn. 8:24 and fn.

69or “tassel”. Cp. Num. 15:37-40; Dt. 22:12.

70or “saved”.

71Cp. 6:30 for an identical expression.

72See Edersheim, “Jesus the Messiah,” vol. 2, p. 11.

73“wash”, lit. “baptize themselves”. “washings”, lit. “baptizings”. The words in parentheses are not in the Gk.

74Cp. Is. 29:13; Mt. 15:8 and fn. there.

75Lit. “baptizings”. Cp. v.4. Words in parentheses not in Gk.

76or “reviles, speaks evil of”. But it means cursing by action, not only by words.

11
mother, let him be put to death .’ 11. But you say, if a man tells his father or mother, `Whatever help
77

you might have had from me is korban,’ that is, an offering , 12. then you no longer allow him to do
78

anything for his father or mother, 13. invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have
handed down. And many similar things of this kind you are doing.”
14. Then He called to Him the whole crowd and was saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you and
understand: 15. Nothing that goes into you from the outside can make you unclean, but what comes
out of you makes you unclean. 16. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 17. And when He went
into a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the parable. 18. And He said to
them, “So are you also without understanding? Do you still not see that nothing going into you from
the outside can make you unclean, 19. because it does not go into the heart, but into the stomach, and
then goes down the drain” -- purifying all foods. 20. But He was saying, “It is what comes out of you
79

that makes you unclean. 21. For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil reasonings, acts of
adultery, fornication, murder, 22. theft, greed, malice, fraud, sensuality, an evil eye, envy, jealousy,
slander, blasphemy, pride, arrogance, thoughtlessness, levity . 23. All these evils come from within
80

and make a person unclean.”

24. Then He rose and went from there into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and
wanted no one to know it, but He could not escape notice. 25. For a woman whose little daughter had
an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. 26. Now the woman was a Greek,
a Syrophoenician by birth. And she was asking Him to expel the demon from her daughter. 27. But
Jesus said to her, “Let the children first be fed, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw
it to the dogs .” 28. She answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the
81

children’s crumbs.” 29. Then He said to her, “For this answer, go! The demon has gone out of your
daughter.” 30. And she went back to her house and found the child lying on the bed and the demon
gone.
31. And again He came out of the region of Tyre and Sidon and went to the Sea of Galilee through the
region of Decapolis. 32. And they brought to Him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment,
and they begged Jesus to lay His hand on him. 33. So after taking him aside from the crowd privately,
He put His fingers into his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. 34. Then looking up to heaven,
He groaned and said to him, “Effatha,” which means, “Be opened.” 35. And immediately his ears were
opened and the ligament of his tongue was released, and he started talking plainly. 36. Then He
82

ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, all the more widely they kept talking
about it. 37. And they were struck with overwhelming astonishment and said, “He has done everything

77Lit. “let him end by death”. Ex. 21:16 LXX. Cp. Lv. 20:9; Ex. 21:17; 20:12; Dt. 5:16. See also Pr. 28:24.

78“an offering” or “a gift” given to God. The law required a man to help his parents, but Jesus shows that the Korban tradition was a way
of cursing instead of helping them. Cp. Mt. 15:5 and fn.

79or “making clean”. i.e., declaring all foods to be clean or “kosher”. Ac. 10:15. Cp. Slav. “destroying”, evidently taking katharizon to
mean “clearing away”.

80“thoughtlessness” also means “inconsiderateness, levity, flippancy, foolishness”.

81Lit. “little dogs”, pet dogs, puppies.

82Gk. desmos = binding, cord, ligament.

12
well. He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb talk .” 83

8 In those days, when again there was a great crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His
disciples to Him and said to them, 2. “I feel compassion for the crowd because they have been
with Me now for three days, and they have nothing to eat. 3. And if I send them back to their homes
hungry, they will be exhausted by the journey, for some of them have come from far away.” 4. His
disciples answered Him, “How will anyone here in a desert be able to satisfy these people with bread?”
5. He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6. Then He ordered the
crowd to sit on the ground. And taking the seven loaves of bread, He gave thanks and broke them and
gave them to His disciples to set before them. And they set them before the crowd. 7. And they had a
few small fish. These He also blessed, and He told them to set these also before them. 8. So they ate
and were satisfied. Then they picked up and carried away the leftovers, seven baskets full of broken
pieces. 9. Yet there were about four thousand men. Then He sent them away. 10. And immediately
84

He stepped into the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.
11. Then the Pharisees, trying to trap Him, came out and began to argue with Him, demanding from
Him a sign from heaven. 12. But He groaned in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation want a
sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13. Then He left them, got into the
85 86

boat again and went back to the opposite shore.

14. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and except for one loaf they had no food with them
in the boat. 15. And He warned them, saying, “Watch out, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and 87

the leaven of Herod.” 16. And they started arguing with one another and saying, “It is because we have
no bread.” 17. And Jesus knew it and said to them, “What are you arguing about? Is it because you
have no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you still have your hearts hardened? 18. You
have eyes, do you not see? And you have ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19.
When I broke the five loaves for the 5000, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up and
carry away?” They told Him, “Twelve.” 20. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the 4000, how
many hampers full of broken pieces did you pick up and carry away?” They said, “Seven.” 21. And 88

He was saying to them, “Do you still not understand?”

22. And He came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man to Him and begged Him to touch
him. 23. So taking hold of the blind man’s hand, He led him out of the village. Then spitting in his
eyes, He laid His hands on him and asked him if he could see anything. 24. And looking up and
beginning to see, he was saying, “I see people like trees walking about.” 25. Then again He laid His
hands on the man’s eyes and made him look up. And his sight was restored and he saw everyone
83Cp. Is. 35:4-6, 10.

84Cp. parallel passage in Mt. 15:37 with slightly different wording.

85Cp. Mt. 12:38-39; 16:1-4; Lk. 11:16; Jn. 2:18; 1 Cor. 1:22.

86Lit. “if a sign”. Ellipsis: main clause omitted. Reconstruct: “(I will be hanged) if a sign will be given to this nation.” The supreme sign
of the truth of His claims came when Jesus was hanged (Jn. 8:28), His Crucifixion and Resurrection culminating in Pentecost (Mt. 12:39-
41).

87Cp. Mt. 16:6.

88As in Mt. 16:9-10, Jesus here confirms that the Feeding of the Five Thousand and the Feeding of the Four Thousand were two distinct
miracles.

13
clearly. 26. And Jesus sent him home, saying, “Do not go into the village or tell anyone in the village.”
27. Then Jesus and His disciples went out to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way He was
asking His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28. They answered, “John the
Baptist. But some say You are Elijah, while others say You are one of the prophets.” 29. Then He said
to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30.
And He warned them not to tell anyone about Him.
31. Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer much, be rejected by the elders, the
chief priests and the scribes and be killed, but after three days, rise again. 32. And He was talking
about the subject openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33. But turning around
and facing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Go! Behind Me, Satan . For you are not thinking
89

the thoughts of God but the thoughts of men.” 34. Then calling to Himself the crowd, with His
disciples, He said to them, “Whoever wants to accompany Me, let him deny himself and take up his
90

cross and follow Me. 35. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for
91 92

Me, and the Gospel, will save it. 36. For how will it help a person if he gains the whole world but loses
his soul? 37. Or what will a person give as a price in exchange for his soul ? 38. For whoever is
93

ashamed of Me and My words in this idolatrous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be
94

ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

9 And He was saying to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some of those standing here who will not
taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come in power.”
2. And six days later Jesus took along Peter, James and John, and He brought them up into a high
mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them. 3. And His clothes became radiant,
extremely white like snow, such as no bleaching on earth can whiten. 4. And Elijah appeared to them
with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter responded and said to Jesus, 5. “Rabbi, it is
good for us to be here. Let us make three shrines , one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6.
95

For he did not know what to say, because they were terrified. 7. Then a cloud came and overshadowed
them, and a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.” 8. And
suddenly looking about, they no longer saw anyone with themselves but only Jesus.
9. Now as they were coming down from the mountain, He warned them not to tell anyone what they
had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10. And they kept the matter to themselves,
while discussing with one another, “What is the rising from the dead?” 11. And they were asking Him
and saying, “The scribes say that first Elijah must come.” 12. But He answered and said to them,
“Elijah is coming first and is restoring everything. Yet how is it written about the Son of Man that He
89Cp. Mt. 4:10; 16:23.

90or “obliterate, annihilate, cross self out”.

91or “accompany” (cp. Mt. 10:34-39). Parallels: Mt. 16:24; Lk. 9:23.

92Gk. psyche = self, soul, life (cp. Mt. 16:25 and fn.).

93Cp. Mt. 16:26.

94Lit. “adulterous” (cp. Mt. 12:39; 16:4).

95Cp. Mt. 17:4 and fn.

14
must suffer much and be rejected? 13. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did to him
what they wanted, just as it is written about him.” 96

14. And when He came to the disciples, He saw a large crowd around them, and scribes arguing with
them. 15. And immediately the whole crowd saw Him and were filled with awe. Then they ran up to
Him and greeted Him. 16. And He asked the scribes, “What are you arguing about among
97

yourselves?” 17. Then one in the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought my son to You. He
has a dumb spirit. 18. And whenever it attacks him, it dashes him to the ground, and he froths at the
98

mouth and grinds his teeth. And he is wasting away. And I told Your disciples that they should drive
it out, but they were not strong enough.” 19. But Jesus answered him by saying, “O unbelieving
generation , how long shall I be with you? How long shall I be patient with you? Bring him to Me.”
99

And they brought the boy to Him. 20. But when the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into
convulsions, and he fell on the ground and was rolling about and frothing at the mouth. 21. And Jesus
asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He said, “From childhood. 22. And it
has often thrown him into fire and into water to destroy him. But if You can (do anything), have
compassion on us and help us.” 23. But Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, everything is possible
for the believer.” 24. And immediately the boy’s father cried out with tears and was saying, “Lord, I
believe. Help my unbelief.” 25. And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering to Him, He
rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, go out of him and
never go into him again.” 26. Then screaming and convulsing him repeatedly, it went out of him. And
he became like a corpse, so that many were saying that he was dead. 27. But Jesus took hold of his
hand and lifted him, and he stood up. 28. And when He had gone into a house, His disciples asked
Him privately, “(Why is it) that we were not able to drive it out?” 29. And He said to them, “This
100

kind cannot come out by anything except by prayer and fasting.”

30. And they left that place and were going through Galilee, but He did not want anyone to know about
it, 31. for He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed
into the hands of men and they will put Him to death. But after being put to death, He will rise again
on the third day.” 32. But they did not know what He meant, and they were afraid to ask Him.
33. Then he came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house, He asked them, “What were you
discussing among yourselves on the way?” 34. But they were silent, for on the way they had been
discussing with one another who was greatest . 35. So He sat down and called the twelve and said to
101

them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and a servant of all.” 36. And He took a little
child and stood him in the middle of them. Then He put His arm around him and said to them, 37.
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, does
96Jesus says that it is not the scribes but the Scriptures that tell us that Elijah is coming to restore right relationships (Mal. 4:4-6). But he
has already come in the person of John the Baptist and was killed as the Messiah will be. Mt. 17:11.

97Something of the glorious radiation of the Transfiguration (cp. Mt. 17:2; Lk. 9:29) must have been apparent in Jesus’ face that
momentarily staggered the crowd.

98Cp. Lk. 9:42 where the same verb occurs.

99or “brood, breed, kind, sort, race, people, nation”. Cp. “Brood or generation of vipers” (Lk. 3:7; Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33).

100Words in parentheses not in Gk. (Cp. Mt. 17:19).

101Cp. Lk. 9:48.

15
not receive Me but the One who sent Me.”
102

38. John answered and said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone, who does not follow us, expelling
demons in Your name. And we stopped him because he does not follow us.” 39. But Jesus said, “Do
not stop him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name and will soon be able to speak
evil of Me. 40. For anyone who is not against you is for you. 41. For whoever gives you a cup of
103

water to drink in My name because you belong to Christ, truly I tell you, he will not lose his reward.
42. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and fall, it would be
better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43. And if
your hand makes you stumble and fall, cut it off. It is better for you to go into life maimed, than to
have two hands and go to hell , into the unquenchable fire, 44. where their worm does not die, and the
104

fire is not quenched. 45. And if your foot makes you stumble and fall, cut it off. It is better for you to
105

go into life lame, than to have two feet and be cast into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, 46. where
their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 47. And if your eye makes you stumble and fall,
take it out. It is better for you to go one-eyed into the Kingdom of God, than to have two eyes and go
into the fire of hell, 48. where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. 49. For everyone
must be salted with fire, and every sacrifice must be salted with salt. 50. Salt is good. But if salt
becomes unsalty, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

10 And from there He rose and came into the territory of Judea through the other side of the
Jordan. And again crowds were coming together to Him and He was teaching them as He
was accustomed. 106

Then the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked Him, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?” They
were trying to trap Him. 3. But He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4.
They said, “Moses allowed us to write a notice of divorce and let her go.” 5. Then Jesus answered and
said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you in view of your hardheartedness.” 6. But in the
beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7. For this reason a man shall leave his father
107

and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 8. So they are no longer 108

two, but one flesh. 9. Therefore what God has yoked together, let man not separate.” 10. But in the
house the disciples questioned Him again about this. 11. And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his
wife and marries another woman commits adultery with her . 12. And if a woman divorces her
109

husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

102Mt. and Lk. drop “does not receive me”. Cp. Mt. 10:40; Lk. 9:48.

103Cp. Lk. 9:49-50; Mt. 12:30.

104Lit. “Gehenna”. Cp. Mt. 18:9 and fn.

105Vv. 44, 46, 48 are identical. Cp. Is. 66:24; Ecclus. 7:17.

106He had the regular habit or custom of 1) worshiping and reading God’s Word (Lk. 4:16), 2) going apart and praying (Lk. 22:39, 41)
and 3) teaching (Mk. 10:1).

107Gn. 1:27; 5:2. Cp. Mt. 19:4, 8.

108Gn. 2:24. Cp. Mt. 19:5.

109i.e., with the latter.

16
13. And people were bringing little children to Him for Him to touch them. But the disciples rebuked
those who were bringing them. 14. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the
little children come to Me, and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of God consists of such as
these. 15. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never
110

enter it.” 16. Then He put His arms around them, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
17. And as He was going out on His way, a man came running up and, kneeling before Him, was
asking Him, “Good teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18. But Jesus said to him,
“Why do you call Me good? No one is good except one: God. 19. You know the commandments: Do
not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your
father and mother.” 20. But he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my
111

childhood.” 21. Then Jesus looked at him and loved him and said to him, “One thing you lack. If you
want to be perfect , go and sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
112

Then come, take up your cross and follow Me.” 22. But his face fell at these words and he went away 113

sad, because he was holding many possessions.

23. Then Jesus looked around at His disciples and said to them, “How difficult it is for those clinging to
riches to enter the Kingdom of God.” 24. But the disciples were bewildered at His words. So Jesus
114

answered and said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is for those who trust in riches to enter the
Kingdom of God. 25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to
enter the Kingdom of God.” 26. But they were struck with overwhelming astonishment and were
saying among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27. Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it
is impossible, but not with God. For with God everything is possible.” 28. Peter began to say to Him, 115

“Behold, we left everything and followed You.” 29. But Jesus answered and said, “Truly I tell you,
there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands
for Me, and for the Gospel, 30. who does not receive now, in this time, a hundred times more: homes
and brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and, in the
coming age, eternal life. 31. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
116

32. Now they were on the road going up to Jerusalem and Jesus was walking ahead of them, and they
were bewildered , while those who were following were afraid. Then taking the twelve aside, He
117

again began to tell them what was going to happen to Him: 33. “We are going up to Jerusalem and
118

110or “belongs to childlike people”. Cp. Mt. 19:14; Lk. 18:16.

111Cp. Ex. 20:12-16; Dt. 5:16-20; Lv. 19:11-15; Mt. 5:21-28. “Defraud” means also “cheat, rob, swindle, withhold or refuse payment”,
etc.

112or “mature”, adult, fit to fulfill your purpose in life (cp. Mt. 19:21).

113Lit. “at the word”. Cp. Mt. 19:22.

114This sentence occurs identically in Lk. 18:24.

115For what he ended in saying, see Mt. 19:27. Mark is more reticent than Matthew because he wrote for Peter. “Mark, Peter’s disciple
and interpreter, left us in writing the preaching of Peter” (St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies: 3:1:1).

116i.e., the Messianic rebirth of the world, the era of the new covenant (Mt. 19:28; 24:8; Lk. 18:28-30; 22:28-30). Cp. Jn. 5:24; 6:40, 47.

117or “stunned with awe and wonder”.

118Cp. Mk. 9:12, 31.

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the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes. And they will condemn Him to death
and give Him up to the nations . 34. And they will mock Him, scourge Him, spit at Him and kill Him.
119

But on the third day He will rise again.”

35. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him and said, “Teacher, we want You to do for
us whatever we ask.” 36. So He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37. Then they
said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, in Your glory, one on Your right and one on Your left.” 38. But
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup which I drink and 120

be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39. They said to Him, “We can.” But Jesus
said to them, “The cup which I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with
which I am baptized. 40. But to sit on My right and My left is not Mine to give, but is for those for
whom it has been prepared.” 41. And when the ten heard this, they began to be indignant with James
and John. 42. But Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed
to rule the nations domineer over them, and their great ones tyrannize over them. 43. Now it shall not
be like that among you. But whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant, 44. and
whoever wants to become first among you shall be a slave of all. 45. For even the Son of Man came
not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
46. Then they came to Jericho. And as He was walking out from Jericho with His disciples and a
considerable crowd, a blind man, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road begging.
47. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David,
121

have mercy on me.” 48. And many were rebuking him and telling him to be quiet, but he went on
shouting all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” 49. Then Jesus stopped and said, “Call
him.” And they called the blind man and said to him, “Take courage! Get up, He is calling you.” 50.
So he threw off his cloak and jumped up and came to Jesus. 51. Then Jesus spoke and said to him,
“What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him “Lord, (open my eyes) that I may see.” 52.
And Jesus said to him, “Go. Your faith has saved you.” And immediately he regained his sight and began to follow Jesus
on the road.

11 And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives,
He sent two of His disciples, 2. and said to them, “Go to the village opposite you. And
immediately on entering it you will find a colt tied up, on which no one has ridden. Untie it and bring
it. 3. And if anyone says to you, `Why are you doing that?’, say, `Because the Lord has need of it and
He will send it back here again.’” 4. So they went off and immediately found the colt, on the road, tied
to the outside of a door, and they untied it. 5. And some of the men who were standing there said to
them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6. But they reported what Jesus had told them, and they
let them go. 7. And they led the colt to Jesus and threw their garments on it, and He rode on it. 8. Then
many spread their garments on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on
the road. 9. And those who were leading the way, as well as those who were following, kept shouting
and saying,
“Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes

119or “non-Jews”, Gentiles. Cp. Mt. 6:7 and fn. In John’s Gospel this expression is not used (Jn. 7:35; 12:20). There, ethnos = the Jews
(Jn. 11:48f; 18:35).

120Cp. Mt. 20:22, “which I am going to drink”.

121Cp. Mt. 26:71 and fn.

18
 in the name of the Lord! 122

10. Blessed, in the name of the Lord, is

the Kingdom of our father David.
Hosanna in the highest!”
11. Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when He had looked around at
everything, as it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
12. And on the following day, when they were leaving Bethany, He was hungry. 13. And seeing in the
distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He could find anything on it. But when He came up to it,
He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the time for figs. 14. Then He spoke to it and said,
“May no one ever again eat fruit from you.” And His disciples heard Him.
15. And again they came to Jerusalem. And Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those
who were buying and selling in the temple. And He overturned the tables of the money changers and
the seats of those selling pigeons. 16. And He would not allow anyone to carry a vessel through the 123

temple. 17. And He was teaching and saying to them, “Is it not written, `My house will be called a
house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it `a den of robbers.’” 18. And the scribes, the 124

Pharisees and the chief priests heard it, and they began to look for a way to destroy Him. For they were
afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was struck with astonishment at His teaching. 19. But when
evening came, He used to go out of the city.
20. Now as they were walking along in the morning, they saw the fig tree had withered from the roots.
21. Then Peter remembered and said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree you cursed has withered.” 22.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Have the faith of God. 23. For truly I tell you, if anyone says to this
125

mountain, `Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what
he says will happen, whatever he says will be done for him. 24. That is why I tell you, everything,
whatever you ask for when you pray, believe that you receive it, and it will be yours. 25. And when
you stand praying, forgive, if you hold anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also
forgive you your sins. 26. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”
126

27. And again they came to Jerusalem. And while He was walking about in the temple, the chief
priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, 28. and they said to Him, “By what authority are
You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do them?” 29. Jesus answered and said to
them, “And I will ask you one word. Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing
127

these things. 30. Was John’s baptism from Heaven or from men? Answer Me.” 31. But they began
arguing among themselves, saying, “If we say, `From Heaven,’ He will say, `Then why did you not
believe him?’ 32. But if we say, `From men’...” They were afraid of the people, for everyone was
holding that John really was a prophet. 33. So they answered and said to Jesus, “We cannot tell.” Then
122Ps. 117(118):26. Jesus is acclaimed as the Messiah King who comes in God’s name. Cp. Mt. 21:9 and fn.

123or “an article”. It could mean “anything”. Only Mark has this verse.

124Cp. Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11; Mt. 21:13; Lk. 19:46.

125Same Gk. construction as Lk. 6:12; Gal. 2:16,20; Eph. 3:12; Col. 2:12; Jas. 2:1.

126Cp. Mt. 6:14-15. This is the only place where Mark has the expression “Father who is in the heavens”. Cp. Mt. 5:16,45,48; 6:1,9; etc.

127Cp. Mt. 21:24 and fn.

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Jesus answered and said to them, “And I am not telling you by what authority I am doing these things.”

12 Then He began to talk to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it,
dug a hole for a wine press and built a watchtower . Then he rented it out to farmers and
128

went into another country. 2. And at harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to receive from the
129

farmers his share of the fruit from the vineyard. 3. But they seized him, whipped him and sent him
130

away empty-handed. 4. And again he sent another servant to them. But they pelted him with stones
and struck him on the head and sent him away humiliated. 5. And again he sent another servant, but
they killed him; and so with many others, whipping some and killing others. 6. So, having still his
beloved son, he sent him last of all, saying, `They will feel ashamed before my son.’ 7. But when those
farmers saw him coming, they said among themselves, `This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and
the inheritance will be ours.’ 8. And they seized and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9.
Now what will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those farmers, and he will give
the vineyard to others. 10. Have you not read this scripture:
`The Stone which the builders rejected,
131

this has become the head of the corner.

11. This came about from the Lord
and it is wonderful in our eyes.’?” 132

12. Then they began to look for a way to arrest Him, but they were afraid of the crowd. For they knew
that He had told the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.
13. And they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and Herodians in order to catch Him in His talk. 14.
So they came to Him and said, “Teacher, we know that You are an honest man and are not afraid of
anyone. For You do not look at people’s appearance, but truly teach the way of God. So tell us, is it
133

right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” 15. But knowing their
hypocrisy , He said to them, “Why do you try to trap Me? Bring Me a denarion and let me see it.”
134 135

16. So they brought one. And He said to them, “Whose picture is this and whose inscription?” And
they said, “Caesar’s.” 17. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Give back to Caesar what belongs to
Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” And they were amazed at Him.
136

128Cp. Is. 5:1-7.

129Cp. Mt. 21:33; Lk. 20:9.

130i.e., owner’s rent paid in kind in those days. Cp. Lk. 20:10; Mt. 21:34.

131Lit. “a stone”. Certainly many stones were rejected, but the Rabbis used “The Stone” as a name for the Messiah and St. Justin Martyr
gives it as a name for Christ (Trypho 34 & 36). Cp. 1 Pet. 2:8; Ro. 9:32-33. Stone = rejected son of v.8.

132Ps. 117(118):22-23. Quoted verbatim as in the LXX in all 3 Gospels: Mt. 21:42; Lk. 20:17.

133Cp. Mt. 22:16 and Lk. 20:21 and fn’s.

134Cp. Mt. 22:16, “knowing their malice”; Lk. 20:23, “But He saw through their trickery”.

135Cp. Mt. 18:28; 22:19 and fn’s.

136i.e., “Give the coin, stamped with Caesar’s image, to Caesar, but give yourselves, who are God’s image, to God (cp. Ro. 12:1). “I want
you, not your money” (2 Cor. 12:14).

20
18. And Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him, saying, 19.
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if someone’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, he
should take his brother’s wife and raise up a family for his brother. 20. Now there were seven
137

brothers, and the first one took a wife and died and left no children. 21. And the second one took her
and died, and he left no children either, and the third likewise. 22. And the seven took her and left no
children. Last of all the woman also died. 23. Now in the resurrection, when they all rise again, whose
wife will she be? For the seven had her as their wife.”
24. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Is not this the reason why you go wrong: you know neither
the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25. For when people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor
are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. 26. But about the dead, that they rise,
have you not read in the Book of Moses, how God spoke to him at the bush and said, `I am the God of
138

Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? 27. He is not the God of the dead, but of the
living. So you are greatly deluded.”
139

28. Then one of the scribes who had heard them arguing and had seen how well Jesus answered them,
came up and asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29. Jesus answered him, “The first
commandment of all is, `Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord. 30. And you shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your understanding and with all
your strength.’ 31. And the second is like it. It is this: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
140

There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32. And the scribe said to Him, “You are right,
Teacher. You have said truly that He is One, and there is no other but Him. 33. And to love Him with
all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your soul and with all your strength, and to
love your neighbor as yourself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34. And
141

when Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of
God.” And no one was daring to question Him any more. 142

35. Then, while teaching in the temple, Jesus answered and went on to say, “How is it the scribes say
that the Christ is David’s son? 36. For David himself said in the Holy Spirit:
`The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand
143

until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

37. So David himself calls Him Lord. Then how is He his son?” And the great crowd heard Him
gladly.
38. And He said to them in the course of His teaching, “Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in

137Cp. Dt. 25:5. The Mishna recommends that this law should not be kept.

138The 2nd Book of Moses, i.e., Ex. 3:2-7.

139Cp. Mt. 22:32; Lk. 20:38.

140A prophecy. Cp. Mt. 22:37-39; Lk. 10:27 and fn’s.

141Cp. 1 Sa. 15:22; Ho. 6:6. Love of God: Dt. 6:4-5; neighbor: Lv. 19:18.

142See parallel passages: Mt. 22:46; Lk. 20:40.

143Some Gk. texts read: “says”; but Ps. 109 (LXX) has “said”. Cp. Mt. 22:44; Lk. 20:42.

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long robes and who like greetings in the market places 39. and front seats in the synagogues and first
144

places at the banquets, 40. who rob widows of their houses and say long prayers for show. They will
145

receive greater judgment.”

41. Then Jesus sat down in front of the treasury and was watching how the crowd put money into the
treasury. 42. And many rich people were putting in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and put
in two copper coins, which make a penny . 43. And He called His disciples to Him and said to them,
146

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all who are putting their offerings into the treasury.
44. For they all put in out of their surplus, while she, out of her poverty, put in all she had, her whole
living.”

13 And as He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher look, what
stones and what buildings!” 2. But Jesus answered and said to him, “You see these great
buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another that will not be knocked down.”
3. And when He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, facing the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew
asked Him privately, 4. “Tell us, when will this be? And what will be the sign when all these things
are going to come to an end?” 5. Then Jesus answered and began to say to them, “See that no one
deceives you. 6. For many will come in My name saying, `I Am,’ and they will deceive many. 7. But
147

when you hear the noise of wars and news of wars, do not be alarmed. For this is bound to happen, but
the end will not be yet. 8. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there
will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings
of the birth pains. 148

9. “But watch out for yourselves. For they will give you up to courts and councils, and you will be
beaten in their synagogues, and you will stand before rulers and kings for My sake as witnesses to
them. 10. But the Gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11. Now when they lead you away
and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand or even consider what you should say, but say whatever is
given to you in that hour. For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12. Then brother
will betray brother to death, and a father will betray his child, and children will rebel against their
parents and will put them to death. 13. And you will be hated by all on account of My name. But
anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved.
14. “But when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing where 149

it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea should escape to the mountains. 15.
And anyone on the roof of his house should not go down into the house or go in to take anything out of
it, 16. and anyone in the field should not return to the things behind to get his cloak. 17. But woe to
women who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days. 18. And pray that your flight may not
take place in winter. 19. For those days will be a time of great affliction such as has not happened from
144Cp. Mt. 23:7; Lk. 11:43; 20:46.

145Mt. 23:13; Lk. 20:47.

146Lit. “two lepta, which make a quadrant”. 40 quadrants = 1 denarion (a day’s wage).

147Cp. Mt. 24:5; Lk. 21:8; Jn. 4:26; 6:20; 8:24,28,58.

148Troubles and sufferings at the birth of the New Aeon, new world, the Kingdom of God on earth. Cp. Jer. 4:31; Ac. 14:22; Rev. 21:1-7.

149See Mt. 24:15 and fn. Cp. Lk. 21:20. Matthew has more accurately “through the prophet...” Cp. Mt. 24:15; 1:22.

22
the beginning of God’s creation until now, and it will never happen again. 20. And unless the Lord cut
those days short, nobody would be saved. But He cut short those days for the sake of His own whom
150

He chose before the foundation of the world. 21. And then if anyone says to you, `Look, here is the
Christ,’ or `Look, there He is,’ do not believe it. 22. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and
will give signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the chosen. 23. So be on the watch. Look, I
have told you everything beforehand.
24. “But in those days after that tribulation,
the sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give her light.
25. The stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 151

26. “And then they will see the Son of Man coming on clouds with great power and glory. 27. And
then He will send His angels and gather His chosen from the four winds, from one end of the earth to
the other. 152

28. “Now learn the parable from the fig tree. When its branch is already becoming tender and
sprouting leaves, you know summer is near. 29. So also, when you see these things happening, you
know that He is near, at the doors. 30. Truly I tell you this age will not pass away until all these
153

things have taken place. 31. The sky and the earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
32. But about that day and hour no one knows except the Father, not even the angels in heaven, not
even the Son. 33. Watch, keep awake and pray, for you do not know when the time will be. 34. It is
like a man away from home who has left his house and has given his servants the authority and to each
one his work, and has told the doorkeeper to keep awake. 35. So keep awake, for you do not know
when the Lord of the house is coming, in the evening or at midnight or at cockcrow or in the morning. 154

36. Otherwise He may come unexpectedly and find you asleep. 37. But what I say to you, I say to all:
keep awake.”

14 Now after two days it was the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests
and the scribes were trying to find out how they might arrest Him by cunning and kill Him.
2. But they were saying, “Not during the feast, in case a riot breaks out among the people. 155

3. And when He was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper, as He was reclining at table, a
woman came holding an alabaster bottle of very costly perfume of pure nard. And she broke the bottle
and poured the oil over His head. 4. But some were indignant and were saying among themselves,
“Why has there been this waste of the perfume? 5. For this perfume could have been sold for more
150Cp. 1 Cor. 15:39; Ac. 2:17. No one would have survived the siege of Jerusalem if it had not been for the presence of “the chosen
(elect)” believers. Cp. Mt. 24:22 and fn.

151Cp. Is. 13:9-13; 34:4; Mt. 24:29; Lk. 21:26; Rev. 6:12-14; 8:12.

152Lit. “to the end of the sky”. It means “from horizon to horizon” as in Mt. 24:31.

153or “generation”. Cp. Mt. 5:18; 24:34-35; Lk. 21:32-33.

154“evening, midnight, cockcrow, morning” represent the four watches of the night. Jesus is the Morning Star whose coming dispels night
(2 Pet. 1:19).

155Cp. Mt. 26:5 for parallel passage with different construction.

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than three hundred denaria and the money given to the poor.” And they were scowling at her. 6. But
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why cause her misgivings? She has done a good work for Me . 7. For 156

you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you are not
157

always going to have Me. 8. She did what she could. She anointed My body beforehand for burial. 9.
Truly I tell you, wherever this Gospel is preached in all the world, what she did will also be told in
remembrance of her.”
10. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them.
11. And after listening to him, they were jubilant and promised to give him money. And he went on
trying to find out how he might conveniently betray Him.
12. Now on the first day of the Unleavened Bread, when they used to sacrifice the Passover, His 158

disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13.
Then He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you carrying
an earthenware jar of water. Follow him. 14. And wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house,
`The Teacher says, “Where is My room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”.’ 15. And
159

he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Prepare for us there.” 16. Then His
disciples went out and came into the city and they found things just as He had told them, and they
prepared the Passover.
17. And when evening came, He arrived with the Twelve. 18. And while they were reclining at table
and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.” 19. Then
they began to be sad and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” And another, “Surely not I?” 20.
But He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve who is dipping his hand in the bowl with
Me. 21. The Son of Man is going, as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son
160

of Man is betrayed. It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”
22. And while they were eating, Jesus took bread and, having said the blessing, He broke it and gave it
to them and said, “Take, eat, this is My body.” 23. Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks He
gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new
covenant which is being poured out for many. 25. Truly I tell you that I will never again drink from the
fruit of the vine until that day when I drink the new wine in the Kingdom of God.”
26. And when they had sung the psalm , they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27. Then Jesus told
161

them, “You will all stumble and fall on account of Me during this night. For it is written, `I will strike
the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into
162

156or “to Me”. Cp. Mt. 26:10.

157Cp. Dt. 15:11.

158Cp. 1 Cor. 5:7.

159Gk. katalyma = caravansery (Lk. 2:7; 22:11). Jesus does not ask for the best room, but for the kind of place where He chose to be
born. But He is given the best, the upper room (v.15). Cp. Ex. 4:24 LXX.

160Cp. Mt. 26:23.

161The last Psalm sung at Passover [135(136)] called “The Great Hallel” (Mt. 26:30)

162Cp. Zac. 13:7; Mt. 26:31. “They stumbled over the stumbling stone” (Ro. 9:32).

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Galilee.” 29. Then Peter said to Him, “Even if all stumble and fall, I will not.” 30. And Jesus said to
him, “Truly I tell you that today, this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three
times.” 31. But Peter kept saying repeatedly, “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You.”
163

And they were all talking in a similar way. 164

32. Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33. But He took Peter and James and John with Him. And He began to be filled with horror and
anguish. 34. Then He said to them, “My soul is sorrowful to the point of death . Wait here and stay
awake.” 35. And He went a little further and fell on His face to the ground. And He was praying that,
if possible, the hour would pass from Him. 36. And He was saying, “Abba, Father, everything is
possible for You. Take away this cup from Me. But not what I want, but what You want.” 37. Then
He came and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, “Simon , are you sleeping? Could you not
165

stay awake for one hour? 38. Stay awake, watch and pray so that you may not come into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39. And again He went away and prayed, saying the same
words. 40. And when He returned, He found them sleeping again, for their eyes were drowsy. And
they did not know what to answer Him. 41. Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you
still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is being betrayed into
the hands of sinners. 42. Get up, let us go. Look! The man who is betraying Me has come.”
43. And immediately while He was still talking, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, appeared. And with
him was a great crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests, the scribes and the
elders. 44. Now the one betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “The One I kiss, He is the
Man. Arrest Him and lead Him away safely.” 45. So when he arrived, he went straight up to Jesus and
said, “Rejoice, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46. Then they laid hands on Him and arrested Him. 47. But
one of the bystanders drew his sword, struck the slave of the chief priest and cut off his ear. 48. Then
Jesus spoke and said to them, “You have come out to capture Me with swords and clubs as if you were
after a robber. 49. Day after day I was with you teaching in the temple and you did not arrest Me. But
(this has happened) that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.” 50. Then they all left Him and escaped.
166

51. But one young man followed Him with only a sheet wrapped around his naked body. And the
167

soldiers caught hold of him. 52. But he left the sheet behind and ran away from them naked.
53. Then they led Jesus away to the chief priest. And with him were assembling all the chief priests,
the elders and the scribes. 54. But Peter followed Him at a distance until he was inside the courtyard of
the chief priest’s palace, and he was sitting with the guards in the firelight and warming himself. 55.
168

Now the chief priest and the whole council kept trying to get evidence against Jesus in order to put Him
to death, but they were not finding any. 56. For many were giving false evidence against Him, but the
evidence was not consistent.

163or “disown”.

164Cp. Mt. 26:35.

165Jesus calls him Simon (a reed), not Peter (a rock).

166Cp. Mt. 26:56. Mark omits the main clause (in parentheses).

167Many writers believe the young man was Mark himself. Only Mk. records this.

168See Lk. 22:56 for identical Gk. phrase “in the firelight”. Cp. Mk 14:67.

25
57. Then some stood up and were giving false evidence against Him, saying, 58. “We heard Him say,
`I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another one made without
hands.’” 59. But even then, their evidence was not consistent. 60. Then the chief priest stood up in the
midst and was questioning Jesus, saying, “Are You answering nothing? What about the evidence these
men are bringing against You?” 61. But He was silent and answered nothing. Again the chief priest
was questioning Him and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62. 169

Jesus said, “I Am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming
170

on the clouds of the sky.” 63. Then the chief priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we need any
171

more witnesses? 64. You have certainly heard His blasphemy. What is your verdict?” And they all
condemned Him as deserving death. 65. Then some began to spit at Him, blindfold Him, strike Him
with their fists and to say, “Prophesy to us who is the one who hit You.” And the temple guards
slapped Him in the face.
66. And while Peter was down in the courtyard, one of the slave girls of the chief priest came along,
67. and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked straight at him and said, “And you were with Jesus
of Nazareth.” 68. But he denied it, saying, “I do not know Him and I do not understand what you are
172

talking about.” Then he went outside into the front yard and a rooster began to crow. 69. And the
slave girl saw him again and started telling the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70. But he again
denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “You are certainly one of them,
for you are also a Galilean and your dialect is like theirs.” 71. But he began to curse and swear, “I do
not know this man you are talking about.” 72. Then for the second time a rooster began to crow. And
Peter remembered what Jesus had told him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three
times.” Then he broke down and wept aloud.

15 And at daybreak the chief priests immediately held a consultation with the elders, the scribes
and the whole council and reached a decision. They bound Jesus, took Him away and
handed Him over to Pilate. 2. And Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He
173

answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” 3. And the chief priests were accusing Him of many
174

things, but He answered nothing. 4. So Pilate began to question Him again saying, “Are You
answering nothing? See how many accusations they are bringing against You.” 5. But Jesus still
answered nothing, so that Pilate wondered.
6. Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner, whichever one they were requesting. 7.
And there was a man called Barabbas among the rebels in prison who had committed murder in the
175 176

169A periphrasis for God. Also “The Power” (v.62).

170Cp. Mk. 13:6; Jn. 4:26 and fn’s.

171Cp. Dan. 7:13-14; Mt. 16:27; 24:30; 25:31-32; Ac. 2:32-36; Rev. 1:7.

172Cp. v.71, “I do not know this man”.

173Cp. Mt. 27:2, “led Him away”; but see Mk. 15:22.

174The meaning of this can be deduced from 14:61-62. See also 15:12,32. Pilate’s question, “Are You the King?” is equal to the chief
priest’s, “Are You the Messiah?” (Anointed King) of v.61.

175Lit. “the partisans, co-rebels”. “who” is plural: all were murderers. Jn. 18:40 says “Barabbas was a robber”.

176Lit. “bound”; but see Lk. 23:19. Mt. 27:16 calls him “a notorious prisoner”.

26
rebellion. 8. And the crowd became clamorous and began to ask him to do for them as he had always
done. 9. So Pilate answered and said to them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the
Jews?” 10. For He knew that the chief priests had handed Him over out of jealousy. 11. But the chief
priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. 12. So Pilate spoke to
them again and said, “Then what do you want me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”
13. And again they shouted, “Crucify Him.” 14. But Pilate was saying to them, “Why, what harm has
He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him.” 15. So, wishing to pacify the crowd, Pilate
released Barabbas for them. And after scourging Jesus, he gave Him up to be crucified.
177

16. Then the soldiers led Jesus away inside the courtyard of the governor’s palace (that is, the
Praetorium), and they called together the whole cohort. 17. And they put a purple robe on Him, and
when they had twisted a crown of thorns, they placed it on His head. 18. Then they began to salute
Him, “Rejoice, King of the Jews.” 19. And they were striking His head with a stick and spitting at Him
and, falling on their knees, they were prostrating themselves before Him. 20. And when they had
finished mocking Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led
Him out to crucify Him.
21. And they forced a passerby coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander
178

and Rufus, to carry His cross. 22. And they brought Him to a place called Golgotha, which means
179

when translated, “Place of a Skull.” 23. And they gave Him wine drugged with myrrh to drink, but He
did not take it. 24. Then they crucified Him and distributed His garments by casting lots for them to
180

see what each should take. 25. Now it was nine o’clock when they crucified Him. 26. And the
181 182

inscription of the accusation against Him was written: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27. And they
crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 28. And the Scripture was
fulfilled which says,
“And He was counted among the lawless.” 183

29. And the people going by were blaspheming Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha, You who
are destroying the temple and building it in three days, 30. save Yourself and come down from the
cross.” 31. Likewise the chief priests and the scribes were also mocking Him and saying to one
another, “He saved others. He cannot save Himself. 32. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down
from the cross now, that we may see and believe Him.” Even the men who were crucified with Him
were blaming Him. 184

177Cp. Mt. 27:26 and fn.

178Lit. “impressed”. Any man could be impressed into service by a tap on the shoulder with the flat of a Roman spear. Cp. Mt. 5:41;
27:32.

179Lit. “carried”.

180Cp. Mt. 27:34.

181Cp. Jn. 19:24.

182Lit. “the third hour”. The “sixth hour” = noon, “ninth hour” = 3 p.m. Cp. Mt. 27:45; Lk. 23:44.

183Cp. Lk. 22:37. Also Is. 53:12 LXX where Gk. has “the outlaws” (or lawless).

184Cp. Mt. 27:42-44 which has “kept blaming Him for the same thing”.

27
33. Now at noon darkness came over all the earth until three o’clock . 34. And at three o’clock Jesus
185

cried with a loud voice saying, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which means when
translated, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?” 35. And some of the bystanders who heard
Him were saying, “See, He is calling Elijah.” 36. But one of them ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar.
And when he had fixed it around a stick, he gave it to Him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah
comes to take Him down.” 37. But Jesus gave a great cry and breathed His last. 38. And the curtain 186

of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39. Now when the centurion who was standing in
front of Him saw how He cried out and expired he said, “This Man really was the Son of God.”
40. Some women were also there, looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene,
Mary the mother of James the Younger and Joseph, and Salome, 41. who used to accompany Him and
serve Him when He was in Galilee. And many other women who had come up with Him to
187

Jerusalem were there.

42. Now when it was evening, as it was Friday (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of
Arimathea arrived. 43. He was an honorable councilor who was himself also looking forward
expectantly to the Kingdom of God. Taking courage, he went in to Pilate and asked for the body of
188

Jesus. 44. But Pilate wondered whether He was already dead. So he called the centurion and asked
him if He were already dead. 45. And when he found this out from the centurion, he granted the body
to Joseph. 46. And he bought a shroud and took Him down from the cross. Then he wrapped Him in
the shroud and laid Him in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock, and he rolled a stone against the
entrance of the tomb. 47. Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were watching where
He was laid.

16 And when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome,
bought perfumes in order to go and anoint Jesus. 2. And very early in the morning, on the
first day of the week, they came to the tomb as the sun was rising. 3. And they were saying among
themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4. But when they
looked up, they saw the stone had been rolled away (it was very large). 5. And when they went into the
tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right-hand side, clothed in a white robe, and they were
terrified . 6. But he said to them, “Do not be terrified. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was
189

crucified. He has risen, He is not here. Look! this is the place where they laid Him. 7. But go and tell
His disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him, as He told
you.” 8. Then they came out and ran from the tomb. They were trembling and terror had seized them.
And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
9. Now after rising early on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from
190

185See v.25 and fn.

186“breathed out His life” or “expired”.

187or “used to minister”. Cp. Mt. 27:55; Lk. 8:3.

188Cp. Lk. 2:25,38. For Joseph of Arimathea, see Mt. 27:57.

189or “astonished, stupefied, stunned, bewildered, awe-struck” (cp. Lk. 4:36). For the impression of fear linked with awe, see Mk. 10:32
(cp. 16:8).

190Slavonic and Russian. The current Gk. omits the actual name.

28
whom He had expelled seven demons. 10. She went and told those who had been with Him, who were
mourning and weeping. 11. But when they heard He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not
believe it.
12. Now after this He appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking along, going
191

into the country. 13. And they went and told the rest, but they did not believe them either.
192

14. Later He appeared to the eleven while they were reclining at table. And He rebuked them for their
unbelief and hardheartedness, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had
risen. 15. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. 16.
193 194

Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who disbelieves will be condemned.
17. And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will expel demons; they will speak
with new tongues; 18. they will pick up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will not harm
195

them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will get well.”
19. Then, after talking with them, the Lord was taken up into heaven, and He sat down at the right
196

hand of God. 20. But they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and
197

confirmed His word by the accompanying signs. Amen. 198

191See Lk. 9:29 where the same word is used.

192Cp. Lk. 24:13-35.

193Cp. Lk. 24:36; Jn. 20:19,26; 1 Cor. 15:5.

194or “the good news”.

195Gk. airo = lift up, take up, take away, carry, remove, kill. Cp. Mt. 24:39; Lk. 23:18; Jn. 19:15 where the same verb is used. For serpent
see Mt. 23:33, “You serpents, sons of vipers...” These words refer to enemy power or to people in the service of the enemy (Lk. 10:19).
Snake-like people are lifted up and killed when they are born from above into the Kingdom of God, having been crucified with Christ
(Gal. 2:20) and raised to newness of life (Ro. 6:3-5).

196This shows that the above words were not His last words.

197Cp. Ac. 1:8-11; Lk. 24:51; Jn. 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:16.

198or “the signs following upon the preaching”.

29
 LUKE
1 Since many people have undertaken to compose a narrative concerning the things that have been
accomplished among us, 2. just as they were handed down to us by those who were eyewitnesses
and servants of the Word from the beginning, 3. it seemed right also for me, as one who has carefully
investigated everything from the first, to write an orderly account for you, Your excellency Theophilus,
4. that you may know the reliability of the matters about which you were informed 1

5. In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zachariah who belonged to the
division of Abijah. His wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6. Both
2

were righteous in God’s sight, faultless in their following of all the commandments and requirements 3

of the Lord . 7. But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and both of them were advanced in
4

years.
8. Now it so happened while he was serving as a priest before God in the course of his week of daily
service, 9. by the custom of the priesthood it fell to him by lot to go into the temple of the Lord and
offer incense. 10. And all the congregation of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12. And
Zachariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear came upon him. 13. But the angel said to him, “Do
not be afraid, Zachariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John. 14. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice over his
birth. 15. For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor and he will be
5

filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16. He will turn many of the people of
6

Israel to the Lord their God. 17. And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the
7

hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord.”
18. Then Zachariah said to the angel, “By what sign shall I know this? For I am an old man and my
wife is advanced in years.” 19. The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, and I stand in the
presence of God and I was sent to talk to you and tell you this good news. 20. But you will hear no
sound and be unable to talk until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my
words which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21. But the people were waiting expectantly for
Zachariah and were wondering why he delayed so long in the temple. 22. And when he came out he
was unable to talk to them, and they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He was making signs
to them, and continued to be deaf and dumb. 23. And when the days of his public service were
completed, he went away to his home.
24. Then after these days his wife Elizabeth conceived. And for five months she secluded herself. 25.
“It is the Lord who has done this for me,” she was saying, “in these days when He has looked upon me

1 or “instructed orally”; but cp. Ac. 21:21,24

2 Lit. “from the daughters of Aaron”.

3 Cp. Ro. 8:4 (Gk.); Gen. 26:5; Ps. 88:32 LXX.

4 or “God”.
5 John was to be a Nazarite: see Nu. 6:1-8.
6 Cp. Lk. 1:41.
7 i.e., John will go before the Messiah as His forerunner (cp. Mal. 3:1; Is. 40:3).

1
to take away my disgrace among people.”
26. Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27.
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name
was Mary. 28. And the angel went in and said to her, “Rejoice, you who are full of grace, the Lord is 8

with you. Blessed are you among women.” 29. But when she saw him, she was deeply troubled by his
words, and she was wondering what kind of greeting this might be. 30. But the angel said to her, “Do
9

not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. 31. And you will conceive in your womb and
give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 32. He will be great and will be called the Son of
the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33. And He will reign
10

over the house of Jacob for ever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34. But Mary said to the angel,
“How will this be, when I am a virgin?” 35. The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will
11

come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. That is why the holy child to be
born will be called the Son of God. 36. And your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old
age, and this is the sixth month for her who used to be called barren. 37. For with God nothing can be
impossible.” 38. Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me according to your word.”
12 13

And the angel went away from her. 14

39. Now in those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah. 40. And
she entered Zachariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41. And when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the child leaped for joy in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42. and she called
15

out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43. But why am I so honored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44. For as soon as the
16

sound of your greeting reached my ears, the child leaped for joy in my womb. 45. And blessed are you
who believe that there will be a fulfillment of what has been told you from the Lord.” 46. And Mary
said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47. and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48. because He has regarded His servant’s humility.
For from now on all generations will call me blessed
49. because He who is mighty and whose name is holy
8 i.e., made gracious by grace: “you have found grace with God” (v.30)

9 Cp. 3:15 where the same Gk. verb occurs.

10 A Jewish periphrasis for God. Cp. 6:35; Ecclus.

7:15; 24:23; 29:11; Ac. 7:48.

11 Following the Slavonic, which omits “to me

12 Also means: “No word from God will be impossible, without power or effect.” Gk. rema means both “word” and “thing”. Words are
things (e.g.: 1:65; 2:15).

13 This indicates not submission but glad embrace: “May it happen...”

14 Cp. 2:15, “the angels went away”.

15 or “jumped, skipped,, frisked, thrilled”. Cp. Ps. 113:4,6, “skipped like rams”.

16 or “my God”. Cp. vv.16-17.

2
 has done great things for me.
50. And His mercy is for those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51. He has shown His power with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the imagination of
17 18

their heart.
52. He has pulled down rulers from their thrones
and has exalted the humble.
53. He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54. He has helped His servant Israel
as He promised to our fathers, 19

55. so as to remember His mercy to Abraham and his sons forever.”

20 21

56. And Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned to her home.
57. Now the time came for Elizabeth’s child to be born, and she gave birth to a son. 58. And her
neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had magnified His mercy in His dealings with her , and 22

they rejoiced with her. 59. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were
calling him by the name of his father Zachariah. 60. But his mother replied and said, “No, he shall be
called John.” 61. And they said to her, “There is no one in your family who is called by that name.”
62. Then they began asking his father by signs what he would like him to be called. 63. And he asked
for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. 64. And suddenly his
mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to talk, blessing God. 65. Then fear came
upon all who were living around them, and all these things were being talked about in all the hill
country of Judea. 66. And all who heard these things laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What in the
world will this child be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 23

67. And his father Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:
68. “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
because He has visited and redeemed His people.

17 or “done acts of power”.

18 Gk. dianoia = mind (10:27), thought understanding, intellect, intention, purpose, etc

19 See Is. 41:8-10.

20 Cp. Hab. 3:2; Jer. 31:20. The order of lines in vv.54b and 55a has been reversed to show that “mercy” refers to Abraham. Gen. 17:1-7;
Heb. 8:8-12; Jer. 31:31-34.

21 Lit. “seed”. Cp. Gal. 3:7; Ro. 4:13-18.

22 Heb. idiom. For a similar Gk. construction, see Gen. 19:19.

23 or “And the power of God”.

3
 69. And He has raised up a mighty salvation for us
24 25 26

in the house of His servant David,

70. as He said through the mouth of the saints
who are His prophets from a former age--
71. salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us--
72. to show mercy to our fathers
27

and to remember His holy covenant,

73. the oath which He swore to our father Abraham to grant us, 28

74. that we should be delivered from the hand of our enemies

to serve Him without fear
75. in holiness and righteousness
before Him all our days.
76. But you, child, will also be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
29

77. to give to His people the knowledge of salvation

in the forgiveness of their sins,
78. through the merciful compassion of our God
by which the Sunrise from on high has visited us,
30

79. to appear to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death,

31

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the deserts until the day of his public
appearance to Israel.
32

2 Now it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should
be taken of the whole world. 2. This first census took place when Quirinius was governor of
Syria. 3. And all were going, each to his own town, to be registered. 4. So Joseph also went up from
Galilee from the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David which is called Bethlehem, because
he belonged to the house and family of David, 5. to have himself registered with Mary, his betrothed

24 Cp. Jg. 3:9,15, “The Lord raised up a Savior”.

25 or “horn”, a metaphor taken from animals whose strength is in their horns.

26 Cp. 2:30.

27 Lit. “do mercy (or love)”. Love is something you do. Cp. 10:37.

28 Cp. Gen. 17:1-21; 22:15-18; Heb. 6:13f.

29 Cp. Dt. 31:3 LXX, “The Lord your God who goes before your face will Himself destroy these nations... and Jesus [Joshua, the Savior]
will go before your face...”

30 Messiah or Christ called “Branch” in Heb. is called “Sunrise” in LXX. See Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zac. 3:8; 6:12. Cp. Mt. 2:23 and fn.

31 Cp. Ac. 27:20, “Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days”.

32 Gk. anadeixis = commissioning, appointment. See Lk. 3:2, “the word (Gk. rema) of God came to John... in the desert”.

4
wife who was with child. 6. Now it happened that while they were there, the days were completed for
33

her child to be born. 7. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. And she wrapped Him in swaddling
cloths and laid Him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn . 34

8. And there were shepherds in the same locality living out in the fields and keeping guard over their
flock through the watches of the night. 9. All of a sudden, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and
35

the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10. But the angel said to
them, “Do not be afraid, for I have good news to tell you which will be a great joy for all the people.
11. Today, in the town of David, a Savior was born for you who is Christ the Lord. 12. And this is the
sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13. And suddenly
there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:
14. Glory to God in the highest.
And on earth peace, goodwill among men.
15. And it happened when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known
to us.” 16. So hurrying off, they went and searched until they found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby
lying in the manger. 17. Then, when they had seen Him, they spoke publicly about what had been told
them about this Child. 18. And all who heard it wondered about what was told them by the shepherds.
19. But Mary was treasuring all these things and reflecting on them in her heart. 20. Then the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard which was just as they
had been told.
21. And when the eight days were completed, it was time to circumcise the Child. And He was called
Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22. And when the days for their purification were completed according to the Law of Moses, they took
Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, 23. as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every
firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord,” 24. and to offer sacrifice according to what is said in
36

the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.” 37

25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And he was a righteous and God-
fearing man, who was expecting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26.
38 39

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the

33Cp. Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:26-35.

34Gk. katalyma = caravansery. But it represents 5 Heb. words in the LXX.

35Cp. Num. 8:26 LXX; Mk. 13:35 and fn. Also Mt. 24:43 and fn. “keeping guard...night”: lit. “keeping watches of the nights over their
flock”. Shepherds work all day and all night. There is no question of “night shifts” here.

36Lit. “male that opens a womb”.

37Cp. Ex. 13:2,12,15; Lv. 5:7; 12:8; Jn. 2:14.

38Cp. corresponding verb: “Moses was afraid to look in the face of God” (Ex. 3:6).

39or “salvation, help”. Cp. Jn. 14:16; Is. 40:1; 49:13; Ac. 9:31; Lk. 3:6.

5
Lord’s Christ. 27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the
40 41

child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the law, 28. Simeon took Him in his arms and
blessed God and said:
29. “Now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
Lord, according to Your word.
30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31. which You have prepared
before the face of all the peoples:
32. the Light of revelation for the nations
and the glory of Your people Israel.”
33. And Joseph and His mother were wondering at what was being said about Him. 34. Then Simeon
blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of
many in Israel and to be a sign that is spoken against, 35. and a sword will go through even your own
soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36. There was also a prophetess Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a woman of
very advanced age, who had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37. and then by
herself as a widow for about eighty-four years. She never left the temple, but worshiped God with fasts
and prayers day and night. 38. And just at this hour she came along, and she was thanking the Lord
and talking about Him to all who were expecting redemption in Jerusalem. 42

39. And when they had completed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to
Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40. And the Child continued to grow and to become strong in
spirit. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
41. Now His parents used to go to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. 42. And when
He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43. And
when the days of the feast came to an end, while they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in
Jerusalem, but Joseph and His mother did not know this. 44. And thinking that He was in the caravan,
they went a day’s journey and only then began to look for Him among their relatives and
acquaintances. 45. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.
46. And it was only after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening
to them and asking them questions. 47. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding
and His answers. 48. And when His parents saw Him they were struck with astonishment. And His
mother said to Him, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I have been suffering agony
looking for You.” 49. But He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know I must
be at My Father’s work in My Father’s house?” 50. But they did not understand what He said to
43

them. 51. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. But His
40or “Messiah”. The Lord’s Anointed Prophet, Priest, King. Cp. Ps. 105(104):15, “Touch not My anointed people (lit. `My christs’)”.

41or “in the Spirit”. Cp. Jude 30; Ro. 8:14.

42Cp. Lk. 2:25; Mk. 15:43.

43One Gk. phrase means both place and action. But here both mean the same thing, for only those are in the Father’s house or kingdom
who are doing His will and building with Him the living temple or Body of Christ. Jesus is the House or Temple (Rv. 21:22; Jn. 2:19-21)
and also “Lord of the House” (Mt. 10:25). God’s House is the Church (1 Tim. 3:15). “Call no one on earth your father” (Mt. 23:9). “My
Father has not been looking for Me. I am with Him always” (Jn. 1:18; 8:29; 10:30).

6
mother was treasuring all these things in her heart.
52. And Jesus kept on growing in wisdom, in stature and in grace with God and with people. 44

3 Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was
governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the
province of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was Tetrarch of Abilene, 2. during the time that
Annas and Caiaphas were the chief priests , the word of God came to John, the son of Zachariah, in
45 46

the wilderness. 3. Then he went throughout all the valley of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of
47

repentance for forgiveness of sins, 4. as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah
48

who says:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make His paths straight.
5. Every hollow will be filled,
and every mountain and hill will be humbled,
and the crooked places will be turned into a straight way
and the rough ways into smooth ways,
6. and all mankind will see the salvation of God.” 49

7. So he was saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers,
who warned you to escape from the coming wrath? 8. Then produce appropriate fruits of repentance. 50

And do not start saying among yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you God can
raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9. But even now the ax is lying at the root of the
trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is cut out and thrown into the fire.”
10. And the crowds were asking him, saying, “So what shall we do?” 11. He answered and said to
them, “Let the man who has two garments share with the man who has none, and let the man who has
food do likewise.” 12. And even the tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him,
“Teacher, what shall we do?” 13. He said to them, “Collect nothing more than what you are ordered.”
51

44Cp. 1 Sam. 2:26, “And the little boy Samuel was growing and was being magnified and was good and gracious with God and with
men” (1 Kgs. 2:26 LXX).

45Lit. “in the time of chief-priest Annas and Caiaphas”. Annas was chief-priest 7-14 A.D. when he was deposed by Valerius Gratus,
Pilate’s predecessor. Joseph Caiaphas was chief-priest 18-36 A.D. when he was deposed by Vitellius. It is clear that Annas retained great
influence, though deposed by Rome (cp. Ac. 4:6).

