A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: 

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 

A book of the lineage of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. 

Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the Father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. 

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Pharas begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rahab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; 

Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren, and Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar, and Phares begat Esrom, and Esrom begat Aram, and Aram begat Aminadab, and Aminadab begat Naasson, and Naasson begat Salmon, and Salmon begat Boes of Rachab, and Boes begat Obed of Ruth, and Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David the King.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

and David the king begat Soloman of her that had been the wife of Urias; and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joraml and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon and Amon begat Josias; And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

And David begat Solomon of her who had been the wife of Urias, and Solomon begat Roboam, and Roboam begat Abia, and Abia begat Asaph, and Asaph begat Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begat Joram, and Joram begat Ozias, and Ozias begat Joatham, and Joatham begat Achaz, and Achaz begat Ezekias, and Ezekias begat Manasses, and Manasses begat Amon, and Amon begat Josias, and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren in the time of the deportation to Babylon.

After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

And after the deportation to Babylon Jechonias begat Salathiel, and Salathiel begat Zorobabel, and Zorobabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor, and Azor begat Sadok, and Sadok begat Achim, and Achim begat Eliud, and Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary out from whom [feminine relative pronoun, singular number, referring to Mary only] was born Jesus, He who is called Christ.

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 

Therefore all the successive members of the genealogy from Abraham until David are fourteen members, and from David until the deportation to Babylon, fourteen members, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ, fourteen members. 

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus. After His mother Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together as husband and wife, she was found to be pregnant, the source of that pregnancy being the Holy Spirit. However, Joseph, her husband, being a conscientious, law-abiding man and yet not proposing to make her a public example, after mature consideration desired to dismiss her secretly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

And after he had turned these things over in his mind, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to join to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which was begotten in her is as to its source from the Holy Spirit. And she shall give birth to a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He himself will save His people from their sins.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, God with us. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Now all this was done, that is might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Now, all this has taken place in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and she shall give birth to a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel (which being interpreted is, With us is God). And Joseph, having awakened from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. And he took to himself his wife, and lived in absolute continence with her until she gave birth to a son. And he called His name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, for this is what the prophet has written: ’But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ 

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, ‘And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.’

Now, Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Jedaea in the days of Herod, the king, behold, learned men from the eastern regions, the lands of the sun-rising, made their way to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he who was born king of the Jews? for we saw his star at its rising, and we came to pay homage to him, And the king, Herod, having heard, was stirred up and irritated, and all Jerusalem with him; and gathering together all the chief priests of the people and the men of the people learned in the sacred scriptures, he went to inquiring of them where the Christ should be born. And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea, for thus it has been written through the prophet and is on record: ‘And, as for you, Bethlehem, land of Judaea, by no means are you least among the leaders of Judaea, for out from you shall come one who governs, such a one as will shepherd my people Israel.’ 

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrhh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Then Herod, having called the learned men secretly, ascertained accurately from them the length of time since the star’s appearance, and sending them to Bethlehem he said, Having proceeded on your way, conduct an exhaustive and accurate investigation concerning the child, and after you discover that for which you are seeking, bring back the news to me in order that I also, having come, may render homage to him. And having heard the king, they proceeded on their way. And behold, the star which they saw in its rising kept on going before them until, having come, it stood above where the young child was. And having seen the star, they rejoiced with great joy, exceedingly. And having come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and having fallen down, they prostrated themselves in homage before Him. And having opened their treasure-chests, they brought to Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and Myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, by another road they went back to their country.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up, he said, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him. So he got up, took the child and his mother in the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: Out of Egypt I called my son.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Now, after they had returned, behold, an angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph, saying, Having arisen, take at once under your care the young child and His mother and be fleeing into Egypt, and be there until I tell you. For Herod is about to be seeking the young child to destroy Him. And having arisen, he took the young child and His mother under his care by night and withdrew to Egypt. And he was there until the death of Herod, in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt I called my Son.

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Then Herod, having seen that he was deceived by the learned me, became greatly incensed, and having sent off those appointed to fulfill his wishes, he put out of the way all the male children, those in Bethlehem and in all its surrounding territory from two years and under, according to the time which he carefully ascertained from the learned men. Then there was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great wailing; Rachel weeping audibly for her children; and she desired not to be comforted, because they are not. 