46Gk. rema = a specific word to a specific person & time.

47Gk. perichoros. Cp. Gen. 13:10-11; 19:17; Dt. 34:3; 2 Chron. 4:17 LXX, etc.

48Lit. “into forgiveness of sins”, i.e., into a growing experience of forgiveness, release and deliverance. Cp. Mt. 3:11 and fn.; Mk. 1:4.

49Cp. Is. 40:3-5 LXX. The use of words like “humbled” shows that it is people and personal relationships that are to be prepared for
Christ’s coming (Lk. 1:17). “Mankind”, lit. “flesh”. Luke omits, “And the glory of the Lord will appear” (Is. 40:5a). Only LXX calls
Jesus “The Salvation of God” (Is. 40:5 = Lk. 3:6).

50Lit. “counterbalancing”. If you have been unjust, practice justice and honesty; if unkind, practice kindness; if selfish, practice
unselfishness, compassion. Cp. Mt. 3:8 (identical).

51Cp. Lk. 7:29; “even the tax collectors”.

7
14. Soldiers also were asking him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not
blackmail or do violence to anyone, and be content with your wages.”
15. Now as the people were in a state of expectancy and all were reasoning in their hearts about John,
whether he was the Christ, 16. John answered them all by saying, “I baptize you with water, but
Someone is coming who is more powerful than I am. I am not fit to undo the strap of His sandals. He
will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire. 17. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will
thoroughly clean His threshing floor, and He will gather the wheat into His barn, but He will burn up
the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18. And so, exhorting them also in many other ways, he was preaching good news to the people. 19. 52

But when Herod the tetrarch was rebuked by John for having Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all
the evils Herod had done, 20. he added this to all the rest, that he shut John up in prison.
21. Now it happened when all the people had been baptized and when Jesus had been baptized and was
praying, heaven was opened 22. and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove in bodily
appearance , and a voice came from heaven saying, “You are My beloved Son. With You I am well-
53

pleased.”
23. And Jesus Himself, at this starting-point, was about thirty years old, being the son, as it was
thought, of Joseph, son of Eli, 24. son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melchi, son of Janna, son of
54

Joseph, 25. son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Naoum, son of Esli, son of Naggai, 26. son of
Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Shemei, son of Joseph, son of Jodah, 27. son of Johana, son of Rhesa,
son of Zorobabel, son of Salathiel, son of Neri, 28. son of Melchi, son of Addi, son of Kosam, son of
Elmodam, son of Er, 29. son of Joses, son of Eliezer, son of Joreim, son of Matthat, son of Levi, 30.
son of Simeon, son of Judah, son of Joseph, son of Jonan, son of Eliakim, 31. son of Melea, son of
Mainan, son of Mattatha, son of Nathan, son of David, 32. son of Jesse, son of Obed, son of Boaz, son
of Salmon, son of Naasson, 33. son of Aminadab, son of Aram, son of Joram, son of Hesrom, son of
Phares, son of Judah, 34. son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Terah, son of Nachor, 35.
son of Saruch, son of Rhagau, son of Phalek, son of Eber, son of Sala, 36. son of Cainan, son of
Arphaxad, son of Shem, son of Noah, son of Lamech, 37. son of Methuselah, son of Enoch, son of
Jared, son of Maleleel, son of Cainan, 38. son of Enos, son of Seth, son of Adam, who was the son of
God.

4 Then Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit, and He was led by the Spirit into the
wilderness, 2. where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. And during those days He had
nothing to eat, but when they were ended He was hungry. 3. Then the devil said to Him, “If You are
God’s Son, tell this stone to become bread.” 4. But Jesus answered and said to him, “It is written,
`Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5. Then 55

52John preached the good news of forgiveness in the O.T. (Ps. 103:1-4; Is. 38:16-20; Jer. 31:30-34) and directed men to Jesus (Jn. 1:29-
37).

53Gk. eidos = appearance. Cp. Ez. 1:16,26; Lk. 9:29; 2 Cor. 5:7; 1 Thes. 5:22.

54Lit. “who was the son of Eli” and so each time to “who was the son of God”. Luke shows all men are brothers of the Messiah. Cp. Heb.
2:11, “The Son who sanctifies and the sons who are sanctified all have one origin or Father”.

55Cp. Dt. 8:3 LXX. Parallel passages: Mt. 4:4 = Lk. 4:4. Man will never live as intended by God on bread because he is spirit, soul and
body and all need to be fed. Gk. rema = word, thing, command. Man lives on whatever God appoints. Cp. Jn. 4:34. Even fasting can be a
source of life if ordered by God. All created things are words spoken into existence by God (Heb. 1:3).

8
the devil transported Him to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a
moment of time. 6. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this power and the glory of these
kingdoms, for it has been given over to me and I give it to anyone I wish. 7. So if You will worship
me, it will all be Yours.” 8. But Jesus answered and said to him, “Go! Get behind Me, Satan. For it is
written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone.’” 9. Then he led Him to 56

Jerusalem and had Him stand on the top of the temple and said to Him, “If You are God’s Son, throw
Yourself down from here. 10. For it is written:
`He will command His angels regarding You
to guard You,
11. and they will lift You on their hands,
lest You strike Your foot against a stone.’ 57

12. But Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” 13. 58

And when the devil had finished every temptation , he left Him for a while .
59 60

14. Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and reports went out about Him through
all the surrounding country. 15. And He was teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all. 61

16. Then He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as was His custom He went into
the synagogue on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read. 17. And a scroll of the prophet Isaiah
was handed to Him. And He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
19. to preach deliverance to prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed, 62

to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” 63

20. Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all the
people in the synagogue were riveted on Him. 21. Then He began to say to them, “Today this scripture

56Mt. 4:10. Cp. Dt. 6:13.

57Ps. 90(91):11-12. Luke omits part of the second line, while Matthew (4:6) drops it all.

58or “try, test”. Cp. Mt. 4:1; Mk. 1:13.

59or “trial, testing”.

60or “until a convenient time”.

61This universal praise in Galilee became total rejection in Nazareth (vv.16-29).

62Is. 58:6 LXX (one line only).

63Cp. Is. 61:1-2 LXX. “The Spirit of the Lord...anointed Me” shows Father, Son and Holy Spirit in distinct yet united action in the work
of salvation. Is. 61:1 LXX identical with Lk. The Hebrew differs a lot. Then Luke inserts Is. 58:6 LXX.

9
I have just read in your hearing is being fulfilled. 22. And all were talking about Him and wondering
64

at the words of grace that came from His mouth. But they kept saying, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23.
So He said to them, “You will certainly be quoting this proverb to Me, `Physician, heal Yourself.’ ` We
heard what happened in Capernaum. Do it here in Your home town as well.’” 24. Then He said, 65

“Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his home town. 25. Now I tell you for certain, there were
many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months,
when a great famine came over all the land. 26. Yet Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Sarepta,
a town of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27. And there were many lepers in Israel at the time of
the prophet Elisha, yet not one of them was made clean except Naaman the Syrian.” 28. But when they
heard this, all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29. And they rose up and drove Him
out of the town and led Him as far as the brow of the hill on which their town was built, in order to
throw Him down headlong. 30. But He went through the midst of them and kept going.
31. Then He came down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath
day. 32. And they were struck with astonishment at His teaching, because He spoke with authority. 66

33. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and it shouted with
a loud voice 34. saying, “Leave us alone. What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have
You come to destroy us? I know who You are: the holy one of God.” 35. But Jesus rebuked it saying,
67

“Be quiet and come out of him.” Then the demon threw him down in their midst and went out of him,
68

having done him no harm. 36. Then awe came over them all, and they kept talking to one another and
69

saying, “What are these words, because with authority and power He gives orders to the unclean
70

spirits and they come out?” 37. And the report about Him was going out into every place in the
surrounding country.
38. Then He rose and went out of the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s mother-in-
law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him about her. 39. And He stood over her and
rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she rose and began to serve them.
71 72

40. Now when the sun was setting, all who had those who were sick with various diseases brought
them to Him. And He was laying His hands on each one of them and healing them. 41. And also

64Lit. “has been brought to fulfillment”. Jesus would have explained that His public ministry was the fulfillment of the prophecy (v.18)
and that the good news of forgiveness and healing was for all the nations. But this only infuriated them and they tried to lynch Him (v.29).

65Cp. Mt. 13:58; Mk. 6:4. Gk. patris = native place, birthplace, native town or country, fatherland. But Jesus was born in Bethlehem, so it
is better to call Nazareth His “home town”. His headquarters was Capernaum (cp. Mt. 4:13).

66Lit. “in authority (power)”. Cp. 5:24; 4:36.

67Cp. Mk. 1:24 and fn. Note inner division: me, us. Cp. Legion, Mk. 5:9.

68Lit. “Be muzzled”. Cp. Mk. 1:25; 4:39.

69Gk. thamvos. Cp. 5:9.

70Cp. Mk. 1:27, “What new teaching...”

71Cp. v.35 where the same word is used; also Mk. 8:33; 9:25.

72Cp. Mt. 4:11; 8:15; Mk. 1:13,31; 15:41; Lk. 8:3.

10
demons were coming out of many people, shouting and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.”
But He rebuked them and would not allow them to talk, because they knew He was the Christ.
42. Now when day came, He went out and walked to a deserted place. But the crowds kept searching
for Him, and they came to Him and tried to keep Him from leaving them. 43. But He said to them. “I
must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because it is for this I have
been sent.” 44. And He continued His preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
73

5 Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing upon Him to hear the word of God, He was
standing by the Lake of Gennesaret . 2. And He saw two boats lying along the lakeside, but the
74

fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3. So He got into one of the boats, which was
76
75

Simon’s, and asked him to push off a little from the land. Then He sat down and went on teaching the
crowd from the boat. 4. Now when He stopped talking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep
and let down your nets for a catch.” 5. Simon answered and said to Him, “Lord , we worked hard all
77

night and caught nothing, but at Your word I will let down the net.” 6. And when they had done this,
78

they enclosed a great quantity of fish. But their net was beginning to break. 7. So they signaled to their
partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats so full they
began to sink. 8. But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell on his knees before Jesus, saying, “Depart
from me, Lord , because I am a sinful man.” 9. For Peter and all who were with him were astounded
79 80

at the catch of fish they had taken, 10. as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were
partners with Simon. But Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching
men.” 11. And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
12. And He happened to be in one of the towns where there was a man full of leprosy. And when he 81

saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him saying, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.”
82

13. And He stretched out His hand and touched him saying, “It is My will. Be clean.” And
immediately the leprosy left him. 14. Then He ordered him not to tell anyone, “But go and show
yourself to the priests and offer what Moses ordered for your purification as evidence for them.” 15.
Yet the news about Him was spreading more than ever, and many crowds kept gathering to hear Him
and to be healed by Him of their illnesses. 16. But He was in the deserts in seclusion and was praying.
73The Kingdom of God was His life mission and purpose from the Father. Cp. Mk. 1:38.

74Luke never calls Gennesaret a sea, and the other three never call it a lake.

75Lit. “standing on (or along) the lake”.

76Lit. “washed”; some texts read: “were washing”.

77Gk. epistata = the boss who must be obeyed.

78He lowered one net, but Jesus said “nets”. He paid for it by getting it broken.

79Gk. kyrie = God whose holiness causes moral agony to the sinner.

80or “awe, fear”; Gk. thamvos.

81Towns were taboo for lepers normally, but cp. Lev. 13:12-13.

82Cp. 22:42; Mt. 6:10; 7:21; Jn. 6:40; 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

11
17. And on one of those days it happened He was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law who
had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem, were sitting there. And
the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18. Then some men came carrying on a bed a man
83

who was paralyzed. And they were trying to bring him in and set him down before Jesus. 19. But
finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down
with his bedding through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. 20. And seeing their
faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins have been forgiven you.” 21. Then the Scribes and Pharisees
84

began to reason and say, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins except God
alone?” 22. But knowing their thoughts, Jesus answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in
your hearts? 23. Which is easier to say, `Your sins have been forgiven you’ or `Get up and walk.’ 24.
But that You may know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins I will do this.” Then
85 86

He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up and pick up your bedding and go to your house.” 25.
And immediately he stood up before them, picked up what he used to lie on and went back to his house
glorifying God. 26. And amazement seized them all and they glorified God. And they were filled with
fear and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
27. And after this He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the toll house. And He
said to him, “Follow Me.” 28. And he left everything, and rose and followed Him.
29. Then Levi gave a great reception for Jesus in his house, and there was a big crowd of tax collectors
and others who were reclining at table with them. 30. But the Pharisees and their scribes started
grumbling at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31. But
Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who have need of a doctor, but those
who are sick. 32. I have not come to call righteous people but sinners to repentance.”
87 88

33. Then they said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples often fast and say prayers, and likewise the
disciples of the Pharisees, but yours are eating and drinking?” 34. So He said to them, “Can you make
the friends of the Bridegroom fast while the Bridegroom is with them? 35. But the day will come
89

when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.”
36. Now He also went on to tell them a parable: “No one puts a patch from a new garment on an old
garment. But if he does, he will tear the new garment, and the patch from the new one will not match
the old one. 37. And no one puts new wine into old wine skins But if he does, the new wine will burst
the skins, the wine will be spilled and the skins destroyed. 38. So new wine must be put into fresh wine
skins, and then both are kept safe. 39. And no one after drinking old wine immediately wants new
wine, for he says, `The old is better.’”
83For Kyrios without the article meaning God, see LXX, e.g., 1 Paral. 17:3. The power of God was there because Jesus was there: “He
was in the world and the world was made by Him” (Jn. 1:10).

84Cp. 1 Jn. 2:12. The Gk. of Mt. 9:2 and Mk. 2:5 is identical.

85or “power”. Cp. Mt. 9:6; 10:1; Jn. 1:12 and fn’s.

86Cp. Mt. 9:6; Mk. 2:10.

87Cp. Mt. 9:12; Mk. 2:17. For “healthy” Mt. and Mk. have “strong”.

88See Rom. 3:10-12,23; 1 Jn. 1:8; Lk. 18:19; Is. 53:6; 64:6.

89Lit. “sons of the bridal-hall”. Cp. Mt. 9:15; Mk. 2:19 and fn.

12
6 Now Jesus was going through the grain fields on a Sabbath, and His disciples were plucking the
90

heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands and eating them. 2. But some of the Pharisees
said to them, “Why are you doing what you are not allowed to do on a Sabbath?” 3. And Jesus
answered and said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and the men who were with
him were hungry, 4. how he went into the house of God and took the loaves of the bread-offering and 91

ate them, and even gave some to the men who were with him, which no one is allowed to eat, except
only the priests?” 5. And He was telling them, “The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.”
6. Now, on another Sabbath, He went into the synagogue and was teaching. And a man was there
whose right hand was withered. 7. But, in order to find an accusation against Him, the scribes and the
Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. 8. But He knew their
thoughts, and He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Get up and stand in the middle.” So he
rose and stood. 9. Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you something. Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do
good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” 10. Then, after looking around at them all, He said to
92

him, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did, and his hand was restored to him like the other one. 11. But
they were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they should do to Jesus.
12. Now it happened in those days that He went out into the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole
night in prayer to God. 13. And when it became day, He called His disciples to Him. And from them
93

He chose twelve, whom He also named apostles: 14. Simon whom He also named Peter, and Andrew
his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of
Alphaeus and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16. Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who
became the traitor. 17. Then He went down with them and stood on a level place. And a crowd of His
disciples and a large number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast of Tyre and
Sidon came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases. 18. Even people troubled by unclean spirits
were also being healed. 19. And the whole crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was going
out from Him and was healing them all.
20. And looking up at His disciples He said,
“Blessed are you who are poor, 94

because yours is the Kingdom of God.

21. Blessed are you who are hungry now,
because you will be filled.
22. Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you, 95

90Lit. “a second-first Sabbath”. Lk. 6:1-5 = Mk. 2:23-28. Mark’s account is fuller and more vivid than Luke’s.

91See 3 Kgs. 7:34 LXX. Cp. Mt. 12:4; Mk. 2:26.

92“life” or “soul”. The Gk. here is identical with that in Mk. 3:4. It did not occur to them that they were breaking the Sabbath in plotting
to kill Jesus. Was it lawful for them to kill, but unlawful for Jesus to save? Cp. Mk. 3:1-5.

93Lit. “in the prayer of God”. Cp. Jas. 2:1; Gal. 2:20; 3:22; Mk. 11:22.

94As in Mt. 5, He is speaking to the disciples: “To you, My disciples, to be poor is a blessing because it keeps you in a state of
dependence on God and possession of the unlimited resources of His Kingdom” (Jas. 1:9-10; Heb. 11:26; 2 Cor. 6:10; 8:7-9). But for the
meaning of “poor” see Mt. 5:3 and fn. Cp. Mk. 10:24-27; Heb. 13:5.

95Gk. also means: separate, banish, exile, ostracize, excommunicate.

13
 and revile and reject your name as evil
96

on account of the Son of Man.

23. Rejoice in that day and dance for joy,
for great is your reward in heaven.
For their fathers used to do the same things to the prophets.
24. But woe to you who are rich,
because you are having your consolation now.
25. Woe to you who are full,
because you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
because you will mourn and weep.
26. Woe when all speak well of you,
for their fathers used to do the same thing to the false prophets.
27. “But I say to you who are listening to Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. 28.
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. 29. To one who hits you on the jaw,
offer the other side as well. And from one who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your coat
either. 30. Give to everyone who asks you, and from one who takes what is yours, do not ask for it
97

back. 31. And so, do for other people just as you wish they would do for you. 98

32. “But if you love those who love you, what grace (from God) do you have? For even sinners love
99

those who love them. 33. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what grace (from God) do
100

you have? For even sinners do the same thing. 34. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to
receive, what grace (from God) do you have? For even sinners lend to sinners, so as to get back an
equal amount. 35. But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them, never giving up hope.
Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the
ungrateful and evil. 36. So be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. 101

37. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over, people will pour into your lap . For the measure you give will be
102

96Lit. “throw out”. To cast out your name may mean, among other things, “to say your are evil” or “to defame your character”. But
basically, it means to reject you because of the name that you bear. “Name” = person (Ac. 1:15; Rev. 3:4).

97Cp. Mt. 5:39-42.

98“The One who knows all things takes the natural law of self-love as the criterion of what anyone would wish to receive from another”
(St. Cyril Alex.). Cp. Mt. 7:12. “For” or “to”. Lit. “And as you want that the men should do for you, and you do for them likewise”. Cp.
Tob. 4:15, “What you hate, you should do to no one else”.

99Words in parentheses not in Gk.

100Vv. 32-34 show the difference between the natural and supernatural life. “Those who are in the natural state cannot please God” (Ro.
8:8). The state of grace is a supernatural state: Ro. 8:9,11,14; Gal. 5:16-25.

101Cp. Jer. 31:3 LXX, “I love you with eternal love. Therefore I draw you to compassion”; also, “The sin of Sodom was pride and
arrogance, too much food and wine, selfish idle prosperity, and no compassion for the poor and needy” (Ezek. 16:49).

102or “bosom” or “fold” of a garment as it hung over a belt or girdle. Cp. Ex. 4:6; Ps. 79(78):12; Jer. 32:18. Parallel verses: Mt. 7:2; Mk.
4:24-25. For kolpos = bay, see Ac. 27:39.

14
the measure you get back.”
39. Then He told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
40. A disciple is not above his teacher, but every fully trained disciple will be like his teacher. 41. 103

But why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, and do not consider the log in your own eye?
42. Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ while you
yourself do not see the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first take out the log from your own eye, and
then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother’s eye.
43. “For there is no such thing as a good tree bearing rotten fruit, or a rotten tree bearing good fruit. 44.
For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not gather figs from thorns , or pick a bunch of 104

grapes from a cactus. 45. The good man brings out what is good from the good store of his heart, and
the evil man brings out what is evil from the evil store of his heart. For the mouth speaks from the
overflow of the heart. 105

46. “But why are you calling Me, `Lord, Lord,’ and not doing what I tell you? 47. I will show you
what everyone is like who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice. 48. He is like
a man building a house, who dug and went down deep, and laid the foundation on the rock. So when a
flood came, the river beat against that house but could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.
49. But anyone who hears and does nothing is like a man who built a house on the ground without a
foundation. And the river battered against it, and immediately it fell. And great was the ruin of that
house!

7 Then, when He had completed all His instructions in the hearing of the people, He entered
Capernaum. 2. Now a centurion had a slave, whom he highly regarded, who was sick and about
to die. 3. But when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, asking Him to come and
save the life of his slave. 4. So when they came to Jesus, they began to beg Him earnestly saying that
106

the man for whom He was going to do this was a deserving person: 5. “For he loves our nation, and
107

he himself built our synagogue for us.” 6. So Jesus went with them. But when He was now not far
from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him to say to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I
am not important enough that You should come under My roof. 7. That is why I did not consider
myself worthy even to come to You. But just speak and with a word my servant will be healed. 8.
108

For I am also a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this one, `Go,’ and
he goes, and to another, `Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,’ and he does it.” 9. Now
when Jesus heard this, He admired him. And He turned and said to the crowd that was following Him,
“I tell you, I have not found such faith as this in Israel.” 10. And when the men who had been sent
109

103Cp. Mt. 10:24; Jn. 13:16; 15:20. Vv. 41-42 show that to avoid being a blind guide of blind people, self-knowledge and self-correction
are indispensable. Cp. “If we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are being corrected by the Lord,
that we may not be condemned with the world” (1 Cor. 11:31-32).

104Cp. Mt. 7:16 “cactus”. The same word as the burning bush: Ex. 3:2; Dt. 33:16; Lk. 20:37.

105Cp. Mt. 12:34-35.

106A different word is used in v.7: “will be healed”.

107Lit. “He will do”.

108Mt. 8:8 has “only speak” but otherwise identical words. Cp. Wis. 16:12; also Mt. 8:16, “He expelled the spirits with a word”.

109Jesus words about Israel are identical in Mt. 8:10. Also, v.8 is identical with Mt. 8:9 except that Luke has an extra word, viz. “placed”

15
returned to the house, they found the slave who had been sick in perfect health.
11. And it happened on the next occasion that He was going to a town called Nain, and a large crowd
and many of His disciples were walking with Him. 12. But as He came near the gate of the town, a
dead man was being carried out -- his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. And a large crowd of
people from the town was with her. 13. And when the Lord saw her, He was filled with compassion
for her and He said to her, “Do not weep.” 14. And He went up to the stretcher and touched it, and the
men who were carrying it stopped and stood still. Then He said, “Young man, I tell you, rise .” 15. 110

And the dead man sat up and began to talk. And Jesus gave him to his mother. 16. Then fear seized
them all and they kept glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us and God has
visited His people.” 17. And this story about Him went out in the whole of Judea and in all the
111

surrounding country.
18. Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. 19. So calling two of his disciples, John sent
them to Jesus to say, “Are You the coming One or should we expect someone else ?” 20. So the men
112 113

came to Jesus and said, “John the Baptist sent us to You to say, `Are You the coming One or should we
expect someone else?’” 21. Now at the same time He healed many people of diseases and afflictions
and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave the gift of sight. 22. Then Jesus answered and
said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind see and cripples walk,
lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the poor are told the good news. 23. And
blessed is anyone who does not stumble over me.” 114

24. Now when John’s disciples had gone away, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John: “What
did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25. But what did you go out to
see? A man dressed in soft garments? Those dressed in splendid clothing and living in luxury are in
kings’ palaces. 26. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a
prophet. 27. This is the man about whom it is written:
`I am sending My messenger before Your face.
115

He will prepare Your way before You.’ 116

28. “For I tell you, among those born of women no one is a greater prophet than John the Baptist. Yet
anyone less in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is. 29. And all the people who heard him, even
the tax-collectors, justified God by being baptized with John’s baptism. 30. But the Pharisees and the
lawyers rejected God’s will and plan for themselves by refusing to be baptized by him.

(Gk. tassomenos).

110Lit. “be raised”. The dead don’t raise themselves. Cp. v.16, “has risen among us”: same Gk. verb.

111“glorify” = make known. God has visited His people in the person of a Prophet.

112Cp. Mt. 11:3 where the Gk. is identical.

113or “different”; Gk. eteron.

114or “Blessed is he who is not stumbled (scandalized) by Me”. Cp. Mt. 11:6.

115or “angel”.

116Mal. 3:1. Differs only slightly from the LXX.

16
31. “So to what shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32. They are like
children who sit in the market-place and call to one another and say:
`We piped for you, and you did not dance.
We mourned for you, and you did not weep.’ 117

33. For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, `He has a
demon.’ 34. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, `See what a glutton and
wine-drinker He is, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35. Yet Wisdom is justified by all His
children.” 118

36. Then one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him. So He went to the Pharisee’s house and
reclined at table. 37. Now there was a woman in the town who had been a sinner. And when she 119

knew He was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster bottle of perfume. 38.
And standing behind Him and weeping aloud, she began to wet His feet with her tears and kept wiping
them with her hair. And she was kissing His feet affectionately and was anointing them with the
perfume. 39. But when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man
were a prophet, He would know who and what the woman is who is touching Him -- that she is a
sinner.” 40. Then Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said,
“Tell me, Teacher.” 41. “There were two men who were debtors to some moneylender. The one was
owing five hundred denaria and the other fifty. 42. But as they had no means of paying, he graciously
120

forgave them both. Now tell Me, which of them will love him more?” 43. Simon answered and said,
“I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” Jesus said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44. And
turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “You see this woman? I came into your house. You gave Me
no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45. You
gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased kissing My feet affectionately from the moment she
came in. 46. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. 47.
That is why I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, because she loved much. But anyone who is 121

forgiven little loves little.” 48. Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49. But those 122

who were reclining at table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives
sins?” 50. But He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” 123

117They refused to play weddings and funerals. John refused to dance to the piping of the world, to rejoice with unbelievers. Jesus refused
to be melancholy over what makes worldly people sad. He never celebrated funerals, only resurrections.

118The results vindicate God’s plan. John’s austerity and Jesus’ humanity are not contradictory but complementary. Daily repentance
(Ac. 17:30; Lk. 24:47) and daily marriage (Mt. 11:29; 22:4) are essential parts of the Gospel. God’s children vindicate His wisdom in His
gifts of both Law and grace.

119St. Cyril Alex. says: “See the accomplishment of what He promised through the holy prophets, `I will save you from all your
uncleannesses’ (Ezek. 36:29). For we have been justified by faith... and have Him in us as a sweet perfume. As wise Paul writes: `We are
a sweet perfume of Christ to God’ (2 Cor. 2:15).”

120Gk. denarion = a day’s wage.

121Her sins had been forgiven previously, and because of her release from her chains she was able to love. Her love was the result and
proof of her forgiveness.

122She was still regarded as a notorious sinner, in spite of her being saved and forgiven. So, now Jesus publicly rehabilitates her with
society.

123Lit. “Go into peace”. The Kingdom of Heaven, righteousness, justice, love, salvation, justification, sanctification, eternal life, peace

17
8 And soon afterwards He was traveling from town to town and village to village, preaching and
telling the good news of the Kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2. and also some
women who had been healed of diseases, afflictions, evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called
Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3. and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s
treasurer, and Susanna, and many others, who were providing for Him from their resources.
124

4. Now when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town were coming to Him, He
spoke by means of a parable: 5. “The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some
fell on the road and was trampled on, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6. And other seed fell on the
rock and sprouted, but then it withered away because it had no moisture. 7. And other seed fell among
thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8. And other seed fell into good ground, and when
it grew up it bore fruit a hundredfold.” While saying these things, He used to call out, “Anyone who
has ears to hear, let him hear.”
9. But His disciples were asking Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10. So He said, “It has
been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest they are given in
parables, so that
`while seeing, they may not see,
and while hearing, they may not understand.’ 125

11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12. The seed that fell on the road refers to
those who hear it. Then the devil comes and snatches away the word from their heart, so that they may
not believe and be saved. 13. The seed on the rock refers to those who, when they hear the word,
receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in time of trial they fall away.
14. The seed that fell among thorns refers to those who hear, but as they go they are choked by the
worries and riches and pleasures of life, and they bear no fruit. 15. But the seed that fell on good
126

ground refers to those who hear the word and hold it in a good and generous heart, and bear fruit with
perseverance .” 127

16. “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but he puts it on a
lamp stand, that those who come in may see the light. 17. For there is nothing hidden that will not
become evident. There is nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18. So watch 128 129

how you hear. For whoever has will be given more. But whoever has not, even what he thinks he has
will be taken away from him.”
19. Then His mother and His brothers came for Him, but they could not reach Him because of the
crowd. 20. And it was reported to Him by some, saying, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing
are not only a gift and present reality, but also a growing experience and objective. Gk. eis = into. Cp. Ac. 16:36; Jas. 2:16, Gk. en = in.

124or “serving, assisting, helping”.

125Is. 6:9 paraphrased from the LXX. Cp. Mt. 13:13; Mk. 4:12.

126Cp. Mt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19.

127or “patience, endurance, persistence”.

128Cp. 12:2; Mk. 4:22.

129Lit. “see”. Cp. Mk. 4:24, “See (watch) what you hear”.

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outside, wanting to see You.” 21. But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are
those who hear the word of God and do it.”
22. Now, on one of those days, Jesus and His disciples stepped into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us
go across to the opposite shore of the lake.” And they set sail. 23. But as they were sailing, He fell
asleep. And a violent wind swept down on the lake, and they were filling up with water and were in
danger. 24. So they went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, Lord, we are perishing.” Then He got up
130

and rebuked the wind and the turbulence of the water, and they subsided and there was a calm. 25.
Then He said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they were frightened and wondered, saying to one
another, “Who ever is this? He even commands the winds and the water, and they obey Him.”
26. And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27. Now when He got
out on the land, a man from the town met Him who for a considerable time had had demons in him and
was not wearing clothes or living in a house but in the tombs. 28. And when he saw Jesus, he shouted
and fell down before Him and said in a loud voice, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the
Most High God? I implore You, do not torture me.” 29. For He had ordered the unclean spirit to go
out of the man. For many a time it had seized him, and he used to be guarded and bound with fetters
and chains, but he kept breaking the shackles and was driven by the demon into the wilderness . 30. 131

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had gone
into him. 31. And they were begging Him not to order them to go into the bottomless pit. 32. Now 132

there was a herd of many swine there grazing on the mountain. And the demons were begging Him to
allow them to go into the swine. And He allowed them. 33. Then the demons came out of the man and
went into the swine, and the herd stampeded down the slope into the lake and were drowned.
34. But when the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and reported it to the town and to the
farms. 35. So the people went out to see what had happened. And they came to Jesus and found the
man from whom the demons had gone out sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and sane, and they were
afraid. 36. But those who had seen it told them how the man afflicted by demons was saved. 37. Then
the entire population of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Him to go away from them,
because they were seized with great fear. So He got into the boat and returned. 38. But the man from
whom the demons had gone out kept asking to be with Him. But Jesus sent him away saying, 39. “Go
back to your family and tell them how much God has done for you.” And he went off proclaiming all
over the town how much Jesus had done for him.
40. Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they were all expecting Him. 41. At that
time, a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at the feet of Jesus and was
begging Him to come to his house, 42. because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and
she was dying.
And as He was going along, the crowds were almost crushing Him. 43. Now a woman suffering from
133

a flow of blood for many years, who had spent all her money on doctors without finding one who could

130Cp. Heb. 12:6, “The Lord corrects anyone He loves”. Fear spells danger. Faith dispels fear and danger.

131or “deserts, wastelands”.

132Cp. Num. 16:30,33; Pr. 23:14; Rom. 10:7; Rev. 9:1-2.

133Gk. sympnigein = stifle, suffocate, throttle, strangle, squeeze.

19
heal her, 44. came up behind Him and touched the hem of His garment, and instantly her flow of
134

blood stopped. 45. Then Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” And when all denied it, Peter and those who
were with Him said, “Lord, the crowds are jostling and pushing You, and yet You say, `Who touched
Me?’” 46. But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, for I know power went out from me.” 47. So when 135

the woman saw she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him. And before
all the people she told Him the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been instantly
healed. 48. Then He said to her, “Take courage, daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” 136

49. While He was still talking, someone from the synagogue ruler’s house came and said to him, “Your
daughter has died. Do not trouble the Teacher.” 50. But Jesus heard and answered him, saying, “Do
not be afraid. Only believe and she will be healed.” 51. But when He came to the house, He allowed
no one to enter except Peter, John and James and the child’s father and mother. 52. Now they were all
weeping and wailing over her. But He said, “Do not weep. She is not dead but asleep.” 53. And they
started laughing at Him in derision, knowing she was dead. 54. So He put them all out. Then, taking
hold of her hand, He called her, saying, “My child, get up.” 55. And her spirit returned and she stood
up immediately. Then He ordered her to be given something to eat. 56. And her parents were in
ecstasy, but He ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

9 Then He called together His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over all the
demons and to heal diseases. 2. And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the
sick. 3. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, no bag, no bread, no money,
and do not have two coats each. 4. And in whatever house you enter, stay there and go out from
there. 5. And if people will not receive you, shake off even the dust from your feet as a protest
137

against them when you leave that town.” 6. So they went out and were going from village to village,
preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 138

7. Now Herod the Tetrarch heard about all that was being done by Jesus, and he was puzzled because it
was being said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8. by others that Elijah had appeared,
by others that some prophet of ancient times had risen from the dead. 9. But Herod said, “I beheaded
139

John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.
10. And the apostles returned and told Jesus what they had done. Then, taking them along, He
withdrew privately to a deserted place by a town called Bethsaida . 11. But when the crowds learned
140

about it, they followed Him. And He welcomed them and went on talking to them about the Kingdom
of God, and He healed those who were in need of healing.
12. Now the day was approaching sunset, so the twelve came to Him and said, “Send the crowd away
134or “tassel”. Cp. Num. 15:37-40; Dt. 22:10.

135Cp. Mk. 5:29, “She knew by her body that she was healed of her affliction”.

136Lit. “into peace”. See fn. at 7:50.

137They were to work from fixed centers (cp. Lk. 10:7). “Go out” or, “Be going out”.

138Cp. Mk. 6:12-13.

139Cp. Dt. 18:15; Jn. 7:40-42; Ac. 10:43. (Cp. 9:19 for identical Gk.).

140Bethsaida Julias, north of the Sea of Galilee, not Bethsaida of Galilee on the west shore of the lake. Cp. Mk. 8:27; Mt. 16:13.

20
that they may go to the surrounding farms and villages to lodge and find provisions, because we are in
a deserted place here.” 13. But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” But they said,
“We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people,” 14.
for there were about five thousand men. But He said to His disciples, “Have them recline in groups of
fifty.” 15. And they did so and had all the people recline. 16. Then taking the five loaves and the two
141

fish and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them and was giving them to the disciples to set
before the crowd. 17. And they all ate and were satisfied. Then they picked up and carried away
twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
18. And it happened that He was praying in solitude and the disciples were with Him. And He
questioned them, saying, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19. So they answered and said, “John the
Baptist. But others say Elijah, while others say some prophet of ancient times has risen from the dead.”
20. And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Then Peter answered and said, “God’s
Christ.” 21. But He warned and ordered them not to tell this to anyone, 22. saying, “The Son of Man
142

must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, and be killed, but be raised on
the third day.”
23. And He was saying to all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up 143

his cross daily and follow Me. 24. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
144

his life for My sake will save it. 25. For what use will it be if a person gains the whole world but
145

forfeits or destroys himself? 26. For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will
146

be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27.
But I tell you truly, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the
Kingdom of God.”
28. Now it was about eight days after these sayings that He took along Peter, John and James and went
up into the mountain to pray. 29. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became
147

different and His clothing became white like flashing lightning. 30. Then two men were talking with
148

Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31. who appeared in glory and were speaking about His exodus 149

141Cp. Mk. 6:39-40 for greater detail.

142or “The Christ of God”.

143or renounce, obliterate, ignore, disown, lose, annihilate, forget himself, cross self out, say “No” to self. Cp. Mk. 8:34; Mt. 16:24 and
fn’s.

144“follow”, or “accompany”. “Take...cross” = die to self and be yoked (Gal. 2:20; Mt. 11:29).

145The Gk. also means: “Whoever wants to save his soul (or himself) will lose his soul (or himself), but whoever loses his soul (or
himself) for My sake will save his soul (or himself). Gk. psyche = soul, self, life. Cp. Mt. 16:25; Jn. 12:25.

146Cp. Mt. 16:26; Mk. 8:36 and fn’s.

147Cp. Ps. 88:13.

148Luke, writing primarily for non-Jews, avoids the Gk. word used by Matthew and Mark as liable to be confused with the
metamorphosis of Greek gods and oriental religions. Cp. Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2.

149Cp. Gk. of Heb. 11:22; 2 Pet. 1:15; Wis. 3:2; 7:6. In the last 3 ref’s. exodus = death. The Passover commemorated the Exodus of Israel
from Egypt. Jesus’ death was the “deliberate will and plan of God” (Ac. 2:33), the focus and fulfillment of the Law and Prophecy. Cp. Is.
53; Ps. 21(22). Note: “fulfill in Jerusalem”.

21
which He was going to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32. Now Peter and those who were with him were getting
drowsy. But they stayed awake and saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. 33. And it
150

happened as these two were leaving Jesus, Peter said to Him, “Lord, it is good for us to be here, so let
us make three shrines, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah” -- not knowing what he was
151

saying. 34. And while he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them. And they were
152

afraid as they entered the cloud. 35. Then a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My beloved
Son. Listen to Him.” 36. And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found to be alone. And they kept
silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
37. Now it happened on the following day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd
came to meet Him. 38. And a man called out from the crowd, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look at
my son, because he is my only child. 39. A spirit seizes him and suddenly screams, then it throws him
into convulsions with frothing at the mouth. And only after a violent struggle does it go away, leaving
him covered with bruises. 40. And I asked Your disciples to expel it, but they were not able.” 41. But
Jesus answered and said, “O unbelieving and distorted generation, how long shall I be with you and be
patient with you? Bring your son here.” 42. But while he was still coming to Him, the demon cast him
down and threw him into convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy and
gave him back to his father. 43. Then all were struck with amazement at the greatness of God.
While everyone was wondering about all He did, He said to his disciples, 44. “Let these words sink
in: the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45. But they did not understand
153 154

what He said, and it was hidden from them, so that they could not make any sense of it. And they were
afraid to ask Him about this matter.
46. Now the thought arose among them, which of them would be greater. 47. But Jesus saw the
thought of their heart, so He took a little child and stood him beside Him. 48. And He said to them,
“Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me. And whoever receives Me receives the
One who sent Me. For the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.” 155

49. Then John answered and said, “Lord, we saw someone expelling demons in Your name, and we
stopped him, because he does not follow You with us.” 50. But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him,
for he is not against you. For whoever is not against you is for you. 51. Now it happened that when the
days were completed for His ascension, He set His face to go to Jerusalem. 52. Then He sent
156

150Cp. Mt. 26:43 where the same Gk. word occurs.

151Cp. Mt. 17:4 and fn.

152Cp. Mk. 9:6, “because they were terrified”. Fear cause incoherence.

153Lit. “Put these words into your ears”.

154Gk. means both “betrayed” and “given up”.

155Jesus does not say greater but great (v.48). He gives no incentive to the desire to be above others. But true greatness is open to all (Mt.
5:19; Eph. 4:13-15; Mt. 20:26).

156Lit. “assumption”. “By this is meant that the time had come for him to ascend to heaven and live with God the Father” (St. Cyril Alex.,
56). Cp. 1 Tim. 3:16.

22
messengers in advance of Him. And going ahead they entered a village of the Samaritans, in order to
157

prepare for Him. 53. But the Samaritans did not receive Him, because He was going to Jerusalem. 158

54. Now when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to call fire to
come down from heaven and destroy them, as Elijah did?” 55. But He turned and rebuked them and
159

said, “You do not know what spirit you belong to. 56. The Son of Man did not come to destroy
people’s lives , but to save them.” And they went to another village.
160

57. Now as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever
You go.” 58. But Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have places to
roost , but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59. Then He said to another man, “Follow
161

Me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60. But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead
bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” 61. And another also said, “I will
follow You, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my people at home.” 62. But Jesus said to him, “No
one who has put his hand to the plow and then keeps looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God.” 162

10 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others also. And He sent them two by two before
Him to every town and place where He Himself was going to come. 2. And He was telling
them, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will
send out workers into His harvest. 3. Go! Behold I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4.
Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5. But in whatever house you enter,
first say, `Peace to this house.’ 6. And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him . But if 163

not, it will return to you. 7. But stay in the same house, eating and drinking what they give you. For
the worker deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house. 8. And in whatever town you
164

enter and they receive you, eat what is put before you. 9. And heal those in it who are sick and tell
them, `The Kingdom of God has come to you.’ 10. But in whatever town you enter and they do not
165

receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11. `Even the dust from your town which is sticking to our
feet we wipe off (and leave) to you. But be sure of this, the Kingdom of God has come to you.’3 12.
And I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
13. “Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida, for if the miracles which took place in you had
taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14.

157Lit. “before his face”, a Hebraism.

158Lit. “His face was going to Jerusalem”, another Hebraism. Anecdotally: cp. 2 Kgs. 17:11 LXX (2 Sam. 17:11).

159Luke omits the naming of James and John “sons of thunder” (Mk. 3:17), but he gives this glimpse of their fiery temper.

160or “souls”.

161Cp. Mt. 8:20 and fn.

162Lit. “No one having put his hand on a plow and looking to what is behind is fit...”

163or “it”. Lk. 10:6 = Mt. 10:13.

164“stay...house”: cp. 9:4. “the worker...wages”: quoted verbatim in 1 Tim. 5:18; cp. Rom:4:4. “wages”, or “reward”: cp. Mt. 5:12; 10:10.
Cp. vv.7-8: They are not to be greedy or choosy.

165“The Kingdom...come”: cp. Mt. 3:2; 4:17; 12:28; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 11:20. “On that day” (v.12): cp. v.14, “at the judgment”.

23
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15. And you,
Capernaum, exalted to heaven, you will go down to hell. 166

16. “Anyone hearing you hears Me, and anyone rejecting you rejects Me. And anyone rejecting Me
rejects the One who sent Me.”
17. Then the seventy returned with joy saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”
18. But He said to them, “I was watching Satan falling like lightning from heaven. 19. Look, I am 167

giving you authority to trample upon snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and
nothing at all will harm you. 20. Yet do not rejoice in the fact the spirits submit to you, but rejoice
because your names are written in heaven.” 168

21. In the same hour Jesus exulted in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and 169

earth, that you hid these things from wise and intelligent people and revealed them to little ones. Yes,
170

Father, I thank You that this was Your good will.” 22. Then turning to the disciples He said,
“Everything has been entrusted to Me by My Father. And no one fully knows who the Son is except
the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”
23. And turning to the disciples He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24. For
I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you
hear but did not hear it.”
25. Then a lawyer stood up and tried to trap Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal
life?” 26. Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27. He answered
171

and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28. He said to him, “You have
172

answered correctly. Do this and you will live.”

29. But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30. So in reply Jesus 173

said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among robbers, who stripped
him and beat him. Then they went away, leaving him half dead. 31. Now by a coincidence a priest
was going down on that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32. Likewise 174

166Capernaum was the headquarters of the King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15), exalted to heaven by His preaching, teaching and miracles (cp.
Mt. 11:21-24). “Hell”, lit. “hades”.

167Lit. “from the sky”. Satan is sky-high when ruling human hearts and bodies. “Falling” perpetually in the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:3).

168i.e., “Rejoice that you are living in heaven with Me” (cp. Heb. 12:22-24).

169Lit. “I confess to You” (as Mt. 11:25). Confession is praise of God who raises the dead to life.

170“Wise” = Scribes and Pharisees. “Intelligent” = Sadducees and Herodians (cp. Mt. 11:25). See Lk. 18:17; Mk. 10:15; Mt. 18:3; Jas.
4:6. God delight to make wise the blind.

171Lit. “By doing what will I inherit eternal life?” Cp. Lk. 18:18.

172Dt. 6:5; Lv. 19:18; Cp. Mt. 22:37 and fn.

173Dt. 15:2-12; Jer. 34:17; Lv. 19:33-34 LXX.

174Ex. 23:4-5; Nm. 18:7. Nothing happens by luck or chance (see Pr. 16:33). A coincidence is a concurrence of events.

24
a Levite, when he came to the place, went and looked at him, but passed by on the opposite side.
33. But a Samaritan who was traveling that way came upon him and when he saw him, he was filled
with compassion. 34. And he went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then he lifted him onto his own animal, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35. On the next
day, as he was leaving, he took out two denaria , gave them to the innkeeper and said to him, `Take
175

care of him, and if you spend any more, I will repay you when I come again.’ 36. Now which of these
three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37. He said, “The one
who did the merciful thing for him” Then Jesus said to him, “You go and do likewise.”
176

38. Now as they were traveling He entered a village. And a woman named Martha received Him into
her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, who was also sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His
word. 40. But Martha was distracted about much serving, so she came to Him and said, “Lord, do
177

You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41. But Jesus
answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42. But
one is needed. And Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
178

11 And it happened as Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He stopped, one of His
disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples.” 2. So He
said to them, “When you pray, say:
`Our Father who is in the heavens,
Your name be sanctified.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
3. Give us each day our essential bread.
4. And forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us.
And do not bring us into temptation , 179

but deliver us from the evil one.’”

5. And He said to them, “Which of you will have a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to
him, `Friend, lend me three loaves, 6. because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me and I have
nothing to offer him?’ 7. And suppose from indoors he answers and says, `Do not bring me your
troubles. The door is already bolted and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up to give you
180

anything.’ 8. I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet
because of his friend’s persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9. And so I tell
181

175Plural. A denarion, a day’s wage, was a small silver coin.

176or “the one who did the work of mercy (love) in dealing with him”. Cp. Gen. 24:12; 39:21 LXX; Lk. 1:58,72 Gk.

177“also sitting”, i.e., Mary had been working, but was now listening.

178The One is God. “Things” cannot satisfy. Cp. Mt. 5:6; Jer. 33:16.

179or “trial, testing”. Cp. 4:13; Mt. 6:13.

180Typically Eastern scene: the whole family in bed together under one cover.

181He is not ashamed to ask and trust even a capricious, human friend. How much more should we ask our heavenly Father with complete
faith and trust.

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you, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. 10. For
everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be
opened. 11. Now if a son asks any father among you for bread, will he give him a stone? Or if asks
182

for a fish, will he give him a snake? 12. Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion?” 13. So
if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father
give from heaven the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
183

14. And He was expelling a demon, which was dumb. But when the demon went out, the dumb man
spoke, and the crowds were filled with wonder. 15. But some of them said, “He expels the demons by
Baalzebul, the chief of the demons,” 16. while others were trying to trap Him by demanding from
184

Him a sign from heaven.

17. But knowing their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined, and a
family divided against itself falls apart. 18. Now if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his
kingdom stand? I ask this because you say I expel the demons by Baalzebul. 19. But if I expel the
demons by Baalzebul, by whom do your sons expel them?” Therefore they will be your judges. 20.
But if I expel the demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come to you. 21. When 185

the fully armed strong one guards his own residence, his belongings are in peace. 22. But when the one
stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, he carries off his weapons in which he trusted and
distributes his spoils. 23. Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who is not gathering
with Me is scattering.
24. “When the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it goes through waterless places seeking rest. 186

And not finding any, it says, `I will return to my house where I came from.’ 25. And when it comes, it
finds the house swept and put in order. 26. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil
than itself, and they enter and settle there, and the last state of that person becomes worse than the
first.”
27. Now it happened as He was saying these things, some woman from the crowd raised her voice and
said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts that nursed You.” 28. But He said,
“Yes indeed, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
187 188

29. While the crowds were pressing in upon Him, He began to say, “This generation is an evil
generation. It wants a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 30. For as

182Lk. 11:9,10 and Mt. 7:7,8 contain identical wording but different contexts.

183“Holy Spirit” = Slavonic. The present Gk. text reads “Good Spirit”.

184i.e., by the power of Baalzebul or Satan (see 10:18). Cp. Mt. 12:24-27.

185Cp. Mt. 12:28; Ex. 8:19; 31:18. “Finger” = Spirit.

186Interpreted as the unbaptized by St. Gregory Nazianzen in his 35th “Oration on Holy Baptism”. Israel is pictured as a demoniac (24-
26).

187Gk. menounge = yes, indeed. Cp. Rom. 10:18; Phil. 3:8.

188The Lord means: “There is nothing haphazard or sentimental about My mother’s happiness and blessedness. It is the direct result of
her receiving and obeying the word and will of God.” It is open to all: cp. 8:21; Mt. 12:50; Mk. 3:35.

26
Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so also will the Son of Man be a sign to this generation. 31.
The queen of the South will rise in judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now Someone
greater than Solomon is here. 32. The people of Nineveh will rise at the judgment with this generation
and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now Someone greater than
Jonah is here.
33. “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a bucket , but on the lamp stand, so that those
189

who enter may see the light. 34. The lamp of the body is the eye. So when your eye is single, your 190

whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is dark. 35. See to it, then,
that the light that is in you is not darkness. 36. So if your whole body is full of light and has no part of
it dark, all will be full of light as when a lamp illumines you with its light.”
37. Now after He had said this, some Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him. So He went in and
reclined at table. 38. But the Pharisee was surprised to see He did not first wash before lunch. 39. So
the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full
of malice and greed. 40. Unthinking people, did not He who made the outside make the inside also?
41. But give alms of what is within, and everything will be clean for you.
191

42. “But woe to you Pharisees, because you tithe mint and rue and every vegetable, and you bypass
justice and the love of God. But these you ought to have practiced without neglecting those other
things. 43. Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the front seat in the synagogues and the greetings
192

in the market places. 44. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like unseen
graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” 193

45. Then one of the lawyers answered and said to him, “Teacher, by saying this, you insult us also.”
46. But He said, “And woe to you lawyers, because you burden the people with unbearable burdens,
yet you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47. Woe to you, because you
194

build the tombs and monuments of the prophets and your fathers killed them. 48. So you witness and
consent to your fathers’ actions, because they killed the prophets, while you build their tombs and
monuments. 49. And that is why the Wisdom of God said:
`I will send to them prophets and apostles,
and some of them they will kill,
and some they will persecute,’ 195

50. so that the blood of all the prophets that has been shed from the beginning of the world may be
189or “grain-measure”. “The”, i.e., the only one; cp. Mt. 5:15; Mk. 4:21.

190Cp. Mt. 6:22 and fn.

191Cp. Lk. 6:30-38; 9:2; 10:37; Rom. 13:8; Col. 1:27; Ac. 1:8; 20:35; Jas. 5:16.

192Cp. Mt. 23:23 and fn.

193And by touching tombs unawares become unconsciously contaminated (Nu. 19:16). Cp. Mt. 23:27 where the Pharisees are said to be
like whitewashed tombs full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

194You ought to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill My law of love (Gal. 6:2).

195Cp. 2 Chron. 24:19-22; 36:15-16. “The Wisdom of God” is Jesus in Mt. 23:34.

27
required of this generation, 51. from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah who was killed
between the altar and the house. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52. Woe to you
196

lawyers, because you have taken away the key of knowledge. You have not entered yourselves, and
those who are entering, you have hindered.” 197

53. As He was saying these things to them, the scribes and Pharisees began to attack Him fiercely and
to question Him on many subjects, 54. lying in wait for Him and trying to catch something out of His
mouth, in order to have an accusation against Him.

12 In the midst of this, as a crowd of thousands gathered so that they were trampling on one
198

another, He began to say first of all to His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,
199

which is hypocrisy. 2. But there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that
will not be known, 3. because whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what
you have whispered in people’s ears in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
4. “But to you who are My friends I say, `Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that
have nothing more they can do. 5. But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear the One who, after
killing your body, has the power to cast you into hell . Yes, I tell you, fear Him. 6. Are not five little
200

sparrows sold for two cents ? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. 7. But even the hairs of
201

your head are all counted. So do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.’
8. “But I tell you, whoever confesses Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess before the
angels of God. 9. But whoever denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God. 10.
202

And everyone who says a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But anyone who
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11. And whenever they bring you before the
203

synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how or what you should reply in
your defense, or what you should say. 12. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you
ought to say.”
13. Then someone out of the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of our
property.” 14. But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a divider or judge over you?” 15. Then
204

He said to them, “Watch and keep yourselves from every kind of greed, because it is not in the
abundance of our possessions that our life consists.” 16. Then He told them a parable, saying, “The

196Cp. Mt. 23:29-36 and fn.; 2 Kg. 16:14.

197Cp. Mt. 23:14; 19:14; Mk. 10:14; 9:38-40; Lk. 9:50.

198Lit. “myriads”. Cp. Ps. 3:7; Ac. 21:20.

199Cp. Mt. 16:12.

200Gk. gehenna. Cp. Mt. 18:9 and fn. See Mt. 6:15; Mk. 11:26. Lk. 12:5 = Mt. 10:28.

201Gk. assaria, pl. of assarion: 10 = 1 denarion (a day’s wage).

202Cp. Mt. 10:32.

203Cp. Lev. 24:16; blasphemes = names (LXX).

204Lit. “to share (divide) the inheritance with me”.

28
land of a rich man yielded well. 17. And he kept reasoning to himself saying, `What shall I do, because
I have nowhere to gather my crops.’ 18. And he said, `This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns
and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and my goods. 19. And I will say to my
soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink and enjoy
yourself.”’ 20. But God said to him, `Foolish man, this very night they are demanding your soul from
205

you. But the things you have prepared, for whom will they be?’ 21. Such is the man who hoards
206

things for himself, but is not rich in God.” 207

22. Then He said to His disciples, “That is why I tell you, do not worry about yourself , what you are 208

going to eat, or how you are going to clothe your body. 23. Is not the soul more than food and the body
more than clothing? 24. Consider the ravens, because they neither sow nor harvest, they have neither
storeroom nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more are you worth than the birds? 25. But which
of you, by worrying, can add one day to his life? 26. So if you cannot do even the least thing, why do
209

you worry about the rest? 27. Consider how the lilies grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you,
even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28. But if God so clothes the grass of
the field, which is here today and tomorrow is put in an oven, will He not much more clothe you, O
210

you of little faith? 29. And so do not keep looking for what to eat and to drink, and do not worry. 30.
For all these things are what the peoples of the world are searching for, while your Father knows you
need these things. 31. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.
32. “Do not be afraid, little flock, because it is your Father’s good will to give you the Kingdom. 33.
Sell your possessions and give alms. Make for yourselves purses that do not grow old, inexhaustible
treasure in the heavens where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34. For where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also. 211

35. “Be dressed in readiness and have your lamps burning, 36. and be like people waiting expectantly
212

for their lord, so that when he returns from the marriage feast and comes and knocks, they may open to
him immediately. 37. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord will find awake and watching when
He comes. Truly I tell you, He will get Himself ready and make them recline at table, and He will
come and serve them. 38. And if He comes in the second watch, or even in the third watch, blessed 213

are those servants if He finds them ready. 39. But know this, that if the householder knew at what hour
the thief was coming, he would keep awake and would not let his house be broken into. 40. So you
205Cp. Ecclus. 11:19; 29:8-13; Wis. 15:7-12.

206Cp. Jn. 15:6 and fn’s. b & c; also Wis. 15:8.

207i.e., rich on earth, but not in heaven. For eis = in, see 16:8. (Cp. Jas. 2:5; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).

208or “your soul”. Psyche = self, soul, life. Cp. Mt. 6:25; 10:39 and fn.

209or “unit (cubit) to his height”. Long life or long legs?

210Dried grass is put in first, then wood. When the oven is hot, the fire is raked out and the bread is put in and the door closed. In an hour
the bread is baked.

211Cp. 1 Cor. 7:32f.

212gird = to hitch clothes up under a girdle for freedom to walk and work.

213The first watch is omitted, because the wedding was going on. Cp. Mt. 24:42-44.

29
also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you are not expecting Him.”
41. Then Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?” 42. And 214

the Lord said, “Who is the faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord will place over His servants to
give them their food allowance at the right times? 43. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord will find
215

so doing when He comes. 44. Truly I tell you, He will place him over all His possessions. 45. But if
that servant says in his heart, `My Lord is taking a long time to come,’ and begins to beat the men and
women servants and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46. the Lord of that servant will come on a day he
is not expecting Him and at an hour he does not know, and He will cut him in two and give him his 216

place with the unbelievers.

47. But that servant who knew his Lord’s will, yet did not prepare or act accordingly will be whipped
with many lashes, 48. while the one who did not know His will and did what deserves a beating will 217

be whipped with few lashes. Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given, and
they will ask much more from anyone to whom they have entrusted much.
49. “I came to cast fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already blazing. 50. I have a baptism to218 219

be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is finished. 51. Do you think I came to give peace
220 221

on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52. For from now on, five in one house will be
divided, three against two and two against three. 53. They will be divided, father against son and son
against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her
daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
54. Now He also went on to say to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising up from the west, you say
at once, `Rain is coming,’ and so it happens. 55. And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, `It
is going to be scorching hot,’ and it happens. 56. Hypocrites, you know how to read the appearance of
the sky and the earth, but how is it you do not read this time and opportunity?
57. “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58. For instance, when you are going
222

with your opponent to a magistrate, on the way make every effort to be reconciled with him. Otherwise
he may just drag you to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the jailer, and the jailer will put

214Cp. Mk. 13:37, “What I say to you, I say to all: keep awake and watch.”

215Gk. sitometrion = bread or grain ration given at set times to the slaves of a family (cp. 11:3). Matthew says simply “food” (Mt. 24:45).

216i.e., separate soul and body by death. Cp. Mt. 24:51; Rv. 21:8.

217Lit. “strokes”.

218Lit. “what do I want, if it is already kindled?” (3:16; Jer. 23:29).

219Mk. 10:38; 1 Jn. 5:6.

220Cp. Jn. 12:27; Mk. 14:34.

221Cp. Jn. 19:28,30; Lk. 13:32.

222i.e., “And why do you not also judge what is just and decide for yourselves what is right?”

30
you in prison. 223
I tell you, you will not come out of there until you have paid the last cent .” 224

13 Now at this time some people came and told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had
mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2. But Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you
think these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered like this? 3.
No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4. Or do you think those eighteen
who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them were debtors beyond all the other people225

living in Jerusalem? 5. No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
6. Then He went on to tell them this parable: “Someone had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he
came looking for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7. So he said to the man looking after the vineyard,
`Look, for three years I have been coming, looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it
down. Why is it also robbing the soil?’ 8. But he answered and said to him, `Lord, leave it just for
226

this year, until I dig around it and apply manure. 9. It may even yet bear fruit. But if not, after that you
can cut it down.’”
10. Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11. And a woman was there who
had had a spirit of sickness for eighteen years and was bent over and unable to straighten up . 12.
227 228

But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you have been delivered 229

from your sickness.” 13. Then He laid His hands on her, and immediately she became straight again 230

and began glorifying God. 14. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on
the Sabbath, answered and was telling the people, “There are six days on which it is right to work. So
come and be healed on those days, but not on the Sabbath.” 15. Then the Lord answered and said to
him, “You hypocrite, does not each one of you untie his ox or donkey from the manger on the Sabbath
and lead it away to water it? 16. But this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for
eighteen years, was it not necessary for her to be delivered from this bondage on the Sabbath? 17. 231

And as He was saying this, all who were opposed to Him were put to shame. But all the people were
rejoicing over all the glorious things that were being done by Him.
18. Then He went on to say, “What is the Kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? 19. It
is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his own garden. And it grew and turned
into a big tree, and the birds of the sky perched on its branches.”
223Cp. Mt. 5:25-26. All are fellow-travelers on the way to God the Judge (magistrate). Sin makes us enemies of God (Col. 1:21-23). Now
is the time to repent (Ac. 17:30) and make peace with God (Ro. 5:1-11).

224Gk. lepton. Cp. Lk. 21:2 “Until you have paid...” That is, never.

225“debtors” (v.4) = “sinners” (v.2). Cp. Mt. 6:12; 18:21-35; Lk. 12:59; 16:5; Ro. 13:8.

226Cp. Lk. 3:9. The vine-keeper is seen to be the intercessor (He. 7:25; Ro. 8:34).

227The Gk. also means “weakness”.

228Cp. Heb. 7:25.

229Cp. Jn. 2:4 and fn. This was an unrequested miracle.

230The Gk. also means: “was restored to health”.

231or “on the day of the sabbath” as also v.15.

31
20. Again He said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21. It is like leaven which a
woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” 232

22. And He was going through their towns and villages, teaching and making His way towards
Jerusalem. 23. Then someone said to Him, “Lord, are there only a few who are being saved?” But 233

He said to them, 24. “Struggle to enter through the narrow gate, because many, I tell you, will try to
234

enter but will be unable. 25. When once the Lord of the house has risen and closed the door, then you
will begin to stand outside and knock, saying, `Lord, Lord, open the door for us.’ But He will answer
and say to you, `I do not know where you come from.’ 26. Then you will begin to say, `We ate and
drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27. But He will say, `I tell you, I do not know
where you come from. Depart from Me, all you workers of unrighteousness.’ 28. There will be 235

weeping and chattering of teeth there, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets in the
Kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown outside. 29. And people will come from east, west,
north and south, and they will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. 30. But, some are last who will
236

be first, and some are first who will be last.”

31. On the same day some Pharisees came and said to Him, “Get out of here and go somewhere else ,
because Herod wants to kill you.” 32. But He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, `Today and 237

tomorrow I am expelling demons and performing healings, and on the third day I shall have finished.’ 238

33. But I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, because it is not possible for a prophet
to be put to death outside Jerusalem. 34. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning
those who are sent to you. How often I wanted to gather your children, the way a hen gathers her
brood under her wings, but you did not want it. 35. Look! Your house is being left to you deserted. 239

And I tell you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, `Blessed is the One who comes
in the name of the Lord.’” 240

232Cp. Mt. 13:33.

233Lit. “Lord, (I wonder) if those who are being saved are few?”

234Cp. 16:16; Mt. 11:12; Col. 1:28-29.

235Lit. “all the workers of injustice, unrighteousness, wrongdoing.” Cp. Mt. 7:22-23.

236Heaven pictured as a wedding feast. Cp. Mt. 8:11-12; Lk. 14:15; Rev. 19:9.

237“The words seem to be directed at Herod, but they really refer to the Pharisee who was close beside Him” (St. Cyril Alex., Comm. on
Luke, Sermon 100). Tell this fox: You cannot shuffle Me, snuff Me. I am the Light of Life. No-one takes My life. I am giving it (Eph.
5:25). It is not fear or threats that send Me to My death, but love. The message is for the Pharisee and Herod.

238Also means: “I am ending My healing work and on the third day I come to My own end.” Jesus calls His death being perfected and
glorified (Jn. 12:23; Heb. 2:10; 5:9). The worst, crucifixion, turns out to be the best that can happen--perfection.

239i.e., by God. Your temple and city are being left entirely to you. Your rejection of the Lord entails the loss of His presence and
protection. Cp. Ez. 11:23; Ecclus. 2:12-14; Mt. 23:37-39.

240Cp. Mt. 21:9; Lk. 5:17; 19:38 and fn’s. Mt. 23:37-39 corresponds to Lk. 13:34-35.

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14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees, they
241

were watching Him closely . 2. And there was a man in front of Him suffering from dropsy.
242

3. And Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the
Sabbath?” But they kept quiet. 4. So He took hold of him, healed him and sent him away. 5. Then He
answered and said to them, “Which of you if your son or ox falls into a pit on a Sabbath day, will not
immediately pull him up?” 6. But they could give Him no reply to this.
7. Now, while watching how the invited guests were choosing the first places for themselves, He was
telling them this parable, 8. “When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast , do not recline in 243

the first place, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited, 9. and the one who
invited both of you comes and says to you, `Give this person your place.’ And then you would begin
with shame to take the last place. 10. But when you are invited, go and take the last place, so that
244

when the one who invited you comes, he may say to you, `Friend, come up higher.’ Then there will be
glory for you in the presence of your fellow guests, 11. because everyone exalting himself will be
humbled, but anyone humbling himself will be exalted.”
12. And He also went on to say to the man who had invited Him, “Whenever you give a luncheon or
245

supper, do not invite5 your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they
invite you in return and repayment comes to you. 13. But whenever you give a reception , invite the 246

poor, the cripples, the lame and the blind. 14. Then you will be blessed, because they do not have the
means to repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
15. Now on hearing this, one of those reclining at table with Him said to Him, “Blessed is the one who
will eat at the feast in the Kingdom of God.” 16. But Jesus said to him, “A man prepared a great
247

banquet and invited many people. 17. And at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those
invited, `Come, because everything is now ready.’ 18. But immediately they all began to excuse 248

themselves. The first said to him, `I have bought a farm, and I am obliged to go out and see it.
249 250

Please let me be excused.’ 19. And another said, `I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to
try them out. Please let me be excused.’ 20. And another said, `I have married a wife and for this

241Lit. “eat bread”, a Heb. idiom meaning not just to take food but to have a meal.

242Gk. verb implies sinister looks from the corners of the eyes.

243Lit. “marriage festivities” (Gk. is plural). Cp. 12:36; Mt. 22:2.

244Cp. 13:30.

245Gk. kalein and phonein both mean: 1) call, 2) invite.

246or “party”.

247For life in the Kingdom depicted as a marriage feast, see Mt. 8:11-12; 9:15; 22:2-4; 25:10; Rev. 19:7-9; Is. 25:6-9.

248Cp. St. Cyril Alex., Comment on St. Luke.

249Cp. “Sow for yourselves righteousness. Reap the fruit of life” (Hos. 10:12). Spiritual fruit-bearing is the priority: children who live
forever (Jn. 15:16; Lk. 12:31). “Farm”: Mt. 22:5.

250Cp. “He had an obligation” (23:17).

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reason I cannot come.’ 21. So the servant came and reported this to his lord. Then the lord of the
251

house was angry and said to his servant, `Go out quickly into the highways and streets of the city, and
bring in here the poor and crippled and lame and blind.’ 22. And the servant said, `My lord, I have
done what you ordered, and still there is room.’ 23. Then the lord said to the servant, `Go out into the
highways and byways and urge people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24. For I tell you not
one of those people who were invited will taste my banquet.’
25. Now great crowds were going along with Jesus, so He turned and said to them, 26. “If anyone
comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, and even his
own life as well, he cannot be My disciple. 27. And whoever does not take up his own cross and
252 253

come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28. For which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit
down and count the cost to see if he has the means for its completion? 29. Otherwise, when he has laid
a foundation and then is not able to finish it, all who see it will start making fun of him, 30. saying,
`This man began to build but was unable to finish.’ 31. Or what king, going to engage in battle with
another king, would not first sit down and decide whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to
encounter one who is coming against him with twenty thousand? 32. But if not, while the enemy is
still far away, he would send a delegation and ask for terms of peace. 33. So likewise anyone of you
254

who does not let go of all his possessions cannot be My disciple.

34. “Salt is good. But if the salt becomes useless, how will it be seasoned? 35. It is fit neither for the
255

land nor for the manure heap. People throw it out. Anyone who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were constantly coming to Jesus to listen to Him. 2.
But the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This man receives sinners and
eats with them.”
3. So He told them this parable, saying, 4. “Which of you men having a hundred sheep and having lost
one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until he finds it?
5. And when he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6. And when he comes home, he calls
together his friends and neighbors and says to them, `Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost
sheep.’ 7. Likewise I tell you there will be more joy in heaven over one repenting sinner than over
ninety-nine righteous people who have no use for repentance. 256

8. “Or what woman having ten drachmas , if she loses one drachma, does not light a lamp and sweep
257

251For support cp. Dt. 24:5. For correction cp. 14:26; 18:29-30; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rom. 7:4.

252Gk. psyche = soul, self, life. Or, “even more his own self”. Cp. Dt. 33:9, “Anyone who says to father and mother, I have not seen
you... he has kept Your covenant” (LXX).

253or “bear, endure”. Cp. 9:23; Mt. 8:17. Only here and Jn. 19:17 used of the cross.

254or “pray for peace”. Cp. identical Gk. words in Ps. 121:6, “Pray for the conditions needed for the peace of Jerusalem”. Ask for pardon
and peace before the King comes (cp. Jude 14: Mt. 16:27).

255Cp. Mt. 5:13; Mk. 9:49-50 and fn’s.; 2 Tim. 3:5. “Have salt in you, that is, the divine words which bring salvation, without which we
are utterly useless” (St. Cyril of Alexandria).

256Cp. “There is not one righteous man” (Rom. 3:10); “All have sinned” (Rom 3:23); “God is calling all men everywhere to repent” (Ac.
17:30). For similar Gk., “One lacking intelligence has no use for wisdom” (Pr. 18:2 LXX).

257Gk. drachma (only here in N.T.), nearly equal to Roman denarius.

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the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9. And when she finds it, she calls together her friends
and neighbors and says, `Rejoice with me, because I have found the drachma which I lost.’ 10.
258

Likewise I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one repenting sinner.
11. Then He said, “A man had two sons. 12. And the younger one of them said to his father, `Father,
give me the share of the inheritance that is coming to me.’ So he divided his estate between them.
259

13. A few days later, the younger son collected all he had and went away to a distant country. And
there he wasted his money by living recklessly. 14. But when he had spent it all, a severe famine arose
throughout that country, and he himself began to suffer want. 15. So he went and attached himself to
one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to graze swine. 16. And he was longing
to fill his stomach with the husks that the swine were eating, but no one was giving him anything. 17.
260

And when he came to himself, he said, `How many of my father’s hired men have more bread than
they can eat, while here am I, dying of hunger. 18. I will rise and go to my father and say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. 19. I am no longer worthy to be called your
261

son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20. So he rose and came to his father. But while he
was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion and ran and embraced him and
kissed him repeatedly. 21. Then the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before
you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22. But the father said to his servants, `Bring
out the best robe and put it on him, and give him a ring for his hand and shoes for his feet. 23. And
bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry, 24. because this son of mine was dead
and has come to life, he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to be merry.
25. “Now his elder son was in a field, and as he came home and drew near the house he heard music
and dancing. 26. And he called one of the servants to him and asked what it was all about. 27. So he
told him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received
him back safe and sound.’ 28. But he was angry and would not go in. So his father went out and kept
inviting him in. 29. But he answered and said to his father, `Look how many years I have been slaving
for you, and never neglected an order of yours! Yet you never gave me a kid, so that I could enjoy
myself with my friends. 30. But when this son of yours, who wasted your money with harlots, came,
you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31. But his father said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and
all that is mine is yours. 32. But we were bound to be glad and rejoice, because this brother of yours
was dead and has come to life, he was lost and has been found.’”

16 Now He also went on to say to His disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and
this manager was accused to him for wasting his property. 2. So he called him in and said to
him, `What is this I hear about you? Turn in the books, for you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3.
Then the manager said to himself, `What shall I do, now that my lord is taking the management from
me? I am not able to dig. I am ashamed to beg. 4. I know what I will do, so that when I am removed

258Gk. feminine: “her women friends and neighbors”.

259Cp. Dt. 21:15-17. Both “inheritance” (v.12) and “money” (v.13) are in Gk. ousia = being, life, substance, essence. The creed describes
God as one Being (ousia) in three Persons (prosopa).

260Pods of the carob tree, called carobs, also used as a weight (cp. carat). “Husks” are things that fill without satisfying, like sea water.
Cp. Jn. 6:35.

261A Jewish periphrasis or evasion for God. Sin divides God and man (Ex. 10:16).

35
from the management, people will receive me into their homes.’ 5. So he invited each one of his
262

lord’s debtors, and he said to the first, `How much do you owe my lord?’ 6. He said, `A hundred
measures of oil.’ And he said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7. Then he
said to another, `And how much do you owe?’ He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said
to him, `Take your bill and write eighty.’ 8. And his lord praised the dishonest manager , because he 263

had acted sensibly. For the sons of this world are more sensible in their own way than the sons of 264

light. 9. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of worldly wealth, so that, when you 265

die, they may receive you into the eternal homes.

10. “Anyone who is trustworthy in the least thing is trustworthy also in much, and anyone who is
dishonest in the least thing is also dishonest in much. 11. So if you have not been trustworthy with
worldly wealth,4 who will entrust to you the true riches? 12. And if you have not been trustworthy with
what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own? 13. No servant can serve two
lords, for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be attached to one and look down on the
other. You cannot serve God and money.”
14. Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were also listening to all these things, and they were
scoffing at Him. 15. So He said to them, “You are the people who justify yourselves in the eyes of
men. But God knows your hearts, because what is highly valued among men is an abomination in266

God’s sight.
16. “The Law and the Prophets (were your guides) until John. Since then the good news of the
267

Kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone is pressing into it. 17. But it is easier for heaven and
268

earth to pass away than for one point of the Law to lapse. 269

18. “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and everyone who
marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
19. “Now there was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen, feasting splendidly every 270

day. 20. And there was a poor man named Lazarus who had been dropped off at his gate, covered 271

262The same word as in v.9.

263Lit. “manager of injustice”. This world is the place of injustice: justice exists only in the world to come. Cp. 16:25. “Injustice” could
also be translated: “unrighteousness, dishonesty, wrongdoing”.

264Also means “in dealing with their own kind”.

265“Mammon” = money, riches, wealth (Aramaic). “Mammon of injustice” = worldly wealth (cp. Eng. idiom: “filthy lucre”). Cp. Mt.
6:24.

266Cp. 1:52; 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:6. “Pride ruins even good deeds” (St. Augustine).

267Cp. Gal. 3:24, “The Law was the guide of our childhood to lead us to Christ”.

268Cp. 13:24; Mt. 11:12. “Kingdom of Heaven here means justification by faith, etc.” (St. Cyril Alex.).

269i.e., adultery is still adultery (18).

270or “enjoying himself”.

271St. Cyril Alex. says: “The poor man was not so much laid as thrown down there.”

36
with sores. 21. And he desired to be fed with the scraps which fell from the rich man’s table. And
even the dogs used to come and lick his sores.
22. Then the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. And the rich
man also died and was buried. 23. And in hell, being in torments, he looked up and saw Abraham far
272

away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24. So he called to him and said, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me
and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering agony
in this flame.’ 25. But Abraham said, `Son, remember. In your lifetime you received your good things,
and likewise Lazarus bad things. But now he is being comforted here, while you are suffering. 26.
And besides all this, between us and you, a great gulf is fixed, in order that those who want to pass over
from here to you may not be able, and none may cross over from there to us.’ 27. But he said, `Then I
beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, 28. for I have five brothers, that he may warn them,
so that they may not also come to this place of torment.’ 29. Abraham said to him, `They have Moses
and the Prophets. Let them listen to them.’ 30. But he said, `No, father Abraham, but if someone 273

goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31. But he said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses
and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

17 Now He also was saying to His disciples, “It is impossible for stumbling blocks not to come,
but woe to the one through whom they come. 2. It would be better for him if a millstone
were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea, rather than cause one of these little ones to
stumble and fall. 3. Keep watch over yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him, and if
he repents, forgive him. 4. Even if he sins against you seven times a day and returns to you seven
274

times a day saying, `I repent,’ forgive him.”

5. Then the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6. But the Lord said, “If you have faith
275

like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’
and it will obey you. 276

7. “But which of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep will say to him when he comes in
from the field, `Come along at once and recline at table’? 8. Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare
something for my supper and get ready to serve me while I eat and drink. And afterwards you shall eat
and drink’? 9. Does he thank that servant because he did what he was ordered? I think not. 10. So you
also, when you do everything you were ordered to do, say, `We are useless servants, because we have
277

only done what we ought to have done.’”

11. Now it happened, when He was going to Jerusalem, that He was passing between Samaria and
Galilee. 12. And as He was entering a village, ten men with leprosy met Him, and they stopped and
278

272Gk. hades, Heb. sheol. Sheol comprised Gehenna and Paradise. Lazarus is seen reclining with Abraham at the banquet in Paradise.

273Ellipsis meaning: “No, father Abraham, that is not enough, but if...”

274For similar but fuller teaching, see Mt. 18:15-22.

275Lit. “Add faith to us”. Jesus replies: You need not more but a new quality.

276Cp. Mt. 17:20. “Like a grain of mustard seed, that is hot and ardent” (St. Cyril).

277Lit. “When you will do everything that has been assigned you.” It is assumed that we shall always be insolvent debtors. Cp. Rom 13:8.
“Forgive us our debts...” (Mt. 6:12).

278i.e., Jesus was traveling eastward along the border between Samaria and Galilee in order to cross the Jordan and avoid going directly

37
stood at a distance. 13. Then they called with a loud voice and said, “Jesus, Lord, have mercy on us.”
14. And on seeing them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And it happened as
they were going they were made clean. 15. But one of them, seeing he was healed, returned glorifying
God with a loud voice. 16. And he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him. And he was a
Samaritan. 17. And Jesus answered and said, “Were not ten made clean? But where are the nine? 18.
Have none been found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19. And He said to him,
“Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
20. Now He was asked by the Pharisees, “When is the Kingdom of God coming?” He answered and
said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation, 21. nor will people say, `Look here’ or
279

`Look there,’ for the Kingdom of God is within you.” 280

22. Then He said to the disciples, “Days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son
of Man, but you will not see it. 23. And people will say to you, `Look here,’ `Look there.’ Do not go
off and follow them. 24. For just as the lightning flashes from one part of the sky to another and lights
up everything under heaven, so too will be the Son of Man in His day. 25. But first He must suffer
many things and be rejected by this generation. 26. And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will also be
in the days of the Son of Man. 27. They were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in
281

marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28.
Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and
building. 29. But on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from heaven
and destroyed them all. 30. It will be just the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31. On 282

that day, anyone on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, should not go down to take them,
and likewise anyone in the field should not turn back for things left behind. 32. Remember Lot’s
wife. 33. Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it alive. 34.
283 284

I tell you, on that night two men will be on one bed: one will be taken and the other left. 35. Two
women will be grinding grain together: one will be taken and the other left. 36. Two men will be in the
field: one will be taken and the other left.” 37. They answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” But
He said to them, “Where the carcass is, there also the eagles will be gathered together.” 285

through Samaria to Jerusalem.

279or “with watching”, i.e., “visibly”. Cp. “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). See also Rom. 14:17.

280Jn. 14:20; Col. 1:27; 1 Cor. 3:16. “The Kingdom of God is within you, that is, it depends on your own will, and is in your own power
(exousia), whether or not you appropriate it” (St. Cyril Alex.). God reigns and rules in every molecule of matter (Eph. 1:23; Col. 3:11). It
also means: “The kingdom or rule or reign of God is among you.” But this is a secondary meaning here. If this had been the primary
meaning, Gk. has the exact phrase to express it, en meso: cp. 2:46; 10:3, etc.

281Cp. Mt. 24:37-39.

282Cp. 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thes. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7,13; 4:13; 5:1.

283Cp. Ge. 19:26; Mt. 24:18.

284or “Whoever tries to save himself will lose himself, but whoever loses himself will keep himself alive.” Cp. 9:24; Mt. 10:39; 16:25;
Mk. 8:35; Jn. 12:25.

285Cp. Mt. 24:28. Eagles do not fly in flocks nor do they normally eat carrion. In Job 39:27 LXX, the eagle and the vulture are
mentioned. But here only eagles. General sense: when conditions are right, things happen.

38
18 Now He also went on to tell them a parable to show they ought always to pray and not give
up, 2. saying, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected
286

men. 3. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him and saying, `Give me justice
against my opponent.’ 4. And for a time he refused. But afterwards he said to himself, `Even though I
do not fear God or respect people, 5. yet because this widow is giving me trouble, I will give her
justice, or she will forever be coming and pestering me.’” 6. Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the
unjust judge says. 7. Now will not God do justice for His chosen people who cry to Him day and night,
even though He is waiting patiently for them? 8. I tell you, He will give them justice swiftly. But
287

when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
9. He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, but were
looking down on everyone else: 10. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the
other a tax collector. 11. The Pharisee stood and was praying like this to himself, `God, I thank You I
am not like other people: thieves, dishonest, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12. I fast twice
288

a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13. But the tax collector, standing far away, would not even lift
up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ 14. I
tell you, this man went down to his house justified, not the Pharisee, because everyone exalting
289

himself will be humbled, but anyone humbling himself will be exalted.”

15. Now people were bringing even their babies to Jesus, for Him to touch them. But when the
disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little
children come to Me and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17.
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
18. Then a ruler questioned Him and said, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19. 290

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except One: God. 20. You know
the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness,
honor your father and mother.” 21. But the man said, “All these I have kept from my childhood.” 22.
But when Jesus heard this, He said to him, “There is still one thing you lack. Sell all that you have and
give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow Me.” 23. But when he
291

heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely rich. 24. Now when Jesus saw he had
become very sad, He said, “How difficult it is for those having riches to enter the Kingdom of God. 25.
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom
of God.” 26. Then those who heard Him said, “And so, who can be saved?” 27. But He said, “What is
impossible with men is possible with God.” 28. Then Peter said, “Look, we have left everything and
292

286or “grow weary, discouraged, despondent”.

287He is waiting for them to realize they don’t have to wait. If they exert faith and believe, they can receive prompt answers to prayer. Cp.
2 Pet. 3:9; Hab. 2:3 LXX. Jas. 5:7 is identical Gk.

288Adulterers, homosexuals, idolaters (Jas. 4:4).

289or “pardoned, forgiven, restored to right relations with God and men”. Cp. Mt. 12:37; Ac. 13:39; Rom. 5:1,9; 1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:7.

290Lit. “By doing what will I inherit eternal life?” Lk. 10:25 is identical.

291He lacked treasure in heaven, i.e., true riches. Apparently rich, but really poor.

292Wealth casts a spell over the wealthy which only God can break. Cp. 1 Tim. 6:10-19.

39
followed You.” 29. And He said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or
parents or brothers or wife or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God 30. who will not receive
many times more in this present time and in the age to come eternal life.” 293

31. Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything
that has been written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32. For He will be 294

delivered up to the Nations, and will be mocked, shamefully treated and spat upon. 33. And they
295 296

will scourge Him and kill Him. But on the third day He will rise again.” 34. But they understood
nothing of this, and its meaning was hidden from them, and they were not understanding what was
being said.
35. Now it happened when He was coming near Jericho, a blind man was sitting on the roadside,
begging. 36. And hearing a crowd going by, he kept inquiring what it was. 37. And they told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38. Then he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
me.” 39. And those who were leading the way were rebuking him and telling him to be quiet, but he
went on shouting all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” 40. Then Jesus stopped and ordered
him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, Jesus asked him, 41. saying, “What do you want
Me to do for you?” Then he said, “Lord, (open my eyes) that I may see.” 42. And Jesus said to him, 297

“Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” 43. And immediately he regained his sight and began
to follow Him, glorifying God. And all the people saw it and gave praise to God. 298

19 Now He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2. And a man named Zacchaeus was there,
who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3. And he was trying to see who Jesus was,
but was unable to see Him on account of the crowd, because he was short in stature. 4. So he ran on
ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Him, because He was going to come that way. 5.
299

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him. Then He said to him, “Zacchaeus,
come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.” 6. So he came down quickly and received
Him joyfully. 7. Then all who saw it began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay with a man who is
a sinner.” 8. But Zacchaeus stood up and said to Him, “Lord, I will give half my possessions to the
poor. And if I have taken anything dishonestly from anyone, I will give back four times the amount.”
9. Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of
Abraham. 10. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost .” 300

293The age which is in process of being realized. Cp. Mk. 10:29-30 and fn.; Mt. 19:28 and fn. Cp. Kingdom of God (29) = Me and
Gospel (Mk. 10:29).

294or “all that is written by the Prophets will be done to the Son of Man.” Cp. Is. 53.

295Gk. word means both “betrayed” and “given up”.

296Mt. 20:19; 6:7.

297Cp. Mt. 20:33; Mk. 10:51. In all three gospels there is no main clause. Mk. and Lk. are identical, but Mt. has, “Lord, that our eyes may
be opened.”

298These followers differed diametrically from their rulers: cp. Mt. 12:24; Mk. 3:22.

299i.e., a fig-mulberry tree. Its fruit is like a fig and its leaf like a mulberry.

300Collective neuter, cp. Jn. 6:37. Also means “what has been lost”: e.g., vision and knowledge of God, vocation and goal of man, life,
love, health, happiness, peace, fruitfulness, etc. Cp. 15:6,9,24,32. Mt. 18:11 omits “to seek”.

40
11. Now while they were listening to these things, He went on to tell them a parable, because He was
near Jerusalem and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12. So He
said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant land to receive a kingdom for himself and then return. 301

13. So calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas and said to them, `Trade with these until I
come.’ 14. But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him saying, `We do not want this
302

man to be king over us.’ 15. And when he returned after receiving the kingdom, he ordered those
servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, in order to find out what each had gained
by trading. 16. So the first one came and said, `My lord, your mina gained ten minas.’ 17. And he said
to him, `Well done, good servant. Because you were faithful in a very small matter, have authority
over ten cities.’ 18. Then the second one came and said, `My lord, your mina made five minas.’ 19.
303

And he said to him also, `And you be over five cities.’ 20. But another came and said, `My lord, here
304

is your mina, which I was keeping stored away in a handkerchief. 21. For I was afraid of you, because
you are a hard man. You take out what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow and gather
where you did not scatter.’ 22. He said to him, `From your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked
servant. You know that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not deposit and reaping where I did not
sow and gathering where I did not scatter. 23. So why did you not put my money in a bank? Then
when I came, I would have received my money back with interest.’ 24. And he said to those who were
standing by, `Take the mina from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25. And they said
to him, `Lord, he has ten minas.’ 26. I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given. But from
one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27. And those enemies of mine,
who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.”
28. Then after saying this, He was walking ahead of them, going up to Jerusalem. 29. And when He 305

drew near to Bethphage and Bethany on the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of His 306

disciples, saying, 30. “Go to the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tied up,
which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31. And if anyone asks, `Why are you
untying it?’ say to him, `Because the Lord has need of it.’” 32. So those who were sent went off and
found the colt tied up just as He had told them. 33. Then as they were untying the colt, its owners said
to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34. So they said, “Because the Lord has need of it.” 35. And
they brought it to Jesus. Then they threw their garments on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36. And as He
was riding along, the people kept spreading their garments on the road. 37. And when He was now
getting near the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of His disciples began rejoicing
307

and praising God with loud voices for all the miracles they had seen, 38. saying:
“Blessed is the King,

301or “the rank, power and authority of a king”. Cp. Lk. 22:29.

302or “keep busy, do business”. That is, “Win many people” (St. Cyril Alex.); “Acquire the Holy Spirit of God” (St. Seraphim of Sarov).

303Cp. Lk. 16:10-12.

304Both the faithful servants receive as their reward, not comfort and rest, but a wider field of service.

305Cp. Mk. 10:32; Lk. 9:51-53.

306Cp. Mt. 21:1; Mk. 11:1.

307Cp. v.41. At the top of this descent, the city comes into view.

41
 who comes in the name of the Lord! 308

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39. Then some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40. But
He answered and said to them, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would shout.”
41. And as He drew near and came in sight of the city, He wept aloud over it, saying, 42. “If only you
309

had known, at least in this your day, what is needed for your peace. But now it is hidden from your
eyes, 43. because days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade around you. 310

They will encircle and besiege you on all sides. 44. They will dash you and your children within you to
the ground, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you, all because you did not
recognize the time of your visitation.” 311

45. Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling inside it,
46. saying to them, “It is written, `My house is a house of prayer.’ But you have made it `a den of
robbers.’” 312

47. And He was teaching daily in the temple, while the chief priests, the scribes and other leaders of the
people were trying to kill Him. 48. But they did not find anything they could do, because all the people
were staying close to Him, listening to Him.

20 Now it happened on one of those days, while He was teaching the people in the temple and
preaching the Gospel, the priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him. 2. And
they spoke to Him and said, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You
313

this authority?” 3. But He answered and said to them, “And I will ask you one thing. Now tell Me, 4.
John’s baptism: was it from Heaven or from men?” 5. But they argued among themselves saying, “If
we say, `From Heaven,’ He will say, `Then why did you not believe him?’ 6. But if we say, `From
men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced John was a prophet.” 7. So they
answered they did not know where it came from. 8. Then Jesus said to them, “And I am not telling you
by what authority I am doing these things.”
9. Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to farmers
and went into another country for a considerable time. 10. And at harvest time he sent a servant to the
farmers, that they might give him his share of the fruit from the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and
sent him away empty-handed. 11. And he proceeded to send them another servant. But they beat and
humiliated him, too, and sent him away empty-handed. 12. And he sent a third, but they wounded him
also and drove him out. 13. Then the lord of the vineyard said, `What shall I do? I will send my
beloved son. Perhaps when they see him, they will feel ashamed.’ 14. But when the farmers saw him,

308Lit. “in [the] Lord’s name”; i.e., “in God’s name”. Cp. Mt. 21:9.

309“Wept aloud” is one word in Gk. A stronger word than in Jn. 11:35. Cp. Lk. 7:13,38; 8:52; 23:28; Mk. 5:38-39; Mt. 26:75.

310In 70 A.D. the Jews burned the palisade of spiked logs, but the Roman commander Titus then replaced it with a wall.

311or “your opportunity when God visited you”.

312Cp. Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11; Mt. 21:13.

313or “came upon Him suddenly”.

42
they started plotting among themselves, saying, `This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him that the
314

inheritance may become ours.’ 15. So they drove him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now what
will the lord of the vineyard do to them? 16. He will come and destroy those farmers, and he will give
the vineyard to others.” But when they heard this, they said, “May this never happen.” 17. But He
looked at them and said, “Then what is this that is written:
`The Stone which the builders rejected,
this has become the head of the corner. 315

18. All who fall on that Stone

will be shattered and crushed,
and if it falls on anyone, it will grind him to dust.’?” 316

19. In that very hour the chief priests and the scribes tried to lay hands on Him, but they were afraid of
the people, for they knew He was telling these parables against them. 20. And so, watching for their
opportunity, they sent spies whom they bribed to pose as honest men, to catch Him in some word of 317

His in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 21. And the spies questioned
318

Him, saying, “Teacher, we know you speak and teach correctly and do not accept appearances , but 319

You teach the way of God truthfully. 22. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23. But He
saw through their trickery and said to them, “Why are you trying to trap Me? 24. Show Me a
320

denarion. Whose picture does it have on it, and whose inscription?” They answered and said,
321

“Caesar’s.” 25. Then He said to them, “So give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God
what belongs to God.” 26. And they could not seize on a thing He said in the presence of the people,
322

and they were astonished at His answer and became silent.

27. Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him. And they questioned
Him 28. and said, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if someone’s married brother dies, but dies
childless, then his brother should take his wife and raise up a family for his brother. 29. Now there
were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died childless. 30. And the second took the woman,
314“The Lord Christ is heir of all things, not as God, but as man; for as God He is maker of all” (Theodoret). See Mt. 21:33-45; Mk. 12:1-
12 for the same parable.

315Ps. 117(118):22. Cp. Is. 28:16. “As a corner joins two walls, so the Savior has united Jews and Gentiles in love” (St. Cyril Alex.). The
Stone (v.17) is the rejected Son (v.13f).

316For the first line of the couplet, cp. Is. 8:14-15. For the second line, cp. Dan. 2:34-35,44. The rebel and the drifter both break
themselves on the rock of truth, the laws of life, health and happiness.

317or “righteous, just men”.

318Parallel passages: Mt. 22:15; Mk. 12:13.

319Lit. “accept a face”, i.e., judge by appearance, status or position. “Do not accept appearances as evidence”. Cp. Mt. 22:16 and fn.; Mk.
12:14.

320Gk. panourgia = rascality, knavery, lit. “readiness for anything”. Cp. Mt. 22:18, “knowing their malice”; Mk. 12:15, “knowing their
hypocrisy”.

321Cp. Mt. 18:28 and 22:19.

322Cp. Mk. 12:17 and fn.

43
and he died childless. 31. Then the third took her also, and likewise the seven: they left no children and
died. 32. And last of all the woman died also. 33. Now in the resurrection, whose wife will she be?
For all seven had her as their wife.”
34. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.
323

35. But those who are judged worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead neither
marry nor are given in marriage. 36. For they cannot die again, because they are like the angels. And
they are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37. But even Moses made it clear in the passage
about the bush that the dead are raised to life, when he calls the Lord `the God of Abraham and the
324

God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ 38. He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are
alive.” 39. Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You spoke well,” 40. not daring to
325

ask Him anything more. 326

41. So He said to them, “How is it people say the Christ is a son of David? 42. Yet David himself, in
the Book of Psalms, says:
`The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at My right hand
43. until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’
44. So David calls Him Lord. Then how is He his son?”
45. Then, with all the people listening, He said to His disciples, 46. “Beware of the scribes who like to
walk about in long robes and love the greetings in the market places and front seats in the synagogues
327

and first places at banquets, 47. who rob widows of their houses and say long prayers for show. They
328

will receive more severe judgment.”

21 Then He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. 2. But He also saw a
poor widow putting two copper coins there. 3. And He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor
329

widow put in more than all of them. 4. For all these people put in their gifts to God out of their surplus,
while she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.
5. And when some of the people were talking about the temple, and how it was adorned with beautiful
stonework and votive offerings, He said: 6. “As for these things which you see, days will come when
not one stone will be left on another that will not be knocked down.” 7. So they asked Him, saying,
“Teacher, but when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are going to take
place?” 8. And He said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in My name saying, `I

323Lit. “The sons of this age”.

324Ex. 3:6.

325Cp. Mt. 22:32; Mk. 12:27. All three vary, but Luke is fuller. Dead things can have a Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, but only living beings
can have a God.

326See parallel passages: Mt. 22:46; Mk. 12:34.

327or “salutations, kisses”. Cp. 11:43; Mt. 23:7; Mk. 12:38.

328Cp. Is. 5:8; Mic. 2:2. Parallel verses: Mk. 12:40; Mt. 23:14.

329Lit. “two lepta”. 2 lepta = 1 quadrant; 40 quadrants = 1 denarion (a day’s wage).

44
am,’ and, `The time has come.’ But do not go after them. 9. And when you hear of wars and
330

revolutions, do not be alarmed. For these are bound to come first, but the end will not be
immediately.”
10. Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11. There
will be famines and plagues and great earthquakes in various places, and there will be terrifying things
and great signs from heaven. 12. But before all this they will lay hands on you and persecute you, and 331

deliver you up to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers on account 332

of My name. 13. But this will turn out to be an opportunity for you to give a testimony. 14. So 333

resolve in your hearts not to consider beforehand how to make your defense. 15. For I will give you
334

words and wisdom which all your opponents will be unable to contradict or resist. 16. But you will be
betrayed even by parents, relatives, friends and brothers, and they will put some of you to death. 17.
And you will be hated by all because of My name. 18. Yet not a hair of your head will be lost. 19. By
your patience and perseverance you will win your souls.
335

20. “But when you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, know the time for her devastation has
come. 21. Then those in Judea should escape to the mountains, and those in Jerusalem should leave it,
and those in country places should not go into the city. 22. For these are days of retribution, when all
that is written will be fulfilled. 23. But woe to women who are with child and nursing mothers in
336

those days. For then there will be great distress on the earth and wrath upon this people. 24. They will
fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as prisoners into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be
trodden underfoot by Gentiles until the times of the Nations are fulfilled.
337 338

25. “And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in
bewilderment at the roaring of the sea and surf. 26. People will be dying from fear and apprehension of
what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27. And then they will
see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and glory. 28. But when these things begin to
take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is drawing near.”
29. And He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30. As soon as they burst into
bud, you see and know for yourselves summer is already near. 31. And so when you see these things
taking place, you know the Kingdom of God is near. 32. Truly I tell you, this age will not pass away 339

330Cp. Mt. 24:5; Mk. 13:6; Jn. 4:26.

331Cp. Jn. 15:20; 16:33; Mt. 5:11,44; Ac. 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:21.

332or “leaders, governors, chiefs”. Cp. Mt. 10:18.

333Cp. Mt. 24:14; Mk. 13:9. An opportunity for telling the good news. Cp. Jn. 1:32-34.

334or “premeditate”.

335“Patience and perseverance”: one word in Gk. (also “endurance, fortitude, persistence”. Cp. Mt. 10:22; Mk. 13:13.

336Cp. Dt. 32:35; Hos. 9:7; Ecclus. 5:7; Lv. 26:31-33; Mic. 3:12; Zac. 11:6; Dan. 9:26.

337Lit “Nationals”.

338Cp. Zac. 12:3 LXX, “I will make Jerusalem a stone to be trampled underfoot by all the nations.”

339or “generation”, referring to the Fall of Jerusalem.

45
until everything has taken place. 33. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass
away.
34. “But watch out for yourselves, in case your hearts become burdened with overeating, heavy
drinking and worldly cares, and that day catches you unawares. 35. For it will spring like a trap on all
who are living on the face of the whole earth. 36. So watch and pray at every opportunity that you
340

may be granted to escape all that is going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37. Now in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but He was going out and spending the nights
on the hill called the Mount of Olives. 38. And all the people were rising early and coming to Him in
the temple to hear Him.
341

22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called Passover , was drawing near. 2. And the chief
342

priests and the scribes were trying to find out how they might assassinate Jesus, for they were
afraid of the people. 3. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve. 4.
And he went off and consulted with the chief priests, scribes and officers of the temple guard how he
might betray Him to them. 5. And they were glad and arranged to give him money. 6. And he agreed
and began to look for an opportunity to betray Him to them without a disturbance from the crowd.
7. Then came the day during the Feast of Unleavened Bread 1 on which the Passover lamb had to be
sacrificed. 8. And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and get things ready for us to eat the Passover.”
9. And they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” 10. So He said to them, “When you
enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you . Follow him into the house which he enters.
11. And say to the owner of the house, `The Teacher says, “Where is the room where I may eat the 343

Passover with My disciples?”’ 12. And he will show you a large, furnished upper room. Prepare the
Passover there.” 13. So they went off and found things just as He had told them, and they prepared the
Passover.
14. And when the hour came, He reclined at table, and the twelve apostles were with Him. 15. And
344

He said to them, “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before the time comes for Me to
345

suffer death. 16. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 17.
Then, having taken the cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18.
For I tell you, I will drink no more from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.” 19.
Then He took bread and gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is My body, which
is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20. And likewise He took the cup after supper
saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is being poured out for you. 21. But look,

340Lit. “sitting”. Slavonic has “living”.

341Cp. Jn. 8:2.

342The Passover was on Nisan 14th and the Feast of Unleavened Bread from the 15th-21st (Lv. 23:5-6). But they were often regarded as
one festival. Cp. Mt. 26:17.

343Lit. “caravansery”. Cp. Mk. 14:14 and fn.; Lk. 2:7.

344Standing had long been abandoned, first for sitting, and then for reclining (Ex. 12:11).

345Lit. “With desire I desired”, a Hebraism. Cp. Jn. 3:29 Gk. The knowledge of the intensity of His suffering does not quench the
intensity of His desire.

46
the hand of the man who is betraying Me is with Me at the table. 22. And truly the Son of Man is
going, just as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed.” 23. Then they
began to discuss among themselves which of them was going to do this.
24. A dispute even arose among them as to which of them was to be considered greater than the 346

others. 25. But He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over their people, and their rulers are
called benefactors. 26. Now you are not to be like that. But let the greatest among you become like
347

the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves. 27. For who is greater, the one who reclines at
table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one
who serves.
28. “You are the men who have stayed with Me in My trials. 29. And I am making a covenant with
you to give you the Kingdom just as My Father made it with Me, 30. that you may eat and drink at
348

My table in My Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
31. Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has begged permission to sift all of you like wheat. 32. 349

But I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned to Me,
strengthen your brothers.” 33. He said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You even to prison and to
death.” 34. But He said, “I tell you Peter, a rooster will not crow today before you deny three times
350

that you know Me.”

35. And He said to them, “When I sent you without a purse, without a bag and without sandals, did you
lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36. Then He said to them, “But now anyone who has a purse
351

should take it, and a bag as well, and anyone who has no sword should sell his cloak and buy one. 37.
For I tell you that this which is written:
`And He was reckoned among the lawless,’ 352

must still be fulfilled by Me. For what is written about Me is having its fulfillment.” 38. They said,
353

“Lord, look, here are two swords.” But He said to them, “That is enough.” 39. Then He came out 354

346or “gave the impression of being greater”.

347Ancient rulers, including Roman emperors, often bore the title “Benefactor”.

348This is the great covenant-promise, will and testament of v.20 (cp. Lk. 12:32; Ac. 1:6-8; 3:25; 14:22; Heb. 8:10-12; Rev. 2:26-28;
3:20-21). Share My cross and baptism, share My throne and crown (cp. Lk. 12:50; Mk. 10:37-45). Cross-bearing always precedes crown-
wearing.

349The word “all” has been added to show that “you” is plural, and “Peter” has been added in v.32 to show that the Gk. pronouns are
singular.

350Luke’s version is less boastful than in Mt. 26:33 and Mk. 14:29.

351Lk. 10:4 is probably the mission referred to by Jesus.

352Cp. Is. 53:12 LXX, where the Gk. has “the lawless”. Cp. Mk. 15:28.

353Lit. “the things about Me”. Cp. “What the holy God has planned, who will thwart? And His uplifted hand, who will avert?” (Is. 14:27
LXX).

354i.e., You have missed the point of the sword. What you need is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17; Heb.
4:12).

47
and went as was His custom to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. 40. And when
He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Keep praying not to enter into temptation.” 41. Then He
Himself withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and began to pray, 42. saying,
“Father, if You are willing, take away this cup from me. Yet not My will but Your will be done.” 43.
Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44. And being in agony, He
prayed more intensely. And His sweat became like clots of blood coming down on the ground. 45.
Then He rose from prayer and came to His disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow. 46. And
He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.”
47. But while He was still talking, a crowd appeared. And the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was
leading them. And he drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. For this was the signal he had given them, “The
One I kiss, He is the Man.” 48. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with
355

a kiss?” 49. But when those who were about Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord,
shall we strike with our swords?” 50. And one of them struck the servant of the chief priest and cut off
his right ear. 51. But Jesus intervened and said, “Stop! Enough of this.” And He touched his ear and
healed him. 52. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple guard and elders who
had come for Him, “You have come out with swords and sticks as if you were after a robber. 53. Day
after day I was with you in the temple and you did not lay hands on Me. But this is your hour and the
reign of darkness.” 356

54. Then having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him into the chief priest’s house. But
Peter was following at a distance. 55. Now when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard
and were sitting together, Peter sat down among them. 56. But a servant girl saw him sitting in the
firelight and stared at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” 57. But he denied it, saying,
“Woman, I do not know Him.” 58. And a little later someone else saw him and said, “And you are one
of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59. And after an interval of about an hour someone else
began to insist, saying, “This man was also with Him for certain, for he is also a Galilean.” 60. But
Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still
speaking, a rooster began to crow. 61. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter
remembered the Lord’s word, how He had told Him, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three 357

times.” 62. Then Peter went outside and wept aloud bitterly.
63. Now the men who were guarding Jesus were mocking and beating Him. 64. And they blindfolded
358

Him and struck Him in the face, and they kept asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit
You?” 65. And they were saying many other things as they blasphemed against Him.
359

66. And as soon as it became day, the council of elders of the people, the chief priests and the scribes
met together, and they brought Him before their council and said, “If You are the Christ, tell us.” 67.
But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me. 68. And if I ask you a question, you will
not answer Me or let Me go. 69. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of
355For identical words with additions, cp. Mt. 26:48; Mk. 14:44.

356Cp. identical Gk. in Col. 1:13, “He delivered us from the reign of darkness and transferred us to His Son’s Kingdom of love.”

357i.e., “you will deny that you know Me” or “you will disown Me”.

358Lit. “skinning, flaying”. In the Gospels it means “flog” except in Jn. 18:23.

359Cp. Mt. 27:68; Mk. 14:65.

48
God’s power.” 70. Then they all said, “So You are the Son of God?” He said to them, “Yes I am.”
360 361

71. Then they said, “What further need of evidence do we have? For we have heard it ourselves from
His own lips.”

360Cp. Dan. 7:13-14; Ps. 109(110):1-3; Ac. 7:55; Jn. 12:23; 13:31. “The Power of God” is a periphrasis for God: cp. Mt. 26:64; Mk.
14:62 and fn’s.

361Cp. Lk. 23:3; Mt. 26:64.

49
 JOHN
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. He was
1

in the beginning with God. 3. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even
one thing that has been made was made. 4. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5. And
2

the light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not swallow it.
3 4

6. A man sent from God was born whose name was John. 7. He came as a witness, to bear witness
about the light, that through him all might believe. 8. He was not the light, but he came to witness
about the light.
9. The true light who enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10. He was in the world and the
world was made by Him, yet the world did not know Him. 11. He came to his own country, yet His 5

own people did not receive Him. 12. But to those who received Him, to those believing in His name,
He gave power to become children of God, 13. who were born not of blood descent, not of the will of
6

the flesh, not of a man’s will, but of God. 7

14. And the Word became flesh and lived among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only
8

begotten Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15. John bore witness about Him and called out,
9

saying, “This was the One about whom I said, `The One coming after me ranks ahead of me, because
He was before me.’” 16. And from His fullness, we have all received grace after grace, 17. because
10

the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18. No one has ever

1Gk. logos means also: reason, expression, speech, talk, story, message, reckoning, account, statement, etc.

2or “has happened”.

3“Darkness” also means spirits or people living in darkness (Eph. 5:8).

4“Swallow” in two senses: 1) understand, comprehend, grasp, catch; 2) overpower, overwhelm, overcome, engulf, swamp, quench,
extinguish, etc. Cp. 12:35 where the same verb is used.

5or “his own home”; cp. 16:32; 19:27. It can also mean His won land or property (Dt. 10:14).

6For exousia meaning “power”, see Rev. 9:19; 14:18; 20:6; Ro. 9:21; Ac. 8:19. It also means: authority, right, ability, rule, realm, reign,
dominion. The “right” or “authority” is not enough. “Power (exousia) over our own will” (1 Cor. 7:37), the power of God’s grace (Eph.
2:5) is needed to receive God’s gift (Jn. 4:10) of new birth (1 Pet. 1:23; 2:2) which enables us to become “partakers of the divine nature”
(2 Pet. 1:4) and children of God (v.12). Cp. Lk. 22:53 and Col. 1:12.

7Lit. “not from bloods, nor from will of flesh, nor from will of a man or husband, but from God”; for “bloods” see Ps. 50:16 LXX.

8Lit. “camped, lived in a tent”. Cp. Rev. 21:3, “The tent of God is with men. And He will live in a tent with them. And they will be His
people, and God Himself will be with them.” Refers to the movable tent-temple or tabernacle (Ex. 25:8-22) and the Shekina (Heb.
Shakhan) or visible glory of God’s presence (Ex. 40:34; Ezek. 8:4; Jas. 2:1; 1 Cor. 2:8), fulfilled in the incarnation of the Word (Jn. 1:14).

9Cp. 1:18; 3:16,18; Rom. 8:29). Gk. monogenes also means 1) uniquely born; 2) the only one of a kind or species. Jesus had no earthly
father (Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:35). He is the one Eternal Son of God, Co-Creator with the Father and the Spirit (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:15-17) who
became Son of Man to identify Himself with us and die for us (2 Cor. 5:15-21). For monogenes = only child, see Lk. 7:12; 8:42; 9:38.

10i.e., John’s successor was his superior because He was his predecessor. Cp. 17:5.

1
yet seen God. The only begotten Son,9 the One who is in the Father’s bosom, He has revealed Him.
11

19. And this is John’s testimony when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him,
“Who are you?” 20. And he confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21.
Then they asked him, “What then, are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?”
And he answered, “No.” 22. So they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us so that we may give an
answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23. He said, “I am the voice of one
shouting in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24. Now the men who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25. And they questioned him and said to
him, “If you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet, then why are you baptizing?” 26. John
answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. 27. He
is the One who is coming after me, who ranks ahead of me, the thong of whose sandals I am not
12

worthy to undo.” 28. This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29. On the following day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God who
takes away the sin of the world. 30. This is the One about whom I said, `A man is coming after me
13

11Gk. logos means also: reason, expression, speech, talk, story, message, reckoning, account, statement, etc.

or “has happened”.

“Darkness” also means spirits or people living in darkness (Eph. 5:8).

“Swallow” in two senses: 1) understand, comprehend, grasp, catch; 2) overpower, overwhelm, overcome, engulf, swamp, quench,
extinguish, etc. Cp. 12:35 where the same verb is used.

or “his own home”; cp. 16:32; 19:27. It can also mean His won land or property (Dt. 10:14).

For exousia meaning “power”, see Rev. 9:19; 14:18; 20:6; Ro. 9:21; Ac. 8:19. It also means: authority, right, ability, rule, realm, reign,
dominion. The “right” or “authority” is not enough. “Power (exousia) over our own will” (1 Cor. 7:37), the power of God’s grace (Eph.
2:5) is needed to receive God’s gift (Jn. 4:10) of new birth (1 Pet. 1:23; 2:2) which enables us to become “partakers of the divine nature”
(2 Pet. 1:4) and children of God (v.12). Cp. Lk. 22:53 and Col. 1:12.

Lit. “not from bloods, nor from will of flesh, nor from will of a man or husband, but from God”; for “bloods” see Ps. 50:16 LXX.

Lit. “camped, lived in a tent”. Cp. Rev. 21:3, “The tent of God is with men. And He will live in a tent with them. And they will be His
people, and God Himself will be with them.” Refers to the movable tent-temple or tabernacle (Ex. 25:8-22) and the Shekina (Heb.
Shakhan) or visible glory of God’s presence (Ex. 40:34; Ezek. 8:4; Jas. 2:1; 1 Cor. 2:8), fulfilled in the incarnation of the Word (Jn. 1:14).

Cp. 1:18; 3:16,18; Rom. 8:29). Gk. monogenes also means 1) uniquely born; 2) the only one of a kind or species. Jesus had no earthly
father (Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:35). He is the one Eternal Son of God, Co-Creator with the Father and the Spirit (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:15-17) who
became Son of Man to identify Himself with us and die for us (2 Cor. 5:15-21). For monogenes = only child, see Lk. 7:12; 8:42; 9:38.

i.e., John’s successor was his superior because He was his predecessor. Cp. 17:5.

“THE ONE WHO IS”: Gk. form of the Divine Name (Wis. 14:21) revealed to Moses (Ex. 3:14 LXX) and to John on the island of Patmos
(Rev. 1:8): “I AM THE ONE WHO IS.” Cp. Jn. 3:13; 6:46 and fn’s.

12See v.15 and fn. there. Cp. 3:13; 8:58.

13Also means: bears, carries, lifts, removes, destroys, kills. By bearing the sin of the world He removes and destroys it. “God’s Lamb”:
cp. Gen. 22:8,13; Is. 53:7.

2
who ranks ahead of me, because He was before me.’ 31. And I did not know Him. But I came
baptizing in water for this reason: that He might be made known to Israel.” 32. Then John gave his
testimony and said, “I saw the Spirit coming down out of heaven like a dove, and He remained upon
Him. 33. And I did not know Him. But the One who sent me to baptize in water told me, `The One
who baptizes in the Holy Spirit is the One on whom you see the Spirit coming down and remaining on
Him’ 34. And I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God.”
35. Again the following day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36. And seeing Jesus walking
along, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God.” 37. And the two disciples heard him say this, and they
followed Jesus. 38. Then Jesus turned and saw them following Him and said to them, 39. “What is it
you are looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which means when translated, Teacher), where do
You live?” 40. He said to them, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where He was living, and they
stayed with Him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 41. One of the two who heard John speak and
14 15

followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 42. He first found his own brother Simon and said
to him, “We have found the Messiah ,” which means when translated, the Christ. 43. And he brought
16

him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of Jonah. You shall be called
Cephas” which means Peter.
17

44. On the following day, Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him,
“Follow Me.” 45. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. 46. Philip found
18

Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the One Moses and the Prophets wrote about in the Law, 19

Jesus the Son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 47. But Nathanael said to him, “Can there be anything good
from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 48. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said
about him, “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 49. Nathanael said to Him, “How do
20

You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the
fig tree, I saw you.” 50. Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God, You
21

are the King of Israel.” 51. Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you, `I
22

saw you under the fig tree’? You will see greater things than these.” 52. And He said to him, “Truly,

14i.e., about 4 p.m.

15i.e., saying who Jesus was (v.36): the Lamb of God (Is. 53:7).

16Messiah (Heb.), Christ (Gk.) = The Anointed.

17Kephas (Aramaic) means Rock.

18Gk. also means: “Travel with Me”.

19The Jews often referred to the whole of what we call the Old Testament as the Law, though the first five books were especially called
the Torah (Law).

20Jesus welcomes Nathanael as a true son of Israel, but free from Jacob’s defect of deceit and duplicity (Gen. 27:35). Jacob = twister,
crook. Israel = isra (ruled by) El (God) (Gen. 32:28). Cp. “Not all Israelites are (the true) Israel” (Rom. 9:6).

21Jesus probably saw Nathanael under the fig tree meditating on the Ladder (Gen. 28:12f). The lonely and fearful patriarch saw that he
was not alone, but all heaven was engaged in his life and welfare. Soon the traffic between earth and heaven would increase when Christ’s
death and resurrection opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers (v.52). Cp. promise for meditation daily: Josh. 1:8.

22Cp. Gen. 28:12. Jesus is the true Israel whom Jacob foreshadowed.

3
truly I tell you, from now on you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and
descending on the Son of Man.”

2 And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
2. Now Jesus and His disciples were also invited to the wedding. 3. And when the wine ran short,
the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4. Jesus said to her, “Woman, what is that to
you and Me? My time has not yet come.” 5. His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells
23 24

you.” 6. Now six stone water jars were standing there for the purification rule of the Jews, holding 25

two or three measures each. 7. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled
26

them up to the brim. 8. Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.”
And they took it. 9. Now when the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, (though he did
not know where it came from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called
the bridegroom 10. and said to him, “Everyone puts out the good wine first, and when people have
drunk, then the inferior wine. You have kept the good wine until now.” 11. This first of His signs
27 28 29

Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and revealed His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. 12. After this 30

He, His mother, His brothers and His disciples went down to Capernaum, but they did not stay there
many days. 13. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14. And in the
temple He found people selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting at their
31

tables. 15. So He made a whip out of rushes and drove them all out of the temple, as well as the sheep
and the cattle. Then He scattered the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16. And
He said to those who were selling the pigeons, “Take them away from here. Stop making My Father’s
house a house of money-making.” 17. Then His disciples remembered that it is written, “Zeal for Your
house will consume Me.” 18. So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign will you show us for
32

23i.e., “Don’t worry. Trust Me.” (Cp. 14:1,14; 11:22,40,42). Jesus never called Mary His mother because that would have restricted His
relationship, e.g., He was also her Savior. She had no monopoly of Him. He can be anyone’s child (cp. Mt. 12:50). He is the Son of Man
and Son of God (cp. 19:26). In some languages “woman” is a title of respect (cp. 4:21; 20:13,15).

24Lit. “hour”. Cp. 17:1 where the “hour” refers to His life-giving death or glorification (cp. 13:31-33).

25See Mk. 7:3; 2 Chron. 30:19.

26A measure = 9 gallons.

27The Septuagint gives the meaning of Gk. methio. Those who fast aright are to be “like a watered garden” (Is. 58:11), i.e., a garden that
has just what is needed, neither too much nor too little. See also Gen. 43:34, Song 5:1; Ecclus. 1:16; Hag. 1:6.

28or, “You have kept the good wine going until now”. Jesus would want His miracles to be as unobtrusive as possible.

29“Sign” is used occasionally by the other evangelists, for St. John it is almost his only word for “miracle”. Christ’s miracles are Gospel
miniatures, signs of the deeper wonder of the reconciliation of the world (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Miracles were a prophet’s credentials (Ex. 4:8).
Jesus turns the water of Jewish legalism into the wine of the new covenant, yoke or marriage, the joy of salvation, eternal life in the new
Temple and Kingdom of God (Mt. 11:20; 22:1-14; Mk. 2:19). Again (2:18) Jews ask for a sign (1 Cor. 1:22) and Jesus names the miracle
of His death and resurrection (2:18-22). The word “sign” (Gk. semeion) has a long history (cp. Ex. 4:8,17; Num. 21:8; Neh. 9:10; Is. 7:11;
8:18; Mt. 12:29; 24:3,24,30; Mk. 16:17; Lk. 2:24; 23:8; Jn. 4:48; Ac. 4:22; Rom. 15:19; Heb. 2:4; Rev. 15:1).

30Jesus revealed the glory of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4), His compassionate love (1 Jn. 4:16f).

31Cp. Lv. 5:7; Lk. 2:24.

32Ps. 68:10 (69:9).

4
doing these things?” 19. Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I
will raise it up.” 20. Then the Jews said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise
it up in three days?” 21. But He was talking about the temple of His body. 22. So when He was raised
from the dead, His disciples remembered that He used to say this. Then they believed the Scriptures 33

and what Jesus had said.

23. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast many believed in His name when
they saw the signs which He was doing. 24. But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, because He
knew all of them, 25. and because He had no need that anyone should tell Him about man. For He
Himself knew what was in a man. 34

3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees whose name was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2. This
man came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know You are a teacher who has come
from God, for no one can do these signs which You are doing unless God is with him.” 3. Jesus
answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I tell you, unless a person is born again, he cannot see the 35

Kingdom of God.” 4. Nicodemus said to Him, “How can someone be born when he is old? Can he 36

enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time?” 5. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I tell you,
unless anyone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6. What is born of
flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7. Do not wonder that I told you, `You must be
born again.’ 8. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell
37

where it comes from or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9. Nicodemus
answered and said to Him, “How can these things happen?” 10. Jesus answered and said to him, “Are
you the teacher of Israel and do not know these things? 11. Truly, truly I tell you, we talk about what
we know and give testimony to what we have seen, yet you do not accept our testimony. 12. If I have
told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13.
And no one has ascended to heaven except the One who descended from Heaven, the Son of Man, the
38

One who is in heaven. 14. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of
39

Man must be lifted up, 15. that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life.”
40 41

33Lit. “word”. Cp. Ps. 15(16):10 with Ac. 2:31-32; 13:35-39.

34Jer. 7:9-14. Many believed (2:23) superficially (Jas. 2:17-20).

35A single Gk. phrase means “born again” and “born from above”. Both meanings are essential. But here the basic meaning is “born
again”, as Nicodemus rightly understands. In Gal. 4:9 anothen only means “again, anew” and cannot mean “from above”. Cp. also Lk.
1:3; Ac. 26:5.

36See 1 Pet. 1:3,23; Jas. 1:18; Jn. 1:12-13; Tit. 3:4-7; 1 Jn. 4:7.

37The Gk. also means: “The Spirit breathes where He wishes”.

38“Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind as it were to heaven” (4 Kgs. 2:11). St. Chrysostom shows how the Savior had to open the
Kingdom of Heaven to all believers and makes Jesus say: “None of the prophets ascended to heaven, but I live there.”

39“THE ONE WHO IS”: Cp. 1:18; 6:46 and fn’s. Gk. form of the incommunicable, unpronounceable, divine name revealed to Moses:
“Say to the sons of Israel, THE ONE WHO IS has sent me to you” (Ex. 3:14 LXX). Cp. Wis. 14:21.

40Cp. Num. 21:9; Wis. 16:5-12; Jn. 8:28; 12:32. Jesus knew all along He would die.

41Gk. also means: may not be lost, be destroyed, die.

5
16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him 42

may not perish, but have eternal life. 17. For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the
world, but to save the world through Him. 18. Anyone believing in Him is not being judged, but
anyone not believing in Him has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of
God’s only begotten Son.8 19. Now the judgment is this, that the light has come into the world, yet
people loved the darkness more than the light, because their works were evil. 20. For everyone doing
wrong hates the light and does not come to the light, that his works may not be exposed. 21. But
anyone doing what is right comes to the light, that his works may be seen --that they have been done in
God. 22. After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, and He stayed there
43 44

with them and was baptizing. 23. Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there 45

was plenty of water there, and people were coming and being baptized. 24. For John had not yet been
put in prison.
25. Then a dispute arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26. And they 46

came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you
have been bearing witness, look, He is baptizing people and they are all going to Him.” 27. John
answered and said, “No one can receive anything unless it is given him from heaven. 28. You 47

yourselves are my witnesses that I said, `I am not the Christ but I have been sent before Him.’ 29. The
48

Bridegroom is the One who has the bride. But the Bridegroom’s friend who stands and hears Him is
filled with joy by the Bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine is now complete. 30. He must increase, 49

but I must decrease.”

31. The One who comes from above is over all. One who is from earth belongs to earth and talks of
earth. The One who comes from heaven is over all. 32. And He bears witness to what He has seen
50

and heard, yet no one receives His witness. 33. Anyone who receives His witness puts his seal to this,
51

that God is true. 34. For the One whom God has sent tells the things of God, for God does not give
52

42Cp. 1:18. Lit. “uniquely-born Son” or “Son, the only one of the kind” (cp. 1:14). Ordinarily it means simply an only child: Lk. 7:12;
8:42; 9:38.

43or “because they are done in God”. “In God” also means: “by God”. Cp. Mt. 12:27, “If I expel demons by (in) Baalzebul...” See also
Mt. 10:20; Phil. 2:13.

44Lit. “After these things”. The plural implies an indefinite interval (cp. 3:22; 5:1,14; 6:1; 7:1, etc.). The singular meta touto indicates that
the meaning is “immediately after this” (cp. 2:12; 11:7,11; 19:28).

45“Wells near Peace”. John called the people to repentance and then sent them to Jesus for pardon and peace.

46i.e., baptism. The symbolic meaning of washing is put for the act itself, as in 2:6. Argument about real and ceremonial sanctification.

47Also means: “No one can succeed in anything unless it is given him from heaven.”

48See v.26. Cp. also 1:26-34.

49i.e., “The work I had to do is finished...The Church is wedded (yoked) to God” (St. Chrysostom). John’s joy reached its fulfillment (its
climax) when he handed over the bride to the Bridegroom (cp. Rev. 19:7-9).

50i.e., the language of earth, from an earthly standpoint (cp. 1 Jn. 4:5).

51The word of witness is inseparable from the Word, the Witness (cp. Rev. 3:14).

52By receiving the Witness (Rev. 1:5) the believer becomes a witness himself to the reality, the reliability and truthfulness of God and has

6
the Spirit by measure. 35. The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hand. 36.
Anyone believing in the Son has eternal life. But anyone disobeying the Son will not see life, but the
53

wrath of God remains on him.

54

4 Then, when the Lord knew the Pharisees had heard Jesus was making and baptizing more
disciples than John 2. (though it was not Jesus Himself who was baptizing, but His disciples), 3.
He left Judea and went back again into Galilee. 4. And He had to go through Samaria. 5. So He came
55

to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6. Now Jacob’s 56

well was there. And so, tired as He was from the journey, Jesus was sitting on the well. It was about 57

noon.
7. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8. For His disciples
had gone off to the town to buy food. 9. So the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, a
Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10. 58

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is who is saying to you, `Give
Me a drink’, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” 11. The woman
said to Him, “Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep. So where will you get living water? 12.
59

Surely You are not greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as
well as his sons and his livestock?” 13. Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks from
this water will be thirsty again. 14. But whoever drinks from the water which I will give him will never
be thirsty, for the water which I will give him will become a spring of water within him welling up into
eternal life.” 15. The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have
to come all the way here to draw water.”
16. Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17. The woman answered and said, “I
have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You did well to say, `I have no husband’, 18. for you have had 60

five husbands. And even the one you have now is not your husband. This that you have said is true.”

eternal life (1 Jn. 5:11-12).

53The Gk. implies continuous disbelieving or disobeying. A single “I believe” does not possess eternal life and a single act of
disobedience does not necessarily lose it. To “believe” is to have eternal life, and “His commandment is eternal life” (12:50), so that
believing is obeying. Cp. 1:12.

54“Wrath” only occurs here in John’s gospel. Cp. “The wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Eph. 5:6). It is the “wrath of
the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16).

55“Went back” as in v.43. “Again”, following the Slavonic.

56See Josh. 24:32.

57Gk. epi. It is quite normal to sit on the wall of a well in the Middle East. “Well”: strictly, “spring”. “Noon” = “the 6th hour” (Jewish
time). The Roman “6th hour” would be 6 p.m.

58or “do not associate with”.

59In vv.11-12, Gk. phrear = well, tank, cistern. In vv.6,14, Gk. pigi = well, spring, fountain. But we have kept “well” in v.6 to show how
Jesus taught the secret of the inner well by the parable of the village well (cp. Jn. 7:38). Phrear is man-made. Pigi is God-given. Cp. Jn.
6:35; Is. 55:1-3.

60One Gk. word here means “man” and “husband”.

7
19. The woman said to Him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20. Our fathers worshiped on this
mountain, but you people say that the place where we ought to worship is in Jerusalem.” 21. Jesus said
to her, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this
61

mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22. You people do not know what you worship. We know what we
62

worship, because salvation is from the Jews. 23. But an hour is coming, and is already here, when the
63

true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such people who are
worshiping Him. 24. God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 64

25. The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah (which means Christ) is coming. When He comes,
He will tell us everything.” 26. Jesus said to her, “I Am, the One talking to you.”
65

27. Now at this point His disciples came, and they wondered that He was talking with a woman. Yet
no one said, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking with her?” 28. So the woman left her
waterier and went off to the town. And she said to the people, 29. “Come and see a man who told me
everything I ever did. Is this not the Christ?” 30. So they went out of the city and were coming to
Him.
31. Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him saying, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32. But He said to them,
“I have food to eat which you do not know.” 33. So the disciples were saying to one another, “Did
anyone bring Him something to eat?” 34. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the One
who sent Me and to finish His work. 35. Do you not say, `There are four months more and harvest
comes’? Look up, I tell you, raise your eyes and see the fields, because they are already white for
harvest. 36. And anyone who reaps receives a reward and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that both the
sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37. For in this instance the saying is true, `One sows and
another reaps.’ 38. I sent you to reap where you have not labored. Others have labored, and you have
66

entered into their labor.”

39. Now many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the report of the woman
who testified, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40. So when the Samaritans came to Him, they
asked Him to stay with them. And He stayed there two days. 41. And many more believed because of
His word. 42. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of your saying, for we have
heard Him ourselves, and we know that He really is the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
43. But after two days, He came out from there and left for Galilee. 44. For Jesus Himself testified that
a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45. So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed
67

Him, having seen all that He did at the festival in Jerusalem, for they also went to the festival.
61Cp. 2:4 and fn.

62Cp. Is. 45:22-23; 66:20-23; Zeph. 2:11; Mal. 1:11; Ps. 21(22):27-28.

63Salvation comes from the Jews because the Messiah who is salvation (Lk. 2:30; Ps. 3:8(9); Is. 12:2-4; 52:10, etc.) is of the Jewish race
promised to Abraham (Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16).

64Cp. Phil. 3:3; 2 Cor. 3:17; Ps. 145:18.

65Cp. 6:20; 8:24-25,28,58; 13:19; 18:5-6; Ps. 34(35):3.

66“This was a proverbial expression commonly circulated” (St. Chrysostom). The disciples thought, “The Samaritans are needy but not
ready.” Jesus says, “Wrong! Difficult fields are ripe for harvest. Get out and reap.”

67Nazareth was His home town, but Judea was the country of His birth and registration (Lk. 2:3-5).

8
46. So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee, where He had made the water wine. And there was a
certain royal official whose son was ill at Capernaum. 47. When he heard Jesus had come from Judea
into Galilee, he went to Him and was begging Him to come down and heal his son, for he was about to
die. 48. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” 49. The
royal official said to Him, “Lord, come down before my little boy dies.” 50. Jesus said to him, “Go.
Your son is alive and well.” And the man believed what Jesus told him, and he started going home.
68

51. But as he was going down his servants met him and reported, saying, “Your boy is alive and well.”
52. So he asked them what time it was when he began to get better. And they told him, “Yesterday at
one in the afternoon the fever left him.” 53. Then the father knew it was during that hour in which
69

Jesus told him, “Your son is alive and well.” Then he himself and all his household believed. 54. This
is again a second sign that Jesus did when He came out of Judea into Galilee.
70

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2. Now there is a pool
71

in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda and which has five
72

covered colonnades. 3. A great crowd of sick people - blind, lame, paralyzed - were lying down in
these colonnades, expecting the movement of the water. 4. For an angel used to come down at certain
times and stir up the water in the pool. Then the first one to get in after the stirring of the water used
73

to be healed of whatever disease he was suffering from. 5. Now a man was there who had been sick 74

for thirty-eight years. 6. Seeing him lying there and knowing that he had been like that now for a long
time, Jesus said to him, “Do you want to get well?” 7. The sick man answered Him, “My lord, I have
no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred. But while I am going, someone else steps
down before me.” 8. Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bedding and walk.” 9. And immediately
the man became well, and he took up his bedding and started walking about.
75

But that day was the Sabbath. 10. So the Jews were saying to the man who had been healed, “It is the
Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry your bedding.” 11. He answered them, “The One who made
me well, He said to me, `Take up your bedding and walk.’” 12. So they asked him, “Who is the man
who told you to take up your bedding and walk?” 13. But the man who had been healed did not know
who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, as there was a crowd in the place. 14. Afterwards Jesus found 76

him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have become well!5 Do not sin any more, or something
68Lit. “believed the word which”.

69The “seventh hour” = 1 p.m. (Jewish time) or 7 p.m. (Roman time).

70or “miracle”. This was the 3rd of John’s selection (there were many others: cp. 20:30), but the 2nd in Galilee.

71Lit. “After these things”; but cp. 3:22 and fn.

72The Slavonic reads: “Now there is in Jerusalem a sheep pool.” This tallies with the church services where “the sheep pool” is a frequent
refrain (see 4th Sunday after Easter, of the Paralytic). Evidently at that time the Greek of St. John’s Gospel at this point differed from our
present text. For “Sheep Gate” cp. Neh. 3:1,32; 12:39.

73Cp. Rev. 16:5, “the angel of the waters”.

74or “infirm, weak, ill”.

75Lit. “healthy”.

76Lit. “After these things”. Cp. 3:22 and fn.

9
worse may happen to you.” 15. The man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made
him well. 16. And that is why the Jews kept persecuting Jesus and trying to kill Him, because He was
doing these things on the Sabbath. 17. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and
I am working.” 18. So this is why the Jews kept trying all the more to kill Him, because He was not
77

only breaking the Sabbath, but was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
19. So Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself
except what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does likewise. 20. 78

For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He Himself is doing. And He will show Him
greater things than these, that you may marvel. 21. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them
life, so also the Son gives life to anyone He wishes. 22. For the Father does not judge anyone, but He
has given all judgment to the Son, 23. that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father. Anyone
79

who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24. Truly, truly, I tell you,
anyone who hears My word and believes in the One who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come
80

into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

25. “Truly, truly I tell you an hour is coming, and is already here, when the dead will hear the voice
81 82

of the Son of God, and those who hear10 it will live. 26. For just as the Father has life in Himself, so He
also gave the Son to have life in Himself. 27. And He gave Him authority to pass judgment because 83

He is the Son of Man. 28. Do not wonder at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the
84

tombs will hear His voice 29. and will come out -- those who did good to a resurrection of life, but
those who did evil to a resurrection of judgment. 85

30. By Myself I can do nothing. As I hear I judge, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek My
own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. 31. If I bear witness about Myself, My witness is not

77The Sabbath was made for man (Mk. 2:27-28), not for God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

78Cp. Jn. 5:30; 8:28; Num. 16:28 LXX.

79“Whatever the Father does, the Son does” (v.19). So “the Father does not judge anyone” (v.22) must refer to 8:15 and 12:47 which say
that the Son does not judge either. But cp. 5:30; 8:16; 9:39 which say the Son does judge. Here (v.22) “all judgment has been given to the
Son” implies that the Father acts through the Son. The reason why judgment was given to the Son is in order that Father and Son may be
honored as equally divine. In v.27 the reason is said to be because He is a son of man (cp. Heb. 4:15). So Jesus is Judge both as God and
Man.

80“Hear(s)” means “hear(s) and obey(s)”.

81Now is the hour of opportunity. This hour has lasted nearly 2000 years (2 Pet. 3:8). Cp. “It is the last hour (1 Jn. 2:18 twice). “Now is
the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). “The grace of God has appeared...training us to live in the now age” (Tit. 2:11-12).

82i.e., unbelievers “dead in disobedience and sins” (Eph. 2:1).

83or “to act as judge”; lit. “to do judgment”.

84i.e., human, a human being. “We do not have a chief-priest (and judge) unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One tested and
tried in every way like ourselves, without sin” (Heb. 4:15). St. Chrysostom punctuates: “And He gave Him authority to pass judgment.
That He is the Son of Man, do not wonder at this, because a time is coming...”

85Cp. Dan. 12:1-3; 2 Esdras 7:32-42; Acts 24:15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Mt. 25:46.

10
true. 32. There is Another who bears witness about Me, and I know that His witness about Me is
86

true. 33. You sent to John and he bore witness to the truth. 34. Yet the witness I accept is not from
87 88

man, but I am saying these things that you may be saved. 35. He was a burning and shining lamp, and
for a while you were willing to rejoice in his light. 36. But I have a witness greater than John’s, for the
works that the Father gave Me to finish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about Me that the
Father has sent Me. 37. And the Father who sent Me has Himself borne witness about Me. You have
never heard His voice or seen His form. 38. And you do not have His word living in you, because
89 90

you do not believe in the One He sent. 39. Search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you
91

have eternal life. And these are the writings that bear witness about Me. 40. Yet you do not want to
come to Me, that you may have life. 92

41. I do not accept glory from men. 42. But I know you -- that you have no love for God in you. 43. I
have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me. If someone else comes in his own name,
you will receive him. 44. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not
seek the glory which comes from the only God? 45. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.
Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46. For if you believed Moses, you would
believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe
My words?”

6 After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2. And a great
93

crowd was following Him, because they were seeing His signs which He was doing on those who
were sick. 3. But Jesus went up into the mountain and was sitting there with His disciples. 4. Now the
Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. 5. Then, looking up and seeing a great crowd coming
towards Him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread so that these people may eat?” 6. But 94

He was saying this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do. 7. Philip answered
Him, “Two hundred denaria worth of bread is not enough that each of them may receive a little.” 8. 95

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9. “There is one little boy here who

86“He addresses this to their secret thoughts in anticipation of what they would say” (8:13)--St. Chrysostom.

87“Here He indicates God the Father and He says He knows that His evidence is true, showing that His own judgment is also most
reliable and true”--St. Cyril of Alexandria. For “Another” meaning God, cp. Rom. 13:8; 14:4.

88Cp. Jn. 1:19-34. “John’s evidence was the evidence of God” (cp. 1:33) St. John Chrysostom. Cp. v.34.

89or “face, shape, appearance”. Cp. Lk. 9:29, “the appearance of His face”; Gen. 32:30 LXX, eidos Theou - “face of God”. Cp. also Ps.
104(105):4.

90or staying, remaining, lasting, enduring, dwelling. Cp. Jn. 15:7.

91“Search” - imperative. Cp. St. John Chrysostom, etc. Cp. 1 Pet. 1:10-11. “Your search” (indicative) is also grammatically possible.

92This is the tragedy of the rejection of the Messiah by the Messianic people. Cp. Mt. 21:43.

93Lit. “After these things”, i.e., “Some time after this”. Cp. 3:22 and fn.

94This miracle is recorded by all four of the Evangelists: Mt. 14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-14. The only one in all four
Gospels.

95Lit. “a little something”. “Denaria”, cp. Mt. 18:28; 22:19 and fn’s. there.

11
has five barley loaves and two little fish, but what is this among so many people?” 10. But Jesus said,
“Make them all sit down.” Now there was plenty of grass in the place, so the people sat down, the men
alone numbering about five thousand. 11. Then Jesus took the loaves and when He had given thanks
He handed them to the disciples, and the disciples handed them to those who were reclining. He did 96

the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12. But when they were satisfied, He said to His
disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces left over, so that nothing is lost.” 13. So they gathered them up
and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces left over from the five barley loaves which the people
had eaten. 14. Then, when the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they were saying, “This really
is the Prophet who was coming into the world.”
97 98

15. So knowing they were going to come and seize Him to make Him king, Jesus went back again to
the mountain to be alone by Himself. 16. But when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,
17. and after getting into the boat, they started across the sea for Capernaum. But by now it had
become dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18. As a strong wind began to blow, the sea was getting
rough. 19. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea 99

and coming near the boat, and they were afraid. 20. But He said to them, “I Am. Do not be afraid.” 100

21. Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to 101

which they were going.

22. On the following day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the sea saw no other boat
had been there except the one in which His disciples embarked, and that Jesus had not entered the boat
with His disciples, but that His disciples had gone off alone. 23. But now boats from Tiberias came
close to the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24. So when the
crowd saw neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to
Capernaum looking for Jesus.
25. And when they found Him on the opposite shore of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did
You come here?” 26. Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly I tell you, you are looking for Me,
not because you saw signs, but because you were fed with the loaves and were filled. 27. Do not work
for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts into eternal life, which the Son of Man will give
you. For God the Father sealed Him with His Spirit.” 28. Then they said to Him, “What should we
102

do that we may do the works of God?” 29. Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God,
that you believe in the One He sent.” 30. So they said to Him, “Then what sign are You performing
that we may see and believe You? What work are You doing? 31. Our fathers ate manna in the

96People reclined on the left side and used the right hand for eating. A different verb is used in v.10, “sit down...sat down” as they would
first sit and then later recline for the meal, though both Greek verbs could be translated “recline”.

97Cp. Dt. 18:15; Acts 3:22; Jn. 1:21; Mt. 21:11.

98Cp. 11:27.

99Cp. Mt. 14:25-33 and fn.

100Cp. Dt. 32:39; Is. 43:10; 46:4; 48:12; Mt. 24:5; Mk. 6:50; 13:6; 14:62; Lk. 21:8; Jn. 8:24,28,58; 17:6; 18:5,6,8. And the Gk. of Ex.
3:14; Wis. 14:21; Reb. 1:4,8.

101or “and the boat came straight...” or “and directly the boat was...”

102Sealed Him with His Spirit, commission, approval and authority for this service, ministry, sacrifice (Jn. 1:29-34; Mt. 3:16-17).

12
wilderness, as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32. Then Jesus said to them,103

“Truly, truly I tell you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the
true bread from heaven. 33. For the bread of God is the One who comes down out of heaven and gives
life to the world.” 34. Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”
35. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes to Me will never hunger, and
anyone who believes in Me will never thirst. 36. But I told you that you have seen Me, and still you do
not believe. 37. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and anyone who comes to Me I will
certainly not cast out, 38. because I have come down from heaven not to do My own will but the will
104

of the One who sent Me. 39. Now this is the will of the Father who sent Me: that I should not lose any
of those He has given Me, but I will raise them all at the last day. 40. This is the will of the One who
105

sent Me: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him
up at the last day.” 41. So the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, “I am the bread who
came down from heaven.” 42. And they were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the Son of Joseph, whose
father and mother we know? Then how is it He is saying, `I have come down from heaven’?” 43. So
106

Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop grumbling among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless
the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45. It is written in the
Prophets, `And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who hears and learns from the Father
107

comes to Me. 46. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God. He has seen
the Father. 47. Truly, truly, I tell you, anyone who believes in Me has eternal life. 48. I am the Bread
108

of Life. 49. Your fathers fed on manna in the wilderness and died. 50. This is the bread that came
109

down from heaven, so that anyone may eat it and not die. 51. I am the living bread who came down
from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live for ever. And the bread that I will give for the life
of the world is My flesh.”
52. Then the Jews started fighting among themselves saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to
eat?” 53. So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54. Anyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has
110

eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55. For My flesh is true food and My blood is true
drink. 56. Anyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me and I in him. 57. As the living

103Ps. 77:24 (Heb. 78:24). Cp. Ex. 16:4-15. Moses gave their fathers bread from heaven, not barley bread. If Jesus could do that, it would
prove that He was the Messiah. A tradition said that in the days of the Messiah, Israel would again be given manna.

104Cp. 9:34-35 where the same expression is used of the blind man: “cast out”.

105Cp. 1 Jn. 2:18, “It is the last hour”; also 1 Jn. 3:2; 2 Cor. 3:18.

106See 8:33; 12:34; 14:9 for the same expression. It exactly corresponds to our saying, “Then how come He is saying...”

107Cp. Is. 54:13 (LXX).

108“THE ONE WHO IS” represents the tetragrammaton YHWH. Cp. Ex. 3:14; Rev. 1:4,8. See also Jn. 3:13; 6:20 and fn’s. there. But the
Father can be seen: 14:9; 12:45. Christ’s human nature reveals and veils His Deity (Heb. 10:19-20).

109See Ex. 16:4-35; Num. 11:6f; 14:20-24; 26:63-65.

110Lit. “chews” as a cow chews her cud (as vv.56-57): i.e., digests the life of Christ by feeding on the written Word of God. 6:53-54 =
Heb. 10:19-20.

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Father sent Me and I live by the Father, so anyone who feeds on Me will live by Me. 58. This is the 111

bread which came down from heaven. It is not as it was with your fathers, who ate manna and died.
Anyone eating this bread will live forever.” 59. He said these things in the synagogue while teaching
in Capernaum.
60. When they heard this, many of His disciples said, “This teaching is too hard. Who can bear to 112

listen to it?” 61. Now Jesus knew in Himself His disciples were grumbling about it, and He said to
113

them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62. Then what if you see the Son of Man ascending to where
114

He was before? 63. The Spirit is the giver of life. The flesh does not help at all. The things I am
115 116 117

telling you are spirit and life. 64. But there are some among you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew
from the beginning those who were not believing and those who would betray Him. 65. And He was
saying, “That is why I told you no one can come to Me unless it is given him by My Father.” 118

66. As a result of this, many of His disciples went back and were no longer walking with Him. 67.
119 120

So Jesus said to the twelve, “Are you also wanting to go away?” 68. Then Simon Peter answered Him,
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69. And we believe and we know
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 70. Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you
121

twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71. Now He was talking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
For he was going to betray Him, and he was one of the twelve.

111Gk. dia with the accusative indicates the source of life: “As I draw My life from the Father, so anyone who feeds on Me will draw his
life from Me.”

112“Hard”; Gk. skleros (cp. sclerosis) does not mean difficult to understand, but hard to swallow or accept, offensive, repugnant. For a
different word meaning “difficult” see Mt. 19:23; Mk. 10:24; Lk. 18:24.

113i.e., He knew without being told.

114or “upset, shock, offend, scandalize”; cp. 16:1.

115It means: “What will you say/do if you see Me going up to heaven?” (Cp. 3:13). The Word took flesh and became Man without
ceasing to be God or leaving heaven (cp. 1:18).

116St. Chrysostom says: “The words `The flesh does not help at all’ are not spoken of His own flesh, but of carnal (natural)
understanding.” Cp. Rom. 8:8-9.

117or “words”; Gk. conveys both meanings. Cp. Lk. 1:37; 2:15.

118Cp. Jn. 6:37,44.

119Cp. 18:6 for identical Gk. “The evangelist rightly said, not that they `went away’ but that they `went back’ showing that by separating
themselves they lost the faith they had previously” (St. John Chrysostom).

120or “going, living, associating with Him”. Cp. 7:1 and fn. below.

121St. Cyril Alex. says: “They say, `We believe and know’... putting faith first, as it is written, `Unless you believe, you will not
understand’” (Is. 7:9 LXX). Cp. Mt. 16:16, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

14
7 And after this, Jesus was walking in Galilee. For He was not wanting to walk about in Judea
122 123

because the Jews were trying to kill Him. 2. Now the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. 3. 124

So His brothers said to Him, “Move on from here and go into Judea, so Your disciples also may see the
things You are doing. 4. For no one doing something in secret wants himself to be (known) publicly. 125

If you are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5. For not even His brothers were believing
in Him. 6. So Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7. The
world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify about it, that its works are evil. 8. You go up to
this feast. I am not going up to this feast yet, because My time has not yet come.” 9. So after telling
them this, He remained in Galilee. 10. But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the
feast, not publicly but as if in secret. 11. So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and were
126

saying, “Where is He?” 12. And there was much muttering about Him in the crowds. Some were
127

saying, “He is a good man.” Others were saying, “No, He is leading the crowd astray.” 13. Yet no one
was talking about Him openly for fear of the Jews.
14. But now in the middle of the feast Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach. 15. And the
Jews were wondering and said, “How does this Man know the Scriptures without having learned?” 128

16. So Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not Mine but comes from the One who sent Me.
17. If anyone wants to do His will, he will know about the teaching, whether it comes from God or
129

whether I am talking from Myself. 18. Anyone talking from himself is seeking his own glory, but
anyone seeking the glory of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 19.
Did not Moses give you the Law? Yet not one of you obeys the Law. Why are you trying to kill Me?”
20. The crowd answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is trying to kill You?” 21. Jesus
answered and said to them, “I did one work and because of this you are all wondering. 22. Moses 130

gave you circumcision (not that it derives from Moses, but from the fathers), and even on a Sabbath 131

you circumcise a man. 23. If on a Sabbath a man receives circumcision that the Law of Moses may not
122Lit. “After these things”. Cp. 3:22 and fn.

123Cp. 1:36; 5:8; 6:19,66; 12:35; 21:18; 1 Jn. 2:6.

124Lit. “Jews’ feast”. “Tabernacles”, lit. “Tent-pitching”. It was a harvest festival which also commemorated the 40 years in the
wilderness when the Israelites lived in tents (cp. Lv. 23:33-43).

125“Known” is not in the Gk., but St. Cyril says that is what it means.

126“In secret”: exactly the same phrase as in v.4.

127“Where is He?” as in 9:12.

128The Jews had only one kind of learning, theology or scripture, taught in the schools of the rabbis. “The Jews” (leaders, Pharisees,
Scribes) knew Jesus had not been to school, yet they could not deny His knowledge of Scripture.

129or “desires, wishes, chooses, is willing to do His will”. Obedience is the way to light and truth, and the secret of understanding the
Word of God. Cp. Jn. 8:43; Dt. 29:29.

130i.e., “wondering if I have broken the Law”. “There are things more authoritative than the Law... Not to have healed the man would
have been to break the Law” (St. Chrysostom). Even circumcision was more authoritative than the Sabbath (see 7:22-23).

131Cp. Lv. 12:3; Ex. 12:44. Circumcision was the sign of God’s covenant with Abram (Gen. 17:9-14), but Moses continued and codified
it. Words in parentheses are part of the text.

15
be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a whole man healthy on a Sabbath day? 24. Do not
judge by appearance, but make a right judgment .” 132

25. Then some of the people of Jerusalem said, “Is not this the man they are trying to kill? 26. But
look, He is talking openly and they are saying nothing to Him. Do our rulers actually know He really is
the Christ? 27. Yet we know where this man comes from. But when the Christ comes, no one will
know where He comes from.” 28. Then, while teaching in the temple, Jesus called out and said, “You
know Me and you know where I come from. Yet I have not come of Myself, but the One who sent 133

Me is true , and you do not know Him. 29. I know Him, because I am from Him and He sent Me.”
134

30. So they were trying to arrest Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet
come. 31. But among the crowd many believed in Him and were saying, “When the Christ comes, will
He do more signs than this Man has done?”
32. The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about Him, and so the Pharisees and the chief
priests sent temple guards to arrest Him. 33. Then Jesus said, “I am going to be with you for a little
while longer, and then I am going away to Him who sent Me. 34. You will look for Me, but you will
135

not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.” 35. So the Jews said among themselves, “Where
136

does this man intend to go, so that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the dispersion among
the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36. What is the meaning of this word which He said, `You will
137

look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am,15 you cannot come’?”
37. Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out saying, “If anyone is
thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” 38. As the Scripture said, “Anyone believing in Me, out of his
hollow will flow rivers of living water.” 39. But He said this about the Spirit whom believers in Him
138

were going to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet (manifest) , because Jesus was not yet 139

glorified. 140

132Lit. “judge just (right, righteous, honest) judgment”. Cp. Is. 11:3 LXX.

133Cp. 8:42. Lit. “from Myself”.

134or “real”. One word in Gk. has both meanings.

135“For a little...with you.” Cp. 12:35; 13:33: Gk. identical, only verbal differences.

136Where He is always “in the Father’s bosom” (1:18). When He “came down from heaven” (6:38), He did not leave heaven, but “is in
heaven” (3:13). Heaven is fellowship with the Father, which is where His enemies “cannot come” (7:34,36; 8:21-22).

137i.e., non-Jews, Gentiles.

138This is the fulfillment of prophecy. The believer has an inner well, spring, fountain, source (cp. Is. 58:11; 12:3; Ez. 47:1; Jn. 4:14). The
body of Christ and of the believer are the real temple of God (Jn. 2:21; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). Gk. koilia = hollow, cavity, thorax, belly,
stomach, womb. Cp. “Shall I give the fruit of my body (koilia) for the sin of my soul?” (Mic. 6:7 LXX). “Writing”, not scripture. But cp.
Is. 58:10-11, “You will be like a spring whose waters never fail.”

139“Manifest” not in the Gk., but the Holy Spirit has always been in the world as the life-giver (6:33), one with the Father and the Son
(cp. Is. 63:11,14; Wis. 1:7; Ac. 17:28). St. Seraphim of Sarov says the meaning here is that the Holy Spirit was not yet evident, apparent,
manifest. (Cp. 1 Pet. 1:10-12).

140Death was His glorification (12:16,23; 13:31). Supreme illustration of the truth, “he who hates his life will keep it” (12:23-25). Cp.
10:17.

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40. Then when they heard these words, many of the crowd were saying, “This man really is the
Prophet.” 41. Some were saying, “This is the Christ.” Others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not
141

coming from Galilee? 42. Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is coming from the seed of David
and from the little town of Bethlehem where David was?” 43. So there was a split in the crowd
because of Him. 44. And some of them were wanting to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him.
142

45. Then the temple guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not
bring Him?” 46. The temple guards answered, “Never did a man talk like this--like this Man.” 47.
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deluded? 48. Has anyone belonging to the
rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49. But this mob which does not know the law is accursed.”
50. Nicodemus, who had come to Him at night and who was one of them, said to them, 51. “Surely our
law does not judge a man without first hearing from him and knowing what he is doing?” 52. They
answered and said to him, “Surely you are not also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet has
arisen out of Galilee.” 53. Then each went away to his house.
143

8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2. Then at daybreak He again came into the temple, and
all the people were coming to Him. And He sat down and was teaching them. 3. But the scribes
and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And they made her stand in the center. 4.
Then they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5.
And in our law Moses ordered us to stone such women. 6. Now what do You say?” But they said this
144

to trap Him, in order to have an accusation against Him. But Jesus stooped down and started writing on
the ground with His finger. 7. Then, as they continued questioning Him, He looked up and said to
145

them, “Let the one who is sinless among you be the first one to throw a stone at her.” 8. And again He
stooped down and was writing on the ground. 9. But on hearing this and being convicted by their own
consciences, they began to go out of the temple one by one, beginning with the older ones. And Jesus
was left alone with the woman still standing in the center. 10. Then Jesus looked up and said to her,
“Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11. She said, “No one, Lord.” Then Jesus said to
her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on sin no more.”
12. So again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will
not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13. So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are
bearing witness about Yourself. Your witness is not true.” 14. Jesus answered and said to them,
146

“Even if I give testimony about Myself, My testimony is true, because I know where I came from and
where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15. You judge

141Cp. Dt. 18:15,18; Ac. 3:22; 7:37.

142Cp. 9:16; 10:19.

143The reading of St. Cyril Alex. (+444) and St. John Chrysostom (347-407). Jonah the son of Amittai (2 Kgs. 14:25) and Hosea of the
tribe of Issachar were prophets who came from Galilee. But “Christ teaches openly, `I have come down from heaven’” (St. Cyril Alex.).
Cp. 6:38.

144 Dt. 22:22-27. The law condemned to death both the man and the woman. Why did the Scribes and Pharisees say that Moses ordered

stoning only for women, and why did they bring only the woman to Jesus? Cp. Lv. 20:10.

145 Cp. Jer. 17:13.

146 Cp. Jn. 5:31.

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according to the flesh. I am not judging anyone. 16. But even if I judge, my judgment is true,
147 148

because I am not judging alone, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17. Now even in your law it is
149

written that the testimony of two persons is true. 18. I am bearing witness about Myself, and the
150

Father who sent Me bears witness about Me.” 19. Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father
also.” 20. Jesus said these things in the treasury, while teaching in the temple. Yet no one arrested Him,
because His hour had not yet come.
21. Then Jesus told them again, “I am going away and you will look for Me, but you will die in your
sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22. So the Jews were saying, “Because He is saying,
151 152

`Where I am going, you cannot come,’ surely He is not going to kill Himself, is He?” 23. Then He said
to them, “You are from below, I am from above. You are from this world, I am not from this world. 153

24. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I Am, you will 154

die in your sins .” 25. So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” And Jesus said to them, “Just
155

what I am telling you all the time. 26. I have many things to say and judge about you. But He who
156 157

sent Me is true, and these things that I am telling the world are what I heard from Him.” 27. They did
not understand He was talking to them about the Father. 28. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up
the Son of Man, then you will know that I Am and that I do nothing from Myself, but I am telling
158 159

these things as My Father taught Me. 29. And the One who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left
Me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to Him.” 30. While He was saying these things, many
believed in Him.

147 or “by human standards”, or “superficially”. Cp. 1 Cor. 1:26; 2 Cor. 5:16.

148 Judgment was not the aim of His mission (3:17; 9:39; 12:47). He will come again to judge (Mt. 25:32; Ac. 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1).

149 Cp. v.29.

150 Cp. Dt. 19:15.

151 The sin of the world, of not wanting God, independence, rebellion, unbelief, rejection of Jesus.

152 See 7:33-36; 8:21-22; 13:33.

153 Refers to origin: see 3:6. Cp. 15:19 and fn.

154 i.e., “Unless you believe that I AM HE WHO IS (Ex. 3:14; Rev. 1:4,8), who became Man to die for you, you will die.”

155 “Sins” are the consequences of the root sin of rejecting God. Cp. v.21 and fn. See also 9:9.

156 It could also mean: “Essentially I am what I say to you.” That is, “My Person is My message, I and My message, word, teaching,
gospel are one.”
157 or “criticize”.

158 i.e., on the cross. It is an act of men, not of God. So it refers to the Crucifixion, not to the Ascension. Cp. 12:32-34. “Then you will
know that I AM, that is Messiah, Son of God, by the signs, My resurrection and the destruction of Jerusalem” (St. John Chrysostom).

159 “He did not say, `Then you will know who I am’, but `When you see I suffer nothing from death, then you will know that I AM THE
ONE WHO IS creating and sustaining, ruling and directing all things...and My oneness with the Father” (St. John Chrysostom).

18
31. So Jesus was telling the Jews who believed Him, “If you live by My word, you are truly My 160

disciples. 32. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33. They answered and
said to Him, “We are Abraham’s seed and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it you are
saying, `You will become free’?”
34. Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I tell you, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. 35. But 161

the slave does not remain in the house forever. The Son remains forever. 36. So if the Son makes you 162

free, you will be really free. 37. I know you are Abraham’s descendants . Yet you are trying to kill Me,
163

because My word has no place in you. 38. I am telling you what I have seen with My Father, and
164 165

you are doing what you have seen with your father.”
39. They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were children
of Abraham, you would be doing the works of Abraham. 40. But you are trying to kill Me, a Man who
has told you the truth which I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41. You are doing your
father’s work.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born from fornication. We have one Father--
God.” 42. So Jesus said to them, “If God had been your Father, you would have loved Me, for I came
out and have come from God. I have not come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43. Why do you not
166

understand what I say? It is because you cannot listen to My words. 44. You belong to your father the
167

devil, and you want to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and did not 168

stay in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks his own language, 169

because he is a liar and the father of lying. 45. But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe Me.
170

46. Which of you convicts Me of sin? Then if I am telling the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47.
One who is a child of God listens to the words of God. The reason why you do not listen is because 171

you are not God’s children.”

48. Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Are we not right in saying that You are a Samaritan and
have a demon?” 49. Jesus answered, “I have no demon. But I honor My Father, while you are
160 i.e., “live as I tell you” or “stay in the Gospel”. These believers gave Him credence but not allegiance. Jesus demands obedience and
stability, because a man of two minds is unstable. “His Word is the Gospel” says St. Cyril Alex.

161 Cp. 1 Jn. 3:4,8,9; Rom. 6:17-22; 2 Pet. 2:19.

162 Cp. v.44.

163 Lit. “seed”.

164 Cp. Lk. 2:7.

165 Cp. v.28 above, and especially 5:19. “Telling”: cp. v.40.

166 i.e., “I have not come on My own, of My own accord”. This is repeated verbatim from 7:28.

167 Lit. “hear My word”. Cp. 18:37, “Everyone who belongs to the truth hears (listens to) My voice”. Cp. 8:47.

168 Cp. Gen. 3:1-5; Wis. 2:24; 1 Jn. 3:8,15.

169 Lit. “he is talking from his own (resources)”.

170 The Gk. can also mean, “father of the liar(s)”.

171 “Listen” means “hear and obey”.

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dishonoring Me. 50. Yet I am not seeking My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the
Judge. 51. Truly, truly I tell you, if anyone obeys My word, he will never see death.” 52. Then the 172

Jews said to Him, “Now we know You have a demon. Abraham and the Prophets died, and yet You
say, `If anyone obeys My word, he will never taste death.’ 53. Are You greater than our father
Abraham who died and the Prophets who died? Who do You claim to be?” 54. Jesus answered, “If I 173

glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say that He is your
God. 55. Yet you do not know Him. But I know Him, and if I say, `I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar
like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would
174 175

see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57. Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years
old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I tell you, before Abraham was
born, I Am. ” 59. Then they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus hid Himself and went out of
176

the temple, going through the midst of them and so passed by.I tell you, you will not come out of there
until you have paid the last cent .” 177

9 And as He was passing by, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2. And His disciples
asked Him saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3. Jesus
answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned. But that the works of God may be manifested in him, 4.
178

I must do the works of the One who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6. After saying this, He spat on the ground and
made mud with the saliva and put the mud on the blind man’s eyes. 7. And He said to him, “Go and
wash in the Pool of Siloam,” which means Sent. So he went and washed and came seeing. 8. Then the
neighbors and those who had seen him before when he was blind were saying, “Is not this the man who
sits and begs?” 9. Some were saying, “This is the man.” But others were saying, “He is like him.” He
kept on saying, “I am the man.” 10. So they were saying to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11.
He answered and said, “A man called Jesus made mud and smeared my eyes and said to me, `Go and
wash in the Pool of Siloam.’ So I went and washed, and I see.” 12. Then they said to him, “Where is
He?” He said, “I have no idea.”
13. They led the once blind man to the Pharisees. 14. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the
mud and opened his eyes. 15. So in their turn the Pharisees were also asking him how he had come to
see. And he told them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16. Then some of the
Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others
were saying, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” So there was a division among them. 17. They
said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, because it was your eyes He opened?” He
172 Cp. 3:16; 10:28-30; 11:25-26.

173 Lit. “Who are You making Yourself?”

174 See fn. at v.51. “Keep” or “observe, watch”.

175 Lit. “exulted, jumped for joy”. Cp. Gen. 17:7; 18:1,22; 22:18; Gal. 3:13-16. “You loved Abraham and to him alone You revealed the
end of the times secretly at night” (2 Esdras 3:14). He rejoiced in the hope of seeing His day.

176 Jesus reveals that He is without beginning, Eternal Being. Cp. 6:20 and fn.
177Gk. lepton. Cp. Lk. 21:2 “Until you have paid...” That is, never.

178 i.e., “he and his parents have not sinned in this connection or as you think”. It is understood that all are born blind and dead (3:3-6)

because sin is universal (Is. 53:6; 64:6; Mt. 7:11; Rom. 4:23; 1 Jn. 1:8). All must be born again (Jn. 3).

20
said, “He is a prophet.”
18. But the Jews refused to believe the story about him, that he had been blind and had received his
sight, until they called the man’s parents. 19. And they questioned them saying, “Is this your son whom
you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” 20. His parents answered them and said, “We
know this is our son and he was born blind. 21. But how he now sees, we do not know, and we do not
know who opened his eyes. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22. His parents said this
because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Jesus
was the Christ, he would be banned from the synagogue. 23. That is why his parents said, “He is of
age. Ask him.”
24. So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to
God. We know this man is a sinner.” 25. Then he answered and said, “If He is a sinner, I do not know
179

it. One thing I do know: I was blind but now I see.” 26. They said to him again, “What did He do to
you? How did He open your eyes?” 27. He answered them, “I told you already, but you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” 28. Then they stormed
at him and said, “You are that man’s disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29. We know that God has
spoken to Moses, but we do not know where this man comes from.” 30. The man answered and said to
them, “Now here is an amazing thing. You do not know where He comes from, and yet He has opened
my eyes. 31. We know God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His
will, He hears him. 32. Since the world began it is unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of a man
born blind. 33. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34. They answered and said to
him, “You were born in utter sin, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out. 35. Jesus heard 180

they had cast him out, and He found him and said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36. He
answered and said, “And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37. Jesus said to him, “You
have seen Him, and He is talking with you.” 38. Then he said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped
Him. 39. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, that those who do not see may see
181

and those who see may become blind.” 40. Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this and
said to Him, “Are we also blind?” 41. Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin. 182

But now you say, `We see,’ so your sin remains.”

10 “Truly, truly I tell you, anyone not entering through the door into the sheepfold, but climbing
in some other way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2. But anyone entering through the door
is a shepherd of the sheep. 3. The doorkeeper opens the door to him, and the sheep hear his voice.
183

184

And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4. And whenever he takes out his own sheep,
he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5. They will not follow
179 In Jewish legal practice this simply meant: “Speak the truth in the name and presence of God” (cp. Josh. 7:19; Jer. 13:16).

180 Cp. 6:37; 9:35.

181 Gk. krima not krisis describes a consequence, not the purpose of His coming. Cp. modern Gk.: Ti krima! = What a pity!.

182 i.e., “If you knew nothing about Me, you could be excused” (7:27-28; 15:22). “If you admitted your blindness, you would receive Me,
forgiveness and light. Your claim to vision, while rejecting Me, shows you to be in the darkness of pride and unbelief.”

183“He calls the Scriptures `a door’ because they bring us to God and open to us the knowledge of God, they make the sheep and guard
them from the wolves” (St. Chrysostom). The written Word and the personal Word are inseparable. See Jn. 10:9.

184Cp. 18:37. “All kings are shepherds of the people” (Rev. 5:10).

21
a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6. This was
a parable Jesus told them, but they did not understand what it was He was telling them. 185

7. So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I tell you, I am the door of the sheep. 8. All who came
before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9. I am the door. If anyone
enters through Me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture. 10. The thief does not
come except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that people may have life and have it abundantly. 11.
I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12. But the hired
186 187

man who is not the shepherd, or owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and
runs away. Then the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13. The hired man runs away because
he is a hired man and does not care about the sheep. 14. I am the good4 Shepherd, and I know My own
and My own know Me, 15. just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life
for the sheep. 16. And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold. I must bring them also, and
they will hear My voice. And there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17. This is why the Father 188

loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may receive it again. 18. No one takes it from Me, but I
lay it down Myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to receive it again. This
189 190

commandment I received from My Father.”

19. So again there was a division among the Jews because of these words. 20. And many of them were
saying, “He has a demon and He is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21. Others were saying, “These
are not the words of a man with a demon. Can a demon open blind men’s eyes?”
22. Now it was the Feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23. And Jesus was walking
about in the temple in Solomon’s colonnade. 24. Then the Jews surrounded Him and were saying to
Him, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense ? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25.
191

Jesus answered them, “I told you, but you do not believe. The works I am doing in My Father’s name
192

bear witness about Me. 26. But you do not believe because you are not My sheep, as I told you. 27. 193

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28. And I give them eternal life, and

185“Parable” or allegory. What the Jews did not understand was the relevance of this parable to their question, “Are You the Messiah”
(10:24).

186Gk. kalos = good, beautiful, attractive (whereas Gk. agathos = good, gracious, generous). Jesus is the uncreated beauty in human form.

187or “puts himself in the place of the sheep” or “offers himself on behalf of or instead of the sheep”. Cp. 15:13 and fn.; 10:15. “Lay
down”: “I die for you and give Myself to you”.

188Cp. Ezek. 34:23; 37:24.

189Lit. “from Myself”. The same Gk. verbs used here for “lay down” and “take” His life, are used for “laying aside” (13:4 and “taking”
(13:12) His garments, indicating that the action was a symbol of His death and resurrection. Cp. Mk. 10:45; 1 Cor. 15:53; 2 Cor. 5:1-4.

190or “authority”. Gk. exousia. Cp. 1:12 and fn. His dying was the one thing He did Himself. Cp. 5:19,30.

191Lit. “lift our soul”.

192Cp. 7:37-46; 8:12-58.

193Cp. 8:17.

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they will not be lost eternally. And no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29. My Father who
194 195

has given them to Me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30. I
and the Father are one.”
31. Then the Jews again picked up stones in order to stone Him to death. 32. Jesus answered them,
“Many good works from my Father I have shown you. For which of these are you stoning Me?” 33.
196

The Jews answered Him saying, “We are not stoning You for a good work, but for blasphemy, and
because You, a man, are making Yourself God.” 34. Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your
law, `I said, you are gods’? 35. If He called those people `gods’ to whom the word of God came (and
197

the Scripture cannot be broken), 36. do you mean to tell Me, the One the Father sanctified and sent
198 199

into the world, `You are blaspheming,’ because I said, I am God’s Son’? 37. If I am not doing My
Father’s works, do not believe Me. 38. But if I am doing them, then even if you do not believe Me,
believe the works, that you may know and believe the Father is in Me and I in Him.” 39. So again 200

they were trying to arrest Him, but He escaped out of their reach . 40. And He went back again across
201

the Jordan, to the place where John was first baptizing. And He stayed there, 41. and many people
came to Him and were saying, “John did no sign , but everything John said about this Man was true.”
202

42. And many believed in Him there.

11 Now there was a man named Lazarus who was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of
Mary and her sister Martha. 2. And it was Mary who anointed the Lord with perfumed oil
and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3. So the sisters sent word to Him,
saying, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” 4. But when Jesus heard this He said, “This sickness is not to
end in death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
203

5. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6. So when He heard he was sick, He then

194They may get lost temporarily and may suffer physical death, but not “eternal destruction from the presence of God (2 Thes. 1:9). But
all this is conditional: “Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Mt. 10:22). Cp. Rom. 11:29.

195Cp. Dt. 32:39, “No one will tear them”.

196or “beautiful”. Cp. 10:11 and fn.

197In Ex. 4:16; 7:1; 21:6; 22:9,28 the Heb. for “judges” is elohim (gods) because they act for God in bringing peace and justice to people.
Ps. 82(81):6 continues: “and all sons of the Most High”. The title “Son of God” belongs to Jesus infinitely more than it belongs to those to
whom the Word of God was sent (v.35).

198A habit can be broken, but God’s word continues forever (Is. 40:8; Mt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). Scripture has binding authority.

199“The word sanctify is used in Scripture in many senses: 1) anything dedicated to God is sanctified; e.g., `Sanctify to Me all the
firstborn’ (Ex. 13:2); 2) anything prepared by God for carrying out His plans. So the Son was sanctified by the Father for the restoration
of the life of the world; 3) things set apart as offerings to God are called holy, so He was sent to be sacrificed for our salvation” (St. Cyril
Alex.). Cp. Jn. 17:19 and fn.

200Cp. Jn. 14:10-11,20; 17:21,23.

201Lit. “hand”.

202or “miracle”. Cp. 2:11 and fn.

203St. Irenaeus says, “A man fully alive is the glory of God.”

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stayed two days in the place where He was. 7. Then, after this, He said to the disciples, “Let us go
204

into Judea again.” 8. The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, just now the Jews were trying to stone You,
and are You going there again?” 9. Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone
walks about in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10. But if anyone 205

walks about in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11. He said these things and
after this told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” 12.
Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.” 13. Now Jesus had spoken206

about his death, but they thought He was talking about the rest that comes with sleep. 14. So Jesus then
told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15. And for your sake I am glad I was not there, that you may
believe. But let us go to him.” 16. Then Thomas, who was called Didymus, said to his fellow 207

disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

17. So when Jesus came, He found Lazarus had already been four days in the tomb. 18. Now Bethany
is near Jerusalem, less than two miles away. 19. And many of the Jews, besides the women living
208 209

near Martha and Mary, had come to comfort them over the loss of their brother. 20. So when Martha 210

heard Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21. Then Martha said to
Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22. But even now I know God
will give You whatever You ask.” 23. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24. Martha
211

said to Him, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25. Jesus said to her, “I am
the resurrection and the life. 26. Anyone believing in Me will live, even though he dies. And no one
living and believing in Me will ever die. Do you believe this?” 27. She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I
have come to believe You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who was coming into the world.” 212

28. And after saying this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here and
is calling for you.” 29. When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to Him. 30. Now Jesus had not
yet come to the village, but was at the place where Martha met Him. 31. So when the Jews who were
with her in the house and were comforting her saw that Mary rose quickly and went out, they followed
her saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.” 32. Then, when Mary came to where Jesus was
and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not
have died.” 33. So when Jesus saw her weeping aloud and the Jews who had come with her weeping

204“Those I love I correct and discipline” (Rev. 3:19. Cp. Pro. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:6; 1 Cor. 11:32). A reason for the delay is given in v.15.

205Cp. Jn. 8:12; 12:35-36,46.

206or “he will be saved” from sickness and death or recover.

207Thomas is Heb. and Didymos is Gk. for “twin”. Didymus is the Latin form.

208Lit. “was”.

209Lit. “about fifteen stadia away”.

210Besides the women of Bethany, many Jews from Jerusalem also came to comfort the sisters, so that a large crowd was present for the
raising of Lazarus.

211Lit. “whatever You ask God for, God will give You”.

212i.e., “Lord, I have believed for some time.” The Coming One was a Messianic title. “who is coming into the world.” Cp. 6:14.

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aloud, He groaned in His spirit and was troubled 34. and said, “Where have you laid him?” 35. They
213

said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. 36. Then the Jews were saying, “See how He loved
him.” 37. But some of them said, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind man have also
done something to keep this man from dying?”
38. So again groaning inwardly, Jesus came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying
214

against it. 39. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to Him, “Lord, by
now he smells, for it is the fourth day.” 40. Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you will
believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41. So they took away the stone from the cave where the
215

dead man was lying. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
42. I know You always hear Me, but I have said this for the people standing around, that they may
believe You sent Me.” 43. And after saying this, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
44. And the dead man came out, bound hand and foot with grave-cloths and his face bound up with a
cloth . Jesus said to them, “Unbind him and let him go .”
216 217

45. Then many of the Jews who had come to see Mary and had seen what Jesus had done, believed in
Him. 46. But some of them went off to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47. So the
chief priests and the Pharisees assembled a council and were saying, “What are we doing? This man
218

is doing many signs? 48. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans
219

will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49. But one of them, Caiaphas, who was
220

chief priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing 50. and you do not consider it is better for us
that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should be destroyed.” 51. Now he
did not say this of himself, but being chief priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die
221

for the nation, 52. and not only for the nation, but also that He might gather into one the scattered 222

children of God. 53. And so from that day the Jews plotted to kill Him.
54. So Jesus no longer continued to walk about openly among the Jews, but He went away from there
into the country near the desert to a town called Ephraim, and there He stayed with His disciples.
55. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many people from the country went up to Jerusalem in
213Lit. “troubled Himself”. Cp. 13:21. St. Augustine says: “You are troubled against your will. Christ was troubled because that was His
will.”

214Lit. “in Himself”. Cp. v.33, “He groaned in His spirit” which could also be translated “He groaned in the Spirit.” “`He groaned in His
spirit’ means that He restrained His disturbance or trouble” (St. John Chrysostom).

215Jesus’ signs revealed the glory of God.

216Gk. soudarion. A strip of cloth tied round the head to prevent the jaw from dropping. Cp. 20:7.

217i.e., “go home to get washed and dressed.”

218Lit. “Sanhedrin”.

219or “miracles”. Cp. 2:11 and fn.

220A frequent ellipsis in the Septuagint for “holy place” = sanctuary, temple. It could also mean, “our country and nation.”

221Lit. “from Himself”. God rules all men willy nilly.

222i.e., one family, flock, body, temple, house, kingdom, etc. Cp. 10:16; Eph. 1:10; 2:19; 3:15; 4:4; Col. 1:18; 3:15; 1 Cor. 12:13,27.

25
order to purify themselves before the Passover. 56. So they were looking for Jesus and were saying to
one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely He is not coming to the feast?”
57. Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was he
should report it, so that they might arrest Him.

12 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had died,
whom He had raised from the dead. 2. So they made a supper for Jesus there, and Martha
was serving, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3. Then Mary took a pint
of pure oil of nard, a very costly perfume, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her
hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4. Then one of His disciples, Judas
Iscariot, the son of Simon, who was going to betray Him, said, 5. “Why was this perfume not sold for
three hundred denaria and the money given to the poor?” 6. But he said this, not because he cared for
223

the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money bag and used to take away what was put in it. 224

7. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of My burial. 8. For you always have the
poor with you, but you will not always have Me.”
225

9. Then a great crowd of the Jews found out He was there, and they came not only because of Jesus, but
also to see Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead. 10. So the chief priests decided they would 226

also kill Lazarus, 11. because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing
in Jesus.
12. On the following day a great crowd who had come to the feast, hearing Jesus was coming to
Jerusalem, 13. took branches of the date palms and went out to meet Him. And they were shouting,
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” 14. And Jesus found
a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
15. “Have no fear, daughter of Zion.
Behold, your King is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 227

16. These things His disciples did not understand at first. But when Jesus was glorified, then they
remembered these things had been written about Him, and that they had done these things to Him. 17.
Now the people who had been with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from
the dead were telling everyone. 18. And that is why the crowd went to meet Him, because they heard
228

He had done this sign. 19. Then the Pharisees said among themselves, “Do you see you are gaining
229

223 One denarion was a day’s wage.

224 or “lift”. A euphemism for “steal”.

225 Cp. Dt. 15:11. Mt. 26:11 and Mk. 14:7 also quote this verse identically. “You do not always have Me”: Cp. 12:35; 14:3,19; 16:7,28;

17:11,20-24. But Mk. 14:7 adds, “and whenever you wish you can do good to them”. Also the word order in the first part is different from
Mt. and Jn.

226 Cp. Lk. 14:31, the only other place in the Gospels where this verb occurs. Also means: planned, resolved, determined. Not all plans

and decisions are carried out.

227 Zac. 9:9. But “have no fear” is not in LXX or Heb. Cp. Mt. 21:5 and fn.

228 Cp. Ac. 4:20; 22:15. The two crowds met somewhere between Bethany and Jerusalem.

229 or “miracle”. Cp. 2:11 and fn.

26
nothing? Look, the world has gone after Him.”
20. Now among the people going up to worship at the feast were some Greeks . 21. These came to 230

Philip who was from Bethsaida of Galilee and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22.
Philip went and told Andrew, and then Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23. But Jesus answered them
saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24. Truly, truly I tell you, unless a grain
of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25.
Anyone who loves his life will lose it, while anyone who hates himself in this world will keep himself
in eternal life. 26. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there also My servant will
231

be. And if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27. “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour’? But that is why I
came to this hour. 28. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it,
and I will glorify it again.” 29. Then the crowd that was standing and listening was saying it had
thundered. Others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30. Jesus answered and said, “This
voice came not for Me but for you. 31. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world
will be cast out. 32. And if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to Myself.” 33. But
232 233

He was saying this to make known the kind of death He was going to die. 34. The crowd answered
234

Him, “We heard from the Law that the Christ lives forever. Then how is it that You are saying, `The
Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?” 35. So Jesus said to them, “For a little while
longer the light will be with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you. 235

Anyone walking about in the darkness does not know where He is going. 36. While you have the light,
believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” 236

Jesus said this and then went away and hid Himself from them. 37. But although He had performed so
many signs before their eyes, they did not believe in Him, 38. that the word of the prophet Isaiah which
he spoke might be fulfilled:

230 i.e., Gentiles, non-Jewish proselytes.

231 The Gk. also means: “Anyone who loves himself will destroy himself, while anyone who hates himself in this world will keep

himself in eternal life.” Or, “The man who loves his life (or soul) will lose (or destroy) it, and the man who hates his life (or soul) in this
world will keep it into eternal life.” (Cp. Rev. 12:11). Self-love heads the list of sins of the last days (2 Tim. 3:2). Gk. psyche = self, soul,
life (cp. Mt. 10:34-39). The word at the end of the sentence is a different word for life and cannot mean self or soul. “In eternal life”: Cp.
“in the Father’s bosom” (1:18), “sit in the last place” (Lk. 14:10), “in a town called Nazareth (Mt. 2:23), “this land in which you are now
living” (Ac. 7:4), “stayed in Asia” (Ac. 19:22). All show eis with acc. as “place where,” not “motion to”. Eternal life is a gift we keep by
service (12:26, faith, etc. Cp. Jas 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Ecclus. 18:30; Rev. 12:11.

232 Cp. Jn. 14:30; 16:11; Lk. 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2. A paradox. The true Ruler is expelled for 3 days (Lk. 20:15), but He causes the

gradual expulsion of the false ruler or usurper, which He foretells (Rev. 20:1-15), which is not over yet.

233 After being nailed, He was lifted up on the cross, which is the magnet that draws the lost to conversion which is the expulsion of

Satan.

234 Cp. 18:32 where the phraseology is identical, and fn. there. See also 21:19.

235 i.e., “Believe in Me (v.36) and walk by the light of love or be lost in the darkness. By faith and love you will learn to know who I am”

(15:4,7; 1 Jn. 2:9-11; Mt. 12:30). Cp. 1 Jn. 1:7, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light...”

236 Lit. “sons of light”. Cp. Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:12-13. Soon they were going to put out the Light, put Him to death.

27
 “Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 237

39. That is why they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
40. “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they should see with their eyes
and understand with their heart
and be converted and I should heal them.” 238

41. Isaiah said this when he saw His glory and spoke about Him. 42. And yet even from among the
239

rulers many believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so as not to be
banned from the synagogues. 43. For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God.
44. So Jesus called out and said, “Anyone believing in Me, believes not in Me, but in the One who sent
Me. 45. And anyone seeing Me, sees the One who sent Me. 46. I have come into the world as light,
240 241

so that anyone believing in Me may not remain in the darkness. 47. Even if anyone hears My words
and does not believe them, it is not I who judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save
the world. 48. Anyone rejecting Me and not accepting My words has a judge: the word which I spoke 242

will judge him at the last day, 49. because I did not speak from Myself, but the Father Himself who
sent Me gave Me His commandment what I should say and what I should tell. 50. And I know His
commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say just as the Father has told Me.”

13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knew that the hour had come for Him to pass
from this world to the Father. He had loved His own who were in the world, and He loved
them to the end. 2. And when supper time came, the devil had already put the thought into the heart
243 244

of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, that he should betray Jesus. 3. Knowing the Father had given
everything into His hands and that He had come from God and was going back to God, 4. Jesus rose
from supper, took off His outer garments and took a towel and tied it around Him. 5. Then He poured
water into a jar and began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel which was
tied around Him. 6. So He came to Simon Peter, but Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You going to wash

237 Is. 53:1 LXX verbatim. “Our report”: lit. “our hearing” (cp. Lk. 4:21). Jesus simply reported what He heard from the Father (cp. 5:19;

12:49; 15:15).

238 Cp. Is. 6:10. It is a free quotation of the Gk. of the LXX.

239i.e., when Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus and spoke about Him. Cp. Is. 53; 6:1-8, c.700 B.C. The cross is God’s glory because self-
sacrifice is the expression of love.

240 “Faith passes to the Father through Me, as does also unbelief” (St. John Chrysostom).

241 He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15). Cp. Jn. 14:9.

242 The word is personal (cp. Heb. 4:12-13). The Word and His words are identical. “His commandment is eternal life (Jn. 12:50. “He is

the true God and eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:20).

243It could mean to the utmost limit of love (cp. St. Chrysostom).

244Also means: thrown, hurled, cast, shot. The devil had already shot the poison of betrayal into Judas Iscariot’s heart.

28
my feet?” 7. Jesus answered and said to him, “You do not know what I am doing now, but you will
understand afterwards .” 8. Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him,
245

“If I do not wash you, you will have no partnership with Me.” 9. Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not
246

only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10. Jesus said to him, “Anyone who has bathed does
not need to wash more than his feet, but is clean all over. And you are clean, but not all of you.” 11.
For He knew who was betraying Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12. So when He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and was reclining at table again,
247

He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13. You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you
do well to say so, for that is what I Am. 14. Then if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I
have done for you. 16. Truly, truly I tell you, a slave is not greater than his lord, nor is one sent 248

greater than the one who sent him. 17. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18. I
am not talking about all of you. I know the men I have chosen, but in order that the Scripture may be
fulfilled: 249

`One who was eating My bread with Me

has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 250

19. I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe that I Am. 20. 251

Truly, truly, I tell you, anyone who receives whoever I send receives Me, and anyone who receives Me
receives the One who sent Me.
21. After saying this, Jesus became troubled in His spirit and testified and said, “Truly, truly I tell you,
one of you will betray Me.” 22. Then the disciples kept looking at one another, puzzled as to which
one He was talking about. 23. Now one of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining next to
Jesus. 24. So Simon Peter beckoned to this disciple to ask who it was He was talking about. 25.
252

Then, leaning on Jesus, that disciple said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26. Jesus answered, “It is the one
to whom I shall hand the piece of bread after dipping it.” And He dipped the bread and gave it to
Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27. Then after giving him the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus
said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28. But none of those who were reclining at
253

245Lit. “After these things”. Cp. 3:22 and fn. there. Actually, directly afterwards Jesus tells what He has done (v.12).

246or “fellowship, participation, share, connection”. Cp. Josh. 22:27; 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 6:11.

247Cp. 10:18 and fn.

248Lit. “an apostle”. Cp. Mt. 10:24; Lk. 6:40; Jn. 15:20; Heb. 3:1.

249Ellipsis: “But [all of this is happening] that the Scripture may be fulfilled.” He knew the kind of men He chose. He was not a victim
but the Lord of circumstances. He was not going to be killed, but die deliberately.

250Ps. 40:10 (Heb. 41:9). Using trogon for LXX esthion links this with 6:54.

251Cp. Jn. 6:20; 8:24-25,28,58; Ex. 3:14; Wis. 14:21, “the incommunicable Name”. (Cp. Reb. 1:4,8).

252Lit. “in the bosom of Jesus”. Cp. 1:18, “in the bosom of the Father”. The phrase means: in the place of honor, glory, grace, favor,
intimacy. In v.25 a different word is used: Gk. stethos = chest.

253Jesus knew that his betrayal had already begun. See 13:11.

29
table knew why He said this to him. 29. For some were thinking, because Judas had the money bag,
that Jesus said to him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30. So after receiving the bread, he went straight out. And it was night.
31. Then, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in
Him. 32. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and He will glorify Him at
once. 33. Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me, but as I told
254 255

the Jews, `Where I am going, you cannot come’, so I am also telling you. 34. A new commandment I
am giving you, that you love one another--that you love one another as I have loved you. 35. By this 256

all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
36. Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going,
you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow Me later.” 37. Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not
follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38. Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your
life for Me? Truly, truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.” 257

14 “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God and also believe in Me. 2. In My
Father’s house there are many homes . But if there were not, I would have told you. I am
259

going to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and
258

will take you to be with Me, that where I am, you may be also. 4. And you know where I am going,
260 261

and you know the way.” 5. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How
262

can we know the way?” 6. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through Me. 7. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also. And now you 263

are getting to know Him and you have seen Him.”

264

8. Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us.” 9. Jesus said to him, “Have I
254“That is, simultaneously with the cross... On the cross His glories will at once appear” (St. Chrysostom). “Is glorified” or “has been
glorified”. Also v.31. Lit. “was glorified”.

255For almost identical Gk. see 7:33; 12:35.

256Cp. 15:12,17. The new commandment, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24), empowers us to love with Christ’s love (Jn.
6:51-57; 17:26; 15:4,7) and to give our life for others (Jn. 10:15,17; 15:13; 1 Jn. 3:16).

257or “disown”.

258Cp. 5:17-18. Earth is not My only home (1:11). I’m going from one to another.

259or “stopping places”. Gk. monai occurs again only in v.23. Indicates that perfection is perpetual growth, progress, development,
change and advance (cp. 2 Cor. 3:18; Rev. 22:3-5). “I would have told you”. Jn. 15:15.

260or “to Myself” or “with Myself”. Cp. 1:1-2.

261Cp. 1 Thes. 4:16-18.

262Cp. 7:33. Our goal is Heaven = perfect fellowship with the Father (1 Jn. 1:3).

263Gk. ap’arti = “from now”. But in at least one of the two other places where the phrase occurs (1:52; 13:19), it can only mean “now”
(13:19). Evidently that is the meaning here.

264Gk. ginoskete as distinct from the perfect egioka which means “know” (cp. v.9).

30
been such a long time with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? Anyone who has seen
Me has seen the Father. Then how is it you are saying, `Show us the Father’? 10. Do you not believe
that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The things I tell you, I do not say from Myself, but the
Father living in Me does the works Himself. 11. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in
265

Me. But if not, believe Me because of the works themselves. 266

12. “Truly, truly I tell you, anyone believing in Me will also do the works I do, and he will do greater
works than these, because I am going to My Father. 13. And whatever you ask in My name I will do, 267

that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15. “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16. And I will ask the Father and He will give you
another Comforter , that He may remain with you forever, 17. the Spirit of Truth, whom the world
268

cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him. But you know Him, because He lives with
you and will be in you.
18. “I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 19. A little while longer and the world sees Me
no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20. In that day you will know I am
269

in My Father and you in Me and I in you. 21. The one who has My commandments and keeps them,
that is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love
him and will reveal Myself to him.” 22. Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “But what has happened Lord
that You are going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23. Jesus answered and said to him,
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him
and make Our home with him. 24. The one who does not love Me does not obey My words. And the
word which you hear is not Mine but is the word of the Father who sent Me.
25. “I have told you these things while remaining with you. 26. But the Comforter , the Holy Spirit
270 271

whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you everything and will remind you of all I have
told you. 27. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid. 28. You heard Me tell you, `I am going
away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I said I am going to the Father,
because My Father is greater than I am. 29. And I have told you now before it happens, that when it
272

265Cp. Phil. 2:13. His words are works. “Things”: or “words”. Cp. Lk. 1:37.

266i.e., “If you can’t believe My words, believe Me for My works, signs, miracles.”

267i.e., in His power and Spirit (Heb. 7:25). “It is as the Apostles said, `In the Name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk’ (Ac. 3:6). For all the
miracles which they did, He did in them” (St. Chrysostom). Cp. also 15:16 and 16:23,26.

268“Comforter”: from cum = with; fortis = strong. One who strengthens by being with. Gk. Parakletos = Comforter, Advocate,
Counselor, Intercessor, Strengthener. It is impossible to find a single English equivalent. Cp. 1 Jn. 2:1.

269After His death, He will be seen by the eyes of faith. His death will separate Jesus from the world but unit Him with His disciples in
His resurrection by the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will enable them to see, hear, live and love by faith.

270“We must think that He speaks here as man, as He was about to vanish from our sight” (St. Cyril Alex.).

271Cp. v.16 and fn. In OT: Ps. 51:11 (50:13); Is. 63:10-11.

272Cp. Heb. 2:7-18; Phil. 2:5-11. For “going and coming” cp. 14:2-12.

31
does happen you may believe. 30. I will not be talking with you much longer, for the ruler of the
world is coming, yet he has nothing in Me. 31. But I am doing just as the Father commanded Me that
273

the world may know I love the Father. Get up, let us go from here.”

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the farmer. 2. Every branch in Me not bearing fruit He
takes away, and every branch bearing fruit He cleans, that it may bear more fruit. 3. You are
clean already through the word I have spoken to you. 4. Remain in Me and I in you. As a branch
274

cannot bear fruit from itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
5. I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit,
because without Me you can do nothing. 6. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a 275

branch that is withered. Then they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7.
276

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask for whatever you want, and it will become
yours. 8. My Father is glorified by your bearing much fruit. Then you will become My disciples. 9.
277

As the Father loves Me, I also love you. Remain in My love. 10. If you keep my commandments,
278

you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
11. I have told you these things, that My joy may remain in you and your joy may be filled with My 279

joy. 12. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13. No one has 280

greater love than someone who lays down his life for his friends. 14. You are my friends if you do
281

what I command you. 15. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his
282

lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I heard from My Father I have made
known to you. 16. It was not you who chose Me, but I who chose you and placed you that you should 283

273Satan does not rule heaven and earth, but he rules over the world of people who give themselves up to him (cp. St. Chrysostom). He
reigns and rules over worldly people.

274Cp. 17:8,14. The gospel of admission by faith in Jesus into the grace of forgiveness, birth and growth in “His Son’s kingdom of love”
(Col. 1:13). Cp. Mt. 13:19; Mk. 1:14-15; 2:2; Lk. 1:77; Jn. 3:3-5; 8:51; 14:24; Rom. 5:1-11; 10:8-10; 14:17; 1 Cor. 1:18; Eph. 1:13; 5:26;
Gal. 1:15-16; Co. 1:25-28; Ac. 10:36-43; 11:19-20; 26:18; Tit. 1:3; 2 Tim. 4:2; Rev. 3:10; 12:11.

275Lit. “was lopped off and thrown out”. Cp. Mt. 3:10. The penalty and separation from Christ are simultaneous, identical. Failure to live
in Him is at once rejection and destruction. Cp. 3:18. Also cp. 15:4-6 with 6:53-56. Also Mt. 7:19-20.

276Who are they? See Eph. 6:12. Cp. Lk. 3:9.

277or “it will happen to you” or “it will be done for you”. The Gk. conveys all three meanings.

278“Loves...love”: lit. “loved” in each case. But the aorist does not give the sense of the original. So in accordance with #8 of
PRINCIPLES IN TRANSLATING we use the present tense, as also in v.12.

279These clues were meant to enable us to have His divine joy in us always, filling our natural, human joy to overflowing. Cp. Jn.
16:24,33.

280This is seen in His life on earth, giving Himself to us and for us (1 Jn. 3:16).

281or “gives his life (himself)”. Gk. also means: “puts himself in the place of his love ones or those he loves” (cp. 1 Jn. 3:16; Eph. 5:2).

282“Command”: Also the gist of their preaching: “Teach them...all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20). “Friends”: or “lovers”. Also
v.15.

283Cp. Ac. 13:47, “I have placed you to be a light of the nations, to bring salvation to the last (time and place) of the earth.” Loose
quotation from Is. 42:6 LXX.

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go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He
may give you. 17. This I command you, that you love one another.
Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He will witness about Me. 18. But you will
also bear witness because you have been with Me from the beginning.”28519. “If the world hates you,
284

you know it has hated Me before it hated you. 20. If you belonged to the world, the world would love 286

you as its own. But because you do not belong to the world, for I chose you out of the world, that is
why the world hates you. 21. Remember the word I told you, `A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If
they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you. If they have kept My word, they will keep yours
287 288

too. 22. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the
One who sent Me. 23. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have had no sin. But now
289

they have no excuse for their sin. 24. The one who hates Me hates My Father also. 25. If I had not
290

done among them the works which no one else has done, they would have had no sin. But now they
have seen and hated both Me and My Father. 26. But this has happened that the words written in their
law may be fulfilled, `They hated Me for no reason.’ 27. But when the Comforter comes, whom I
291

will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He will witness
about me.

16 “I have told you these things that you may not be made to stumble. 2. They will ban you
from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is
offering a service to God. 3. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father or
292

Me. 4. But I have told you these things that when the time comes, you may remember I told you about
them.
“I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you. 5. But now I am going to
Him who sent Me, yet not one of you asks Me, `Where are You going?’ 6. But because I have told you
these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7. But I am telling you the truth: it is better for you that I am
going away. For if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him

284Cp. 1:41-42,46; 12:17; Mt. 16:16.

285Cp. Lk. 24:48; Ac. 1:8; 5:32.

286Denotes origin: You are born from above (3:3) into the Kingdom of God. The Church (Gk. ekklesia) is people chosen and called out of
the world to live in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Cp. 17:14,16.

287Cp. 5:16-19; Jn. 13:16.

288or observed, obeyed My teaching (cp. Mt. 28:20).

289Cp. 14:30.

290Cp. Rom. 4:15; 5:13. See also fn. at Jn. 9:3.

291Ps. 68:5 (69:4). Lit. as a free gift, gratuitously, for nothing. Cp. also Ps. 24:19 LXX, “They hate Me with an unjust hatred.” Cp. Mt.
10:8, “You received...give (as) a free gift.” Same Gk. word.

292or “be tripped and trapped, be staggered and fall, be scandalized”. Cp. 6:61; Mt. 18:6-8 and fn.’s; 1 Jn. 2:10. The verb occurs 22 times
in Mt. and Mk., twice in Lk. and twice in Jn. The corresponding Gk. noun is skandalon = a trap, stumbling-block, scandal, occurs 5 times
in Mt., once in Lk. (17:1).

33
to you. 8. And when He comes, He will correct the world about sin, righteousness and judgment: 9.
293

about sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10. about righteousness, because I am going to My
Father and you will see Me no more; 11. about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been
294

judged.
12. “I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. 13. But when the Spirit of
Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak from Himself, but He will tell you
whatever He hears, and He will make known to you the things to come. 14. He will glorify Me,
because He will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you. 15. All that the Father has is Mine.
That is why I said He will take from what is mine and will reveal it to you.
16. “A little while and you will not see Me, and then a little while and you will see Me again, because I
am going to the Father.” 17. Then some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this He is telling
us, `A little while and you will not see Me, and then a little while and you will see Me again.’ And `I
am going to the Father’?” 18. So they kept saying, “What is this He is saying, `A little while’? We do
not know what He is talking about.” 19. Now Jesus knew they wanted to ask Him, so He said to them,
“Are you trying to find out from one another what I meant by saying, `A little while and you will not
see Me, and then a little while and you will see Me again’? 20. Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep
and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21. 295

When a woman is giving birth she has sorrow because her hour has come. But when the child is born,
she no longer remembers the pain for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22. So now
you also have sorrow. But I will see you again and then your heart will rejoice, and no one will take 296

your joy from you. 23. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Truly, truly I tell you, whatever you
297

ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24. Until now you have not asked for anything in My
name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete. 298

25. “I have told you these things in parables. But a time is coming when I will no longer talk to you in
parables, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do
not say to you I will pray for you to the Father. 27. For the Father Himself loves you, because you
299

have loved Me and have believed I came out from God. 28. I came out from the Father and have come
into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.”
29. His disciples said to Him, “Now You are speaking plainly and not telling any parable. 30. Now we
know You know everything and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe 300

293Gk. elegchein = convince, convict, expose, reprove, rebuke, correct. Cp. 8:46, same Gk. verb.

294Cp. 14:19, “the world sees Me no more”. Identical Gk.

295Cp. Jn. 20:20 for the fulfillment of the promise of joy.

296Following the Slavonic. Gk. has present tense, “takes”.

297The asking here refers to understanding. In the next sentence and in v.24 it refers to praying and the Gk. verb is different.

2981 Jn. 1:4.

299Cp. Heb. 7:25; Rom. 8:34. These passages show that Christ does pray to the Father for us. But vv.26-27 show that it is not to persuade
an unwilling Giver, for the Father and the Son are equally gracious, loving and generous. “In My name”: Cp. 14:13 and fn. Also 15:16,
16:23,26.

300He answered their questions without being asked (see v.19f).

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that You came out from God.” 31. Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32. Behold, an hour is
coming, and now has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me
alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33. I have told you these things, that in
Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take courage, I have conquered the
301

world.” 302

17 Jesus said these things and then raised His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has
come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You, 2. just as You gave Him power
304
303

over all flesh, that He may give eternal life to everyone You have given Him. 3. And this is eternal
306
305

life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent. 4. I glorified You on 307

the earth; I finished the work You gave Me to do. 5. And now, Father, glorify Me with Yourself with
the glory which I had with You before the world began. 308

6. “I made known Your name to the men You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours and You
309

gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7. Now they know that everything You have given to
Me comes from You 8. because I gave them the words which You gave to Me, and they received
them. And they know for certain I came out from You, and they believe You sent Me. 9. I am praying
for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they are Yours.
10. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11. And now I am
no longer to be in the world, but they are to be in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father,
keep them in Your name which You have given Me, that they may be one just as We are One. 12.
310

While I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in Your name. Those whom You have given
Me I have guarded, and not one of them was lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might 311

be fulfilled. 13. But now I am coming to You, and I am saying these things in the world, that they
312

301or “affliction, distress, oppression, suffering”.

302Cp. Rom. 8:37; 1 Jn. 5:4-5; 2 Cor. 2:14. World-conquest is NOW.

303Lit. “to the sky”.

304i.e., “for My life-giving death,” which is the glory of God because self-sacrifice is the expression and triumph of love.

305or “authority”.

306“We must observe that the grace of the divine love for men was no longer confined to Israel but was extended to all men” (St. Cyril
Alex.).

307Cp. “To know You is perfect righteousness, and to know Your power is the root of immortality” (Wis. 15:3).

308or “before the universe came into being”.

309Lit. “have given”.

310or “by (the power of) Your name”. The name which the Father gives to His Son is His own nature and character (Phil. 2:9; Ac. 4:10-
12). To be kept in the Father’s name is to be kept in the divine nature and character (2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Jn. 4:7-19), the all-forgiving and all-
merciful beauty of holiness (Heb. 12:14).

311or “not one of them was destroyed except the son of destruction”.

312Cp. Ps. 40:10 (41:9), Jn. 13:18.

35
may have My joy overflowing among them. 14. I have given them Your word, and the world hated
them because they do not belong to the world, as I Myself do not belong to the world. 15. I am not
313

asking You to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the evil one. 16. They do not 314

belong to the world,11 just as I Myself do not belong to the world. 17. Sanctify them in Your truth. 315 316

Your word is truth. 18. Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19. And
317

for them I sanctify Myself, that they themselves may also be sanctified by the truth.
318

20. “But I am not praying only for these, but also for those who will be believing in Me through their
word, 21. that they all may be one, just as You, Father are in Me and I in You, that they also may be
one in Us, that the world may believe You sent Me. 22. And I have given them the glory which You
have given Me, that they may be one just as We are One, 23. I in them and You in Me, that they may
become perfectly one, and that the world may know You sent Me and love them just as You love
319

Me. 24. Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My
320 321

glory which You have given Me, because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25. O just
and righteous Father, the world does not know You, but I know You, and these men know You sent
322

Me. 26. And I made known to them Your name and will continue to make it known, that the love with
which You love Me may be in them, and I in them.”

18 After saying this, Jesus went out with His disciples across the Kedron ravine, where there
323

was a garden into which He went with His disciples. 2. But Judas who was betraying Him
also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3. So Judas took the Roman
detachment and some temple guards from the chief priests and Pharisees and went there with lanterns,
torches and weapons. 4. Then, knowing all that was coming upon Him, Jesus went out to them and

313i.e., they are “born from above” (3:3). Cp. “The Sanctifier and the sanctified have all one origin” (Heb. 2:11). See identical phrases in
15:19.

314Cp. Mt. 6:13.

315Sanctify and sacrifice both mean: 1) make holy; 2) consecrate, dedicate, give oneself (cp. 15:13). The first sense cannot apply to Christ
(Heb. 7:26-28). As we respond to the Spirit of Truth (Rom. 8:14) and “walk in the truth (3 Jn. 1-4), we are cleansed and sanctified (1 Jn.
1:7; Heb. 10:10). Sanctify also means 1) set apart, separate, consecrate, dedicate, sacrifice (Jn. 10:36); 2) glorify, magnify, praise (Mt. 6:(;
Lk. 11:2; 1 Pet. 3:15; Rev. 4:8).

316or “by Your truth”.

317Cp. Ps. 118(119):160, “The sum of Your words is truth.”

318The Great Chief Priest (Heb. 4:14) is offering the sacrifice of Himself (Heb. 9:26), fulfilling all sacrifice (Heb. 10:14) (St. Cyril Alex.
ch.10).

319Lit. “be having been perfected into one”; but the verb also conveys the sense of growing to maturity.

320Cp. Jn. 15:9.

321Cp. Jn. 14:4.

322Gk. dikaios means both just and righteous. Cp. Lk. 1:6.

323Lit. “After saying these (things)”.

36
said, “Who are you looking for?” 5. They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus told them, “I
Am.” Now Judas who was betraying Him was also standing with them. 6. But when He told them, “I
324

Am,” they reeled backwards and fell to the ground. 7. Then He asked them again, “Who are you
looking for?” They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8. Jesus answered, “I told you that I Am.2 So if you
325

are looking for Me, let these men go.” 9. He said this that the word He had spoken might be fulfilled,
“I have not lost one of the men You gave Me.” 10. Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and
struck the servant of the chief priest and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11.
Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the scabbard. This is the cup the Father has given Me.
Shall I not drink it?”
12. So the Roman detachment, their commander and the Jewish temple guards arrested Jesus and
bound Him. 13. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who
was the chief priest for that year. 14. Now Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jews, “It is better for
one man to die for the people.”
15. But Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. That disciple was well known to the
chief priest, and he went in with Jesus into the chief priest’s courtyard. 16. But Peter was standing
outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the chief priest, went out and spoke to the
door maid, and she let Peter in. 17. Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter,
326

“Surely you are not one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” 18. Now the servants and
327

temple guards had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing there and warming
themselves. And Peter was standing with them, and warming himself.
19. Then the chief priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and about His teaching. 20. Jesus 328

answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple where
the Jews always gather, and I said nothing in secret. 21. Why do you question Me? Question the
people who heard what I told them. Look, these people know what I said.” 22. But when He said this,
one of the temple guards who was standing by Him slapped Jesus saying, “Is that how you answer the
329

chief priest?” 23. Jesus answered him, “If I spoke wrongly, tell us what was wrong. But if I spoke
rightly, why do you hit Me?” 24. Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the chief priest.
25. Now Simon Peter was standing there and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not also
one of His disciples are you?” 26. But he denied it saying, “I am not!” One of the servants of the chief
priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you with Him in the garden?”
27. Then again Peter denied it, and immediately a rooster began to crow.

324Cp. Jn. 6:20 and fn.

325Cp. Mt. 26:71 and fn.

326“Why didn’t John himself bring Peter in? Because he was entirely preoccupied with Christ. So he told the woman to let him in” (St.
John Chrysostom, Hom. on Jn. 18).

327“This was a sympathizer’s question, not a fault-finder’s. The woman was talking kindly to Peter. But he could not bear any
questioning at all” (St. John Chrysostom).

328It was a direct breach of Jewish law to question a prisoner. “Our true law does not inflict the death penalty on a sinner by his own
confession” (Maimonides).

329i.e., struck Him in the face with the open hand.

37
28. Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium . Now it was early morning, and they
330

themselves did not enter the Praetorium, so as not to be defiled but be able to eat the Passover. 29. So
Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation are you bringing against this Man?” 30. They
answered and said to him, “If this Man was not an evildoer, we would not have handed Him over to
you.” 31. Then Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your law.” The Jews said
to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32. This took place that the word of Jesus might
be fulfilled which He spoke when He made known the kind of death He was going to die. 33. So
331

again Pilate entered the Praetorium, and he called Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the
Jews?” 34. Jesus answered him, “Are you saying this from yourself, or did other people say it about
332

Me?” 35. Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? It is Your nation and Your chief priests who handed You
over to me. What have You done?” 36. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My
Kingdom were of this world, My subjects would fight, that I would not be given up to the Jews. But
now My Kingdom is not of this world.” 37. Then Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus
333

answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear
witness to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” 38. Pilate said to Him, 334

“What is truth?”
And after saying this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. 335

39. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to
release for you the King of the Jews?” 40. Then they all shouted back and said, “Not this Man, but
Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.

19 So then Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged. 2. And when the soldiers had twisted
336

together a crown of thorns, they placed it on His head. Then they threw a purple cloak
around Him. 3. And they were saying, “Rejoice, King of the Jews.” And they kept slapping Him. 4.
Pilate then came out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know I
find no fault in Him.” 5. Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. 6.
Pilate said to them, “Look, here is the Man.” Then, when the chief priests and the temple guards saw
Him, they shouted, “Crucify, crucify Him.” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I
find no fault in Him.” 7. The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die,
330Praetorium = Government House, the palace or residence of the Roman Governor.

331Gk. semainon = communicated, made known. Jesus clearly foretold His crucifixion by Gentiles (non-Jews) and did not merely
indicate it or hint vaguely (Mt. 20:19; Mk. 10:33-34; Lk. 18:32-33). Cp. semantics: The science of communication and study of meaning.
Cp. Jn. 12:33; 21:19.

332This question is identical in all four Gospels (Mt. 27:11; Mk. 15:2; Lk. 23:3). Jn. 18:36-38 makes what follows intelligible.

333i.e., “My Kingdom does not originate from the visible world, but from above.” But the kingdoms of the world will become the
Kingdom of God and His Messiah (Rev. 11:15), and then His Kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven (Mt. 6:10). And His
Kingdom will have no end. But now it is an inner kingdom (Lk. 17:21).

334It is those who are born from above who hear and obey the voice of truth and reality and see God reigning throughout His universe
(Jn. 3:3).

335Gk. aitia = guilt, blame, case, cause, ground. Pilate tells the Jews they have no case, no cause, no reason for a charge or accusation of
any kind.

336Lit. “scourged Him”. Cp. Mt. 27:26 and fn.

38
because He made Himself the Son of God.” 8. Now when Pilate heard these words, he became more
337

alarmed. 9. And he entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus
gave him no answer. 10. Then Pilate said to Him, “Are you not talking to me? Do you not know I
338

have power to crucify You and power to release You?” 11. Jesus answered, “You would have no
339

power against Me, unless it had been given you from above. That is why the man who handed Me
340

over to you has a greater sin.” 341

12. As a result of this, Pilate kept trying to release Him. But the Jews were shouting and saying, “If
342

you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king rebels 343

against Caesar.” 13. Now when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat down on the
judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14. It was the Day of
Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. Then he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King.” 15.
But they shouted, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.” Pilate said to them, “Shall I
344

crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.” 16. So then he 345

gave Him up to them to be crucified. 346

17. And they took Jesus with them and led Him away. And He went out, carrying His cross, to the
place called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha, 18. where they crucified Him,
and with Him two others, one on each side with Jesus in the middle. 19. Pilate also wrote a title and
put it on the cross. This is what was written: JESUS OF NAZARETH , THE KING OF THE JEWS. 347

20. Now many of the Jews read this title, because the place where Jesus was crucified was close to the
city, and it was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. 21. And the chief priests of the Jews were saying
to Pilate, “Do not write, `The King of the Jews’, but `This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22.
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, a part for
337Cp. v.12, “Everyone who makes himself a king rebels against Caesar”. Cp. Mk. 14:61-64.

338Cp. Is. 53:7.

339or “authority”. Gk. exousia. Cp. 1:12 and fn.

340“`Given’ here means `allowed.’ As if He said, `God has permitted these things to be’” (St. John Chrysostom).

341Caiaphas deliberately plotted to kill Jesus out of envy and hatred (11:49-50,53), while Pilate sentenced Him only out of weakness and
fear (19:8,12,16).

342Cp. 6:66 for identical Gk.

343Cp. Jude 11, “the rebellion of Korah”.

344or “Kill Him”. Cp. Mk. 16:18, “They will kill serpents”. The same Gk. word means to take away (up) and to kill.

345Cp. Peter’s word: “You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted you” (Ac. 3:14). By this public
announcement the Jews renounced their Messiah and their unique position as a nation ruled by God and declared themselves a subject
people, a position which has continued until today. Cp. Mt. 21:43 and fn.

346All four Gospels state that Pilate “gave up” Jesus; “utterly without reason...from fear alone” says St. Chrysostom. Mt. 27:26; Mk.
15:15; Lk. 23:25; Jn. 19:8,12,16.

347Cp. Mt. 26:71.

39
each soldier. They also took His tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven from the top throughout its
whole length. 24. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it will
be,” in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among themselves,
and for My robe they cast lots.” 348

25. So that is just what the soldiers did.

And there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, 349

and Mary Magdalene. 26. So when Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing
close by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27. Then He said to the disciple,
350

“Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
28. After this, knowing everything was already finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus
said, “I am thirsty.” 29. Now a vessel full of vinegar was standing there. So they filled a sponge with
351

vinegar, tied it around a hyssop stalk and brought it to His mouth. 30. Then, when He had taken the
352

vinegar, Jesus said, “It is finished.” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
353

31. Now, because it was the Day of Preparation, the Jews asked Pilate to have their legs broken and the
bodies removed so that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for that Sabbath was
a great day. 32. So the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man and then of the other one who
354

had been crucified with Him. 33. But when they came to Jesus and saw He was already dead, they did
not break His legs. 34. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood
and water came out. 35. And the one who saw it has borne witness, and his witness is true. And he
knows he is telling the truth, that you also may believe. 36. For these things happened that the
Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of His shall be broken.” 37. And again another Scripture
355

says, “They will look to Him whom they pierced.”

356

348Ps. 21:19 (22:18). Cp. Mk. 15:24; Mt. 27:35; Lk. 23:34.

349Salome, wife of Zebedee, was St. John’s mother (cp. Mk. 15:40, Mt. 27:56).

350Cp. 2:4 and fn.

351Cp. Ps. 68:22 (69:21). “Was already finished”: same verb and tense as in Jn. 19:30. Cp. Ps. 21(22):15, “My strength has dried up...My
tongue sticks to My throat.”

352It appears from Mt. and Mk. that the sponge and hyssop were fixed around a cane (Mt. 27:48; Mk. 15:36). Hyssop was part of the
Passover ritual (Ex. 12:22; 1 Cor. 5:7).

353The perfect tense of a word that means to do something perfectly. “It is perfectly perfect.” A cry of victory and delight. A farmer
admiring a prize animal, an artist seeing a masterpiece, would say, tetelestai = “perfect”. Cp. “I have finished the work You gave Me to
do” (Jn. 17:4).

354Cp. Dt. 21:22-23.

355Cp. Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Ps. 33:21 (34:20).

356They will look to Him for forgiveness, healing, deliverance, salvation, eternal life, the Holy Spirit. This quotation differs from both the
Hebrew and the LXX. Cp. Zac. 12:10 (not LXX).

40
38. Now after this, Joseph of Arimathea who was a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the
357

Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate allowed him. So he came and
took away the body of Jesus. 39. And Nicodemus who had first come to Jesus at night also came,
bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about seventy-five pounds. 40. So they took the 358

body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the perfumes , as is the custom with the Jews to prepare
359

a body for burial. 41. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden
there was a new tomb in which no one had ever yet been laid. 42. So because it was the Jews’ Day of
Preparation, and because the tomb was close by, they laid Jesus there.

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning
while it was still dark, and she saw the stone had been moved away from the tomb. 2. So
she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, “They have
360

taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have put Him.” 3. So Peter and
the other disciple went out and were going to the tomb. 4. And they were running, the two of them
together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and came first to the tomb. 5. And stooping down
he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and
he went into the tomb. He also saw the linen cloths lying there. 7. And he saw the cloth which had 361

been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths, but was rolled up in a place apart. 8. So then the
other disciple who came first to the tomb also went in, and he saw and believed. 9. For they had not 362

yet come to know the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. 10. Then the disciples went away
again to their own lodgings. 363

11. But Mary was standing outside by the tomb weeping. 12. Then, while she was weeping, she
stooped and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and
one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13. And they said to her, “Woman, why are
you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where
they have put Him.” 14. And after saying this, she turned to see what was behind her. And she saw 364

Jesus standing there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you
365

weeping? Who are you looking for?” Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if it

357Lit. “after these (things)”, but see 3:22 and fn.

358Lit. “about 100 litras”. Litra = Roman pound = 12 oz.

359or “aromatics”. Myrrh and aloes are aromatic gum-resins.

360Cp. Lk. 24:1-2; Mk. 16:1-4.

361or “head-cloth”. This prevented the jaw from dropping.

362John saw that the grave clothes had simply been evacuated and lay exactly where they had been put when the body was buried, the
head-cloth still lying the length of the neck away from the rest of the shroud.

363As Galileans they would have temporary lodging for the duration of the feast. This is the only place we learn Peter stayed with John
and the Virgin Mother (v.2).

364Evidently Mary only turned partly around, half-conscious that someone was behind her, but remained facing the tomb. Cp. v.16, “She
turned around”.

365Cp. 21:4,7,12.

41
was you who carried Him off, tell me where you put Him and I will take Him away.” 16. Jesus said
366

to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni” which means Teacher. 17. Jesus said to her, 367

“Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to my brothers and tell them,
368

“I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” 18. Mary Magdalene 369

went and told the disciples she had seen the Lord, and He had said these things to her.
19. Now in the evening of that day, the first day of the week, even though the doors were closed where
the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them,
“Peace to you.” 20. And after saying this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples
were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21. Again Jesus said to them, “Peace to you. Just as the
Father sent Me, so I Am sending you.” 22. And after saying this, He breathed into them and said to 370

them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23. If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven them. If you hold
people bound, they are held bound.”
24. But Thomas, one of the Twelve, who was called Didymus , was not with them when Jesus came.
371

25. So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I
see the nail-marks in His hands, and put my finger on the nail-marks, and put my hand on His side, I 372

will not believe it.”

26. Then after eight days His disciples were again indoors, and Thomas was with them. Though the
doors were closed, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace to you.” 27. Then He said to
Thomas, “Put your finger here and see My hands, and take your hand and put it on My side.13 And do
not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28. Then Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and My
God.” 29. Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who
373

have not seen and yet believe.”

30. Now Jesus also did many other signs in the presence of His disciples which are not written in this
book. 31. But these have been written that you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and
that by believing you may have life in His name.

366or “stole Him”. For the same verb used to mean “steal” see 12:6.

367The basic meaning of Rabuni is “My Lord”.

368or “touch”; but cp. Mt. 28:9, “they took hold of His feet”.

369Jesus never said “Our Father”. He is the unique, eternal Son. And this is the only place in the Gospels (with the corresponding place in
Mt. 28:10) where Jesus calls His disciples “My brothers”. But cp. Heb. 2:11-12; Rom. 8:29; Mt. 25:40.

370or “He infused Himself into them”. The same verb is used in Gen. 2:7, “God breathed into his face (or person) the Breath of Life, and
the man became a living soul.” The 2nd Council of Constantinople declared the Spirit was truly given and the breathing was not merely
symbolic. The apostles were recreated as new men and were born again of the Spirit as sons of God. (Cp. Jn. 1:12; 3:3-6).

371See Jn. 11:16 and fn.

372Cp. 21:4, “on the beach”: same Gk. usage.

373The 2nd Council of Constantinople ruled that this confession of Thomas referred to Christ and was not merely an expression of
worship and glory to God the Father. Cp. Lk. 1:43, “Mother of my Lord” (= God).

42
21 After this Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. And He
374

showed Himself in this way. 2. Simon Peter, Thomas, called Twin, Nathanael from Cana in
Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of His were together. 3. Simon Peter said to
375

them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “And we are going with you.” They went straight out
and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4. Just as it was becoming daylight, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know it was
Jesus. 5. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered Him, “No.” 6. He
376

said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast the net,
and now they were not able to haul it in because of the quantity of fish. 7. Then the disciple whom
Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he put on his
outer garment, for he was naked, and threw himself into the sea. 8. But the other disciples came in the
little boat , towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land but about one hundred yards
377

away.
9. Then as soon as they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire on the ground, with fish placed upon it,
and bread. 10. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11. Simon Peter
went aboard and dragged the net onto the land, full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three. But although
there were so many, the net was not torn. 12. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” But
none of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who are You?” knowing it was the Lord. 13. Then Jesus
came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14. This was now the third time
Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
15. So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of Jonah, do you love
Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” He said to him, “Feed
378

My lambs.” 16. He said to him again a second time, “Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said
to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17. He said to him
the third time, “Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was saddened that He said to him the 379

third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything. You know I love
You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18. Truly, truly I tell you, when you were young, you used
to dress yourself and walk where you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19. Now He said this to
make known the kind of death by which he was going to glorify God. And after saying this, He said to
him, “Follow Me.”
20. But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following (the one who had leaned back

374Lit. “After these (things)”, but see 3:22 and fn.

375See 11:16 and fn.

376They were the children the Father had given Him (Heb. 2:13). Jesus called men and women His children (Mt. 9:2; Mk. 2:5; Lk. 20:34;
Jn. 13:33, etc.). They are born from above into “His Son’s Kingdom of Love” (1:12-13; 3:7; Col. 1:13), “members of God’s family” (Eph.
2:19).

377or “dinghy”. Gk. ploiarion. A different word is used in vv. 3,6.

378The Gk. means “these people or these things”. Cp. Mt. 26:33-35; Mk. 14:29-31; Lk. 22:31-34.

379or “pained, hurt”. Same verb used of Herod, Mt. 14:9.

43
against His chest at the supper) and said, “Lord, who is it who is betraying You?” 21. On seeing him,
380

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, but what about this man?” 22. Jesus said to him, “If I want him to live until
I come, what is that to you? Follow Me.” 23. So this rumor went out to the brethren that that disciple
was not going to die. Yet Jesus did not tell him he was not going to die, but “If I want him to live until
I come, what is that to you?”
24. This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things and who wrote these things, and we
know his witness is true. 381

25. Now there are also many other things Jesus did. But if they were written one by one, not even the
world itself, I imagine, would hold the volumes that would have to be written. Amen.

380Cp. 13:25. Note Gk. present tense. The betrayal had been going on for some time.

381Cp. 19:35.

44
2 KATHISMA SUNDAY
10 AN ACT OF TRUST
THE SIN-LOVER IS A SELF-HATER

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. I have put my trust in the Lord.

How will you say to my soul,
“Fly away1 like a bird to the mountains.”
2. For, look, the sinners bend their bow,
they have arrows ready in the quiver
to shoot down in darkness the upright in heart.
3. They pull down what You build up;
but what has the righteous man done?
4. The Lord is in His holy temple,
the Lord whose throne is in heaven,
whose eyes regard the poor,
whose eyelids test the sons of men.
5. The Lord tests the just and the godless,
but one who loves wrongdoing hates his own soul.
6. The Lord will rain snares on sinners:
fire and brimstone and a hurricane blast
will be the portion of their cup.
7. For the Lord is just and loves justice;
His face sees truthfulness.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

11 THE SAFETY OF THE POOR AND NEEDY

FAITH IN THE TRUTH OF GOD’S PROMISES

(For the end: at the Octave. A Psalm by David)

1. Save me, O Lord, for a saint fails to exist,

for truths have dwindled from the sons of men.
2. Each one talks empty words with his neighbor;
deceitful speech is in his heart, and in his heart he talks evils.
3. May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips
and a tongue which talks big things,
4. those who say, “We will praise and magnify our tongue;
our lips are our own, who is Lord over us?”
5. “Because of the hardship of the poor
and the groaning of the needy,
now I will arise,” says the Lord,
“I will set him in safety and speak freely in him.”
6. The words of the Lord are pure words,

1 Lit. “migrate”.

1
 like smelted silver refined from earth,
seven times purified.
7. You, O Lord, will keep us and preserve us
from this generation and forever.
8. The godless live and walk in a circle.2
In keeping with Your high nature3
You take great care of the sons of men.

12 PROGRESS OF A SOUL FROM DESOLATION TO EXULTATION

MY HEART REJOICES IN YOUR SALVATION

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. How long, O Lord, will You forever forget me?

How long will You turn Your face away from me?
2. How long shall I make plans in my soul
and in my heart have sorrows day and night?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3. Regard me, answer me, O Lord my God;
enlighten my eyes lest I sleep in death,
4. lest at any time my enemy say, “I defeated him.”
Those who trouble me will exult if I am shaken.
5. But I have set my hope on Your mercy;
my heart rejoices in Your salvation.
6. I will sing to the Lord who is so good to me,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

13 UNBELIEF LEADS TO UNIVERSAL CORRUPTION

SIN REVEALED AS MALIGNANT AND EPIDEMIC

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. A fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt and abominable in their ways.4
There is not one who does good, there is not even one.
2. The Lord looked down from the heavens upon the children of men,
to see if there were any that understood and sought God.
3. They are all turned aside and together they are become worthless;
there is not one who does good, not even one.
4. Do all the lawless have no understanding
who eat up My people like eating bread
and do not call on the Lord?
5. They tremble with fear where there is nothing to fear,5
because God is in the generation of the righteous.
6. You put to shame a poor man’s plan,
but the Lord is his hope.
7. Who will give from Zion the salvation of Israel?

2 See St. Augustine, Expo. on Pss.

3 or “highness, high position”.
4 ‘They’ means “the many fools” (Ps. 52).
5 Pr. 28:1; Wis. 17:11.

2
 When the Lord brings back the captives of His people,6
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

14 LIFE ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP

(A Psalm by David)

1. O Lord, who will live in Your temple,

or who will settle on Your holy mountain?
2. One whose way of life is blameless and who does what is right,
who speaks the truth in his heart,
3. who does not deceive with his tongue,
or do wrong to his neighbor,
or accept blame against his friend.
4. In his sight an evildoer is scorned,
but he honors those who fear the Lord.
He swears to his neighbor and keeps his word,
5. He does not lend his money at interest
or take bribes against the innocent.
Anyone doing these things will never be shaken.
6.

15 THE VISION AND PRESENCE

OF GOD IS OUR JOY

(A Pillar Inscription by David)

1. Protect me, O Lord, because I set my hope on You.

2. I said to the Lord, “You are my God.
You have no need of my goods.”
3. To the saints who are in His earth
the Lord makes wonderful all His will in them.
4. Their idols were multiplied;
they ran after them.
I will not assemble their assemblies born of blood,7
I will not even mention their names with my lips.
5. The Lord is the share of my inheritance and of my cup;8
It is You who restore my inheritance to me.
6. The lines have fallen for me among the best,
for I have a most excellent inheritance.
7. I will bless the Lord who gives me understanding;
and even till night my heart9 instructs me.
6 or “When the Lord reverses the captivity of His people.” Our captivity is reversed when we who were captives of sin and Satan
become Christ’s captives and follow Him in His triumphal peace march, captivated by His love (Cp. Ps. 67:19; Eph. 4:8; 2 Cor. 2:14;
Rom. 7:23; Lk. 4:19).
7 or “I will never...blood offerings”; “blood descent”: Cp. Jn. 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:50, “ethnic groups”.
8 Cp. Ps. 22:5.
9 Lit. “reins, kidneys”.

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8. I kept seeing the Lord before me continually,10
because He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken.
9. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices,
and even my flesh rests in hope.
10. For You will not leave my soul in hell,11
nor let Your Holy One see corruption.
11. You have made known to me the ways of life;
with Your presence You will fill me with joy.12
In Your right hand there are delights forever.

16 DISCIPLINE LEADS TO VISION

THE VISION OF GOD BRINGS LIKENESS

(A Prayer by David)

1. Hear, O Lord, my righteousness, attend to my need,

give ear to my prayer, not uttered with deceitful lips.
2. Let my judgment come out from Your presence,
let my eyes see what is right.
3. You have tested my heart, You have visited me at night,
You have tried me by fire and no wrongdoing was found in me.
4. That my mouth may not talk of the doings of men,
for the sake of the words of Your lips
I have kept hard ways.
5. Set my steps in Your tracks
that my steps may not slip.
6. I cry out to You, O God, because You answer me;
incline Your ear to me and answer my words.
7. Show me the wonder of Your mercies,
You who save those who hope in You
from those who resist Your right hand.
8. Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
You will protect me in the shelter of Your wings
9. from the presence of the godless who trouble me.
My enemies surround my soul.
10. They have closed their heart,
their mouth speaks arrogance.
11. Those who threw me out have now surrounded me;
they have set their eyes to cast me down on the ground.
12. They lie in wait for me like a lion alert for its prey,
and like a lion cub living in hidden places.
13. Arise, O Lord, forestall them and overthrow them;
deliver my soul from the godless,
take Your sword from Your enemies’ hand.
14. O Lord, separate them from the few
and from the earth13 in their lifetime.
Their stomach is filled with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,14
and they leave what remains for their babes.
10 Ac. 2:25 verbatim.
11 Ac. 2:27 verbatim; 13:35.
12 Vv.8-11b are quoted verbatim by Peter in Ac. 2:25-28 and explained in 2:31.
13 Mt. 7:14; 20:16; 1 Pet. 4:18.

4
15. But I will appear to Your face15 in righteousness.
I shall be satisfied when Your glory appears to me.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

3 KATHISMA
STASIS I

17 ACT OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE

EARTH-SHAKING PRAYER

(For the end. By David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day the Lord delivered
him from the hand of Saul and from the hand of all his enemies. And he said:)

1. I love You, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my Support, my Refuge and my Deliverer.
2. My God is my Helper, in Him I will hope,
my Protector, my Savior16 and my Defender.
3. With songs of praise I will call on the Lord,
and I shall be saved from my enemies.
4. The pangs of death surrounded me
and torrents of lawlessness terrified me.
5. The pangs of hell encircled me,
death traps confronted me.
6. Then I called on the Lord in my distress
and I cried out to my God.
He heard my voice from His holy temple
and my cry to Him will reach His ears.
7. Then the earth was shaken and started trembling,
and the foundations of the mountains were disturbed and shaken
because God was angry with them.
8. Smoke went up in His anger
and fire from His face will devour;17
coals were kindled from it.
9. And He bowed the heavens and came down,
and thick darkness was under His feet.
10. And He rode upon Cherubim and flew;
He flew on the wings of the wind.
11. And He made darkness His hiding place.
As His canopy round Him
dark thunder clouds hung in the sky.
12. From the brightness before Him
there came through the clouds hailstones and coals of fire.
13. Then the Lord thundered from heaven
and the Most High let His voice be heard.
14. He shot His arrows and scattered them,
He volleyed His lightnings and confused them.
15. Then the fountains of water appeared
14 As Slavonic.
15 A Hebraism: “to You”. Cp. Ac. 26:16; Ps. 41:2.
16 Lit. “horn of my salvation”: “horn” means strength.
17 Rev. 1:14,16; Heb. 12:29.

5
 and the foundations of the world were uncovered
at Your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of Your anger.
16. He sent from on high and took me,
He drew me out of many waters.
17. He will deliver me from my powerful enemies
and from those who hate me,
because they are too strong for me.
18. They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support.
19. Then He brought me out into a broad place;
He will deliver me because He delights in me.
20. The Lord will reward me according to my righteousness
and according to the cleanness of my hands He will repay me,
21. because I have kept the ways of the Lord
and have not gone profanely from my God,
22. because all His judgments are before me
and His requirements have not departed from me.18
23. And I shall be faultless with Him
and I will keep myself from my lawlessness.
24. And the Lord will reward me according to my righteousness
and according to the cleanness of my hands.
25. With a holy man You will be holy,
and with an innocent man You will be innocent.
26. With a chosen man You will be chosen,
and with a crooked man You will twist.
27. For You will save a humble people
and You will humble the eyes of the proud.
28. For You will light my lamp, O Lord my God,
You will enlighten my darkness.
29. For in You I shall be delivered from temptation,
and in my God I will climb over a wall.19
30. As for my God, His way is perfect;
the Lord’s words are tried by fire.
He is the Protector of all who hope in Him.
31. For who is God but the Lord?
And who is God but our God?
32. It is God who binds20 me with power
and makes my way perfect,
33. Who makes my feet like deer’s feet
and sets me on the heights,
34. training my hands for war.
And You have made my arms like a bow of bronze.
35. And You have given me the protection of Your salvation
and Your right hand upholds me,
and Your training has at last corrected me,
and Your training itself will teach me.
36. You have enlarged my steps under me
and my feet have not weakened.
37. I will pursue my enemies and overtake them,
18 Lk. 1:6; Ro. 8:4; Gen. 26:5.
19 Wall of sin between us and the heavenly Jerusalem. Cp. Lk. 19:4; 2 Kgs. 22:30 LXX (2 Sam. 22:30).
20 Lit. “girds”.

6
 and I will not turn back until they are destroyed.
38. I will crush them and they will be unable to stand,
they will fall under my feet.
39. You have armed me with power for war,
and You have bound hand and foot beneath me
all who rise up against me.
40. And You have made my enemies turn their back to me
and those who hate me You have utterly destroyed.
41. They cried out, but there was no one to save them;
they cried to the Lord, but He did not answer them.
42. I will thrash them like dust in the face of the wind,
I will pound them like mud of the streets.
43. Deliver me from people’s opposition.
You will set me at the head of nations.
A people I did not know have served me.
44. As soon as they heard me, they obeyed me.
Strange sons have proved false to me.
45. Strange sons grew old
and limped from their paths.
46. The Lord lives, and blessed is my God,
and may the God of my salvation be exalted,
47. the God who gives me justice and restitution
and subdues peoples under me.
48. My Deliverer from my angry enemies,
You will lift me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from an unjust man.
49. For this I will confess You among the nations, O Lord,21
and I will sing praise to Your name.
50. Great is the salvation He gives to His king
and the mercy He shows to His anointed22,
to David and His seed forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

21 Ro. 15:9.
22 or “Christ”. Rev. 5:5; 22:16.

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17 ACT OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE
EARTH-SHAKING PRAYER

(For the end. By David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day the Lord delivered
him from the hand of Saul and from the hand of all his enemies. And he said:)

51. I love You, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my Support, my Refuge and my Deliverer.
52. My God is my Helper, in Him I will hope,
my Protector, my Savior23 and my Defender.
53. With songs of praise I will call on the Lord,
and I shall be saved from my enemies.
54. The pangs of death surrounded me
and torrents of lawlessness terrified me.
55. The pangs of hell encircled me,
death traps confronted me.
56. Then I called on the Lord in my distress
and I cried out to my God.
He heard my voice from His holy temple
and my cry to Him will reach His ears.
57. Then the earth was shaken and started trembling,
and the foundations of the mountains were disturbed and shaken
because God was angry with them.
58. Smoke went up in His anger
and fire from His face will devour;24
coals were kindled from it.
59. And He bowed the heavens and came down,
and thick darkness was under His feet.
60. And He rode upon Cherubim and flew;
He flew on the wings of the wind.
61. And He made darkness His hiding place.
As His canopy round Him
dark thunder clouds hung in the sky.
62. From the brightness before Him
there came through the clouds hailstones and coals of fire.
63. Then the Lord thundered from heaven
and the Most High let His voice be heard.
64. He shot His arrows and scattered them,
He volleyed His lightnings and confused them.
65. Then the fountains of water appeared
and the foundations of the world were uncovered
at Your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of Your anger.
66. He sent from on high and took me,
He drew me out of many waters.
67. He will deliver me from my powerful enemies
and from those who hate me,
because they are too strong for me.
68. They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support.
69. Then He brought me out into a broad place;
23 Lit. “horn of my salvation”: “horn” means strength.
24 Rev. 1:14,16; Heb. 12:29.

8
 He will deliver me because He delights in me.
70. The Lord will reward me according to my righteousness
and according to the cleanness of my hands He will repay me,
71. because I have kept the ways of the Lord
and have not gone profanely from my God,
72. because all His judgments are before me
and His requirements have not departed from me.25
73. And I shall be faultless with Him
and I will keep myself from my lawlessness.
74. And the Lord will reward me according to my righteousness
and according to the cleanness of my hands.
75. With a holy man You will be holy,
and with an innocent man You will be innocent.
76. With a chosen man You will be chosen,
and with a crooked man You will twist.
77. For You will save a humble people
and You will humble the eyes of the proud.
78. For You will light my lamp, O Lord my God,
You will enlighten my darkness.
79. For in You I shall be delivered from temptation,
and in my God I will climb over a wall.26
80. As for my God, His way is perfect;
the Lord’s words are tried by fire.
He is the Protector of all who hope in Him.
81. For who is God but the Lord?
And who is God but our God?
82. It is God who binds27 me with power
and makes my way perfect,
83. Who makes my feet like deer’s feet
and sets me on the heights,
84. training my hands for war.
And You have made my arms like a bow of bronze.
85. And You have given me the protection of Your salvation
and Your right hand upholds me,
and Your training has at last corrected me,
and Your training itself will teach me.
86. You have enlarged my steps under me
and my feet have not weakened.
87. I will pursue my enemies and overtake them,
and I will not turn back until they are destroyed.
88. I will crush them and they will be unable to stand,
they will fall under my feet.
89. You have armed me with power for war,
and You have bound hand and foot beneath me
all who rise up against me.
90. And You have made my enemies turn their back to me
and those who hate me You have utterly destroyed.
91. They cried out, but there was no one to save them;
they cried to the Lord, but He did not answer them.
92. I will thrash them like dust in the face of the wind,
25 Lk. 1:6; Ro. 8:4; Gen. 26:5.
26 Wall of sin between us and the heavenly Jerusalem. Cp. Lk. 19:4; 2 Kgs. 22:30 LXX (2 Sam. 22:30).
27 Lit. “girds”.

9
 I will pound them like mud of the streets.
93. Deliver me from people’s opposition.
You will set me at the head of nations.
A people I did not know have served me.
94. As soon as they heard me, they obeyed me.
Strange sons have proved false to me.
95. Strange sons grew old
and limped from their paths.
96. The Lord lives, and blessed is my God,
and may the God of my salvation be exalted,
97. the God who gives me justice and restitution
and subdues peoples under me.
98. My Deliverer from my angry enemies,
You will lift me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from an unjust man.
99. For this I will confess You among the nations, O Lord,28
and I will sing praise to Your name.
100. Great is the salvation He gives to His king
and the mercy He shows to His anointed29,
to David and His seed forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

18 THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: HIS WORDS & WORKS

SWEETER THAN HONEY, MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. The heavens declare the glory of God

and the creation30 proclaims the work of His hands.
2. Day to day utters speech
and night to night reports knowledge.
3. There are no languages or words
in which their voices are not heard.
4. Their message goes out into all the earth
and their words to the ends of the world.
5. He has pitched His tent in the sun.
And like a bridegroom going out of His bridal-room,31
He will rejoice like a giant to run His race.
6. His going out is from the highest heaven,
and the highest heaven is His goal,
and from His heat no one can hide.
7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting souls;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making children wise.
8. The Lord’s requirements are clear, rejoicing the heart;
the Lord’s commandment is bright, enlightening the eyes.

28 Ro. 15:9.
29 or “Christ”. Rev. 5:5; 22:16.
30 Gk. stereoma = solid mass, foundation, firmament.
31 Jn. 15:26.

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9. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
the judgments of the Lord are true and altogether justified,
10. more desirable than gold and much precious stone,
and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
11. And Your servant keeps them;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12. Who will understand his faults?
Cleanse me from my hidden ones.
13. And from those of others spare Your servant.
If they have no dominion over me,
then I shall be blameless
and I shall be kept free from great sin.
14. Then the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
will be always acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my Helper and my Redeemer.

19 A PRAYER FOR THE KING OFFERING HIS SACRIFICE

WE WILL REJOICE IN YOUR SALVATION

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble,

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2. May He send you help from His sanctuary
and support you out of Zion.
3. May He remember all your sacrifice
and accept your whole burnt offering.
4. May the Lord give you according to your heart
and fulfill your every plan.
5. We will rejoice in Your salvation,
and in the name of our God we shall be exalted.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
6. Now I know that the Lord has saved His Anointed One.
He will answer Him from His holy heaven.
The salvation of His right hand is in mighty deeds.
7. Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we will call on the name of the Lord our God.
8. They were bound hand and foot, and so they fell,
but we have risen and stand upright.
9. O Lord, save the king,
and answer us in the day we call upon You.

20 GOD’S PRESENCE DELIGHTS FRIENDS & DEVOURS ENEMIES

WE WILL SING AND PRAISE YOUR POWER

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. O Lord, in Your strength the king will be glad,

and he will rejoice greatly in Your salvation.
2. You have given him his heart’s desire
and You have not denied him the request of his lips.
3. For You have gone before him with the blessings of goodness;
You have placed on his head a crown of precious stones.

11
4. He asked You for life,
and You gave him length of days for ages and ages.
5. Great is his glory in Your salvation;
You will confer on him glory and majesty.
6. For You will give him blessing forever and ever;
You will gladden him with joy by Your presence.
7. for the king hopes in the Lord
and in the mercy of the Most High he will not be shaken.
8. May Your hand be felt by all Your enemies;
may Your right hand find all who hate You.
9. You will make them like a fiery oven
at the time of Your presence.
The Lord will confound them in His anger,
and fire will devour them.
10. You will destroy their fruit from the earth
and their seed from the sons of men.
11. For they intended evil against You,
they imagined plans which could never succeed.
12. For You will put them to flight;
You will prepare their presence among Your remnants.32
13. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength;
we will sing and praise Your powers.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

21 THE GREAT SHEPHERD GIVES HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP

THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST AND THE REDEMPTION OF THE NATIONS

(For the end: for the Help of the Morning Watch. A Psalm by David)

1. O God my God, attend to me!

Why did You abandon me?
Far from my salvation are the subjects33 of my sins.
2. My God, I cry by day, but You do not answer me,
and by night, yet it is not foolish of me.
3. You live in the holy place,
the praise of Israel.
4. Our fathers hoped in You;
they hoped, and You delivered them.
5. They cried out to You and were saved,
they hoped in You and were not disappointed.
6. But I am a worm and not a man,
a reproach of men and a scorn of people.
7. All who see me sneer at me;
they say with their lips as they wag their heads:
8. “He hoped in the Lord. Let Him deliver him,
let Him save him, since He wants him.”
9. For You are the One who drew me out of the womb,

32 Cp. Gen. 45:7 LXX & RSV.

33 Gk. logos = word, explanation, etc.

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 You have been my hope from my mother’s breasts.
10. I have been cast on Your care from my birth;
You are my God from my mother’s womb.
11. Do not stay far from me, because trouble is near,
for there is no one to help me.
12. Many young bulls encircle me,
fat bulls surround me.
13. They open their mouth against me
like a ravenous and roaring lion.34
14. I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are disjointed,
my heart is like melting wax inside me.
15. My strength has dried up like a potsherd
and my tongue sticks to my throat,
and You have brought me down to the dust of death.
16. For a pack of dogs encircle me,
and a gang of evildoers surrounds me;
They pierce my hands and my feet.
17. They count all my bones;
they stare and gloat over me.
18. They divide my garments among themselves
and for my robe they cast lots.
19. But You, O Lord, do not delay my help;
attend to my defense.
20. Deliver my soul from the sword,
my only life35 from the power of the dog.
21. Save me from the mouth of the lion
and my humility from the horns of rhinoceroses.
22. I will tell Your name to my brothers,
in the midst of the church I will sing to You.
23. You who fear the Lord, praise Him;
all you sons of Jacob, glorify Him.
Let all the sons of Israel fear Him.
24. For He has not despised or disdained the poor man’s prayer
or turned away His face from me,
but when I cried to Him He answered me.
25. From You comes my praise;
in the great church I will confess You,
I will pay my vows before those who fear You.
26. The poor will eat and will be satisfied,
and those who seek the Lord will praise Him;
their hearts will live forever.
27. All the ends of the earth will remember
and they will return to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations will worship before Him.
28. For the Kingdom is the Lord’s
and it is He who rules the nations.
29. All the rich of the earth have eaten and worshiped;
all who go down into the earth will fall down before Him.
But my soul lives for Him,
30. and my children will serve Him;
34 Cp. Gen. 45:7 LXX & RSV.
35 Gk. psyche = soul, life; “only one” is feminine, agreeing with psyche.

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 the coming generation will be declared for the Lord.
31. And they will declare His righteousness
to a people who will be born, whom the Lord has made.

22 GOD THE GOOD SHEPHERD KING

LOVE FOLLOWS THE FOLLOWERS OF LOVE

(A Psalm by David)

1. The Lord is my shepherd

and I will lack nothing.
2. He settles me in a place of green grass,
beside restful water He nourishes me.
3. He corrects my soul,
He guides me on the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
4. For even if I walk in the midst of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evils, because You are with me.
Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
5. You prepare a table before me
in the presence of those who trouble me.
You anoint my head with oil,
and Your cup inebriates me with love36 --
how very strong it is!
6. And Your mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
for the length of my days.37

23 THE KING OF GLORY ENTERS HIS SANCTUARY

WHO CAN ENTER THE HOLY MOUNTAIN TEMPLE?

(A Psalm by David. For the first Sabbath)

1. The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains,

the world and all who live in it.
2. He has founded it above the seas
and prepared it above the waters.
3. Who will ascend into the mountain of the Lord
and who will stand in His holy place?
4. One whose hands are harmless and whose heart is pure,
who has not received his soul in vain
and has not sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.
5. He will receive blessing from the Lord
and mercy from God his Savior.
6. This is the kind who seek the Lord,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7. Lift up your gates, you rulers,
and be lifted up, you eternal doors,
and the King of Glory will come in.
8. Who is this King of Glory?
36 Ps. 15:5; Eph. 5:18.
37 or “for as long as I live”.

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 The Lord strong and powerful,
the Lord powerful in battle.
9. Lift up your gates, you rulers,
and be lifted up, you eternal doors,
and the King of Glory will come in.
10. Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

15
4 KATHISMA MONDAY STASIS I

24 PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE, FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION

THE COVENANT CONSCIOUSNESS (V.14)

(A Psalm by David)

1. To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2. O my God, in You I trust:
let me never be put to shame,
nor let my enemies laugh at me.
3. For none who wait for You will be put to shame;
let those be ashamed who do wrong for no reason.
4. Your ways, O Lord, make known to me
and teach me Your paths.
5. Guide me by Your truth and teach me,
because You, O God, are my Savior
and for You I wait all day.
6. Remember Your compassion, O Lord, and Your mercies,
because they are from all eternity.
7. Remember not the sins of my youth and my ignorance,
but in Your mercy remember me
for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.
8. Good and straight is the Lord;
so He gives laws for sinners in the way.1
9. He will guide the meek2 to judge what is right,3
He will teach the humble His ways.
10. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth
to those who seek His covenant and His laws.
11. For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
forgive my sin, for it is great.
12. Who is a man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.4
13. His soul will live among good things,
and his children will inherit the earth.
14. The Lord is the strength of those who fear Him,
and His covenant will make it clear to them.
15. My eyes continually look to the Lord,5
because He will pull my feet out of the trap.6
16. Look upon me and have mercy on me
because I am poor and lonely.
17. The troubles of my heart are multiplied;
O bring me out of my afflictions.
18. See my humiliation and my labor

1 Ps. 26:11.
2 Gk. praus = meek & humble, so we give both translations.
3 Jas. 1:21.
4 Ps. 26:11.
5 Cp. Ps. 68:14.
6 or “out of danger”, i.e., away from the trap.

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 and forgive all my sins.
19. See my enemies, for they are multiplied
and they hate me with an unjust hatred.
20. Guard my soul and deliver me;
let me not be ashamed, for I have hoped in You.
21. The innocent and upright have joined me,
because I wait for You, O Lord.
22. Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.

25 PRAYER FOR A HOLY LIFE

(David’s)

1. Judge me, O Lord,

for I have walked in my innocence,
and by hoping in the Lord
I shall not grow weak.
2. Examine me, O Lord, and try me;
burn my heart7 and my thoughts.
3. For Your mercy is before my eyes,
and I delight in Your truth.
4. I do not sit with a frivolous gathering
and I will not go with lawbreakers.
5. I hate the company of evildoers
and I will not sit with godless people.
6. I will wash my hands among the innocent
and I will encircle Your altar, O Lord,
7. that I may hear the voice of praise
and tell of all Your wonders.
8. Lord, I love the beauty of Your house
and the place of the temple of Your glory.
9. Do not destroy my soul with the godless
and my life with men of blood,
10. in whose hands are wrongdoings,
whose right hand is full of bribes.
11. But I have walked in my innocence;
deliver me, O Lord, and have mercy on me.
12. My foot stands on the straight path;
I will bless You, O Lord, in the churches.

26 CONTEMPLATION OF THE DIVINE GOODNESS AND BEAUTY

LOVE OF GOD AND THE TEMPLE

(A Psalm of David before he was anointed)

1. The Lord is my light and my Savior;

whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the protector of my life;
from whom shall I shrink?
2. When evildoers draw near against me to eat my flesh,

7 Lit. “reins, kidneys”.

2
 it is my enemies and those who trouble me
who themselves grow feeble and fall.
3. Though an army is ready for battle against me,
my heart will not be afraid;
though war rises against me, in this I hope.
4. One request I have asked from the Lord,
this one thing I will seek:
that I may live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
that I may see the delightful beauty of God
and visit His holy temple.
5. Because He hid me in His temple
in the day of my troubles,
He sheltered me in the hiding place of His temple,
He lifted me high on a rock.
6. And even now He has lifted my head above my enemies.
In His temple I encircled the altar
and offered a sacrifice with shouts of joy.
I will sing and praise the Lord.
7. “Hear, O Lord, my voice when I call,
have mercy on me and answer me,”
my heart said to You.
8. I will seek the Lord.
My face searches for You;
Your face, O Lord, I will seek.
9. Do not turn away Your face from me
and do not turn away from Your servant in anger.
Be my helper, do not reject me
and do not leave me, O God my Savior.
10. For my father and my mother have left me,
but the Lord has taken me to Himself.
11. Instruct me, O Lord, in Your way
and guide me in the straight path
because of my enemies.
12. Do not give me up to the souls of those who trouble me,
because false witnesses have risen against me
and injustice has deceived itself.
13. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14. Wait for the Lord, take courage
and let your heart be strong,
and wait for the Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen

3
STASIS II

27 GOD THE PROTECTION AND SALVATION OF HIS ANOINTED

A PRAYER OF FAITH AND THANKSGIVING

(By David)

1. To You, O Lord, I have called.

O my God, do not be silent to me,
for if You are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the pit.
2. Hear, O Lord, the cry of my prayer
when I pray to You,
when I lift up my hands to Your holy temple.
3. Do not drag me away with sinners
and destroy me with those who do wrong,
who speak peace with their neighbor
while bad thoughts are in their hearts.
4. Give them, O Lord, according to their doings
and according to the evil of their ways;
give them according to the works of their hands,
repay them what they deserve.
5. Because they did not look into the works of the Lord
or the workings of His hands,
You will pull them down and not build them up.
6. Blessed is God
because He has heard the cry of my prayer.
7. The Lord is my helper and my protector;
my heart hopes in Him and I am helped.
Even my flesh has revived,
and out of my delight I will give thanks to Him.
8. The Lord is the strength of His people
and the protector of the salvation of His anointed one.
9. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance
and shepherd them and lift them up forever.

28 THE SILENT THUNDER OF GOD’S VOICE

GOD’S POWER AND GLORY IN A THUNDERSTORM

(A Psalm by David at the Exit of the Ark or Tabernacle. For the Feast of Tabernacles in commemoration of the Exodus)

1. Bring to the Lord, O sons of God,

bring to the Lord young rams,
bring to the Lord glory and honor.
2. Bring to the Lord glory to His name,
worship the Lord in His holy court.
3. The voice of the Lord is over the waters,
the God of glory is thundering,
the Lord is over many waters.
4. The voice of the Lord is with strength,
the voice of the Lord is with majesty.
5. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,
and the Lord will break the cedars of Lebanon.

4
6. And He will thrash them like a young Lebanese bull,
and like the beloved calf of a rhinoceros.
7. The voice of the Lord divides a flame of fire.
8. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert,
the Lord will shake the desert of Kadesh.
9. The voice of the Lord makes the deer calve
and strips the forests bare,
while in His temple everyone says, “Glory.”8
10. The Lord inhabits the flood,
and the Lord will sit as King forever.
11. The Lord will give strength to His people,
the Lord will bless His people with peace.

29 A SONG OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

IN HIS WILL IS LIFE AND HAPPINESS

(For the end: A Song for the Dedication of David’s House)

1. I will lift You on high, O Lord,

because You have lifted me up
and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
2. O Lord my God, I cried out to You
and You have healed me.
3. O Lord, You have brought up my soul out of hell,
You have saved me from those going down to the pit.
4. Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.
5. For wrath is in His anger, but in His will is life;
in the evening weeping may come to lodge,
but joy comes in the morning.
6. But I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be shaken.”
7. O Lord, by Your will You granted power to my beauty.
But You turned away Your face
and I became troubled.
8. To You, O Lord, I will cry
and I will pray to my God:
9. “What profit is there in my blood
by my going down to corruption?
Will the dust confess or give thanks to You,
or will it declare Your truth?”
10. The Lord heard and had mercy on me,
the Lord became my helper.
11. You have turned my mourning for me into joy,
You have ripped off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12. that my glory may sing to You
and I may not be pierced with sorrow.
O Lord my God, I will confess and thank You forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

8 or “all say ‘Glory’.”

5
STASIS III

30 A PASSION PSALM. CONFIDENT PRAYER IN TROUBLE

YOU HAVE REDEEMED ME, O LORD GOD OF TRUTH

(For the end: A Psalm of madness by David)

1. In You, O Lord, I hope and trust;

let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in Your justice.
2. Bend Your ear to me,
make haste to rescue me.
Be my God and Protector,
my house of refuge to save me.
3. For You are my strength and my refuge,
and for Your name’s sake
You will guide me and support me.
4. You will bring me out of this trap which they have hidden for me
because You are my Protector, O Lord.
5. Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
6. You hate those who idly watch vanities,
but I set my hope on the Lord.
7. I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
because You have regarded my humiliation,
You have saved my soul from distress
8. and You have not shut me up
in the hands of my enemies;
You have set my feet in a wide place.
9. Have mercy on me, O Lord,
because I am in trouble.
My eye is troubled with anger,
my soul and my body also.
10. For my life is spent with pain
and my years with groans;
my strength has grown weak from poverty,
and my bones are troubled.
11. I have become a reproach among all my enemies
and especially to my neighbors,
and a terror to my acquaintances;
those who see me outside run from me.
12. I am forgotten like a dead man lost from memory,9
I have become like a broken vessel.
13. For I hear the blame of many who live around me,
as they conspire together against me
and plot to take my life.
14. But I hope in You, O Lord.
I have said, “You are my God.”
15. My life is in Your hands;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and from those who persecute me.
16. Let Your face shine on Your slave,
save me in Your mercy.
9 Lit. “from heart”. Cp. learn by heart, meaning by memory.

6
17. O Lord, do not let me be ashamed,
because I have called upon You.
Let the godless be ashamed
and be brought down to hell.
18. Let the lying lips be dumb
which talk lawlessness against the righteous
with pride and contempt.
19. How great is the wealth of Your goodness, O Lord,
which You have hidden for those who fear You10
and provided for those who hope in You
before the sons of men!
20. You hide them in the secrecy of Your presence
from the disturbance of men;
You shelter them in Your temple
from the dispute of tongues.
21. Blessed is the Lord,
for He has shown the wonder of His mercy
in a besieged city.
22. But I said in my madness,
“I am cast away from the eyes of Your face.”
Therefore You heard the voice of my prayer
when I cried to You.
23. Love the Lord, all you His saints!
For the Lord requires truth,
and He fully repays those who act with pride.
24. Take courage and let your heart be strong,
all you who hope in the Lord.

31 A PSALM OF REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION

THE JOY OF BEING FORGIVEN

(A Psalm of Contemplation by David)

1. Blessed are they whose wrongdoings are forgiven

and whose sins are covered.
2. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not count or consider
and in whose mouth there is no deceit.
3. Because I kept silent my bones grew old
through my groaning all day long.
4. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
I was reduced to misery while a thorn was stuck in me.
5. I acknowledged my sin to You,
and I did not hide my lawlessness. I said:
“I will confess my sin to the Lord against myself.”
And You forgave the ungodliness of my heart.
6. For this everyone who is holy will pray to You
at a suitable time.
Then in a flood of many waters
they will not come near him.11
7. You are my refuge from the trouble surrounding me;
my Joy, deliver me from those who encircle me.
10 Goodness, God, Heaven are hidden in all things. The defeat, shame of the Cross hid supreme victory, glory, blessing, Redemption.
11 Noah was unharmed, as was Christ when baptized by John.

7
8. I will teach you and instruct you
in this way you should go,
I will fix My eyes upon you.
9. Do not become like a horse and a mule
which have no understanding,
whose jaws you must hold with muzzle and bridle
or they will not come near you.12
10. Many are the scourges of the sinner,
but mercy surrounds those who hope in the Lord.
11. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous,
and shout for joy, all who are honest13 in heart.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

5 KATHISMA
STASIS I

32 A NEW SONG OF VICTORY & HEAVENLY EARTHQUAKE

PRAISE OF GOD’S PERFECTION IN WORD & WORK

(By David)

1. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous!

Praise from the righteous is beautiful.
2. Give thanks to the Lord on a harp;
sing praises to Him on a ten-stringed psaltery.
3. Sing Him a song that is new,
sing to Him well with shouting,
4. for the word of the Lord is straight,
and all His works are done in faith.14
5. The Lord loves mercy and justice;
the earth is full of the mercy of God.15
6. By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and all the wonder16 of them by the Breath17 of His mouth.
7. He gathers the sea waters as into a wineskin,
placing them in bottomless caverns.
8. Let all the earth fear the Lord,
let all who live in the world be shaken by Him,
9. for He spoke and they were born,
He commanded and they were created.
10. The Lord frustrates the plans of nations.
He rejects the thoughts of peoples
and rejects the plans of rulers.
11. But the Lord’s plan stands forever,

12 Wild horses kick & bite. When broken in, they come to hand, obey & need no muzzle.
13 Lit. “straight” (Ps. 26:11; 110:1).
14 or by faith, with faith. Cp. Heb. 11.
15 or “God’s mercy”.
16 Gk. dynamis = power, miracle.
17 Gk. pneuma = breath or spirit.

8
 the thoughts of His heart are for all generations.
12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people He has chosen for His own possession18.
13. The Lord looks on from heaven,
He sees all the sons of men.
14. From His watchful dwelling
He looks on all who inhabit the earth.
15. He alone forms their hearts
and understands all their doings.
16. A king is not saved by a great army,
and a giant will not be saved by His great strength.
17. A horse is a hoax for salvation,
and with all its strength it will not be saved.
18. Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those who hope for His mercy,
19. to deliver their souls from death
and to nourish them in time of famine.
20. Our soul waits for the Lord,
because He is our helper and protector.
21. For our heart rejoices in Him
and we hope in His holy name.
22. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us
as we have set our hope on You.

33 HIS PRAISE CONTINUALLY IN MY MOUTH

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD

(By David, when he disguised his face before Abimelech, who let him go, and he went away)

1. I will bless the Lord at all times,19

His praise shall be continually in my mouth.
2. My soul will be praised by the Lord;20
let the meek hear and be glad.
3. magnify the Lord with me
and let us exalt His name together.
4. I sought the Lord and He answered me,
and He delivered me out of all my troubles.
5. Come to Him and be radiant,
and your faces will not be ashamed.
6. This poor man21 called and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7. The angel of the Lord will camp round those who fear Him
and will deliver them.
8. taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who hopes in Him.
9. fear the Lord, all you His saints,
because those who fear Him lack nothing.
10. The rich do become poor and hungry,

18 or “inheritance”.
19 When all goes well? No! In trouble, pain & trial, too (St. Augustine).
20 The humble want no praise. The Lord praises them (St. Augustine).
21 i.e., David himself.

9
 but those who seek the Lord
will not be in want of anything good.
11. Come, children, listen to me!
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12. Who is a person who wants life22
and loves to see good days?
13. Stop your tongue from evil
and your lips from talking deceit.
14. Turn away from evil and do good,
seek peace and pursue it.
15. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous23
and His ears are open to their prayer.
16. But the face of the Lord is against evildoers
to destroy their memory from the earth.
17. The righteous call and the Lord answers them
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18. The Lord is near to the broken-hearted
and He will save the humble in spirit.
19. Many are the troubles of the righteous,
but the Lord will deliver them out of them all.
20. The Lord guards all their bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21. The death of sinners is evil,
and those who hate a righteous man will sin.
22. The Lord will deliver the souls of His servants,
and none will sin who hope in Him.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

34 CHRIST’S PASSION SEEN IN THE PSALMIST’S STRUGGLE

THE LORD BE MAGNIFIED

(By David)

1. Judge those who are wronging me, O Lord,

fight those who are fighting me.
2. Take hold of shield and weapon
and stand up to help me.
3. Draw a sword and block the way
against those who persecute me.
Say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”
4. Let those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded;
let those who plan evils for me be routed and ashamed.
5. Let them be like dust in the face of the wind,
and let an angel of the Lord afflict them.
6. Let their way be dark and slippery,
and let an angel of the Lord pursue them,

22 Mt. 20:14.
23 1 Pet. 3:12 verbatim to 16a (Peter omits 16b).

10
7. because for nothing they hid from me the deception of their trap,24
they falsely accused my soul.
8. Let a trap which he does not know come upon him
and let the net which he hid catch him,
and let him fall into his own trap.
9. But my soul will rejoice in the Lord
and will delight in His salvation.
10. All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You;
who delivers the poor from the hand
of those who are stronger than they are,
and the poor and needy from those who rob them?”
11. False witnesses rose up against me
and asked me things which I did not know.
12. They repaid me evil for good
and barrenness for my soul.25
13. But when they troubled me, I put on sackcloth
and humbled my soul with fasting,
and my prayer will return to my bosom.
14. As though he were our neighbor and brother
I tried to please him.
Like one who is mourning and gloomy-looking
I humbled myself.
15. But they were glad and were gathered together against me,
scourges were gathered together against me,
and I did not know it.
They were divided, yet they were not repentant.26
16. They tempted me, they scoffed and sneered at me,
they gnashed their teeth at me.
17. O Lord, when will You look upon me?
Rescue my soul from their malice,
my only one from the lions.
18. I will confess and thank You in a great assembly,
among a powerful people I will praise You.
19. Do not let those who are unjustly my enemies rejoice over me,
those who hate me and wink their eyes for no reason.
20. For they spoke peaceful words to me,
yet in anger they were plotting intrigues.
21. And they opened their mouth wide against me
and said: “Good, good! Our eyes have seen it.”
22. You have seen it, O Lord, do not be silent.
O Lord, do not stand aloof from me.
23. Arise, O Lord, and attend to my judgment
and to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness,
and do not let them rejoice against me.
25. Do not let them say in their hearts, “Good, good!
Just what we wanted.”
Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26. Let those who rejoice over my troubles
be ashamed and confounded together.
24 Cp. 1 Sam. 18:21.
25 Barrenness, result of the curse, was doomed (Mt. 21:43). Christ took the curse (Gal. 3:13).
26 or “they felt no compunction”.

11
 Let those who boast against me
be covered with shame and confusion.
27. Let those who desire my justification
rejoice and be glad,
and let those who desire the peace of Your servant
say continually, “The Lord be magnified.”
28. And my tongue will learn27 Your righteousness
and Your praise all day long.

35 FOUNTAIN OF LIFE. TORRENT OF DELIGHT

MAN’S MALICE AND GOD’S GOODNESS

(For the end. By David the servant28 of the Lord)

1. The sinner, in order to sin, talks to himself.29

There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2. For he is dishonest with God30
over finding his sin and hating it.
3. The words of his mouth are lawless and false;
he is not willing to understand how to do good.
4. He plans wrongdoing on his bed,
he is ready for any course not good,
and he is not angry with evil.
5. O Lord, Your mercy is in heaven,
and Your truth reaches to the clouds.31
6. Your justice is like the mountains of God,32
Your judgments are a vast abyss.
You save men and animals, O Lord.
7. How You have multiplied Your mercy, O God!
The sons of men will hope in the shelter of Your wings.
8. They will be filled with the prosperity of Your house
and You will give them to drink the torrent of Your delight.
9. For with You is the fountain of life
and in Your light we shall see light.
10. continue Your mercy to those who know You
and Your justice to those who are upright in heart.
11. Do not let the foot of pride come to me
or the hand of a sinner shake me.
12. There all who practice lawlessness have fallen;33
they have been driven out and cannot stand.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

27 or “study, meditate” (cp. learn by heart = Heb. learn by mouth).

28 or “slave”.
29 i.e., instead of talking to God.
30 Ps. 35.
31 Cp. Ps. 32:5.
32 or “the lordly mountains”.
33 Ps. 36:28.

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STASIS III

36 THE RIGHTEOUS MEEK INHERIT THE LAND OF PEACE

INSECURITY IN APPARENT PROSPERITY OF SINNERS

(By David)

1. Do not fret because of evildoers

or envy those who practice lawlessness,
2. for like grass they will soon be withered
and like green plants they will soon fall.
3. Hope in the Lord and do good
and live in the land and be fed on its wealth.
4. Delight in the Lord
and He will give you the requests of your heart.
5. Reveal your way to the Lord
and hope in Him, and He will do it.
6. He will bring to light your righteousness,
and your decision will be as clear as noonday.34
7. Submit to the Lord and pray to Him.
Do not fret over one who prospers in his way,
over a man who practices dishonesty.
8. Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
do not fret yourself into evildoing.
9. For evildoers will be exterminated,
but those who wait for the Lord will inherit the earth.
10. Yet a little while and the sinner will be gone;
you will look for his place and will not find it.
11. But the meek will inherit the earth
and will delight in an abundance of peace.
12. The sinner will watch the righteous man
and will gnash his teeth at him.
13. But the Lord will laugh at him,
because He foresees that his day will come.
14. The sinners draw their sword and bend their bow
to put down the poor and needy
and slaughter the upright in heart.
15. Let their sword enter their own hearts
and let their bows be broken.
16. A little for a righteous man is better
than the great wealth of sinners.
17. For the arms of sinners will be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18. The Lord knows the ways of the blameless,
and their inheritance will be forever.
19. They will not be ashamed in an evil time,
and in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20. For the sinners will be lost and perish,
and the enemies of the Lord
are no sooner honored and exalted
than they die and vanish like smoke.
21. The sinner borrows and does not repay,
but the just man has compassion and gives.
34 “Your decision now to follow Christ” (St. Augustine). Jn. 12:26.

13
22. Those who bless him will inherit the earth,
but those who curse him will be exterminated.
23. The steps of a man are directed by the Lord
when he takes great delight in His way.35
24. When he falls, he will not be flung headlong,
because the Lord holds his hand.
25. I was young, but now I am old,
yet I have not seen a righteous man abandoned
or his children begging for bread.
26. All day long the righteous are merciful and lend
and their children are a blessing.
27. Shun evil and do good,
and live forever and ever.36
28. For the Lord loves justice
and He will not abandon His saints;
they will be guarded forever.
But the lawless will be driven out
and the sons of the godless will be exterminated.
29. But the righteous will inherit the earth37
and will live on it forever and ever.
30. A righteous man’s mouth reflects wisdom
and his tongue speaks justice.
31. The law of his God is in his heart
and his steps will not be tripped.
32. The sinner watches the righteous man
and tries to kill him.
33. But the Lord will not leave him in his hands
or let him be condemned when he is judged by him.
34. Wait for the Lord and keep His way
and He will exalt you to inherit the earth.
When sinners are exterminated, you will see it.
35. I have seen a godless man highly exalting himself
and lifting himself up like the cedars of Lebanon.
36. But I passed by, and look! He was gone.
Then I searched for him, but he was nowhere to be found.
37. Watch innocence and see straightforwardness,
because there is a posterity for a peaceful person.
38. But sinners will be exterminated together;
the posterity of the godless will be exterminated.
39. But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord,
and He is their protector in time of trouble.
40. The Lord will help them and deliver them;
He will rescue them from sinners and save them,
because they have set their hope on Him.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

35 Ps. 36:4.
36 or “for ages and ages”.
37 Cp. Mt. 5:5.

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6 KATHISMA
STASIS I

37 THE SAVIOR’S PASSION

THE SUFFERING SAINT AND THE ISOLATION OF SIN

(A Psalm by David. For a Memorial. Concerning the Sabbath)

1. O Lord, rebuke me, but not in Your anger;

and correct me, but not in Your wrath.
2. For Your arrows are stuck in me
and You are pressing Your hand upon me.
3. There is no healing in my flesh from the face of Your wrath;
there is no peace in my bones from the presence of my sins.
4. For my sins have gone over my head;
they weigh upon me like a heavy burden.
5. My wounds stink and fester
because of my foolishness.
6. I became miserable and utterly dejected,
I went mourning all day long.
7. For my soul is filled with mockings
and there is no healing in my flesh.
8. I was afflicted and humbled exceedingly,
I roared from the groaning of my heart.
9. O Lord, all my desire is before You,
and my groaning is not hidden from You.
10. My heart is troubled, my strength fails me;
and the light of my eyes, even this is not with me.
11. My friends and neighbors drew near
and stood opposite me,
and my nearest ones stood far away.38
12. Those seeking my life took to violence,
and those seeking evils for me spoke idle words
and planned treachery all day long.
13. But I, like a deaf man, do not hear,
and I am like a dumb man who does not open his mouth.
14. I became like a man who does not hear
and in his mouth has no rebukes.
15. For on You, O Lord, I have set my hope;
You will answer me, O Lord my God.
16. For I said, “Let my enemies never rejoice over me
or boast over me when my feet are shaken.”
17. For I am ready for scourges
and my pain is before me continually.
18. For I will confess my lawlessness
and I will be concerned about my sin.
19. But my enemies live and are stronger than me,
and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied.
20. Those who repay me evil for good, oppose me,
because I follow goodness.
21. Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, do not stay far away from me!

38 Mt. 27:55; Lk. 23:49.

15
22. Attend to my help,
O Lord of my salvation.

38 PILGRIMS AND STRANGERS, NOMADS AND GUESTS

THE LORD IS MY PATIENCE AND MY COURAGE

(For the end. For Juduthun. A Song by David)

1. I said, “I will watch my ways,

so as not to sin with my tongue.
2. I will set a watch over my mouth
while a sinner stands before me.”
3. I was dumb and humbled;
I was even silent from good words,
yet my pain was renewed.
4. My heart was warmed within me
and in my meditation fire will be kindled.
Then I prayed with my tongue:
5. “O Lord, make known to me my end
and the number of my days,
that I may know what I lack.39
6. You have made my days like handbreadths
and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight.
In fact, all is vanity, every man alive.
7. Yet man goes through life as God’s image40,
but he disquiets himself in vain.
He accumulates things and does not know
for whom he is gathering them.
8. And now, who is my patience?
Is it not the Lord?
And my life is from You.
9. Deliver me from all my sins.41
You have made me a disgrace to a fool.
10. I was dumb and did not open my mouth,
because it is You who made me.
11. Remove from me Your afflictions,
for I am exhausted from the strength of Your hand.
12. With rebukes You correct a man for sin
and You put his soul to the test
until he is as weak as a spider.
Yet every man disquiets himself in vain.
13. Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my need,
do not be silent at my tears;
for I am a stranger and pilgrim with You,
just like all my fathers.
14. Spare me, that I may recover my strength,
before I depart and exist no more.

39 Mt. 19:20.
40 Gk. eikon = image, picture, likeness, etc.
41 1 Jn. 3:4.

16
39 A NEW SONG: PRAISE TO OUR GOD
A BODY FOR THE REDEEMER

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. I waited expectantly for the Lord,

and He attended to me and heard my prayer.
2. He brought me up out of a pit of misery
and from the mud and clay,
3. and He set my feet on a rock
and directed my steps.
4. And He has put in my mouth a new song,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and they will hope in the Lord.
5. Blessed is the man whose hope is the name of the Lord
and who does not look at vanities or mad delusions42.
6. Many are the things You have done,
many are Your wonders, O Lord my God,
and in Your thoughts there is no one like You.
I have declared and said
they are multiplied beyond number.
7. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,43
but a body You prepared for Me.
Whole Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings
You did not require.
8. Then I said: See, I have come
(in a scroll of the Book it is written about Me)
9. to do Your will, O my God.
I am determined to do it,
and Your law is written within my heart.
10. I have told the good news of righteousness
in a great congregation44.
I will not restrain my lips.
O Lord, You know it.
11. I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart,
I have told Your truth and Your salvation.
I have not hidden Your mercy and Your truth
from a great assembly45.
12. But do not remove Your compassion from me, O Lord,
let Your mercy and truth continually help me.
13. For countless evils surround me;
my sins have overwhelmed me
and I am unable to see.
They are multiplied beyond the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails me.
14. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;
O Lord, attend to my help.

42 or “lying madnesses”.
43 Cp. Heb. 10:5-6.
44 Gk. ekklesia.
45 Lit. “synagogue”.

17
15. Let those who seek to destroy my life
be put to shame and confounded together.
Let those who wish evils for me
be turned back and put to shame.
16. Let those who say to me, “Well done! Well done!”
immediately be covered with shame.
17. Let all who seek You, O Lord,
rejoice and be glad in You,
and let those who love Your salvation
say continually, “The Lord be magnified.”
18. But I am poor and needy;
the Lord will care for me.
You are my helper and my protector;
O my God, make no delay.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

40 THE BLESSING OF COMPASSION: PRAYER FOR HEALING

CHRIST’S BETRAYAL FORESHADOWED

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. Blessed is one who is understanding toward the poor and needy;46

the Lord will deliver him in an evil day.
2. May the Lord protect him and keep him alive
and make him happy on the earth
and not give him up into the hands of his enemies.
3. May the Lord help him on his bed of pain;
You have turned all his confinement to health in his sickness.47
4. I said, “Lord, have mercy on me;
heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”
5. My enemies spoke evil of me:
“When will he die and his name perish?”
6. And if he was coming in to see me, he was speaking vanity;
his heart gathered lawlessness to itself,
he was going out and was talking about it.
7. All my enemies were whispering against me;
they were planning evils against me.
8. They laid a false report against me:
“Surely the sleeper is not going to rise?”
9. Even the man of My peace in whom I hoped,48
who was eating bread with me,49
has lifted up his heel against me.
10. But You, O Lord, have mercy on me
and raise me up and I will repay them.
11. By this I know that You are delighted with me,

46 Job 32:8; Mt. 25:40.

47 1 Pet. 2:24.
48 Mt. 26:49.
49 Jn. 13:18.

18
 that my enemy does not rejoice over me.
12. But because of my innocence You have helped me
and have secured me in Your presence forever.
13. Blessed is the Lord God of Israel
from age to age. Amen, amen.50

41 THE ULTIMATE SORROW: LOSS OF GOD

I THIRST: DEEP CALLS TO DEEP

(For the end. For contemplation. For the sons of Korah)

1. As the deer yearns over the springs of water,

so my soul yearns for You, O God.
2. My soul thirsts for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before the face of God?
3. My tears have been my food day and night
while they say to me daily, “Where is your God?”
4. These things I remembered
and poured out my soul within me.
I will go to the place of the wonderful temple,
to the house of God with the sound of rejoicing
and the thanksgiving of a crowd keeping festival.
5. Why are you sorrowful, O my soul,
and why are you disquieting me?
Hope in God, for I will praise and thank Him;
He is the salvation of my person and my God.
6. My soul is troubled within me;
therefore I will remember You
from the land of Jordan and the Hermons,
from the little mountain.
7. Deep calls to deep at the roar of Your cataracts;51
all Your waves and Your billows went over me.
8. The Lord will command His mercy in the daytime
and a song from me to Him in the night,
a prayer to the God of my life.
9. I will say to God, You are my Protector.
Why have You forgotten me,
and why must I go mourning
while my enemy oppresses me?
10. While crushing my bones my enemies taunt me
and say to me daily, “Where is your God?”
11. Why are you sorrowful, O my soul,
and why are you disquieting me?
Hope in God, for I will praise and thank Him;
He is the salvation of my person and my God.

42 LIGHT AND TRUTH FROM GOD’S HOLY MOUNTAIN

THE WAY TO GOD IS THE WAY OF THE ALTAR

(A Psalm by David)

50 Lit. “May it be, may it be” (Gk.).

51 Gen. 7:11; 8:2 LXX.

19
1. Judge me, O God, and defend my cause
from a nation that is not holy.
Deliver me from an unjust and deceitful man.
2. For You, O God, are my strength.
Why have You rejected me?
And why do I go mourning
while my enemy oppresses me?
3. send out Your light and Your truth;
let them guide and lead me
to Your holy mountain and to Your temples.52
4. Then I will go in to the altar of God,
to God who gladdens my youth.
I will praise and thank You with a harp,
O God, my God.
5. Why are you sorrowful, O my soul,
and why are you disquieting me?
6. Hope in God, for I will praise and thank Him;
He is the salvation of my person and my God.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

52 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16.

20
43 SAVED FOR LOVE, SERVICE, SUFFERING AND WORSHIP
IN GOD WE GLORY AND ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG

(For the end. A Psalm for understanding for the sons of Korah)

1. O God, we have heard with our ears

and our fathers have told us
2. the work which You did in their days,
in the days of old.
3. Your hand destroyed the nations
and You planted our fathers.
You afflicted peoples and drove them out.
4. For it was not by their sword
that they gained possession of the land,
and it was not their right arm that saved them,
but it was Your right hand and Your arm
and the light of Your presence,53
because You delighted in them.
5. You Yourself are my King and my God
who command the victories of Jacob.
6. In You we repulse54 our enemies55
and in Your name we destroy our assailants.
7. For I will not trust in my bow,
and it is not my sword that will save me.
8. But it is You who save us from those who trouble us
and who put to shame those who hate us.
9. In God we shall be praised all day long56
and in Your name we will praise You forever.
10. But now You reject us and put us to shame
and will not go out with our armies, O God.
11. You have made us turn our backs to our enemies
and those who hate us plunder us for themselves.
12. You have given us up like sheep for food
and You have scattered us among the nations.
13. You have sold Your people without price,
and there is no crowd at our festivals.
14. You have made us a disgrace to our neighbors,
a scorn and derision to those around us.
15. You have made us a byword among the nations,
a shaking of the head among the peoples.
16. All day long my confusion is before me
and my face is covered with shame,
17. from the voice of the taunter and backbiter,
from the presence of the enemy and persecutor.
18. All this has come upon us,
yet we have not forgotten You
and have not been untrue to Your covenant.
19. Our heart has not turned back,
yet You have turned our paths from Your way.
53 Ex. 33:14; Is. 63:9.
54 Lit. “rebut”.
55 Dt. 33:17.
56 Ac. 24:16.

21
20. For You have humbled us in a place of affliction
and the shadow of death has covered us.
21. If we have forgotten the name of our God,
and if we have stretched out our hands to a strange god,
22. will not God find out these things?
For He knows the secrets of the heart.
23. But for Your sake we are being killed all day long,57
we are counted as sheep for slaughter.
24. Wake up! Why are You sleeping, O Lord?
Rise up and do not reject us forever.
25. Why do You turn Your face away?
Do You forget our need and our oppression?
26. For our soul is humbled to the dust,
our body hugs the earth.
27. Rise up, O Lord, help us
and deliver us for Your name’s sake.

44 THE MESSIAH KING IN HIS BEAUTY AND UNIVERSAL RULE

WEDDING SONG OF THE WARRIOR KING

(For the end. For those who are to be changed. For contemplation for the sons of Korah. A song for the Beloved)

1. My heart is bubbling over with a good word;

I address my works to the King.
2. My tongue is the pen of a rapid writer.
3. You are lovely with a beauty beyond the sons of men,
grace has been poured out on Your lips;
therefore God has blessed You forever.
4. Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Powerful One,
in Your splendor and beauty,
5. and draw Your bow and prosper and reign
in the cause of truth and meekness and justice,
and Your right hand will guide You wonderfully.
6. Your arrows are sharp, O Powerful One,
in the heart of the King’s enemies.
Peoples will fall under You.
7. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
the scepter of Your Kingdom is a rod of justice.
8. You love righteousness58 and hate lawlessness.
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness above Your companions.
9. Myrrh, stacte59 and cassia flow from Your garments,
from the ivory palaces, from those who gladden You.
10. King’s daughters are present in Your honor.
On Your right hand stands the queen,
dressed in a garment interwoven with gold,
embroidered with many colors.
11. Listen, daughter, and see, and bend your ear;

57 Ro. 8:36.
58 or “justice”.
59 Ex. 30:34.

22
 and forget your people and your father’s house.60
12. Then the King will desire your beauty,
because He is your Lord and you shall worship Him.
13. And the daughter of Tyre will worship You with gifts;
the richest of the people will implore Your favor.
14. All the glory of the King’s daughter is within,61
though she is dressed in tasseled gold
embroidered with many colors.
15. The virgins in her train will be brought to the King,
those near her will be brought to You.
16. They will be brought with joy and gladness,
they will be led into the King’s temple.
17. Instead of Your fathers, sons will be born to You;
You will make them rulers over all the earth.
18. I will remember Your name in all generations;
therefore peoples will praise You forever and ever.

45 GOD IS WITH US: LIFTED UP ON THE CROSS

THE WARRIOR KING IS ABOLISHING WAR

(For the end. For the sons of Korah. A Psalm about hidden things)

1. God is our refuge and strength,

2. our helper in the troubles that greatly beset us.
3. So we will not fear when the earth is troubled
and mountains are tipped into the heart of the sea.
4. Its waters roared and were troubled,
the mountains were troubled by His power.
5. The streams of the river gladden the city of God;
the Most High has sanctified His temple.
6. God is in the midst of it62 and it will not be shaken,
God will help it at break of dawn.
7. Nations are in turmoil, kingdoms totter,
He lifts His voice, the earth rocks.
8. The Lord of Hosts is with us,
the God of Jacob is our protector.
9. Come and see the works of God,
what wonders He has done on the earth.
10. He is abolishing wars all over the earth:
He will break the bow and snap the spear
and burn up all the shields with fire.
11. Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
12. The Lord of Hosts is with us,
the God of Jacob is our protector.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

60 Dt. 33:9 LXX.

61 1 Pet. 3:3-4.
62 i.e., the City of God (v.5).

23
7 KATHISMA TUESDAY
STASIS I

46 THE GREAT KING OF THE EARTH: HIS TRIUMPHANT ASCENSION

A CALL TO ALL NATIONS TO CLAP FOR JOY: LOVE REIGNS

(For the end. A Psalm for the sons of Korah)

1. All you nations, clap your hands,

2. shout to God with a voice of joy.
3. For the Lord Most High is terrible,1
He is the great King over all the earth.
4. He subdues peoples under us
and nations under our feet.
5. He has chosen us for His inheritance,
the beauty of Jacob whom He loved.
6. God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of a horn.
7. Sing praises, sing praises to our God,
sing praises, sing praises to our King.
8. For God is King of all the earth;2
sing praises with understanding.
9. God is reigning over the nations,
God is sitting on His holy throne.
10. The rulers of the peoples rally with the God of Abraham,
for God’s strong men of the earth are greatly exalted.

47 THE BEAUTY AND GLORY OF ZION, GOD’S ETERNAL CITY

THE INVINCIBILITY OF THE CHURCH

(Psalm of a Song for the sons of Korah, for the second Sabbath)

1. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised

2. in the city of our God, on His holy mountain,
beautifully situated, the joy of all the earth.
3. Mount Zion3, the Northern slopes,
is the city of the Great King.
4. God is known in her palaces
when He comes to her help.
5. For look, the kings of the earth were assembled,
they passed by her together.
6. Seeing her like this they were struck with wonder,
they were troubled, they were shaken.
7. Panic seized them there,
like the pangs of a woman in childbirth.
8. With a violent wind
You will wreck the ships of Tarshish.

1 Ps. 75:13; Zeph. 2:11; Rom. 13:3.

2 Zac. 14:9; Mal. 1:11.
3 Lit. “Mountains Zion”.

1
9. As we have heard, so we have seen
in the city of the Lord of Hosts,
in the city of our God:
God has founded her forever.
10. We have thought of Your mercy, O God,
in the midst of Your people.
11. Your praise, O God, like Your name,
reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is full of righteousness.
12. Let Mount Zion be glad
and let Judea’s daughters rejoice,
because of Your judgments, O Lord.
13. Encircle Zion and make the rounds of her,
tell it in her towers.
14. Set your hearts on her power
and inspect her palaces,
that you may tell the next generation:
15. This is our God forever and ever.
He will shepherd us throughout the ages.

48 RICHES AND HONOR AND THE GRIM SHEPHERD, DEATH

GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL

(For the end. A Psalm for the sons of Korah)

1. Hear this, all you nations;

listen4, all inhabitants of the world:
2. Those born of earth and men of worth,
rich and poor together.
3. My heart will talk wisdom
and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.
4. I will incline5 my ear to a parable,
I will unfold my problem on a harp.
5. Why should I fear in bad times
that lawlessness will dog my heels and surround me?
6. Some trust in their strength
and boast of the heap of their riches.
7. A brother cannot redeem. Will a man redeem?6
He cannot give God a ransom for himself
8. or the price of his soul’s redemption
even if he labored all his life
and were to live forever.
9. Will he not see corruption,
when he sees the wise dying?
10. The fool and the stupid perish together,
and they leave their riches to others.
11. Their graves are their homes forever,
their residences from generation to generation,
though they called their lands after their own names!
12. But a man who is in honor does not understand:
4 or “give ear”.
5 or “bend”.
6 Yes, when that Man is the Eternal Son of God (1 Tim. 2:5-6).

2
 he is compared to thoughtless animals
and becomes like them.
13. This way of theirs is a stumbling-block to them,
yet after this they express delight with their mouth.
14. Like sheep they are laid in hell,
where death will be their shepherd7.
But the upright will rule over them in the morning;
it will be too late to hope for help in hell.8
They are banished from their glory.
15. But God will redeem my soul from the hand of hell,
when He receives me.
16. Do not be afraid when a man grows rich
or when the glory of his house increases.
17. For when he dies he will take nothing away
and his glory will not go down with him.
18. Though while he lives his life will be blessed
(he will praise9 You when You do good to him!),
19. yet he will go to join the family of his fathers
and he will never see the light.
20. A man who is in honor does not understand:
he is compared to thoughtless animals
and becomes like them.10

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

49 THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE: WORSHIP IN SPIRIT

SINS OF FORMALISM AND HYPOCRISY

(A Psalm by Asaph)

1. The God of gods, the Lord, has spoken,

and He has called the earth from sunrise to sunset.
2. Out of Zion, the magnificence of His beauty,
God will visibly come.
3. Our God will come and will not be silent.
Fire will blaze before Him
and a violent storm will rage around Him.
4. He will summon heaven above
and the earth to judge His people.
5. Gather together His saints to Him,
who have sealed His covenant with sacrifices.
6. And the heavens will declare His justice,
because God is judge.
7. “Listen, My people, and I will talk to you,
and I will protest to you, O Israel: I am God, your God.
8. I will not find fault with you for your sacrifices;

7 or “herd, tend, cherish”: death will take care of them.

8 Lit. “and their help will be outworn in hell”.
9 or “confess”.
10 Vv.12 & 20 are identical.

3
 your whole burnt offerings are before Me continually.
9. It is not young bulls from your farm I welcome,
nor male goats from your herds,
10. for all the beasts of the forest are Mine,
the herds and cattle on the mountains.
11. I know all the birds of the sky,
and the beauty of the countryside is Mine.11
12. If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world is Mine and all it holds.
13. Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?
14. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise
and pay your vows to the Most High.
15. Then call upon Me in a day of trouble,
and I will deliver you and you will glorify Me.”
16. But to the sinner God says:
“Why do you declare My laws
and take My covenant in your mouth,
17. when you hate correction
and toss My words behind you?
18. If you see a thief, you run with him,12
and you take part with adulterers.
19. Your mouth exaggerates malice,
and your tongue is tangled with deceit.
20. You sit and talk against your brother
and set a trap for your mother’s son.
21. These things you have done, and I kept silent.
You thought the blasphemy that I am like you.
I will convict you and set your sins before your face.
22. Now consider these things, you who forget God,
lest He snatch you away and there is no one to save you.
23. A sacrifice of praise will glorify Me,
and this is the way I will show him My salvation.

50 THE RENEWAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

BROKEN-HEARTED REPENTANCE

(A Psalm by David, when Nathan the Prophet came to him after he sinned with Bathsheba)

1. Have mercy on me, O God,

in Your great mercy,
and in Your abundant compassion
blot out my transgression.
2. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness13
and cleanse me from my sin.
3. For I know my sinfulness
and my sin is before me continually.
4. Against You only have I sinned
and done what is evil in Your sight,

11 Zac. 9:17 LXX; Jer. 23:24; Ps. 138:7-10.

12 1 Pet. 4:4
13 “Sin is lawlessness” (1 Jn. 3:4). The one summarizing law is Gal. 5:14.

4
 that You may be justified in Your words
and win when You are judge.14
5. For I was conceived in iniquities15
and in sins my mother gave me birth.16
6. But You love truth;
the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom
You have made known to me.
7. You will sprinkle me with hyssop17 and I shall be clean.
You will wash me
and I shall be whiter than snow.
8. Make me hear joy and gladness.
The bones that have been humbled will rejoice.
9. Turn Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
10. Create in me a clean heart, O God,18
and renew a right spirit within me.
11. Do not cast me away from Your presence19
or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and strengthen me with Your ruling Spirit.20
13. I will teach Your ways to the lawless,
and sinners will return to You.
14. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
O God of my salvation.
My tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness.21
15. O Lord, You will open my lips
and my mouth will declare Your praise.
16. For if You desired sacrifice,
I would have given it.
You take no delight in whole burnt offerings.
17. A sacrifice for God is a broken spirit;
a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.
18. Gladden Zion, O Lord, with Your goodwill,
and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
19. Then You will delight in the sacrifice of righteousness,
in offering and whole burnt offerings.
Then they will offer young bulls on Your altar.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

14 People accuse God. So God is viewed as under trial. But when we admit our guilt, God is acquitted and wins the case and our hearts.
15 Lit. “lawlessnesses”.
16 As Slavonic.
17 hyssop = sprinkler for blood.
18 Ezek. 36:26-27 tallies with Ps. 50:10-12.
19 or “face”.
20 Gen. 1:26,28 LXX, NAS; Ps. 8:7-10 LXX; Ps. 8:6 NAS; Rev. 5:10; Rom. 5:17.
21 As Slavonic.

5
STASIS III

51 A FRUITFUL TREE IN GOD’S HOUSE

THE FATE OF LIARS AND WORSHIPPERS OF MONEY

(For the end. A Psalm of understanding by David. When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul: David went to
Abimelech’s house)

1. Why do you boast about evil, strong men?

2. Your tongue plans lawlessness
and wrongdoing all day long;
like a sharp razor you practice deceit.
3. You love evil more than goodness,
wrongdoing more than talking of righteousness.
4. You love all words that drown in destruction,22
and a deceitful tongue.
5. For this, God will destroy you forever;
He will pluck you out
and remove you from your dwelling
and root you out of the land of the living.
6. The righteous will see and will fear,
and they will laugh at him and say:
7. “See, this is a man who did not make God his helper
but trusted in the heap of his riches
and strengthened himself in his vanity23.”
8. But I am like a fruitful olive tree in the house of God.
I hope in the mercy of God for this life and for eternity.
9. I will praise and thank You forever
for what You have done.
10. And I will wait for Your name, for it is good24
in the sight of Your saints.

52 UNBELIEF LEADS TO IDOLATRY AND IMMORALITY

EVILDOERS HAUNTED BY FEAR AND SHAME

(For the end. For Maeleth. Of understanding. By David)

1. A fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

2. They are corrupt and abominable in their lawlessness;
there is not one who does good.
3. God looks through from heaven at the sons of men
to see if there is one who understands or is seeking God.
4. They have all turned away, all alike have gone astray.
There is not one who does good, not even one.
5. “Have all who do lawlessness no understanding,
who eat up My people like eating bread
and do not call on the Lord?
6. They tremble with fear where there is nothing to fear,
because God scatters the bones of men-pleasers;
they are put to shame because God rejects them.

22 1 Tim. 6:9.
23 or “emptiness” (Eph. 4:17) or “hollowness” (Rom. 8:20).
24 Jn. 17:26; Rev. 2:17.

6
7. Who will give from Zion the salvation of Israel?
When the Lord brings back the captives of His people,25
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.”

53 SONG OF FAITH IN GOD’S FULL REDEMPTION

FAITH SEES AND RECEIVES THE ANSWER

(For the end. Among the songs of understanding by David, when the Ziphites came and told Saul that David was hiding
with them)

1. O God, save me by Your name

and judge me by Your power.
2. O God, hear my prayer;
listen26 to the words of my mouth.
3. For strangers have risen against me
and strong ones have tried to take my life27
and have not set God before them.
4. For look, God is helping me,
and the Lord is the protector of my soul.
5. He will divert the evils to my enemies.
Destroy them by Your truth.
6. I will willingly sacrifice to You, O Lord,
I will give thanks to Your name, because it is good.
7. For You have delivered me out of all my trouble,
and my eye has kept watch on my enemies.

54 THE WINGS OF A DOVE: CAST

YOUR CARE ON THE LORD

(For the end. Among the songs of understanding by David)

1. Listen28, O God, to my prayer

and do not overlook my need.
2. Attend to me and answer me.
I was pained in my meditation and was troubled
3. because of the voice of the enemy,
and because of the pressure of the sinner.
For they accuse me of lawlessness
and fume with anger against me.
4. My heart was troubled within me
and fear of death fell upon me.
5. Fear and trembling came upon me
and darkness covered me.
6. And I said, “Who will give me wings like a dove?
And I will fly and rest.”
7. See, I have traveled far by taking to flight
and have camped in the desert.
8. I waited expectantly for God who saves me

25 Ps. 13:7 identical.

26 or “give ear”.
27 Cp. Ps. 85:14; Mt. 12:29; Mk. 3:27; Lk. 11:21.
28 or “give ear”.

7
 from faintheartedness and from storm.
9. Drown them, O Lord, and divide their tongues,
for I see lawlessness and strife in the city.
10. Day and night they go around it upon its walls,
but lawlessness and trouble are in the midst of it,
11. and there is always injustice;
and oppression and fraud never leave its streets.
12. For if an enemy had reproached me,
I would have borne it.
13. And if someone who hates me had boasted against me,
I would have hidden myself from him.
14. But it was you, a man my equal,29
my guide and my friend,
15. who made sweet for me our meals together;
we walked in the house of God in harmony.
16. Let death come upon them
and let them go down alive to hell,
for evil is in their homes and within them.
17. As for me, I cried to God
and the Lord answered me.
18. Evening, morning and noon
I will tell and declare my needs,
and He will hear my voice.
19. He will deliver my soul in peace
from those who come near me,
for they were with me in crowds.30
20. God will answer and humble them,
the One who is before the ages.31
For there is no change of heart for them,
because they do not fear God.
21. He has stretched out His hand to repay them;
they have broken His covenant.
22. They were scattered by the wrath of His face,
yet their heart drew near.
Their words were smoother than oil,
and yet they are spears.
23. Cast your care on the Lord and He will support you;32
He will not give the righteous a shaking forever.
24. But You, O God, will bring them down
into the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will not live out half their days.
But I, O Lord, will hope in You.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

29 Cp. 2 Sam. 16:23.

30 or “in many things they were with me”. Eph. 6:12.
31 Jn. 1:18; 3:13; 6:46; Rev. 1:8.
32 1 Pet. 5:7.

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8 KATHISMA
STASIS I

55 THE VICTORY OF FAITH OVER FEAR

I WILL LIVE TO PLEASE THE LORD

(For the end. For people far removed from holy things. By David, for a pillar inscription, when the Philistines were
supporting him in Gath)33

1. Have mercy on me, O God,

for man has trampled me down;
all day long he fights and afflicts me.
2. All day long my enemies trample me down,
for many are fighting me from on high.
3. By day I will not be afraid,
but I will hope in You.
4. In God I will recite my words,
on God I have set my hope,
I will not fear what flesh will do to me.
5. All day long they hate my words,
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
6. They settle nearby and lurk in hiding;
they watch my steps as if they are waiting for my soul.
7. On no account will You save them;
You will bring such people down in anger.
8. O God, I have told You my life;
You have set my tears before You.
9. But according to Your promise
my enemies will turn back
10. on the day when I call upon You.
This I know, because You are my God.
11. In God I will praise His word,
in the Lord I will praise His word,
12. in God I have put my hope;
I will not fear what man will do to me.
13. My vows are binding on me, O God;
I will pay You my vow of praise.
14. For You have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears and my feet from slipping.
I will live to please the Lord in the light of the living.

56 TWO ENVIRONMENTS: WINGS AND LIONS

IN THE MIDST OF LIONS MY HEART IS READY, I WILL SING

(For the end. Do not destroy. By David, for a pillar inscription, when he escaped from Saul to the cave)

1. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for my soul trusts in You,
2. and in the shadow of Your wings I will hope
until the lawlessness has passed.
3. I will cry to God the Most High,
to God who is so good to me.

33 1 Sam. 27.

9
4. He sent from heaven and saved me,
He gave those trampling on me up to reproach.
God sent His mercy and His truth,
5. and He delivered my soul from the midst of lions.
I slept, troubled as I was.
As for the sons of men,
their teeth are weapons and arrows,
and their tongue is a sharp sword.
6. Be exalted above the heavens, O God,
and Your glory over all the earth.
7. They prepared a trap for my feet
and they bowed down my soul.
They dug a pit before my face
and fell into it themselves.
8. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready,
I will sing and chant psalms with my glory.34
9. Awake, my glory, awake, psaltery and harp!
I will awake the dawn.35
10. I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples,
I will sing psalms to You among the nations.
11. For great is Your mercy that reaches to the skies
and Your truth that reaches to the clouds.
12. Be exalted above the heavens, O God,36
and Your glory over all the earth.

57 GOD’S JUDGMENT IS TRUE GOVERNMENT

THE DOOM OF UNJUST JUDGES AND RULERS

(For the end. Do not destroy. By David, for a pillar inscription)

1. If you truly talk of justice,

judge rightly, you sons of men.
2. For in your heart you do wrong in the earth;
your hands weave injustice.
3. Sinners are estranged from the womb;
they go astray from birth, telling lies.
4. Their rage is like that of a snake,
like that of a deaf cobra that stops its ears,
5. which will not hear the voice of charmers,
but is spellbound when charmed by a wise man.
6. God has crushed their teeth in their mouth;
the Lord has shattered the teeth of the lions.37
7. They will come to nothing like leaking water.
He will draw His bow until they weaken.38
8. Like melted wax they will be removed;
fire fell on them and they did not see the sun.39
34 “The glory of a righteous man is the Spirit in him” (St. Basil). Cp. Col. 1:27; Ps. 29:13.
35 Cp. Ps. 107:2 identical.
36 Cp. Ps. 107:5 identical.
37 or “lions’ grinders (molars)”.
38 He threatens them to warn them.
39 Cp. Gen. 19:28.

10
9. Before seeing their thorns grow into a thorn tree,
He will consume them alive as if in anger.
10. A righteous man will be glad when he sees the justice.
He will wash his hands in the blood of the sinner.
11. And a man will say:
If there is truly a reward for the righteous,
there is truly a God judging those on the earth.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

58 LOVE RULES THE UNIVERSE

I WILL SING OF YOUR POWER

(For the end. Do not destroy. By David, for a pillar inscription, when Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him)

1. Rescue me from my enemies, O God,

and deliver me from those who rise up against me.
2. Deliver me from those who practice lawlessness
and save me from men of blood.
3. For look, they hunt my soul;
strong ones have attacked me.
4. It is not my sin, O Lord, or my lawlessness.
5. I have run without lawlessness and have kept straight;
arise to meet me and see.
6. But You, O Lord God of hosts, O God of Israel,
take care to visit all the nations,
show all the evildoers no mercy.
7. They will return at nightfall,
and they will be as hungry as dogs
and they will go around the city.
8. See, they yap with their mouth,
but a sword is in their lips. For who hears?
9. But You, O Lord, will laugh at them,
You will bring to nothing all the nations.
10. my strength, I will keep watch for You,
because You, O God, are my protector.
11. My God, His mercy goes before me;
my God will show me His mercy among my enemies.
12. Do not kill them lest people forget Your law;
scatter them by Your power
and humble them, O Lord, my Protector.
13. Every word of their lips is a sin of their mouth,
so let them be caught in their pride.
And from their cursing and lying
they will be known in the end.
14. In the wrath of utter destruction they will be no more,
and they will know that God is the Lord of Jacob
and of the ends of the earth.
15. They will return at nightfall
and they will be as hungry as dogs
and they will go around the city.

11
16. They will scatter in search of food,
and they will growl if they are not satisfied.
17. But I will sing of Your power
and I will rejoice in Your mercy in the morning.
18. For You have been my protector
and my refuge in the day of my distress.
19. You are my helper, to You I will sing;
for You, O God, are my protector, my God, my mercy.

59 PRAYER AFTER A DEFEAT

EARTH-SHAKING CATASTROPHE

(For the end. For those who are still to be changed. For a pillar inscription, by David. For teaching. When he burned
Mesopotamia of Syria and Syrian Zobah and Joab returned and killed 12,000 men in the Valley of Salt)

1. O God, You rejected us and put us down;

You were angry, but You had compassion on us.
2. You shook the earth and troubled it;
heal its wounds, for it was shaken.
3. You have shown Your people hard things,
You have made us drink the wine of repentance40.
4. You have given a sign to those who fear You,
that they may escape from the face of the bow.
5. That Your beloved people may be delivered,
save with Your right hand and answer me.
6. God has spoken in His sanctuary:
“I will rejoice and will divide Shekem,
and I will measure out the Valley of Tents.
7. Gilead is Mine and Manasseh is Mine,
Ephraim is the strength of my head.
Judah is My king.
8. Moab I hope to make My washbowl;
over Edom41 I will extend My sway,
the Philistines will submit to Me.”
9. Who will lead me into a fortified city?
Or who will guide me to Edom?
10. Will not You, O God, who have rejected us?
And will You, O God, not go out with our armies?
11. Give us help out of our trouble,
for vain is the salvation of man.
12. In God we shall perform a miracle,
and He will bring to nothing those who trouble us.

60 AN EXILE’S PRAYER OF FAITH

LOVE LIFTED ME TO THE ROCK SANCTUARY

(For the end. With songs. By David)

1. Answer my petition, O God,

attend to my prayer.
2. From the ends of the earth I called to You,
40 Lit. “compunction”.
41 Lit. “Idumea”.

12
 when my heart was despondent.
3. You have lifted me high on the rock,
You have guided me.
4. For You have become my hope,
a tower of strength from the face of the enemy.
5. I will live in Your temple throughout the ages,
I shall be protected in the shelter of Your wings.
6. For You, O God, have answered my prayers;
You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
7. You will add days to the days of the king,
his years will continue for many generations.
8. He will live forever in the presence of God.
who will fathom God’s mercy and truth?
9. So I will sing to Your name forever and ever,
that I may pay my vows from day to day.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

61 THE TWO ARE ONE: POWER THAT IS LOVE

GOD REPAYS EVERYONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS

(For the end. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David)

1. Shall not my soul submit to God?42

For from Him comes my salvation.
2. For He is my God and my Savior, my Protector;
I shall not be further shaken.43
3. How long will you attack a man
to kill him and knock him down,
like a leaning wall or a toppling fence?
4. They only plan to thrust me from my honor;
they ran in thirst.
5. They bless with their mouth,
but they curse with their heart.
6. But submit to God, my soul,
because from Him comes my patience.
7. For He is my God and my Savior, my Protector;
I will not depart from Him.
8. My salvation and my glory depend on God;
He is the God of my help and my hope is in Him.
9. Hope in Him, every assembly of people;
pour out your hearts before Him,
for God is our helper.
10. But the sons of men are vain44;
the sons of men are liars
who cheat with their scales.

42 Cp. v.6.
43 Ps. 50:4.
44 or “empty”.

13
 They do wrong together out of vanity45.
11. Put no hope in dishonesty,
have no longing for robberies.
If riches flow in, do not set your heart on them.
12. God spoke once, these two things I heard:
that power belongs to God;
13. and to You, O Lord, belongs mercy.
For You will repay each one
according to his works.

62 A SONG OF THE DESERT

I THIRST FOR YOU: YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE

(A Psalm by David when he was in the desert of Idumea)

1. O God, my God, at dawn I rise to You!

My soul thirsts for You.
2. And how often my flesh longs for You,
in a desolate land, trackless and waterless!
3. So I appeared before You in the holy place,
to see Your power and Your glory.
4. For Your love is better than life;
my lips shall praise You.
5. So I will bless You as long as I live
and lift up my hands in Your name.
6. Let my soul be filled with delight,46
and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.
7. When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the morning watches.
8. For You have become my helper,
and in the shelter of Your wings I rejoice.
9. My soul is glued47 behind You
and Your right hand holds me tightly.
10. But those trying in vain to take my life
will go into earth’s infernal regions.
11. They will be delivered to the hands of the sword,
they will be the portion of jackals.
12. But the king will rejoice in God,
all who swear by Him will be praised,
for the mouth of those who tell lies will be stopped.

45 or “emptiness”.
46 Lit. “as with marrow and fatness”.
47 “What is this glue? It is love.” (St. Augustine).

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63 THE DEFEAT OF GOD’S ENEMIES

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. O God, hear my voice when I pray to You,

deliver my soul from fear of the enemy.
2. Protect me from the swarm of evildoers,
from the multitude who practice wrongdoing,
3. who sharpen their tongues like a sword,
4. who bend their bow to shoot a bitter word
at a blameless person in secret.
5. They will suddenly shoot him
and will not be afraid.
6. They strengthen themselves in an evil purpose;
they talk of hiding traps.
They say, “Who will see them?”
7. They searched for lawlessness,
they failed in their search.
A man will come whose heart is deep
and God will be exalted.
8. Their blows became like a child’s arrow,
and their tongues were weakened against them.
9. All who saw them were troubled
and everyone was afraid.
10. Then they declared the works of God
and understood His actions.
11. The righteous will rejoice in the Lord
and will hope in Him,
and all who are upright in heart will be praised.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS I

64 A SPRINGTIME SONG: SHOWERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR ABUNDANT HARVESTS

(For the end. A Psalm by David. A song of Jeremiah and Ezekiel from the people of the exile, when they were about to
depart)

1. A song of praise is due to You, O God, in Zion,

and prayer will be offered to You in Jerusalem.
2. Listen to my prayer: to You all mankind48 will come.
3. The words of sinners overwhelm us,
but You will pardon our disloyalties.
4. Blessed are those You have chosen
and taken to be with You.
They will live in Your courts.
5. We shall be filled with the good things of Your house;
Your temple is holy, wonderful in righteousness.
48 Lit. “flesh”.

15
6. Hear us, O God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of those who are far away at sea,
7. who prepare the mountains by Your strength,
who are surrounded with power.
8. You stir the bowl of the sea,
and You still the roar of its waves.
9. The nations will be troubled
and those who inhabit the ends of the earth
will be afraid at Your signs.
You make sunrise and sunset a joy and delight.
10. You visit the earth and water it,
You multiply the ways of enriching it.
The river of God is filled with water.
You prepare Your people’s food,
for this is Your provision.
11. Drench the earth’s furrows, increase its crops,
they will spring up and rejoice in its showers.
12. You will bless the crown of the year with Your goodness,
and Your plains will be filled with fat stock.
13. The desert ranges will yield luxuriantly
and the hills will wear girdles of joy.
14. The rams of the flocks will wear thick coats,
and the valleys will stand deep in grain.
They will shout and sing.

9 KATHISMA

65 YOU ARE MY WITNESSES

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR ANSWERED PRAYER

(For the end. A song of a Psalm of Resurrection)

1. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2. Sing to His name, give glory to His praise.
3. Say to God, “How magnificent are Your works!49
At the greatness of Your power Your enemies will lie to You.
4. Let all the earth worship You and sing to You,
let them sing to Your name, O Most High.
5. Come and see the works of God,
tremendous in His plans for the sons of men!
6. He turns the sea into dry land;
in a river they will go through on foot.
There we shall rejoice in Him
7. Who rules by His power forever.
His eyes watch over the nations.
May the rebellious not be exalted in themselves.
8. Bless our God, you nations.
and let the sound of His praise be heard,
9. Who set my soul in life
and does not let my feet be shaken.
10. For You, O God, have tested us,

49 E.g., Ex. 15:4.

16
 You have tried us as silver is tried.
11. You brought us into the trap,
You laid afflictions on our back.
12. You set men over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but You brought us to refreshment50.
13. I will come into Your house with whole burnt offerings,
I will pay You my vows,
14. which my lips pronounced
and my mouth promised in my distress.
15. I will offer You whole burnt offerings full of marrow
with incense and rams,
I will offer You bulls and goats.
16. Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.
17. I called out to Him with my mouth
and I praised Him with my tongue.51
18. If in my heart I was contemplating sin,
let the Lord not answer me.
19. This is why God answered me:
He attended to the cry of my prayer.
20. Blessed is God who has not refused my prayer
or withdrawn His mercy from me.

66 THE SMILE OF GRACE: THE PRESENCE OF GOD

A PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS TO KNOW THE WAY OF LIFE AND HAPPINESS

(For the end, among the Hymns. The Psalm of a song by David)

1. May God have compassion on us and bless us,

may He manifest His presence to us
and have mercy on us:
2. that Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
3. Let the people52 give thanks to You, O God,
let all the people confess and praise You.
4. Let the nations be glad and rejoice,
because You will judge the people with justice
and You will guide the nations on the earth.
5. Let the people give thanks to You, O God,
let all the people confess and praise You.
6. The earth has given her fruit;
may God, our God, bless us.
7. May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear Him.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

50 or “revival”.
51 Lit. “under my tongue”.
52 Lit. “peoples” (vv.3-5).

17
STASIS II

67 TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF GOD’S PEOPLE

GOD SCATTERS ALL WHO DELIGHT IN WAR

(For the end. A Psalm of a Song by David)

1. Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered53

and let those who hate Him flee from His presence54.
2. As smoke vanishes, let them vanish.
As wax melts from the presence of fire,
so let sinners perish from the presence of God.
3. But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God,
let them delight in gladness.
4. Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
make a way for Him who rides upon the sunsets,
5. the Lord is His name, and rejoice before Him.
6. Sinners will be troubled by the presence of Him
who is the Father of orphans and the Judge of widows.
God is in His holy place.
7. God settles the lonely in a house,
bringing out prisoners with courage,
likewise the rebellious who live in tombs.
8. O God, at Your going before Your people,55
at Your crossing through the wilderness,
9. the earth was shaken and the skies dripped
at the presence of the God of Sinai,
at the presence of the God of Israel.
10. You will grant a gracious rain, O God, to Your inheritance,
which became weak, but You restored it.
11. Your living creatures live in Your goodness;
You have prepared in it, O God, for the poor man.56
12. The Lord will give the word, with great power,
to those who preach the Gospel.
13. The King of the forces of the Beloved
will divide the spoils with the beauty of the house.
14. Even if you fall asleep in the midst of your assignments,
you have the wings of a dove covered with silver
and her back with the luster of gold.
15. When the heavenly King commissions kings over it,
they will be as white as the snow of Salmon.
16. The mountain of God is a rich mountain,
a mountain of curds, a rich mountain.
17. Why do you imagine mountains of curds,
the mountain in which God is pleased to live?
For the Lord will live in it forever.
18. The chariot of God is composed of myriads,
thousands of victorious people.
The Lord is in them

53 Num. 10:35.
54 or “face”.
55 Lit. “going out before...”
56 1 Cor. 2:9.

18
 as He was in the holy place of Mount Sinai.
19. You ascended on high,
having taken captivity captive;
You received gifts among men,
so as to live even in unbelievers.
20. Blessed is the Lord God,
blessed is the Lord day by day;
the God of our salvation will prosper us.
21. Our God is the God who saves,
and the ways out of death are the Lord’s.
22. But God will crush the heads of His enemies,
the hairy skull of those who go on in their sins.
23. The Lord said, “I will return from Bashan,
I will return in the depths of the sea,
24. that your foot may be dipped in blood,
and the tongue of your dogs may lap the blood from your enemies.”
25. Your processions, O God, have been seen,
the processions of my God the King in the sanctuary.
26. The rulers went in front, followed by the singers;
between them were girls playing tambourines.
27. Bless God in the assemblies,
praise the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
28. There is little Benjamin in ecstasy;
the princes of Judah are their leaders,
the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Naphtali.
29. Command, O God, Your power,
strengthen what You have done in us.
30. Because of Your temple in Jerusalem,
kings will bring gifts to You.
31. Rebuke the wild beasts of the reed,
the mob of bulls among the heifers of the peoples,
that those tested with silver may be rounded up.
Scatter the nations that desire wars.
32. Ambassadors will come from Egypt,
Ethiopia will be first to stretch out her hand to God.
33. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord.
34. Sing to God who rides upon the highest heavens57
toward the sunrise.
Behold, He will give to His voice a sound of power.
35. Give glory to God!
His majesty is over Israel
and His power is in the clouds.
36. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel!
He will give strength and power to His people.
Blessed is God.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

57 Lit. “the heavens of heavens”.

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STASIS III

68 CRY FROM THE DEPTHS: CHRIST’S PASSION FORESHADOWED

PRAISE FOR THE VISION OF THE UNIVERSAL WORSHIP OF CREATION

(For the end. For those who are to be changed. By David)

1. Save me, O God,

for the waters have entered even my soul.
2. I am stuck in deep mud
and there is no standing ground;
3. I have come into the depths of the sea
and a storm is overwhelming me.
4. I am tired of shouting, my throat has grown hoarse,
my eyes fail with hoping for my God.
5. Those who hate me for no reason
are more numerous than the hairs of my head.
My enemies who were unjustly persecuting me grew strong.
I then repaid what I never robbed.
6. O God, You know my foolishness
and my faults are not hidden from You.
7. May those who wait for You
not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts.
May those who seek You
not be confused through me, O God of Israel.
8. For Your sake I have borne reproach,
confusion has covered my face.
9. I have become a stranger to my brothers
and an alien to my mother’s children,
10. because zeal for Your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
11. Then I covered my soul with fasting,
but it became an occasion for insulting me.
12. And I put on sackcloth for my clothing,
and I became a byword to them.
13. Those sitting in the gates gossiped against me,
while those drinking wine sang songs about me.
14. But I look to You with my prayer, O Lord;58
it is a time of goodwill.
O God, in the abundance of Your mercy
answer me with the truth of Your salvation.
15. Save me from the mud, lest I stick there;
deliver me from those who hate me
and from the deep waters.
16. May a storm of water never drown me,
nor the deep sea swallow me,
nor the pit close its mouth over me.
17. Answer me, O Lord, for Your mercy is good;
in Your great compassion look upon me.
18. Do not turn away Your face from Your servant,
for I am in trouble; answer me speedily.
19. Attend to my soul and deliver me;
rescue me, because of my enemies.
58 Cp. Ps. 24:15.

20
20. For You know my reproach, my shame and my confusion;
all who trouble me are before You.
21. My soul expected rebuke and misery,
and I waited for someone to share my grief
and for comforters, but I found none.
22. And they gave me gall for food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
23. Let their table become a trap to them:
a repayment and a stumbling-block.
24. Let their eyes be darkened so they do not see,
and bend down their back continually.
25. Pour out Your anger upon them,
and let the fury of Your anger convict them.
26. Let their homestead become deserted,
and let there be no one to live in their tents.
27. For they persecuted the one You struck,
and they added to the pain of My wounds.
28. Add lawlessness to their lawlessness,
and let them not come into Your righteousness.
29. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living,
and let them not be written with the righteous.
30. I am poor and in pain;
may Your salvation, O God, help me.
31. I will praise the name of my God with a song,
I will magnify Him with praise.
32. And this will please God
more than a young bull that has horns and hoofs.
33. Let the poor see and be glad;
seek God and your soul will live.
34. For the Lord hears the needy,
and He does not despise His prisoners.
35. Let the heavens and the earth praise Him,
the sea and all that moves in it.
36. For God will save Zion and the cities of Judea will be built,
and people will live there and inherit it.
37. And the descendants of Your servants will possess it,
and those who love Your name will live there.

69 A CRY OF DISTRESS
LET ALL WHO SEEK YOU REJOICE IN YOU

(For the end. For a commemoration by David. That the Lord may save me)

1. O God, attend to my help;

O Lord, make haste to help me.
2. Let those who seek my life
be put to shame and confounded.
Let those who wish evils for me
be turned back and put to shame.
3. Let those who say to me, “Fine, fine!”
be turned back immediately ashamed.
4. Let all who seek You, O God,
rejoice and be glad in You,
5. and let those who love Your salvation

21
 say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”
6. But I am poor and needy;
O God, help me.
7. You are my helper and my deliverer;
O Lord, make no delay.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

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 WEDNESDAY
STASIS I

70 AN OLD MAN’S PRAYER FOR GRACE TO WITNESS TO YOUTH

MY SINGING IS CONTINUALLY OF YOU

(By David. A Psalm of Jonadab and the first captives)

1. On You, O Lord, I have set my hope;

let me never be put to shame.
2. Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness;
listen to me1 and save me.
3. Be my God and Protector
and a strong place to save me,
for You are my stronghold and my refuge.
4. My God, deliver me from the hand of the sinner,
from the clutch of the outlaw and wrongdoer.
5. For You are my patience, O Lord.
O Lord, You are my hope from my youth,
6. I have been leaning on You from my birth;
You are my protector from my mother’s womb.
My singing is continually of You.

71 THE KING OF PEACE AND HIS GLORIOUS REIGN

FINAL REDEMPTION FROM ALL TYRANNY AND OPPRESSION

(For Solomon)2

1. O God, give the King Your judgment,

and Your justice to the King’s Son,
2. to judge Your people with justice3
and Your poor with judgment.
3. May the mountains bring peace to the people
and the hills justice and righteousness.
4. He will do justice for the poor of the people
and will save the children of the poor and needy,
and will humble an oppressor.
5. And He will continue as long as the sun
and before the moon from generation to generation.
6. He will come down like rain on a fleece
and like a drop that falls on the earth.4
7. In His days righteousness will flourish
and a fullness of peace until the moon is no more.
8. And He will rule from sea to sea,

1 Lit. “bend Your ear to me”.

2 The true Solomon or Peacemaker is Jesus Christ, Son of King David, to whom alone vv.5-19 truly apply (cp. Eph. 2:14; Col. 1:20;
Mt. 5:9).
3 Judging and ruling are fused in Hebrew thought (cp. 2 Sam. 7:7; 1 Chr. 17:6). The King is the Messiah and the King’s Son is the same
person.
4 Silently as rain falling on wool or a drop of dew on the earth, the Word became the Son of Man (Jn. 1:14). Cp. Job 29:23; Ac. 2:17;
Jn. 7:39.

1
 and from the rivers5 to the ends of the earth.
9. The Ethiopians will fall down before Him,
and His enemies will lick the dust.
10. The kings of Tarshish6 and the islands will bring offerings;
the kings of the Arabs and Sabeans will bring gifts.
11. All the kings of the earth will worship Him;
all the nations will serve Him.
12. He will deliver the poor from an oppressor,
and the needy who have no one to help them.
13. He will spare the poor and needy,
and the needy souls He will save.
14. He will redeem their lives from oppression and wrong,
and His name will be precious in their sight.
15. He lives,7 and to Him will be given the gold of Arabia,
and in His name men will pray continually;8
all day long they will bless Him.
16. He will be a support in the earth on top of the mountains;
His fruit will rise above Lebanon,
and they will spring from the city like grass from the earth.
17. His name will be blessed throughout the ages!
His name will continue as long as the sun,
and in Him all the tribes of the earth will be blessed;
all the nations will call Him blessed.
18. Blessed is the Lord God of Israel
who alone does wonders.
19. And blessed is His glorious name forever and for ages of ages,
and may the whole earth be filled with His glory.

Amen. Amen.9

(The songs of David the son of Jesse are ended).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

72 CHANGE OF OUTLOOK AND VISION THROUGH PRAYER

HEAVEN AND HAPPINESS NOT THE PROSPERITY OF SINNERS

(A Psalm by Asaph)

1. How good God is to Israel,

to those who are right-hearted!
2. Yet my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

5 i.e., Tigris and Euphrates.

6 Cp. Ps. 47:8.
7 Cp. Rev. 1:18; Heb. 7:25; Num. 14:28.
8 “Men will name Him in their prayers and ask that through Him the Father will grant His gifts and blessings” (St. Athanasius the
Great).
9 Lit. “So be it. So be it.”

2
3. For I was jealous of the lawless,
when I saw the peace10 of sinners.
4. For there is no objection11 in their death,
and in their scourging there is firmness.
5. They are not in trouble like other people,
nor are they scourged as other men.
6. Therefore pride holds full sway over them;
they are wrapped up in their wrong and wickedness.
7. Their wrongdoing oozes from them like grease;
it passes into a state of heart.
8. They think and speak wickedly with malice,
they speak blasphemy against the Most High.
9. They poke their mouths at heaven,
but their tongues drag in the dirt.
10. So My people will return here,
and full days will be found among them.
11. And they say, “How can God know?”
and, “Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12. These are the sinners, yet they are prosperous;
they are forever amassing wealth.
13. And I said, “How useless to keep my heart right
and wash my hands among the innocent,
14. only to be scourged all day long
and rebuked every morning!”
15. Had I said, “I will speak like that”,
I should have betrayed the family of Your children.
16. So I tried to understand it,
but it proved too hard for me,
17. until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their ends.
18. It is because of their crooked ways
that You inflict evils upon them.
You hurl them down by their exaltation.
19. How suddenly they come to ruin!12
They vanish, perish in their sin.
20. Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord,
You will reject their phantoms in Your city.
21. So when my heart was burning
and my thoughts kept changing,
22. I was contemptible without knowing it;
I was like a beast before You.
23. Yet I am continually with You;
You hold my right hand.
24. You guide me in Your will,
and receive me with glory.
25. For what is there in heaven for me,
and what do I want on earth but You?
26. My heart and my flesh fail;
You, O God, are the God of my heart

10 Heb. shalom = well-being, success, prosperity, security, happiness.

11 i.e., they do not object to dying in sin and they offer no resistance to the devil. (Variant reading: revival).
12 The apparent success and prosperity of the godless is transitory and short-lived.

3
 and my portion forever.13
27. Those who divorce themselves from You will perish;
You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.14
28. But my happiness is to cling to God,15
to put my trust in the Lord,
that I may declare all Your praises
in the gates of the daughter of Zion.16

73 GOD IS KING: THE VICTORY OF FAITH

DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE: YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SALVATION17

(Of Contemplation. By Asaph)

1. Why, O God, do You utterly abandon us?

Does Your anger rage against the sheep of Your pasture?
2. Remember Your flock18 which You purchased in the beginning,
the scepter of Your inheritance You redeemed,
this Mount Zion where You live.
3. Lift up Your hands against all the enemy has done in Your holy place,
against their perpetual pride.
4. Those who hate You have boasted
in the midst of Your festival;
they set up their own standards.
5. The signs pointing to the escape above
they do not know.
6. As if felling a forest of trees with axes,
they cut out the doors of the temple;
with hatchet and hammer they hack it all down.
7. They set fire to Your sanctuary;
they profane to the ground the dwelling-place of Your name.
8. The whole brood of them said in their heart, together,
“Come, let us abolish all God’s festivals from the land.
9. We do not see our signs,19 there is no longer a prophet,
and God no longer acknowledges us.”
10. How long, O God, will the enemy taunt us?
Will the adversary defy Your name forever?
11. Why do You withhold Your hand,
and forever hide Your right hand in Your bosom?
12. Yet God is our eternal King;
He has accomplished salvation in the midst of the earth.
13. You hold the sea by Your power,
You crushed the heads of the dragon in the water.
14. You have shattered the dragon’s head;

13 The death of the body is powerless to break the love-forged links of a soul’s union with God.
14 or “who play the wanton from You”. Idolatry is adultery or infidelity. Love allows no rivals (Jas. 4:4-8; Dt. 5:9; Mt. 6:24).
15 Heb.: “The nearness of God is my good”. Cp. Wis. 3:9; Ecclus. 2:3.
16 ‘The daughter of Zion’ is the New Jerusalem which is born of Old Zion. The Church of the New Covenant sprang from the Old
Covenant Church (Gal. 4:26).
17 The salvation of the world was accomplished by the Savior’s death, that is the destruction of Christ’s bodily temple, foreshadowed in
the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem (Jn. 2:19-22; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Rev. 5:9, etc.).
18 Gk. synagogue = congregation, community.
19 i.e., signs and miracles of God’s presence, protection and deliverance.

4
 You gave him as food to the people of Ethiopia.
15. You opened springs and torrents;
You dried up swollen rivers.20
16. The day is Your’s and the night is Your’s.
You prepared the sun and the moon.
17. You have fixed all the bounds of the earth;21
summer and spring are Your creation.
18. Remember this: the enemy blasphemes the Lord,
and foolish people defy Your name.
19. Do not give to beasts a soul that praises You;
forget not forever the souls of Your poor.
20. Have regard to Your covenant,
for earth’s dark places are filled with houses of iniquity.
21. Let not the ashamed and downtrodden be turned away;
the poor and needy will praise Your name.
22. Arise, O God, defend Your cause;
remember how the fool blasphemes You all day long.
23. Forget not the cry of Your suppliants;
the pride of those who hate You mounts continually.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

74 SONG OF VICTORY
THE TRUE JUDGE WHO HUMBLES AND EXALTS

(Do not destroy. A Psalm for a song by Asaph)

1. We praise and thank You, O God,

we praise and thank You and we call upon Your name.
2. I will tell of all Your wonders.
When I take time, I will judge what is right.22
3. The earth and all its inhabitants melt;
it is I who support its pillars. (Pause)
4. I told the lawbreaker: “Do not break the law.”
And I told the sinners: “Do not boast of your power.
5. Do not boast of your power
or speak unjustly against God.”
6. It is not from East or West that power comes,
nor from the mountains of the desert.
7. For God is judge;
He humbles one and lifts up another.
8. For in the Lord’s hand
there is a cup of strong wine fully mixed,
and He pours it out of one into another,
yet the dregs of it are never emptied;
all the sinners of the earth drink of them.
9. But I will rejoice forever,

20 Lit. “rivers (of) Etham”. The Fathers seem to refer it to the Jordan (Josh. 3:13-17).
21 Variant: You have made all the beautiful things of the earth.
22 Lit. “right things”.

5
 I will sing praises to the God of Jacob;
10. and all the power of sinners I will crush,
but the power of the righteous will be exalted.

75 SONG OF VICTORY
GOD IS TERRIBLE TO THE PROUD BUT HE SAVES THE HUMBLE

(With hymns. A Psalm by Asaph. An ode to the Assyrian)

1. God is known in Judah;

His name is great in Israel.
2. His place23 became in peace,
and His dwelling in Zion.
3. There He broke the power of the bow,
the shield, the sword, and war.24 (Pause)
4. You enlighten wonderfully
from the eternal mountains.25
5. All the foolish in heart are troubled;
they sleep their sleep,
and none of the men of wealth
find anything in their hands.
6. At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
the riders of horses sink to sleep.
7. You are terrible, and who can resist You
when Your anger is roused?
8. You make judgment heard from heaven;
earth is scared and silent,
9. when God rises for judgment
to save all the meek of the earth. (Pause)
10. For the thought of man will confess to You;
and the remains of his thought will keep festival to You.26
11. To the Lord our God make your vows and pay them;
let all around Him bring gifts
12. to Him who is terrible and claims the spirits of rulers,
and is terrible to the tyrants27 of the earth.

23 Cp. Ps. 131:5 and fn.; 72:3.

24 Cp,. Ps. 45:10; Is. 2:4; 11:9; 65:25; Hos. 2:18; Zac. 9:10.
25 Sinai and Zion, Moses and Christ, the Law and the Gospel enlighten the earth.
26 Every thought will be confessed to God at judgment. The remains of thought is thought brought to purity by what is left of the grace
of choice. So far as thought is pure, it shares His festivity (St. Athanasius). Cp. 1 Cor. 5:8).
27 or “kings”.

6
76 REMEMBRANCE OF GOD’S SAVING ACTS
CHANGES DOUBT INTO TRIUMPHANT FAITH

(For Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph)

1. I cry to the Lord with all my voice,

I cry to God with my voice and He attends to me.
2. In the day of my trouble I sought God
with my hands uplifted to Him in the night,
and I was not deceived;
my soul refused to be comforted.
3. I remembered God and was glad;
I mused and my spirit desponded. (Pause)
4. My eyes forestalled the watches;
I was troubled and did not speak.
5. I considered the days of old
and remembered the years of past ages.
6. I meditated at night and communed with my heart,
and stirred up my spirit.
7. Will the Lord reject us forever
and never again be favorable?
8. Or will He cut off His mercy forever?
Has His promise ended for all generations?
9. Will God forget to have compassion?
Will He withhold His pity in His wrath? (Pause)
10. And I said: “Now I begin to understand;
this change is due to the right hand of the Most High.”
11. I will remember the works of the Lord,
I will recall Your wonders from the beginning.
12. And I will meditate on all Your works
and reflect on Your mighty acts.
13. O God, Your way is in the Holy One.
who is a great god like our God?
14. You are the God who does wonders;
You have made known Your power among the peoples.
15. With Your arm You have redeemed Your people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph. (Pause)
16. The waters saw You, O God;
the waters saw You and were afraid,
the depths were troubled.
17. Great was the roar of the waters;
the clouds gave a clap,
for Your bolts pass through them.
18. The clap of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
the earth shook and trembled.
19. Your ways are in the sea,
and Your paths in many waters;
and Your footsteps are not known.
20. You guided Your people like sheep
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

7
11 KATHISMA
STASIS I

77 THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL: GOD’S GOODNESS & MAN’S BADNESS

HANDING ON THE TRUTH FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

(Of Contemplation. By Asaph)

1. Attend, my people, to my law;

incline your ear to the words of my mouth.
2. I will open my mouth in parables,
I will tell of problems from the beginning.
3. What we have heard and known
and our fathers have told us
4. was not hidden from their children:
one generation told another the praises of the Lord
and His mighty acts and the wonders He has done.
5. And He raised up a testimony in Jacob
and He appointed a law in Israel,
which He commanded our fathers
to make known to their children,
6. that another generation might know it,
that the children who were going to be born
might also rise up and tell their children:
7. that they should put their trust in God
and not forget the works of God
but search out His commandments;
8. that they should not become like their fathers,
a crooked and rebellious nation,
a nation that did not set its heart aright
and whose spirit was not true to God.
9. The armed men of Ephraim shooting with bows
were routed on the day of battle.
10. They did not keep God’s covenant
and refused to walk in His law.
11. And they forgot His benefits
and the miracles which He had shown them,
12. the wonders He had done in the sight of their fathers
in the land of Egypt, on the plain of Tanis.
13. He divided the sea and led them through,
He made the waters stand aside as if in a bottle.
14. And He guided them with a cloud by day
and with a light of fire throughout the night.
15. He split a rock in a desert and gave them drink
as in a great bottomless pit.
16. And He brought out water from a rock
and made the water flow like rivers.
17. Yet they still continued to sin against Him,
they provoked the Most High in a waterless place.
18. And they tempted God in their hearts
by demanding foods for their cravings.
19. And they spoke against God and said:
“Cannot God prepare a table in the wilderness?
20. Since He struck a rock and water gushed out

8
 and torrents overflowed,
can He not also give us bread
and provide a table for His people?”
21. All this the Lord heard and was sick,28
and a fire was kindled in Jacob
and wrath mounted against Israel,
22. because they did not believe in God
and did not trust in His salvation.
23. Yet He commanded the clouds from above
and He opened the doors of heaven,
24. and He rained manna for them to eat
and He gave them the bread of heaven.
25. Man ate the bread of angels;
He sent them food in abundance.
26. He removed from the sky a South wind,
and by His power He brought in a Southwest wind.
27. And He rained flesh on them like dust
and winged birds like the sand of the seas.
28. And the birds fell in the midst of their camp,
round about their tents.
29. So they ate and were thoroughly filled,
and He brought them their desire.
30. They were not freed from their desire,
but while the food was still in their mouth,29
31. the wrath of God mounted against them
and He killed the greater number of them
and fettered the chosen people of Israel.
32. In all these things, they sinned still more,
and they did not believe in His wonders.
33. And their days slipped by in vanity
and their years with anxiety.
34. When He killed them, then they would seek Him
and would return and rise early to pray to God.
35. And they remembered that God was their helper
and that the Most High was their redeemer.
36. Then they loved Him with their mouth,
but with their tongue they lied to Him.
37. Their heart was not right with Him
and they were not faithful to His covenant.
38. But He is compassionate and will forgive their sins,
and He will not destroy them.
And many a time He averted His wrath
and did not kindle all His anger.
39. And He remembered that they were flesh,
a spirit that passes and does not return.
40. How often they provoked Him in the wilderness
and made Him angry in a waterless land!
41. And they turned back and tempted God
and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
42. And they did not remember His hand,
the day He delivered them from the hand of the oppressor,
28 Lit. “threw up”. Also means put off, postponed, deferred (Acts 24:22). The Lord heard and was disgusted.
29 Num. 11:33.

9
43. when He performed His signs in Egypt
and His wonders on the plain of Tanis,
44. and turned into blood their rivers and rain-water,
so that they could not drink.
45. He sent against them the dog-fly and it devoured them,
and the frog and it ruined them.
46. And He gave their crops to the rust
and the fruit of their labors to the locust.
47. He killed their vines with hail
and their mulberry trees with frost.
48. And He gave up their cattle to the hail
and their property to the fire.
49. He sent against them the fury of His anger,
fury and anger and trouble,
a mission of evil angels.
50. He made a pathway for His anger,
and He did not spare their lives from death,
and He consigned to death their cattle.
51. And He struck every firstborn in Egypt,
all their labor’s first-fruits in the homes of Ham.
52. Then He removed His people like sheep
and led them in the wilderness like a flock.
53. And He guided them by hope, so they were not afraid,
while the sea closed over their enemies.
54. And He brought them in to the mountain of His holiness,
to this mountain which His right hand acquired.
55. And He drove out nations from before them
and gave each his share of land by lot
and settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.
56. Yet they tempted and provoked the Most High God
and they did not keep His testimonies.
57. And they turned away and were faithless like their fathers,
they twisted like a crooked bow.
58. And they angered Him with their high places,
and defied Him with their carved images.
59. God heard and looked down on them
and greatly despised Israel.
60. And He abandoned the tabernacle at Shiloh,30
the tent where He lived among men.
61. And He delivered their strength into captivity
and their beauty into the hand of their enemies.
62. And He abandoned His people to the sword31
and looked down on His inheritance.
63. Fire consumed their young men
and their virgins were not lamented.
64. Their priests fell by the sword,
and no one will weep for their widows.
65. Then the Lord awoke like someone sleeping,
like a warrior recovered from wine.
66. And He struck His enemies in the rear,32
30 Jer. 7:12.
31 1 Sa. 13:19,22; Jg. 5:8.
32 1 Sa. 5:6; Josh. 10:19.

10
 He put them to eternal shame.
67. And He rejected the house of Joseph
and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim.
68. But He chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion which He loved.
69. And He built His sanctuary like a rhinoceros,
He established it on the earth forever.
70. And He chose David as His servant
and took him from his flocks of sheep.
71. From behind lambing ewes He took him,
to shepherd His servant Jacob
and Israel His inheritance.
72. And he shepherded them in the innocence of his heart,
and he guided them with the skills of his hands.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

78 LAMENT OVER THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM

SIN INVITES ENEMIES TO POUR INTO THE HOLY TEMPLE

(A Psalm by Asaph)

1. O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance,

they have defiled Your holy temple,
they have made Jerusalem like a fruit-watcher’s hut.
2. They have given Your servants’ dead bodies
as food for the birds of the sky,
they have fed the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.
3. They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4. We have become a disgrace to our neighbors,
a scoffing and joke to those around us.
5. O Lord, how long will You be angry?
Will Your jealousy burn forever like fire?
6. Pour Your anger on nations that do not know You
and on kingdoms that do not call on Your name,
7. for they have devoured Jacob
and have made his place desolate.
8. Do not remember our old sins;
let Your compassion come quickly to meet us,
because great is our need, O Lord.
9. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name;
O Lord, deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake,
10. lest the nations say, “Where is their God?”
And let the avenging of Your servants’ blood that has been shed
be known among the nations before our eyes.
11. Let the groaning of the prisoners come before You;
by the greatness of Your arm
protect the children of those put to death.
12. Repay our neighbors sevenfold in their life,33
33 Lit. “into their bosom”.

11
 the disgrace they inflicted on You, O Lord.
13. But we Your people and the sheep of Your pasture
will give thanks to You forever,
we will tell out Your praise from generation to generation.

79 I AM THE VINE, THE TRUE ISRAEL

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL’S REVIVAL AND RESTORATION

(For the End: For those who will be changed. A testimony by Asaph. A Psalm for the Assyrian)

1. Attend, O Shepherd of Israel,

You who lead Joseph like sheep:
You who sit enthroned on the Cherubim, appear!
2. Before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up Your power and come to save us.
3. O God, restore us
and show us Your face and we shall be saved.
4. O Lord God of hosts,
how long will You be angry at the prayer of Your servants?
5. Will You feed us with the bread of tears34
and only give us our measure of tears to drink?
6. You have made us a contradiction to our neighbors,
and our enemies sneer at us.
7. O Lord God of hosts, restore us
and show us Your face and we will be saved.
8. You lifted a vine out of Egypt,35
You drove out nations and planted it.
9. You cleared the way before it
and You planted its roots and it filled the earth.
10. Its shadow covered the mountains
and its branches the lordly cedars.
11. It stretched out its boughs to the sea
and its off-shoots to the rivers.
12. Why have You pulled down its fence,
so that all who pass by that way36 rob it?
13. A wild boar from a forest has ravaged it
and a savage wild beast has devoured it.
14. O God of hosts, return and look from heaven and see
and visit this vine and restore it,37
15. the vine which Your right hand planted.
And look upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
16. It has been burned with fire and rooted up;
at the rebuke of Your face they will perish.38
17. Let Your hand be on the man of Your right hand
and on the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18. And let us never stray far from You again;39

34 1 Kgs. 22:27.
35 Ps. 79:9,10 = Hos. 11:1; Mt. 2:15.
36 Ps. 88:42.
37 Restore it to health and fruitfulness.
38 “It” = the vine (Israel); “they” = Israel.
39 Josh. 1:5.

12
 revive us and we will call on Your name.
19. Lord God of hosts, restore us
and show us Your face and we shall be saved.40

80 A SONG OF REDEMPTION
OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE AND I WILL FILL YOU WITH MY SPIRIT

(For the End: For the Wine-Presses. A Psalm by Asaph)

1. Rejoice and sing to God our helper,

shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
2. Take a psalm and bring a drum,
the delightful harp with the psaltery.
3. Blow the horn at the new moon,
on the great day of your festival.
4. For it is a command to Israel41
and a decision by the God of Jacob.
5. He made it a law in Joseph
when he went out from the land of Egypt;
he heard a tongue which he did not know.
6. He removed his back from the burdens
where his hands had slaved at the baskets.
7. In distress you called upon Me and I delivered you;
I answered you in the hidden place of a storm,
I tested you at the water of conflict.
8. Listen, my people, and I will warn you;
O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!
9. There shall be no new god in you,
nor shall you worship an alien god.
10. For I am the Lord your God,
who led you up out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.42
11. But My people did not hear My voice43
and Israel paid no attention to Me.
12. So I allowed them to follow the desires of their hearts,44
let them go their own ways.
13. If only My people had listened to Me,
if Israel had walked in My ways,
14. I would have humbled their enemies in no time
and I would have laid My hand on those who troubled them.
15. The enemies of the Lord lied to Him,
but their doom will be forever.45
16. Yet He fed them with the best of wheat,
and He filled them with honey from the rock.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

40 Mt. 5:8.
41 Lev. 23:24; Num. 10:10.
42 Jn. 7:38; Eph. 5:18.
43 Jn. 5:37.
44 Gen. 3:23; Ro. 1:24.
45 or “eternal”.

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now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

81 WARNING TO JUDGES TO JUDGE JUSTLY

THE COURT OF LORDS

(A Psalm by Asaph)

1. God stands in the assembly of gods

and in their midst He judges gods.
2. How long will you judge unjustly
and accept the person of sinners?46
3. Judge the orphan and the poor man,
give justice to the humble and needy.
4. Rescue the poor and needy people,
deliver them from the hand of the sinner.
5. They do not know or understand,
they walk about in darkness.
Let all the foundations of the earth be shaken.
6. I said, “You are gods
and all sons of the Most High.
7. But you will die like men
and fall like one of the rulers.”
8. Arise, O God, judge the earth!
For You will have an inheritance in all the nations.

82 A CRY FOR HELP AGAINST A WORLD IN ARMS

SHAME INFLAMES TO SEEK GOD’S NAME

(The Song of a Psalm by Asaph)

1. O God, who can be compared to You?

Do not be silent
and do not be still, O God.
2. For look, Your enemies make a noise,
and those who hate You lift their head.
3. They make wicked plots against Your people
and they consult together against Your saints.
4. They say, “Come and let us wipe them out from being a nation,
and let the name of Israel be no more remembered.”
5. For they consult together with one mind;
they make an alliance against You.
6. The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
Moab and the Hagarites,
7. Gebal and Ammon and Amalek,
and foreigners with the inhabitants of Tyre.
8. Even Assyria has also joined with them;
they have come to help the sons of Lot.
9. Do to them as You did to Midian,
and to Sisera and Jabin at the torrent of Kishon.
10. They were destroyed at Endor,
they became like dung for the earth.
46 i.e., judge by rank, position, status etc.

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11. Make their rulers like Oreb and Zeb,
and all their princes like Zeba and Zalmunna
12. who said: “Let us take possession for ourselves
of the sanctuary of God.”
13. My God, make them like a whirl of dust,
like stubble in the face of the wind,
14. like a fire which will burn through a forest,
like a flame which sets mountains ablaze.
15. So You will pursue them with Your hurricane
and confound them with Your anger.
16. Fill their faces with shame, Lord,
and they will seek Your name.
17. Let them be ashamed and confounded forever
and let them be put to confusion and perish.
18. And let them know that Your name is Lord,
You alone are supreme over all the earth.

83 THE GRACE AND GLORY OF GOD’S HOUSE

A PILGRIM’S LOVE SONG AND ACT OF FAITH

(For the End. For the Wine-Presses. A Psalm for the sons of Korah)

1. How beloved are Your temples, O Lord of hosts!

2. My soul longs and pines for the courts of the Lord,
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3. For even a sparrow finds herself a house
and the turtle-dove a nest for herself
where she may lay her young--
Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4. Blessed are those who live in Your house!
They will praise You forever and ever.
5. Blessed is the man whose help is from You!
He has arranged in his heart steps of ascent
6. in the valley of weeping, in the place he has made.
For the Lawgiver also will give blessings.47
7. They will go from strength to strength;
the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
8. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
listen,48 O God of Jacob.
9. See, O God, our Protector,
and look upon the face of Your Christ.
10. For one day in Your courts is better than thousands.
I would choose to be cast aside in the house of my God
rather than live in the tents of sinners.
11. For the Lord loves mercy and truth;
God will give grace and glory:
the Lord will not withhold good things
from those who walk in innocence.
12. O Lord God of hosts,
blessed is the man who hopes in You.

47 As well as direction, He gives blessings.

48 Or “give ear.”

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12 KATHISMA

84 PRAISE, PROPHECY AND PRAYER FOR REVIVAL

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE AND REIGN OF PEACE

(For the End: A Psalm for the sons of Korah)

1. You have been gracious to Your land, O Lord,

You have brought back the captives of Jacob.49
2. You have forgiven the lawlessness of Your people,
You have covered all their sins.
3. You have put a stop to all Your anger,
You have turned away from the heat of Your anger.
4. O God of our salvation, convert us,
and turn away Your fury from us.
5. Will You be angry with us forever,
or prolong Your anger from generation to generation?
6. O God, You will convert and revive us,
and Your people will rejoice in You.
7. O Lord, show us Your mercy
and grant us Your salvation.
8. I will hear what the Lord God will say in me,
for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints
and to those who turn their heart to Him.
9. But His salvation is near those who fear Him,
that His glory may settle in our land.
10. Mercy and truth have met together,
justice and peace have kissed each other.
11. Truth has sprung up from the earth
and justice has looked through from heaven.
12. For the Lord will give goodness,
and our land will give her fruit.
13. Righteousness will go before Him
and will set His footsteps on the way.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS I

85 A SONG OF THE LAMB: PRAYER FOR JOY AS PROOF OF GOD’S GRACE

PROPHECY THAT ALL NATIONS WILL WORSHIP AND GLORIFY HIM

(A Prayer by David)

1. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.
2. Guard my soul, for I am holy;
my God, save Your servant who hopes in You.
3. Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for all day long I will call to You.
4. Gladden the soul of Your servant,
for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

49 Lit. “reversed the captivity of Jacob”. Cp. Is. 45:13 LXX.

16
5. For You, Lord, are good and gentle,
and most merciful to all who call upon You.
6. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer,
and attend to the cry of my need.
7. In the day of my trouble I will call to You,
because You will answer me.
8. There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
and there are no works like Yours.
9. All the nations You have made will come and worship You, O Lord,
and will glorify Your name.
10. For You are great and do wonderful things,
You, alone, are God.
11. Guide me in Your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in Your truth.
Let my heart rejoice to fear Your name.
12. I will thank You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
13. For great is Your mercy to me,
and you have delivered my soul from the lowest hell.50
14. O God, lawbreakers have risen against me,
and a mob of strong ones have tried to take my life51
and have not set You before them.
15. But You, O Lord my God, are compassionate and merciful,
most patient, most merciful and true.
16. Look upon me and have mercy on me;
give Your strength to Your servant
and save the son of Your handmaid.
17. Work with me a miracle for good52
and let those who hate me see it and be ashamed,
because You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

50 or “hades”.
51 Cp. Mt. 12:29; Mk. 3:27; Lk. 11:21; Ps. 53:3.
52 v.17 read twice at 9th Hour.

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86 THE CELESTIAL CITY OF GOD, MOTHER OF ALL NATIONS
THE KINGDOM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY

(For the sons of Korah. A Psalm of a Song)

1. His foundations are in the holy mountains.

2. The Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the towns of Jacob.
3. Glorious things have been said about you,
O city of God.
4. I will mention Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me.
And look, foreigners and people of Tyre and Ethiopia,
these were born there.
5. “Mother Zion” a man will say,
and “This man was born in her,”
and “The Most High Himself founded her.”
6. The Lord will count in His list of people and rulers
those who were born in her.
7. How happy are all whose home is in You!

87 A VISION OF CHRIST SUFFERING AND PRAYING

PRAYER IN THE DEPTHS OF DISTRESS

(A Song of a Psalm for the sons of Korah. For the End: For Maheleth to sing responsively. For the instruction of Heman
the Israelite)

1. O Lord God of my salvation,

I have cried day and night before You.
2. Let my prayer come in before You;
incline Your ear to my petition.
3. For my soul is filled with evils
and my life has come near to hell.53
4. I am counted with those who go down into the pit,
I became like a helpless man, free among the dead,
5. like those who have been killed and sleep in the grave,
whom You remember no more
and who are cut off from Your hand.
6. They put me in the lowest pit,
in dark places and in the shadow of death.
7. Your anger leans hard upon me,
and You have brought upon me all Your waves.
8. You have put my acquaintances far from me;
they have made me an abomination to them;
I was betrayed and did not escape.
9. My eyes grew weak from poverty;
I cry all day to You, Lord,
I spread out my hands to You.
10. Will You work miracles for the dead
or will physicians raise them up so they will praise You?
11. Will anyone in the grave tell of Your mercy,
or will they tell of Your truth in the place of destruction?
12. Will Your wonders be known in the darkness

53 or “hades”.

18
 and Your justice in the land where all is forgotten?
13. But to You, O Lord, I have cried
and early in the morning my prayer will come before You.
14. Why, O Lord, do You reject my soul
and turn away Your face from me?
15. I am poor and in troubles from my youth;
but after being exalted, I am humbled and perplexed.
16. Your anger has passed over me,
Your terrors have troubled me.
17. They surrounded me like water all day long;
together they closed in upon me.
18. You have put far from me friend and neighbor
and my acquaintances because of my misery.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

88 THE GLORIOUS PROMISES OF GOD: THE SON’S ETERNAL REIGN

A CRY FOR MERCY IN A TIME OF NATIONAL HUMILIATION

(For the understanding of Etham the Israelite)

1. I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever;

I will tell Your truth with my mouth to all generations.
2. For You have said, “Mercy will be built up forever.”
Your truth will be prepared in the heavens.
3. “I have made a covenant with My chosen people,
I have sworn to My servant David:
4. I will prepare Your Son54 for an eternal reign
and I will build up your throne for all generations.”
5. The heavens confess Your wonders, O Lord,
and Your truth in the church of the saints.
6. For who in the clouds55 is equal to the Lord?
And who is like the Lord among the sons of God?
7. God, who is glorified in the council of the saints,
is great and terrible56 above all those around Him.
8. O Lord, God of hosts, who is like You?
You are powerful, O Lord, and Your truth is around You.
9. You rule the raging of the sea,
You calm the surge of its waves.
10. You have humbled the proud one like a wounded man,
with the arm of Your power You have scattered Your enemies.
11. The heavens are Yours and the earth is Yours,
the world and its fullness You have founded.
12. The north and the sea You have created,
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.
13. You have an arm with power;
let Your hand be strengthened,

54 Lit. “Seed”.
55 Gk. clouds = skies, heavens.
56 Ps. 75:13.

19
 Your right hand exalted.
14. Justice and judgment are the preparation for Your throne,
mercy and truth pave the way for Your presence.
15. Blessed are the people who know the joyful shout!
They will walk, O Lord, in the light of Your presence
16. and they will rejoice in Your name all day long
and by Your righteousness57 they will be exalted.
17. For You are the glory of their strength,
and by Your goodwill we are raised to power.
18. For our protection comes from the Lord
and from the Holy One of Israel, our King.
19. Then You spoke in a vision to Your sons
and said, “I have laid help on a strong man,
20. I have raised up one chosen out of My people.
21. I have found My servant David,
with My holy oil I have anointed him.
22. For My hand will help him
and My arm will strengthen him.
23. The enemy will get no help in him58
and the son of lawlessness will not continue to harm him.
24. And I will cut down his enemies before his face
and those who hate him I will put to flight.
25. And My truth and My mercy will be with him,
and in My name he will rise to power.
26. And I will set his hand on the sea
and his right hand on the rivers.
27. He will call upon Me and say: ‘You are my Father,
my God and the protector of my salvation.’
28. And I will make him My firstborn,
high above the kings of the earth.
29. I will keep My mercy for him forever,
and My covenant with him will be secure.
30. And I will establish his sons forever and ever
and his throne as the days of heaven.
31. If his sons forsake My law
and do not walk by My judgments,
32. if they profane My requirements
and do not keep My commandments,
33. I will visit their sins with a rod
and their wrongdoings with a scourge.
34. Yet I will not withdraw My mercy from them
and I will do them no injustice in my truth.
35. I will never break My covenant
or reject what has gone from My lips.
36. Once I have sworn by My holy place59
I will not lie to David.
37. His sons will continue forever60
and his throne like the sun before Me,

57 or “justice”.
58 Jn. 14:30.
59 i.e., Heaven. Cp. Deut. 32:40 LXX.
60 Jer. 33:20.

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38. and like the moon that is poised forever,
and like the faithful witness in heaven61.”
39. But You have rejected and spurned us,
You have delayed Your Christ.
40. You have dissolved the covenant with Your servant,
You have profaned his sanctuary to the ground.
41. You have broken down all his defenses,
You have put cowardice in his strongholds.
42. All who pass that way plunder him,
he has become a disgrace to his neighbors.
43. You have raised up the right hand of those who oppress him,
You have gladdened all his enemies.
44. You have foiled the help of his sword
and You have not helped him in battle.
45. You have made an end of his purification,
You have torn down his throne to the ground.
46. You have shortened the days of his life,
You have poured shame upon him.
47. How long, O Lord, will You turn away?
Will Your anger burn like fire until the end?
48. Remember what my purpose is.
Have You created in vain all the sons of men?
49. Who is the man who will live and will not see death?
Will he deliver his soul from the clutch of hell?
50. Where are Your old-time mercies, O Lord,
which You swore to David by Your truth?
51. Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants,
which I have borne in my bosom from many nations,
52. with which Your enemies reproach us, O Lord,
with which they reproach the ransom of Your Christ.
53. Blessed is the Lord forever. Amen. Amen.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

89 GOD OUR HOME AND REFUGE: PRAYER FOR DIRECTION

DYING CREATURES, DYING COMFORTS

(A Prayer by Moses, the man of God)

1. O Lord, You have been our refuge

from generation to generation.
2. Before the mountains were born
and before the earth and the world were formed,
even from age to age eternally You are.62
3. Do not abandon man to humiliation,
for You have said, “Return, sons of men.”63
4. For a thousand years in Your eyes are like a day,

61 Rev. 3:14.
62 Ex. 3:14.
63 Jer. 3:12, 14, 22.

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 like yesterday which has come and gone,
and like a watch in the night.
5. Mere nothings will their years be
In the morning like grass they may pass away.
6. In the morning it blooms, then passes away;
by evening it droops, grows hard and withers.
7. For we perish in Your anger
and we are troubled by Your wrath.
8. You have set our sins before You,
our life in the light of Your face.
9. For all our days have passed
and we have perished in Your anger.
Our years have spun out like a cobweb.
10. The days of our life may be seventy years,
and if in the strong they are eighty years,
yet most of it is labor and trouble,
because weakness comes over us
and we are corrected.
11. Who knows the power of Your anger
and who can gage Your wrath from Your fear?
12. So make Your right hand known to me
and those disciplined in heart by wisdom.
13. Return, O Lord! How long?64
And be gracious to Your servants.
14. Let us be satisfied with Your mercy in the morning, Lord,
and we shall be glad and rejoice all our days.
15. Let us be glad for the days in which You humbled us,
for the years in which we have seen evils.
16. And look upon Your servants and Your works,
and guide their children.
17. And may the radiance of the Lord our God be upon us,
and direct the works of our hands for us,
and direct the work of our hands.

90 PRAISE LEADS TO FEARLESS FAITH AND TRUST

GOD AS A MOTHER BIRD

(Praise of a Song by David)

1. He who lives by the help of the Most High

will pass the night in the protection of the God of Heaven.
2. He will say to the Lord, “You are my protector and my refuge,
my God,” and in Him I will hope.
3. For He will deliver you from the trap of the hunters
and from the embarrassing word.
4. He will overshadow you with His shoulders,
and under His wings you will hope.
His truth will surround you with armor.
5. You will not be afraid of any terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day--
6. of a thing going by in the dark,
of an accident or a noonday demon.

64 Mal. 3:7.

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7. A thousand will fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8. Only with your eyes you will look on,
and you will see the reward of sinners.
9. For You, O Lord, are my hope;
You made the Most High Your refuge.
10. No evils will come to you,
and no scourge will come near your dwelling.
11. For He will command His angels regarding you
to guard you in all your ways.
12. They will lift you on their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13. You will step on the asp and the adder;
the lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14. “Because he has set his hope on Me, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows My name.
15. He will call to Me and I will answer him.
I am with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and glorify him.
16. With a long life I will satisfy him,
and I will show him My salvation.”

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

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 THURSDAY STASIS I

91 PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING OF A GOOD AND HAPPY MAN

SINGING CREATION PROMPTS A SINGING HEART

(Psalm of a Song for the day of the Sabbath)

1. It is good to give thanks to the Lord

and to sing psalms to Your name, O Most High,
2. to tell of Your mercy in the morning
and Your truth throughout the night,
3. with a ten-stringed psaltery,
with a song on a harp.
4. For You have gladdened me, O Lord, by Your creations,
and at the works of Your hands I jump for joy.
5. How great are Your works, O Lord,
how very deep are Your thoughts!
6. An unthinking person will not know
and a fool will not understand this,
7. that when sinners spring up like grass
and all the evil-doers flourish,
it is only for them to be destroyed forever.1
8. But You are Most High forever, O Lord.
9. For look, Your enemies, O Lord,
look, Your enemies will perish,
and all who do lawlessness will be scattered.
10. But You will give me the strength of a rhinoceros
and You will anoint my old age with rich oil.
11. And my eye has kept watch on my enemies,
and my ear will hear evildoers who rise up against me.
12. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree
and will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
will flourish in the courts of our God.
14. They will still increase in a ripe old age
and they will rejoice to declare
15. that the Lord our God is straight
and there is no injustice in Him.

92 RIVERS OF LIVING WATER

PRAISE OF GOD REIGNING IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS

(For the day before the Sabbath when the earth was peopled. Praise of a Song by David)

1. The Lord reigns as King,2 He is clothed with beauty,

the Lord is clothed and surrounded with power.
He has made the world firm and it cannot be shaken.
2. Your throne has been prepared from of old,3
You are from all eternity.

1 or “it is only for their eternal destruction”.

2 Pss. 92, 96, 98 begin identically.
3 Ps. 89:2; Mt. 13:35.

1
3. The rivers have risen, O Lord,4
the rivers have raised their voices,
the rivers will lift their waves
above the roars of many waters.
4. Wonderful are the ocean breakers,
wonderful is the Lord on high!
5. Your testimonies may be fully trusted.5
Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever.

93 GOD THE JUST JUDGE

THE BLESSING OF GOD’S CORRECTION

(A psalm by David for the fourth day of the week)

1. The Lord is a God of justice;

the God of justice has spoken plainly.6
2. Be exalted, O Judge of the earth,
give the proud their reward.7
3. How long, O Lord, will sinners,
how long will sinners boast?
4. How long will they blurt and talk injustice?
How long will all the wrongdoers talk?
5. They humble Your people, O Lord,
and they injure Your inheritance.
6. Widow and orphan they have killed,8
and a convert they have murdered.
7. And they said, “The Lord will not see,
and the God of Israel will not understand.”
8. Understand, you fools among the people,
and you idiots, when will you think?
9. He who planted the ear, does He not hear?
And He who formed the eye, does He not see?
10. He who instructs the nations, will He not correct?
He who teaches mankind knowledge, will He not know?
11. The Lord knows the thoughts of men,9
He knows that they are futile.10
12. Blessed is the man whom You correct, O Lord,11
and whom You teach out of Your law,
13. to make him meek in evil days12
until a pit is dug for the sinner.
14. For the Lord will not reject His people
and will not abandon His inheritance

4 Rev. 17:15; Jn. 7:38.

5 Ps. 118:2.
6 Jn. 1:14, 18.
7 Ps. 18:9-11.
8 Ex. 22:21.
9 Cp. 1 Cor. 3:20.
10 or “empty, vain, idle”.
11 Heb. 12:6-10; 1 Cor. 11:32.
12 Mt. 5:5.

2
15. until righteousness returns to judgment
and all who are right in heart adhere to it.
16. Who will stand up for me against evildoers
or who will stand with me against the wrongdoers?
17. Unless the Lord had helped me,
my soul would soon have gone to hell.
18. If I used to say, “My foot has slipped,”
Your mercy, O Lord, helped me.
19. Amid the throng of sorrows in my heart,13
Your consolations gladden my soul.
20. Can lawless rulers have Your help
who make trouble in the name of law
21. and hunt for the souls of honest men?
They condemn innocent men to death.
22. But the Lord has become my refuge,
and my God is the helper I trust.
23. And the Lord will repay them for their lawlessness.
By their own wickedness the Lord God will destroy them.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

94 CALL TO PRAISE OUR GREAT MAKER, SAVIOR, GOD AND KING

TRUE WORSHIP IS OBEDIENCE: MY SHEEP OBEY MY VOICE

(The Praise of a Song by David)

1. Come, let us sing with joy to the Lord;

let us shout for joy to God our Savior.
2. Let us come before His face with thanksgiving14
and let us shout for joy to Him with psalms
3. For the Lord is a great God
and a great King over all the earth.
4. In His hand are all the ends of the earth,
and the mountain peaks are His.
5. The sea is His, and He made it;
and His hands formed the dry land.
6. Come, let us worship and fall down before Him
and let us weep before the Lord our Maker.
7. For He is our God,
and we are the people of His pasture
and the sheep of His hand.
8. Today if you will hear His voice,15
do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion
in the day of temptation in the wilderness,16
9. when your fathers tempted Me,
challenged Me and saw My works for forty years.

13 Heb. & Slavonic omit “Lord”.

14 Cp. Ps. 95:9,13.
15 Heb. 3:7-11.
16 Ex. 17:1-7.

3
10. I was provoked by that generation
and said, “Their hearts are always wandering17
and they never knew My ways.”
11. So I vowed in My anger:
“They will never enter My rest.”18

95 CALL TO PRAISE GOD THE REIGNING KING AND COMING JUDGE

SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG

(When the House was built after the Captivity. A Song by David)

1. Sing to the Lord a new song,

sing to the Lord all the earth.
2. Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
tell the good news of His salvation19 from day to day.
3. Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
4. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
He is to be feared above all the gods.
5. For all the gods of the nations are demons,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6. Praise20 and beauty are before Him.
holiness and magnificence are in His sanctuary.
7. Bring to the Lord, you families of nations,
bring to the Lord glory and honor.
8. Bring to the Lord glory to His name,
bring sacrifices and enter His courts.
9. Worship the Lord in His holy court,21
let all the earth tremble before His face.22
10. Say among the nations, “The Lord is reigning as King.
He has set right the world, which will not be shaken.
He will judge the peoples with justice.”
11. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice,
let the sea toss and roll and all that is in it.
12. Let the fields rejoice and all that is in them;
then all the trees of the forest will jump for joy
13. before the face of God. For He is coming,23
for He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
and the peoples with His truth.

96 EARTH REJOICES AND TREMBLES AT THE REIGN OF GOD

ALL THE PEOPLES HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY

17 Lit., “They always wander with the heart”.

18 Lit. “If they will enter My rest.” There is no main clause. “Never” until they live by faith: we enter His rest by faith in Christ in us
(Phil. 2:13; 4:13; Gal. 2:20).
19 Lit. “Evangelize His salvation”.
20 or Confession (St. Aug., Expos.).
21 Heb.: “Worship the Lord in and with the beauty of holiness”.
22 See v.13 below.
23 Cp. Ps. 97:8.

4
(For David when his land is restored to him)

1. The Lord reigns as King,24 let the earth rejoice,

let the many islands be glad.
2. Clouds and darkness are all around Him,
justice and judgment are the buttress25 of His throne.
3. Fire will go before Him
and will burn His enemies round about.
4. His lightnings lit up the world,
the earth saw and was shaken.
5. The mountains melted like wax from the face of God,
from the face of the Lord of all the earth.
6. The heavens declared His justice
and all the peoples saw His glory.
7. Let all who worship carved images
and boast of their idols be ashamed.
Worship Him, all you angels of His.
8. Zion heard and was glad
and the daughters of Judea rejoiced
because of Your judgments, O Lord.
9. For You are Lord Most High over all the earth,
You are exalted far above all the gods.
10. You who love the Lord, hate evil:
the Lord guards the souls of His saints,
He will rescue them from the clutch of sinners.
11. Light has dawned for the righteous
and gladness for those who are honest in heart.
12. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous people,
and give thanks for the remembrance of His holiness.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

24 Pss. 92, 96, 98 begin identically.

25 or “support” (katorthosis). Cp. 2 Para. (Chron.) 3:17.

5
STASIS III

97 THE NEW SONG OF REDEMPTION

ALL THE EARTH HAS SEEN GOD’S SALVATION

(A Psalm by David)

1. Sing to the Lord a new song,

for the Lord has done wonderful things.
His right hand and His holy arm have saved people for Him.26
2. The Lord has made known His salvation,
He has revealed His justice in the sight of the nations.
3. He has remembered His mercy to Jacob
and His truth to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4. Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
Sing and rejoice and chant psalms.
5. Sing praise to the Lord with a harp,
with a harp and the tune of a psalm.
6. With metal trumpets and the sound of a horn,
shout for joy before God our King.
7. Let the sea be shaken and all that is in it,
the world and all who live in it.
8. The rivers will clap their hands together,
the mountains will jump for joy before the face of God.27
9. For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
and the peoples with honesty.

98 PRAISE OF THE HOLY, FORGIVING, CORRECTING GOD

TWO WAY PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO OBEY HIS LAWS

(A Psalm by David)

1. The Lord reigns as King,28 let people rage,

He sits enthroned above the Cherubim,
let the earth be shaken.
2. The Lord is great in Zion
and He is high above all the peoples.
3. Let them confess and praise Your great name,
for it is terrible29 and holy.
4. A king’s honor loves judgment.
You have provided just laws,
You have had judgment and justice done in Jacob.
5. Exalt the Lord our God
and bow down before His footstool,
for He is holy.
6. Moses and Aaron among His priests,

26 Many are saved and healed by Him, but then live for self and sin. Those saved for Him live the new life for Him.
27 Cp. Ps. 95:13.
28 Pss. 92, 96, 98 begin identically.
29 Cp. Ps. 105:22.

6
 and Samuel among those who call on His name,
they called on the Lord and He answered them.
7. He used to talk to them in a pillar of cloud,
for they kept His testimonies
and His laws which He gave them.
8. O Lord our God, You answered them;
a forgiving God You were to them,
yet correcting all their practices.
9. Exalt the Lord our God
and bow down towards His holy mountain,
for the Lord our God is holy.

99 SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS

ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING

(A Psalm for a Thank-offering)

1. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2. Serve the Lord with gladness,
come before His presence with exultation.
3. Know that the Lord Himself is our God,
it is He who made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people and sheep of His pasture.
4. Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with songs;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5. For the Lord is good,
His mercy is eternal,
and His truth continues from generation to generation.

100 A MIRROR FOR KINGS

I WILL SING OF YOUR LOVE

(A Psalm by David)

1. I will sing to You, O Lord, of mercy and justice30,

2. I will sing praise and understand in a faultless way.
When will You come to me?
I have walked in my house in the innocence of my heart.
3. I set no unlawful thing before my eyes,31
I hate those who do wrong,
4. no crooked heart has joined me.
A villain who avoided me, I refused to know.
5. The man who in secret talks against his neighbor,
him I drive away.
A man with a proud eye and a greedy heart,
with him I was not eating.32
6. My eyes are on the faithful of the land,
that they may sit with me.
He who walks in a blameless way
30 Gk. krisis as Mt. 23:23.
31 Ps. 65:18.
32 1 Cor. 5:11.

7
 has been employed in my service.
7. One who acts proudly has not lived in my house;
one who talks wrong things will not prosper in my sight.
8. Each morning I put to death all the sinners of the land,
to destroy all evildoers from the city of God.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

14 KATHISMA
STASIS 1

101 THE LORD WILL APPEAR IN HIS GLORY TO DECLARE THE DIVINE NAME
ISRAEL’S RENEWAL AND THE GATHERING OF THE NATIONS

(A prayer for a poor man when he is despondent and pours out his petitions before the Lord)

1. O Lord, hear my prayer,

and let my cry come to You.
2. Do not turn Your face from me
in the day when I am in trouble.
3. Incline Your ear to me, answer me quickly
in the day when I call upon You.
4. For my days vanish like smoke,
and my bones burn like firewood.
5. My heart is sick and dry like grass,
because I forget to eat my bread.33
6. From the cry of my groaning
I am reduced to skin and bones.34
7. I have become like a pelican of the desert,
I have become like an owl in a ruined building.
8. I kept awake and became
like a solitary sparrow on a housetop.
9. All day long my enemies taunted me,
and those who praised me swore against me.
10. For I have eaten ashes like bread
and mingled my drink with weeping,
11. because of Your anger and fury,
for after lifting me up You dashed me down.
12. My days decline like a shadow
and I am drying up like grass.
13. But You, O Lord, live forever
and Your memory35 is from generation to generation.
14. You will rise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to have compassion on her,
because the time has come.
15. For Your servants delight in her stones
and they feel compassion for her dust.
16. Then the nations will fear Your name, O Lord,
and all the kings of the earth will fear Your glory.

33 Mt. 4:4; Jn. 4:34; 6:32-51; 15:7.

34 Lit. “my bone sticks to my flesh”.
35 Mt. 26:13 = same Gk.

8
17. For the Lord will build up Zion
and He will be seen in His glory.
18. He has regarded the prayer of the humble
and He has not ignored their need.
19. Let this be written for another generation
and people who are being created will praise the Lord.
20. For the Lord looked out from His holy height,
He looked down from heaven at the earth
21. to hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to deliver the sons of those put to death,
22. to tell the name of the Lord in Zion
and His praise in Jerusalem,
23. when the peoples are gathered together
and their kings to serve the Lord.
24. He answered him in the way of his strength:
Tell me how short my life is to be.
25. Do not take me away half-way through my life.
Your years are for all generations.36
26. In the beginning, O Lord, You founded the earth,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
27. They will perish, but You continue,
and they will all grow old like a garment,
and like a wrap You will fold them
and they will be changed.
28. But You are always the same
and Your years will never end.
29. The children of Your servants will live securely
and their descendants will forever be rightly guided.

102 GOD’S LOVE FOR SINFUL SONS

HE FORGIVES ALL SIN AND HEALS ALL DISEASE

(By David)

1. Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me bless His holy name.
2. Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all His rewards:37
3. who forgives all your sins,
who heals all your diseases,
4. who redeems your life from destruction,
who crowns you with mercy and compassion,
5. who satisfies your desire with good things,
your youth will be renewed like an eagle’s.
6. The Lord gives mercy and justice
to all who are being wronged.38
7. He made known His ways to Moses,
His will to the people of Israel.
8. The Lord is compassionate and merciful,39
36 Heb. 1:12.
37 See v.10. “Rewards”: this reading tallies with the Slavonic & Patristic commentaries from 400 A.D. Cp. 102:10.
38 Cp. Ps. 100:1.
39 Cp. Ja. 5:11.

9
 most patient and most merciful.
9. He will not always be angry,
nor will He threaten forever.
10. He has not dealt with us according to our lawlessness,
nor rewarded us according to our sins.
11. For as high as heaven is from the earth,
so great is the Lord’s mercy to those who fear Him.
12. As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He put our sins from us.
13. As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
14. For He knows what we are made of,
He remembers that we are dust.
15. Man--his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field.
16. When the spirit in him has passed, he will not exist,
and he will know his place no more.
17. But the Lord’s mercy is from age to age
for those who fear Him,
and His justice is for their children’s children.
18. for those who keep His covenant
and remember to carry out His commandments.
19. The Lord has prepared His throne in heaven
and His kingdom rules over all.
20. Bless the Lord, all you angels of His,
who are mighty in strength, who do His word
and listen for the sound of His words.
21. Bless the Lord, all His hosts,
His ministers who do His will.
22. Bless the Lord, all His works,
in every place of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

103 THE WONDERS OF CREATION AND GOD’S CONSTANT CARE

ALL LOOK TO YOU

(By David)

1. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great,
You are clothed with praise and majesty,
2. wrapping Yourself in light for a garment,
stretching out the sky like a skin40;
3. Who covers His upper rooms with water,
who makes clouds His chariot,
who walks on the wings of the wind,
4. Who makes spirits his angels
and His servant a flame of fire,
40 a “tent-skin”.

10
5. Who poises the earth on its axis;
it will not be moved throughout the ages.
6. The deep like a garment is its clothing.
On the mountains the waters stand.
7. At Your rebuke they run,
At the crack of Your thunder they are afraid.
8. Mountains rise up and plains sink down
to the place which You have appointed for them.
9. You have set a bound the waters will not pass,
so they will never return to cover the earth.41
10. You send torrents in the ravines,
the waters run between the mountains.
11. They give drink to all the beasts of the field;
wild donkeys wait to quench their thirst.
12. The birds of the sky perch on them;
from among the rocks they pipe their calls.
13. You water the mountains from above.
The earth is filled with the fruit of Your works.
14. You make grass spring up for the cattle
and vegetation for the service of men,
15. for them to produce food from the earth
and wine which cheers man’s heart,
that his face may be bright with oil
and that bread may strengthen man’s heart.
16. The trees of the plain will be drenched,
the cedars of Lebanon which You planted.
17. There the sparrows build their nests,
the house of the heron42 at the top of them.
18. The high mountains are for the deer,
a rock is a refuge for hares.
19. You made the moon to mark the months,43
the sun knows his going down.
20. You appoint darkness and it becomes night,
in which all the wild beasts of the forest prowl:
21. young lions roaring to seize their prey
and seeking their food from God.
22. The sun rises and they gather together
and lie down in their dens.
23. Man goes out to his work
and to his business until the evening.
24. How great are Your works, O Lord!
You have made all things in wisdom,
the earth is filled with Your creation.
25. This is the great and wide sea;
there live reptiles without number,
living creatures small and great.
26. There ships go to and fro,
there, too, is that sea serpent
which You have made to play in it.
27. All look expectantly to You
41 Gen. 9:11-15.
42 or “egret”.
43 Ecclus. 4:6-8.

11
 to give them their food in due season.
28. When You give it to them, they gather it;
when You open Your hand,
all things are filled with goodness.
29. But when You turn away Your face they are troubled.
You will take their spirit and they will die
and they will return to their dust.
30. You will send Your Spirit and they will be created,
and You will renew the face of the earth.
31. May the glory of the Lord be forever;
the Lord delights in His works.
32. He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble,
He touches the mountains and they smoke.
33. I will sing to the Lord all my life,
I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.
34. May my conversation be pleasing to Him,
and I will rejoice in the Lord.
35. May sinners vanish from the earth,
and the lawless so as to be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

104 THE HISTORY AND MISSION OF ISRAEL

SAVED TO TELL THE NATIONS

(Alleluia)

1. Give thanks to the Lord and call on His name,

make known His doings among the nations.
2. Sing to Him and sing praises to Him,
tell of all His wonders.
3. Glory in His holy name,
let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4. Seek the Lord and be strengthened,
seek His face continually.44
5. Remember His wonders which He did,
His marvels and the judgments of His mouth,
6. you descendants45 of Abraham, His slaves,
you sons of Jacob, His chosen people.
7. He is the Lord our God,
His judgments are in all the earth.
8. He always remembers His covenant,
the promise He made for a thousand generations,
9. the covenant which He made with Abraham,
and the oath which He swore to Isaac.
10. And He confirmed it to Jacob for a law
and to Israel for an eternal covenant,
11. saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
44 Or, “seek His presence...”
45 Lit. “seed”.

12
 as the share of your inheritance,”
12. when they were few in number,
very few and foreigners in it.
13. And they went from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people.
14. He allowed no one to injure them;
He rebuked even kings on their account:
15. “Do not touch My anointed people
and to My prophets do no harm.”
16. And He called for a famine on the earth;
He broke all the support of bread.
17. He sent a man ahead of them;
Joseph was sold as a slave.
18. They humbled his feet in fetters,
his soul went through hardship.
19. Until his word came true,
the Word of the Lord tested him.
20. The king sent and released him,
the people’s ruler set him free.
21. He made him lord of his house
and ruler of all his property,
22. to train his princes to be like himself
and to teach his senators wisdom.
23. Then Israel came into Egypt
and Jacob settled in the land of Ham.
24. And He increased His people greatly
and made them stronger than their enemies.
25. He turned their heart to hate His people,
to be deceitful with His servants.
26. Then He sent His servant Moses
and Aaron whom He chose for Himself.
27. He committed to them the words of His signs
and His wonders in the land of Ham.
28. He sent darkness and it became dark,
because they rebelled against His words.
29. He turned their waters into blood
and He killed their fish.
30. Their land swarmed with frogs,
even in their royal apartments.
31. He spoke and the dog-fly came
and mosquitoes in all their territories.
32. He gave them hail for rain,46
a consuming fire in their land.
33. And He struck their vines and their fig trees,
and He broke every tree of their border47.
34. He spoke and the locust came
and caterpillars without number.
35. And they devoured everything green in their land,
and they consumed the fruit of their ground.
36. Then He struck all the firstborn in their land,
the first-fruits of all their labor.
46 Ex. 9:23.
47 i.e., wind-breaks.

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37. And He led them out with silver and gold,
and there was not one who was feeble among their tribes.
38. Egypt was glad at their going48,
because fear of them had fallen upon them.
39. He spread a cloud for them for protection
and fire to illumine the night for them.
40. They asked, and quail came,
and He filled them with the bread of heaven.
41. He split a rock and waters flowed;
rivers ran in waterless places.
42. For He remembered His holy promise
made to Abraham His servant.
43. And He led out His people with exultation49
and His chosen people with gladness.
44. And He gave them the lands of the nations
and they inherited the people’s labors,
45. that they might keep His requirements
and search out His law.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

15 KATHISMA
STASIS 1

105 HISTORICAL RETROSPECT: CONFESSION OF SIN AND INGRATITUDE

THEY EVEN SACRIFICED THEIR CHILDREN TO DEMONS

(Alleluia)

1. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,

for His mercy is eternal.
2. Who will tell the mighty acts of the Lord
or make all His praises heard?
3. Blessed are those who act justly50
and do what is right at all times.
4. Remember us, O Lord, in Your goodwill for Your people,
visit us with Your salvation,
5. that we may see it in the goodness of Your chosen people,
that we may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that we may be praised with Your inheritance.
6. We have sinned with our fathers,
we have been lawless, we have done wrong.
7. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders,
and they did not remember Your great mercy,
but they rebelled while going up at the Red Sea.
8. Yet He saved them for His name’s sake,
to make His power known.
9. And He rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up,
and He led them in the deep sea as in a desert.

48 Lit. “exodus”.
49 or “rejoicing”.
50 Ac. 24:16; Ro. 14:10; Jn. 5:29; Jas. 2:12-13. LADDER, Step 6:11.

14
10. And He saved them from the hand of the hater
and delivered them from the hand of their enemies.
11. Water covered those who oppressed them;
not one of them was left.
12. Then they believed His words
and they sang His praise.
13. They quickly forgot His works,
they did not wait for His will.
14. They indulged their desire in the desert
and tempted God in a waterless place.
15. And He gave them their request
and sent a surfeit into their souls.
16. And they made Moses angry in the camp
and Aaron too, the Lord’s holy one.
17. The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan
and covered over the group51 of Abiram.
18. And fire blazed out in their group,
the flame burned up the sinners.
19. They made a bull calf at Horeb
and worshiped the carved idol.
20. And they exchanged the glory of their God52
for the likeness of a bull that eats grass.
21. And they forgot God who saved them,
who had done great things in Egypt,
22. wonderful things in the land of Ham,
terrible things at the Red Sea.53
23. And He said He would have destroyed them
if Moses His chosen servant
had not stood before Him in the outbreak54
to avert His anger from destroying them.
24. Then they despised the desirable land,
they did not believe His word.
25. And they grumbled in their tents;
they did not obey the Lord’s voice.
26. So He lifted up His hand against them,
to let them fall in the wilderness
27. and disperse their children among the nations
and scatter them in foreign lands.
28. They joined the worship of Baalphegor55
and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29. And they provoked Him with their practices,
and death was multiplied among them.
30. Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the outbreak was stopped.
31. And this has been reckoned to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever.

51 Gk. synagogue.
52 Jer. 2:11.
53 Terrible drowning of an army!
54 Cp. Ps. 105:30.
55 a Mosbite idol (Nu. 25:1-3).

15
32. They also angered Him at the water of conflict,56
and Moses suffered on their account.
33. For they provoked his spirit57
and he reprimanded them with his lips.58
34. They did not destroy the nations
as the Lord told them.
35. But they mixed with the nations
and they learned their practices.
36. And they served their idols,
which became a stumbling-block to them.
37. They even sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons.
38. And they shed innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.
And the land was polluted with the blood of murder,
39. and defiled by their practices,
and they became idolatrous59 in their ways.
40. Then the Lord became angry with His people
and He abhorred His inheritance.
41. And He gave them up into the hands of their enemies,
and those who hated them ruled over them.
42. And their enemies oppressed them,60
and they were humbled under their hands.
43. Many a time He delivered them,
but they provoked Him by their willfulness
and they were humbled by their lawlessness.
44. Yet the Lord saw when they were in trouble
and He answered their prayer.
45. And He remembered His covenant
and He relented in His great mercy.
46. He even gave them the grace to find compassion61
among all who took them captive.
47. Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to Your holy name,
that we may triumph in Your praise.
48. Blessed is the Lord God of Israel from age to age.
And all the people will say: Amen! Amen!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

106 HISTORICAL RETROSPECT: GOD’S GREAT LOVE AND MERCY

HE SENT HIS WORD AND HEALED THEM
56 Is. 63:10.
57 Nu. 20:8-10.
58 Nu. 20:12. He misrepresented God by showing anger: “Listen to me, you rebels!” God said: “Speak to the rock.” (Nu. 20:8,10).
59 or “wanton, adulterous”.
60 Ac. 10:38.
61 3 Kg. 8:50 (LXX) = identical phraseology.

16
(Alleluia)

1. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,

for His mercy is eternal.
2. Let those tell of Him who have been redeemed by the Lord,
whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3. and has gathered them out of the countries,
from east and west, from the north and the sea.
4. They wandered in the wilderness in a waterless region;
they found no way to a city to settle in.
5. They were hungry and thirsty;
their soul fainted within them.
6. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble
and He delivered them from their distress.
7. And He guided them into the straight way
to go to a city where they could settle.
8. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His mercies
and for His wonders to the sons of men.
9. For He satisfies the empty soul
and He fills the hungry with good things.
10. Those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death,
bound by poverty and iron,
11. because they rebelled against the words of God
and flouted the will of the Most High,
12. when their heart was humbled by troubles,
when they were weak and there was no one to help them,
13. then they cried to the Lord in their trouble
and He saved them from their distress.
14. And He led them out of darkness and the shadow of death
and He broke their chains.
15. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His mercies
and for His wonders to the sons of men.
16. For He shatters gates of bronze
and crumples bars of iron.
17. He helped them out of the way of their lawlessness,
for because of their lawlessness they were humbled.
18. Their soul loathed all food
and they came near to the gates of death.
19. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble
and He saved them from their distress.
20. He sent His word and healed them62
and He delivered them from all their disorders.
21. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His mercies
and for His wonders to the sons of men.
22. And let them offer to Him a sacrifice of praise
and tell of His works with exultation.
23. Those who go down to the sea in ships,
doing business in many waters,
24. they see the works of the Lord
and His wonders in the deep.
25. He speaks and rouses the wind of a storm
which lifts the waves of the sea.

62 “Your word, O Lord, heals all things” (Wis. 16:12).

17
26. They go up to the skies and go down to the depths;
their soul melts at their wretched plight.
27. They reel and stagger like drunken men,
and all their skill is scuttled.
28. Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble,
and He brings them out of their distress.
29. And He commands the storm and lulls it to a breeze,
and its waves are silenced and calmed.
30. Then they are glad because they are quiet,
and He guides them to the haven of His will.
31. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His mercies
and for His wonders to the sons of men.
32. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people
and let them praise Him in a session of elders.
33. He turns rivers into a wilderness
and springs of water into thirsty ground.
34. He turns fruitful land into a salt marsh
for the wickedness of those who live in it.
35. He turns a desert into pools of water
and arid ground into water-springs.
36. And there He settles the hungry
and they build cities for colonization.
37. And they sow fields and plant vineyards
which yield a harvest of crops.
38. And He blesses them and they multiply greatly,
and their livestock does not diminish.
39. Then they dwindle and suffer hardship
from the pressure of troubles and adversity.
40. He pours contempt on their rulers
and makes them wander in a trackless waste.
41. And He helps the poor out of their poverty,
and He makes their families like flocks of sheep.
42. Honest men will see and be glad,
and all lawlessness will stop its mouth.
43. Who is wise and will observe these things
and will understand the mercies of the Lord?

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

107 MORNING PRAYER FOR VICTORY: GOD’S GLORY OVER ALL THE EARTH
MY HEART IS READY: I WILL RISE EARLY

(Songs of a Psalm by David)

1. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready!

I will sing and chant praise with my glory.
2. Awake, psaltery and harp!
I will awake the dawn.63
3. I will give You thanks among the peoples, O Lord,

63 Cp. Ps. 56:9. My resurrection will be the signal for the darkness of night to vanish & for My Church to “arise like the dawn” (Song
6:10).

18
 I will sing praises to You among the nations.
4. For great is Your mercy above the heavens,64
and Your truth that reaches to the clouds.
5. Be exalted above the heavens, O God,
and Your glory over all the earth.
6. That Your beloved people may be delivered,
save with Your right hand and answer me.
7. God spoke in His sanctuary:
“I will be exalted and I will divide Shekem,
and I will parcel out the valley of tents.
8. Gilead is Mine and Manasseh is Mine,
and Ephraim is the defense of My head.
9. Judah is My king.
10. Moab I hope to make My washbowl.
Over Edom I will extend My sway,
foreigners will submit to Me.”
11. Who will lead me to a fortified city?
Or who will guide me to Edom?
12. Will You not, O God, who have rejected us?
And will You not, O God, go out with our armies?
13. Give us help from our trouble,
for vain is the salvation of man.
14. In God we shall work a miracle,65
and He will bring to nothing our enemies.

64 Cp. Ps. 56:11.

65 Mt. 11:20f.

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108 A PREDICTION OF CHRIST’S REJECTION
IN RETURN FOR MY LOVE THEY ACCUSE ME

(For the End. A Psalm by David)

1. Do not pass over my praise in silence,

2. for the mouth of the sinner
and the mouth of the deceiver
are opened against me.
They speak against me with a deceitful tongue,
3. and they surround me with words of hatred
and they fight against me for no reason.
4. Instead of loving me, they accuse me,
but I pray for them.
5. And they repay me evil for good
and hatred for my love.
6. Set a sinner over him,
and let the devil stand at his right hand.
7. When he is judged, let him go out condemned,
and let his prayer be turned into sin.
8. Let his days be few,
and let someone else take his leadership.66
9. Let his sons be orphans
and let his wife be a widow.
10. Let his sons wander as vagabonds and beg,
let them be outcasts from their ruined homes.
11. Let his creditor ransack all that he has,
and let strangers plunder his labors.
12. Let there be no one to help him,
and no one to pity his orphans.
13. Let his children be born for destruction,
in one generation, let his name be wiped out.
14. Let the sin of his fathers be remembered before the Lord,
and let his mother’s sin not be wiped out.
15. Let them be before the Lord continually,
and let their memory perish from the earth.
16. For it never entered his mind to show mercy,
but he persecuted the poor and needy person
and hounded the brokenhearted to death.
17. And he loved cursing, so that is what came to him;
and he took no pleasure in blessing, and so it was far from him.
18. And he put on cursing like a cloak,
and it went in like water into his body
and like oil into his bones.
19. Let it be like a cloak which he wraps round him
and like a girdle which continually binds him.
20. This is the work of those who accuse me before God,67
and of those who say evil things against my soul.
21. But You, O Lord God, deal with me for Your name’s sake,
for Your mercy is good.
22. Deliver me, for I am poor and needy,

66 Gk. episkope = episcopate, bishopric, oversight, supervision, (Rev. 12:9-11).

67 Re. 12:9-10.

20
 and my heart is troubled within me.
23. Like a vanishing shadow, I am taken away;
I am shaken out like locusts.
24. My knees are weak from fasting
and my flesh is changed for want of oil.
25. I have become a reproach to them;
when they see me, they shake their heads.
26. Help me, O Lord my God,
and save me in Your mercy.
27. Let them know that this is Your hand
and that You, O Lord, have done it.
28. They will curse, but You will bless.
Let those who rise up against me be put to shame,
but Your servant will rejoice.
29. Let my accusers be clothed with confusion,
and let them be covered with shame like a cloak.
30. I will greatly thank the Lord with my mouth,
and in the midst of many I will praise Him.
31. For He stands at the right hand of the needy,
to save my soul from my persecutors.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

21
18 KATHISMA FRIDAY STASIS I

119 A PILGRIM SONG: THE ENEMIES OF PEACE

THE ARROWS OF LOVE

(A Song of Ascents)

1. I call to the Lord in my distress

and He answers me.
2. O Lord, deliver my soul from dishonest lips
and from a deceitful tongue.
3. What should be given to you and what should be added to you
against a deceitful tongue?
4. The arrows of the powerful one
sharpened with coals from the desert1.
5. Alas for me, that my pilgrimage is prolonged,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6. My soul has long been on pilgrimage.
With those who hate peace, I was peaceful.
7. But when I started talking to them,
they began fighting me for no reason.

120 A PILGRIM SONG: THE EVER-WATCHFUL GUARDIAN OF ISRAEL

TUNNELING MOUNTAINS

(A Song of Ascents)

1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains.2

From where will my help come?
2. My help comes from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
3. Do not let your foot slip,3
and may He not doze who keeps you.
4. Behold, He who keeps Israel
will not doze or sleep.
5. The Lord will keep you,
the Lord is your shelter at your right hand.
6. The sun will not burn you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7. The Lord will guard you from all evil,
the Lord will guard your soul.
8. The Lord will guard your coming in and your going out,
from now on and forever.

1 Cp. Ps. 101:7.

2 Zac. 4:6-7.
3 Jn. 14:27.

1
121 A PILGRIM SONG OF LOVE FOR THE HOLY CITY
PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM

(A Song of Ascents)

1. I was glad when they said to me:

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”4
2. Our feet are standing
in your courts, O Jerusalem.
3. Jerusalem is built as a city
where all share together for the same purpose.5
4. For there the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
as a testimony for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5. For there thrones are set for judgment,
thrones over the house of David.
6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
and prosperity for those who love you.
7. Let peace be in your armed forces
and prosperity in your fortresses.
8. For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors
I talk peace regarding you.
9. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I request good things for you.

122 A PILGRIM SONG: I LIFT MY EYES TO GOD

THE REPROACH OF CHRIST

(A Song of Ascents)

1. I lift up my eyes to You,

the One who lives in heaven.
2. Behold, as the eyes of slaves are on the hands of their lords,
and as the eyes of a maid6 are on the hands of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God
until He has compassion on us.
3. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us,
for we have had our fill to the full of scorn,
4. our soul is more than filled.
Let the reproach be for the prosperous
and the contempt for the proud.

123 A PILGRIM SONG OF THANKSGIVING TO THE SAVIOR

OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Except the Lord had been among us,

(let Israel now say),
2. Except the Lord had been among us

4 Ps. 26:4.
5 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17.
6 or “slave girl”.

2
 when men rose up against us,
3. they would have swallowed us alive,
when their fury raged against us.
4. The water would have drowned us,
our soul would have passed through a torrent.
5. Our soul would have passed
through irresistible water.
6. Blessed is God who has not given us up
as a prey for their teeth!
7. Our soul like a bird has been saved
from the trap of the hunters.
The trap has been broken
and we have been saved.
8. Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS II

124 A PILGRIM SONG OF FAITH: GOD OUR MOUNTAIN STRONGHOLD

CONDITIONS OF SAFETY AND SECURITY

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion;

one who lives in Jerusalem will never be shaken.7
2. Mountains surround and protect Jerusalem,
and the Lord surrounds and protects His people
from now and forever.
3. The Lord will not leave the rod of sinners
over the realm of the righteous,
lest the righteous should stretch out
their hands to wrongdoing.
4. Do good, O Lord, to the good,
and to those who are straight in heart.8
5. But those who turn aside into crooked ways
the Lord will drive away with the evildoers.
Peace is upon9 Israel.

125 A PILGRIM SONG: MESSIANIC DAYS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

RETURNED EXILES PRAY FOR THE RELEASE OF CAPTIVES STILL IN BABYLON

(A Song of Ascents)

1. When the Lord brought back the captives10 of Zion,

we were like those who are comforted.
2. Then our mouth was filled with joy

7 Re. 3:12; 21:2; Gal. 4:26.

8 Cp. Ps. 142:10; 118:128.
9 also means: over & with Israel. Eph. 2:14.
10 Lit. “reversed the captivity...”

3
 and our tongue with exultation.
Then they said among the nations:
“The Lord has done great things with them.”
3. The Lord has done great things with us;
we have become glad.
4. Bring back, O Lord, our captives
like torrents in the south.
5. Those who sow in tears
will reap with rejoicing.
6. They went walking and wept
as they cast their seed.
7. But when they come back,
they will come with rejoicing,
bringing their sheaves.

126 A PILGRIM SONG

DIVINE GRACE AND GUIDANCE INDISPENSABLE

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards a city,
the watchman keeps awake in vain.
2. It is vain for you to rise at dawn,
to get up after sitting late,
eating the bread of painful sweat,
when He gives His beloved people sleep.
3. Behold, children are the Lord’s inheritance;
the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
so are the children of the exiles.
5. Happy is he who satisfies his desire with them;
they will not be ashamed
when they talk with their enemies in the gates.

127 A PILGRIM SONG; THE BLESSINGS OF A GRACIOUS HOME

GOD BLESS YOU TO SEE DAILY THE JOYS OF JERUSALEM

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Blessed are all who fear the Lord,

who walk in His ways.
2. You will eat the fruits of your labors;
you will be happy, and it will be well with you.
3. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
on the sides of your house,
your children like young olive trees
around your table.
4. See, this is how a man will be blessed
who fears the Lord.
5. The Lord bless you from Zion!
And may you see the joys of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.

4
6. And may you see your children’s children.
Peace is upon11 Israel!

128 A PILGRIM SONG: THE GATES OF HELL WILL NOT PREVAIL

WE BLESS YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Many times they have fought against me from my youth

(let Israel now say),
2. Many times they have fought against me from my youth,
yet they could not prevail against me.
3. The sinners plowed on my back;
they prolonged their iniquity.
4. But the just Lord
broke the sinners’ necks.
5. Let all who hate Zion
be put to shame and confounded.
6. Let them become like grass on the housetops,
which withers before it is pulled up,
7. with which no reaper can fill his hand
and no one gathering sheaves get an armful.
8. And no passers-by will say to them:
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
we bless you in the name of the Lord.”

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

129 A PILGRIM SONG OF MERCY AND FORGIVENESS

PRAYING AND WAITING FOR FULL REDEMPTION

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;

O Lord, hear my voice.
2. Let Your ears be attentive
to the cry of my prayer.
3. If You, O Lord, should take note of our sins,
O Lord, who would survive?
4. But with You there is forgiveness.
5. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, I wait for You,
my soul waits for Your word,
6. my soul hopes for the Lord,
from the morning watch until night.
From the morning watch
let Israel hope for the Lord.
7. For with the Lord there is mercy
and with Him there is great redemption.
8. And He will redeem Israel
from all his sins.

11 also means: over & with Israel.

5
130 A PILGRIM SONG: THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY AND CHILDHOOD
WEANING IS GROWTH IN FREEDOM AND STRENGTH

(A Song of Ascents)

1. O Lord, my heart is not haughty,

nor have my eyes become lofty,
nor do I go in for great matters,
nor for wonders beyond me.
2. If I am not humble-minded
but lift up my soul
like a weaned child against its mother,
how You will pay my soul back!
3. Let Israel hope for the Lord,
from now and forever.

131 A PILGRIM SONG: THE PROMISES OF GOD

THE GROWTH OF SAINTS IS THE FLOWERING OF HOLINESS

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Remember David, O Lord,

and all his meekness.12
2. How he swore to the Lord
and vowed to the God of Jacob:13
3. I will not enter my house,
or go under its roof,
or climb onto my bed.
4. I will give no sleep to my eyes,
no repose to my eyelids,
no rest to my temples,
5. until I find a place for the Lord,
a temple for the God of Jacob.
6. Behold, we heard it was in Ephratha,
we found it in the fields of the wood.
7. Let us enter His temples,
let us worship at the place where His feet have stood.
8. Arise, O Lord, into Your resting place,14
You and the ark of Your holiness.
9. Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness
and let Your saints rejoice.
10. For Your servant David’s sake,
do not turn away the face of Your Anointed One.15
11. The Lord swore a truth to David
and He will not annul it:
“One of your sons I will set on your throne.
12. If your sons will keep My covenant
and these testimonies which I will teach them,
12 3rd beatitude (Mt. 5:5). Freedom from anger.
13 2 Sam. 7.
14 Ps. 131:8-10 = 2 Chr. 6:41-42 LXX.
15 or Christ.

6
 then their sons forever will sit on your throne.
13. For the Lord has chosen Zion,
He has desired it as a dwelling for Himself.
14. This is My rest forever and ever;
here I will live, for I have desired it.
15. I will abundantly bless her provision.
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16. I will clothe her priests with salvation
and her saints will be shouting for joy.
17. There I will make the power16 of David grow.
I have prepared a lamp for My Christ.
18. His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on Him My holiness will blossom.”

132 A PILGRIM SONG: THE BLESSING OF UNITY

THE OIL AND DEW OF THE SPIRIT

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Behold, how good and how delightful it is

when brothers live together in unity!
2. It is like the oil of myrrh on the head,
which was running down on the beard,
on Aaron’s beard,
which was running down to the edge of his garment.
3. It is like the dew of Hermon
which descends on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord commanded the blessing:
life for all eternity.17

133 A PILGRIM SONG OF THE NIGHT

INTERCESSORS STANDING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(A Song of Ascents)

1. Behold, now bless the Lord,

all you servants18 of the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
2. In the nights, lift up your hands
to the Holy of Holies, and bless the Lord!
3. The Lord who made heaven and earth
bless you out of Zion!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

16 Lit., “horn”. Refers to Christ and the people of God.

17 Lit., “Life till ever”. 1 Jn. 5:11.
18 or “slaves”.

7
19 KATHISMA
STASIS I

134 CALL TO PRAISE THE DIVINE NAME AND NATURE

GOD’S VAST, UNCEASING ACTIVITY BESIDE INERT AND LIFELESS IDOLS

(Alleluia)

1. Praise the name of the Lord,

praise the Lord, you servants19 of His
2. who stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
3. Praise the Lord, because God is good,
sing psalms to His name, for it is beautiful.20
4. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His own possession.21
5. For I know that the Lord is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6. The Lord does whatever He chooses
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and in all the depths.
7. He brings up clouds from the end of the earth,
He makes lightnings for the rain,
He brings winds out of His treasuries.
8. He struck the firstborn of Egypt,
of man and beast alike.
9. He sent signs and wonders
in the midst of you, O Egypt,
on Pharaoh and all his slaves.
10. He struck many nations
and killed powerful kings:
11. Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, the king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan.
12. And He gave their land as an inheritance,
a possession for His people Israel.
13. O Lord, Your name is eternal
and Your memorial from generation to generation.
14. For the Lord will judge His people22
and He will be comforted by His servants.
15. The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the works of men’s hands.
16. They have mouths but will not talk,
they have eyes but will not see,
17. they have ears but will not hear,
for there is not a breath in their mouth.
18. Let those who make them become like them23
and all who trust in them.
19 or “slaves”.
20 the name = nature is beautiful (Jn. 17:26).
21 Cp. Ps. 134:12.
22 Ps. 134:14 = Dt. 32:36 LXX verbatim.
23 Ps. 134:18 = 113:16 verbatim.

8
19. O house of Israel, bless the Lord!
O house of Aaron, bless the Lord!
20. O house of Levi, bless the Lord!
You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!
21. Blessed is the Lord from Zion,24
who lives in Jerusalem.

135 SONG OF THANKSGIVING TO THE GOOD GOD: FOR RESPONSIVE CHANTING

THE CROWNING WONDER: THE BREAD OF LIFE

(Alleluia)

1. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,

for His mercy is eternal.
2. Give thanks to the God of gods,
for His mercy is eternal.
3. Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for His mercy is eternal.
4. To Him who alone does great wonders,
for His mercy is eternal.
5. To Him who made the heavens with understanding,
for His mercy is eternal.
6. To Him who poised the earth on the waters,
for His mercy is eternal.
7. To Him who alone made great lights,
for His mercy is eternal.
8. The sun for governing the day,
for His mercy is eternal.
9. The moon and the stars for governing the night,
for His mercy is eternal.
10. To Him who struck Egypt with their firstborn,
for His mercy is eternal.
11. And led out Israel from among them,
for His mercy is eternal.
12. With a strong hand and a high arm,
for His mercy is eternal.
13. To Him who divided the Red Sea into parts,
for His mercy is eternal.
14. And led Israel through the midst of it,
for His mercy is eternal.
15. But shook off Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for His mercy is eternal.
16. To Him who led His people in the wilderness,
for His mercy is eternal.
17. To Him who struck great kings,
for His mercy is eternal:
18. And killed strong kings,
for His mercy is eternal:
19. Sehon, king of the Amorites,
for His mercy is eternal.
20. And Og, king of Bashan,
for His mercy is eternal.

24 Jerusalem & Zion differ as city and citadel.

9
21. And gave their land as an inheritance,
for His mercy is eternal.
22. An inheritance for His servant Israel,
for His mercy is eternal.
23. For in our humiliation,25 the Lord remembered us
for His mercy is eternal.
24. And He delivered us from our enemies,
for His mercy is eternal.
25. Who gives food to all flesh,
for His mercy is eternal.
26. Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for His mercy is eternal.

136 SONG OF THE BABYLONIAN EXILE

THE UNSUNG SONG OF THE HEART

(For David, by Jeremiah)

1. By the rivers of Babylon,

there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2. On the willows in the midst of it
we hung up our instruments.
3. For there those who captured us asked us for songs
and those who led us away called for a tune:26
“Sing us some of the songs of Zion.”
4. How shall we sing the Lord’s song
in a foreign land?
5. If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
may my right hand be forgotten.
6. May my tongue stick to my throat
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem foremost,
as in the beginning of my happiness.
7. Remember, O Lord, the sons of Edom
on the day of Jerusalem’s fall, who said:
“Down with it, down with it to its foundations!”
8. O wretched daughter of Babylon!27
Blessed is he who repays you
for what you did to us.
Blessed is he who seizes your children28
and dashes them against the Rock.29

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

25 slavery in Egypt.
26 or “hymn”.
27 Re. 18:4-20.
28 Mt. 21:42-44.
29 1 Cor. 10:4.

10
STASIS II

137 THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR ANSWERING PRAYER

GREAT IS THE WORD, PROMISE, NAME, AND GLORY OF GOD

(A Psalm for David by Haggai & Zachariah)

1. I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart,

and before the angels I will sing praises to You,
for You hear all the words of my mouth.
2. I will worship towards Your holy temple
and I will confess Your name for Your mercy and truth,
for You have magnified Your holy name above every name.30
3. On the day when I call on You, answer me speedily,
You will strengthen me with Your power in my soul.
4. Let all the kings of the earth confess You, O Lord,
for they have heard all the words of Your mouth.
5. And let them sing among the songs of the Lord,
“Great is the glory of the Lord!”
6. For the Lord is high, yet He regards the humble;
but the high and haughty He knows from afar.
7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me.
Against the rage of my enemies You have stretched out Your hand,
and Your right hand has saved me.
8. The Lord will repay for me.
O Lord, your mercy is eternal!
Do not disregard the works of Your hands.

138 THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF MAN

YOUR RIGHT HAND WILL HOLD ME

(For the End. A Psalm for David by Zachariah in the Dispersion)

1. O Lord, You have tested me and You know me.

2. You know when I sit and when I rise,
You understand my thoughts from afar.
3. You have tracked out my path and my course31
and You have foreseen all my ways,
4. for there is no deceiving You with my tongue.
5. Behold, You, O Lord, know everything,
the last things and the ancient things.
You have created me and laid Your hand upon me.
6. Your knowledge is too wonderful for me;
I am powerless before it, I cannot attain to it.
7. Where shall I go from Your Spirit32
and where shall I escape from Your Presence?
8. If I go up to heaven, You are there;
if I go down to hell, You are present.
9. If I lift my wings and fly to the sunrise
and settle on the farthest shores of the sea,
10. even there Your hand will guide me
30 Cp. Phil. 2:9.
31 Ac. 13:25; 20:24.
32 Wisd. 1:7.

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 and Your right hand will hold me.
11. And I said, “Surely darkness will trample and hide me.”
But even night is light in my indulgence.
12. For darkness hides nothing from You,
and night is as light as day.
To You the darkness of night is like daylight.
13. You have controlled my strength33, O Lord;
You have helped me from my mother’s womb.
14. I will confess to You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
wonderful are Your works as my soul knows very well.
15. No bone of mine is hidden from You
though made in secret with my person
in the lowest parts of the earth.
16. Your eyes saw my unformed state,
and in Your book all men are written.
Day by day they are formed,
when as yet there are none of them.
17. But to me Your friends are very precious, O God;
very strong are their principles.
18. I will count them only to find
they are more numerous than the sand.
I wake up and I am still with You!
19. If only You would kill sinners, O God!
Be gone from me, you men of blood,
20. for you are wranglers in your thoughts.
They will take Your cities in vain.
21. Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord,
and do I not waste away over Your enemies?
22. With perfect hatred I hate them;
I counted them among my enemies.
23. Test me, O God, and know my heart,
examine me and know my paths.
24. And see if there is any wrong way in me,34
and guide me on the eternal way.

33 Lit., “reins, kidneys”.

34 Lit., “a way of lawlessness in me”.

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139 A PRAYER OF FAITH AND TRUST UNDER PERSECUTION
TROUBLE GIVES OCCASION FOR A SONG

(For the end. A Psalm by David)

1. Rescue me, O Lord, from an evil man;35

from an unjust man deliver me.
2. They plan wrongdoing in their heart,
and all day long they prepare for war.
3. They make their tongue as sharp as a serpent’s,
the venom of vipers is under their lips.
4. Guard me, O Lord, from the hand of a sinner;
deliver me from unjust men,
5. who plan to trip my steps.
6. The proud hide a trap for me
and stretch cords as traps for my feet;
they set stumbling-blocks for me across my path.
7. I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”
Give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my prayer.
8. O Lord God, power of my salvation,
You overshadow my head in the day of battle.
9. Do not give me up to a sinner,36
O Lord, on account of my desire.
10. They plot against me, do not leave me,
lest they should be exalted.
11. The head belongs to the one coiling around them;37
the work of their lips will cover them.38
12. Coals will fall on them,
You will cast them down in a fire,
in miseries they will not survive.
13. A talkative person will not prosper on the earth
evils will drive a wrongdoer to destruction.
14. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor
and the justice of the needy.
15. But the righteous will confess Your name,
and those who are straight will live in Your presence.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

STASIS III

140 EVENING PRAYER: MY EYES LOOK TO YOU

SET A WATCH TO MY MOUTH AND A DOOR AROUND MY LIPS

(A Psalm by David)

1. O Lord, I cry to You, hear me!

Attend to the voice of my prayer when I cry to You.

35 Mt. 13:28.
36 Ro. 1:24.
37 Ps. 11:8.
38 See Ps. 7:17.

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2. Let my prayer go straight to You like incense,
and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
3. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth,
and a door of enclosure and protection around my lips.
4. Do not incline my heart to evil words,
to make excuses for sins.
5. With men who practice lawlessness,
not even with their chosen ones will I be joined.
A just man will correct and rebuke me with mercy,
but may the oil of a sinner never anoint my head,
because again and again my prayer is against their pleasures.
6. Their judges and kings drown holding rocks:
they will hear my words, for they are sweet.
7. As a clod of earth is crushed on the ground,
our bones have been scattered beside the grave.
8. For my eyes look to You, O Lord;
O Lord, in You I trust, do not take away my life.
9. Keep me from the trap they have set for me
and from the snare of the evildoers.
10. Sinners will fall into their own net;
I am alone until I pass on.39

141 PRAYER TO JOIN THE EXULTANT THRONG OF SAINTS

BRING MY SOUL OUT OF PRISON TO PRAISE YOUR NAME

(A Psalm of understanding by David when he was in the cave. A prayer)

1. I cry to the Lord with my voice,

I pray with my voice to the Lord.
2. I will pour out before Him my prayer,
I will tell my trouble before Him.
3. When my spirit departs from me,
You know my paths.
4. In this way that I was going,
they hid a trap for me.
5. I look to the right hand and watch,
but there is no one who knows me.
Escape is cut off from me,
but there is no one seeking my life.
6. I cried to You, O Lord, and said,
“You are my hope,
You are my portion in the land of the living.”
7. Attend to my prayer,
for I have been brought very low.
Deliver me from those who are persecuting me,
because they are stronger than I am.
8. Bring my soul out of prison
that I may confess Your name,
The righteous are waiting for me
until You reward me.

39 Jn. 12:24; 13:1; 1 Cor. 5:7.

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142 I STRETCH OUT MY HANDS TO YOU: TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL
YOUR GOOD SPIRIT WILL GUIDE ME

(A Psalm by David when his son Absalom hunted him)

1. O Lord, listen40 to my prayer,

give ear to my need in Your truth.
Answer me in Your righteousness.41
2. And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,42
for in Your sight no one living is righteous.43
3. For the enemy has persecuted my soul,
he has humbled my life to the ground.
He has made me sit in darkness44
like the dead of long ago.
4. And my spirit desponded over me,
my heart within me was troubled.45
5. I remember the days of old,
I meditate on all Your works,
I meditate on the works of Your hands.
6. I stretch out my hands to You,
my soul like parched earth thirsts for You.
7. Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit grows faint.
Do not turn away Your face from me,
or I shall be like those who go down to the pit.
8. Let me hear Your mercy in the morning,
for on You I have set my hope.
Make known to me the way I should go, O Lord,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord,
for I come running to You.
10. Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God;
Your good Spirit will guide me in the straight land.46
11. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake.
In Your justice You will bring my soul out of trouble,
12. and in Your mercy You will put an end to my enemies
and destroy all who afflict my soul,
for I am Your slave.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

40 Gk. eisakouein = 1) listen, 2) answer.

41 1 Jn. 1:9.
42 or “slave”. Job 15:14-16; Ps. 13:1-3; 52:2-4; Ro. 3:10-12; 23-38.
43 Lit., “will be justified”.
44 Lam. 3:6 LXX, Gk. verbatim (these 2 lines only).
45 Jn. 14:1, 27.
46 Cp. Slav. Cp. Ps. 124:4-5 & 144:15; 145:8.

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20 KATHISMA
STASIS I

143 A NEW SONG OF PRAISE TO GOD

GOD, NOT AFFLUENCE, IS OUR HAPPINESS

(By David, Against Goliath)

1. Blessed is the Lord my God,

who trains my hands for battle
and my fingers for war:
2. my mercy and my refuge,
my helper and my deliverer,
my protector in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
3. O Lord, what is man that You are made known to him,
or a son of man that You think about him?
4. Man has become like vanity,
his days pass by like a shadow.47
5. O Lord, bow the heavens and come down,
touch the mountains and they will smoke.
6. Flash lightning and You will scatter them,48
shoot Your arrows and You will confuse them.49
7. Send Your hand from on high,
rescue me and deliver me from many waters,
from the hand of alien sons,50
8. whose mouth talks vanity
and whose right hand is a right hand of wrongdoing.
9. O God, I will sing to You a new song,
on a ten stringed harp I will sing praises to You,
10. to You who give salvation and victory to kings,
who delivered Your servant David from the evil sword.51
11. Deliver me and rescue me from the hand of alien sons,
whose mouth talks vanity
and whose right hand is a right hand of wrongdoing,
12. whose sons are like plants grown-up while young,
their daughters decorated and adorned
like a temple image.
13. Their barns are full to overflowing
with all manner of store.
Their sheep are prolific,
multiplying in their runs.
14. Their cattle are fat,
there is no fallen-down fence, no break-through,
no outcry in their streets.
15. They call people happy who have these things!
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.

47 Ja. 4:14.
48 them = enemies, demons.
49 Cp. Ps. 17:14.
50 Heb. 11:34.
51 Goliath’s, war in general.

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144 PRAISE OF THE KING MESSIAH AND HIS GLORIOUS KINGDOM
THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO PRAY

(Praise by David)

1. I will lift You on high, my God and my King,

and I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2. Every day I will bless You,
and I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised,
and of His greatness there is no limit.
4. Generation after generation will praise Your works
and they will declare Your power.
5. They will talk of the magnificence of the glory of Your holiness,
and they will declare your wonders.
6. And they will tell terrible52 tales of Your power
and will declare Your greatness.
7. They will spread the memory of Your great goodness
and will rejoice in Your justice and righteousness.
8. The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
most patient and most merciful.
9. The Lord is good and kind to all,
and His compassion is over all His works.
10. Let all Your works praise You, O Lord,
and let Your saints bless You.
11. They will tell of the glory of Your Kingdom,
and they will talk of Your power,
12. to make known Your power to the sons of men,
and the glory of the magnificence of Your Kingdom.
13. Your Kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages,
and Your sovereign rule is in all generations.
14. The Lord is faithful in all His words
and holy in all His works.
15. The Lord upholds all who are falling
and He straightens all who are bent down.
16. The eyes of all look hopefully to You
and You give them their food in due season.
17. You open Your hand and fill
every living thing with delight and goodwill.
18. The Lord is just in all His ways
and holy in all His works.
19. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
to all who call on Him in truth.
20. He will do the will of those who fear Him,
and He will hear their prayer and He will save them.
21. The Lord guards all who love Him,
but all the sinners He will destroy.
22. My mouth will tell the praise of the Lord,
and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

52 Ps. 105:22.

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STASIS II

145 LIFE IS PRAISE

THE LORD STRAIGHTENS THE BENT AND CROOKED

(Alleluia! A Psalm of Haggai and Zachariah)

1. Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2. I will praise the Lord all my life,
I will sing psalms to my God as long as I live.
3. Do not trust in rulers, in the sons of men,
in whom there is no salvation.
4. Man’s spirit goes out and he returns to his earth;
on that day all his thoughts and projects perish.
5. Blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God.
6. Who made heaven and earth,53
the sea and all the things in them,
who keeps His promise forever,
7. Who does justice for those who are wronged,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord releases prisoners.
8. The Lord makes wise the blind,
the Lord straightens those who are bent down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
9. The Lord guards the converts,54
He supports the orphan and the widow,
but the way of sinners He will destroy.
10. The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, from generation to generation.

146 BUILDER OF THE CITY AND GATHERER OF HIS SCATTERED CHILDREN

GOD DELIGHTS IN THE LOVE OF THOSE WHO TRUST AND OBEY HIM

(Alleluia! A Psalm of Haggai and Zachariah)

1. Praise the Lord, for singing psalms is good;

may our praise delight our God.
2. The Lord is building Jerusalem,
and He will gather the dispersed of Israel.55
3. He heals those who are brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4. He counts the multitudes of the stars,
and He calls them all by their names.
5. Great is our Lord and great is His strength,
and His understanding is beyond all telling56.
6. The Lord lifts up the meek,
but He humbles sinners to the ground.
7. Begin with confession to the Lord,

53 Cp. 146:8.
54 Ps. 93:6.
55 Jn. 7:35.
56 tell = count, i.e., telling by beads.

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 sing with a harp to our God,
8. Who clothes the sky with clouds,
who prepares rain for the earth,
who makes grass spring up on the mountains57
and vegetation for the service of men,
9. Who gives their food to the animals
and to the young ravens that call upon Him.
10. He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse,58
nor delights in a person’s legs.
11. The Lord delights in those who fear Him
and in all who hope for His mercy.

147 GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE FOR HIS PEOPLE

HE REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH ISRAEL

(Alleluia! A Psalm of Haggai and Zachariah)

1. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!
2. For He has strengthened the bars of your gates,
He has blessed your children within you.
3. He makes peace in your borders
and fills you with the best of wheat.
4. He sends His command to the earth,
His word runs very swiftly.
5. He gives snow like wool,
He sprinkles frost like ashes.
6. He hurls His hail like crumbs;
who will stand against His cold?
7. He sends His word and melts ice and snow;
He blows His wind and the waters flow.
8. He makes known His word to Jacob,
His requirements and judgments to Israel.59
9. He has not dealt like this with every nation,60
and He has not made His judgments clear to them.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

57 Ps. 103:14.
58 Ec. 12:1.
59 Cp. Ps. 118:5.
60 Israel was not one of the “nations”. Num. 23:9; Ex. 33:16 LXX.

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STASIS III

148 COSMIC CHORUS OF PRAISE

NATURAL LAW IS GOD’S IRON ROD

(Alleluia! A Psalm of Haggai and Zachariah)

1. Praise the Lord from the heavens,

praise Him in the highest61,
2. Praise Him, all you angels of His,
praise Him all His hosts.
3. Praise Him, sun and moon,
praise Him, all you stars and light.
4. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens
and you water that is above the heavens.
5. Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for He spoke and they were born,
He commanded and they were created.
6. He has fixed them forever and ever.
He has made a law and it will not be bypassed.
7. Praise the Lord from the earth,
you dragons and all depths,62
8. fire, hail, snow, ice,
the storm wind, all obeying His word,
9. all you mountains and hills,
all you fruit trees and cedars,
10. you wild beasts and all cattle,
reptiles and winged birds,
11. you kings of the earth and all peoples,
all you rulers and judges of the earth;
12. young men and virgins,
old men and children,
13. let them praise the name of the Lord,
for His name only is exalted;
His praise63 is above heaven and earth.
14. And He will exalt the power64 of His people.
This is a song for all His saints,
for the children of Israel,
for people drawing near to Him.65

61 or “heights”.
62 depths of hell, darkness, sea, etc.
63 or “confession”.
64 Lit., “horn”.
65 Ja. 4:8.

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149 TRIUMPHAL SONG OF THE REDEEMED
WEAPONS OF WORLD CONQUEST: PRAYER AND PRAISE

(Alleluia)

1. Sing to the Lord a new song!

Let His praise be sung in the church of the saints.
2. Let Israel rejoice in Him who made him,
and let the children of Zion exult in their King.
3. Let them praise His name with dancing,
let them sing to Him with drum and harp.
4. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people
and will exalt the meek with His salvation.
5. The saints will exult in glory,
and they will rejoice on their beds.
6. The high praises of God will be in their throat
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7. to pass judgment on the nations
and give rebukes among the peoples,
8. to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9. to pass judgment on them as God has written.
This glory will be for all His saints.

150 CROWNING OUTBURST OF PRAISE

LAST CALL TO PRAISE GOD WITH EVERY BREATH

(Alleluia)

1. Praise God in His saints,

praise Him in the expanse of His power.
2. Praise Him for His mighty acts,
praise Him for His infinite greatness.
3. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet,
praise Him with psaltery and harp.
4. Praise Him with drum and dancing,
praise Him with strings and bells.
5. Praise Him with well-tuned cymbals,
praise Him with cymbals of victory!
6. Let every breath praise the Lord!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and for ages of ages. Amen.

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151 THIS PSALM IS NEVER READ IN CHURCH

(This Psalm in his own handwriting was written by David when he fought in single combat with Goliath)

1. I was the smallest of my brothers,

and the youngest in my father’s house;
I tended my father’s sheep.
2. My hands made a musical instrument,
and my fingers played a psaltery.
3. But who will tell my Lord?
My Lord Himself hears.
4. He sent His angel
and took me from my father’s sheep
and anointed me with the oil of His unction.
5. My brothers were tall and handsome,
but the Lord took no delight in them.
6. I went out to meet the Philistine,
and he cursed me by his idols.
7. But I drew his own sword and beheaded him,
and removed reproach from the sons of Israel.