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, Get up, 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. So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: He will be called a Nazarene.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

But Herod having died, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Having arisen, take the young child and His mother under your care and be proceeding into the land of Israel, for those who seek the life of the young child have died. And having arisen, he took the young child and His mother under his care and went to the land of Israel. However, having heard that Archelaus was reigning as king in Judaea instead of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew into the regions of Galilee. And having come, he established his home in a city called Nazareth, in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through the prophets, A Nazarene shall He be called.

In those days, John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness in Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Now, in those days there makes his public appearance John the Baptizer, making a public proclamation with that formality, gravity, and authority which must be listened to and obeyed, in the uninhabited region of Judaea, saying, Be having a change of mind which issues in regret and a change of conduct, for there has come near and is imminent the kingdom of heaven. For this man is He who was spoken of through Isaiah, the prophet, saying, A voice of One shouting in the uninhabited region, make ready at once the Lord’s road. Be making straight and level His paths.

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region around the Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham to our father’: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Now, John himself was in the habit of wearing his outer garments made from camel’s hair, and a leather belt around his loins. And his diet was composed of locusts and wild honey. Then there proceeded out to him in a steady stream, Jerusalem and all Judaea and all the surrounding country about the Jordan. And they were being immersed in the Jordan river by him while making a public confession of their sins. But, having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who gave you a private, confidential hint that you should be fleeing from the wrath about to break at any moment? Produce therefore fruit weighing as much as the repentance you profess. And do not think to be saying within yourselves, ‘A father have we, Abraham’; for I am saying to you that God is able out of these stones as a source material to raise up children to Abraham.

The ax is already at the foot of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I , whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

And already the axe has been placed at the root of the trees and lies there ready for use. Therefore, every tree which is not producing fruit which is good is being cut out and is being thrown into fire. As for myself, I indeed immerse you in water because of repentance. But He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He himself will baptize you in the sphere of and by means of the Holy Spirit and fire, whose winnowing fork is in His hand. And He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor and will gather His wheat into the granary. But the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? Jesus replied, Let it be so now, it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice came from heaven and said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and have comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Then comes Jesus from Galilee up to the Jordan to John for the purpose of being immersed by him. But he kept on trying to hinder Him, saying, As for myself, I have need by you to be immersed, and as for you, are you coming to me? But answering, Jesus said to him, Permit it at this time, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he acceded to His wishes. And Jesus, having been immersed, immediately went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw God’s Spirit descending in a form like that of a dove coming upon Him. And behold, a voice out of heaven. saying, This is my Son, the beloved One, in whom I take pleasure.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.

Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Then Jesus was led up into the uninhabited region for the purpose of being put to the test by the devil, that test being in the form of a solicitation to do evil. And having fasted forty days and forty nights, after this He became hungry. And having come, facing Him, he who puts to the test by his solicitation to do evil said to Him, In view of the fact that you are the Son of God by virtue of your participation in the divine essence of deity, speak, to the end that these stones become loaves of bread.

Jesus answered, It is written, ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

But he answered and said, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’

But answering He said, It has been written and is at present on record, ‘Not upon the basis of bread only shall the individual live, but upon every word proceeding out of God’s mouth.’

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, ‘He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’

Then the devil takes Him with himself into the city set apart for the worship and service of God, and he caused Him to stand upon the wing of the temple, and says to Him, Since you are the Son of God by virtue of your participation in the divine essence of deity, hurl yourself down, for it has been written and at present is on record, ‘To His angels He will give a charge concerning you, and upon their hands they will take you up lest at any time you strike your foot against a stone.’

Jesus answered him, It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’

Jesus said to him, On the other hand, It has been written and at present is on the record, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to an all-out test.’

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give to you, he said, if you will bow down and worship me.

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Again the devil takes Him with himself into a mountain, exceedingly lofty, and he shows to Him all the kingdoms of the world system and their glory. And he said to Him, These things, to you, all of them, I will give, if having fallen down upon your knees and having touched the ground with your forehead in an expression of profound reverence, you would prostrate yourself in worship before me.

Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’ Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Then Jesus says to him, Be gone, and keep on going Satan, for it has been written and at present is on record, ‘The Lord your God you shall worship, and to Him only you shall render sacred service.’ Then the devil leaves Him, and behold, angels came and went to ministering to Him.

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali- to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. From that time on Jesus began to preach, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

Now, Jesus having heard that John was delivered up to prison, withdrew into Galilee. And having abandoned Nazareth, having come, He established His permanent home in Capernaum which is beside the sea in the regions of Zabulon and Nephthalim, in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, road of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people sitting in darkness saw great light, and with reference to those sitting in the region and shadow of death, light arose to them. From that time on, Jesus began to be making a public proclamation as a herald with that formality, gravity, and authority as must be listened to and obeyed, and to be saying, Be repenting, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near and is imminent. 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending the nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

And walking about along the shore of the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, the one commonly called Peter, and Andrew his brother, throwing a casting-net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He says to them, Come here; after me; and I will make you fishers of men. And they immediately let go the nets and joined Him as His disciples. And having gone on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, getting their nets ready for use. And He called them. And immediately leaving the boat and their father, they joined Him as His disciples.

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

And He was going around in the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and making a public proclamation of the good news regarding the kingdom, and healing all chronic and serious disease and all occasional illness among the people. And the report concerning Him went off into the whole of Syria. And they brought to Him all those who were in a miserable condition physically, suffering with various kinds of chronic and serious ailments and acute pains, and those who were demonized and epileptic and paralytic, and He healed them. And there followed with Him great multitudes from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judaea and beyond the Jordan.

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

And having seen the multitudes, He went up into the mountain. And when He had seated Himself, His pupils came to Him. And having opened His mouth He went to teaching them, saying, Spiritually prosperous are the destitute and helpless in the realm of the spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually prosperous are those who are mourning, because they themselves shall be encouraged and strengthened by consolation. Spiritually prosperous are those who are meek, because they themselves shall inherit the earth. Spiritually prosperous are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they themselves shall be filled so as to be completely satisfied. Spiritually prosperous are those who are merciful, because they themselves shall be the objects of mercy. Spiritually prosperous are those who are pure in the sphere of the heart, because they themselves shall see God. Spiritually prosperous are those who make peace, because they themselves shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Spiritually prosperous are those who have been persecuted on account of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually prosperous are you whenever they shall revile you and persecute you and say every pernicious thing against you, speaking deliberate falsehoods on account of me. Be rejoicing and exult exceedingly, because your reward is great in heaven. For in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

As for you, you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its pungency, by what means can its saltiness be restored? For not even one thing is it of use any longer, except, having been thrown out, to be trampled under foot by men. As for you, you are the light of the world. A city is not able to be hidden, situated on top of a mountain. Neither do they light a lamp and place it under the bushel but upon the lamp stand, and it gives light to all those who are in the house. In the same manner let your light shine before men in order that they may see your good works and in order that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For, verily I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Do not begin to suppose that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly I am saying to you, until the heaven and the earth pass away, not one smallest letter nor smallest letter-marking shall pass away from the law until all comes to pass. Whoever therefore shall deprive of authority one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever shall do and teach them, this man shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I am saying to you, unless your righteousness excels that of the men learned in the sacred scriptures and that of the Pharisees, not in any case will you enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder’, and ‘anyone who murders will be subject to judgement’. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement, Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’, is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not kill’; and ‘whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement’. But I say unto you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement; and whosoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca’, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, ‘Thou fool’, shall be in danger of hell fire.

You heard that it was said by those of a previous time, ‘You shall not commit murder’, and ‘whoever commits murder shall be subject to the judgement’. But, as for myself, I am saying to you that everyone who is provoked to anger against his brother shall be subject to the judgement. Moreover, whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’, that is, ‘you senseless empty-head’, shall be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever shall say, More, that is, ‘you imprudent man without forethought or wisdom’, shall be liable to the hell of fire.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar of whole burnt-offerings and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave there your gift before the altar of whole burnt-offerings and be going away First be reconciled to your brother, and then, having come, be offering your gift. Be friendly and well-disposed to your opponent in a suit at law, quickly while you are with him in the road, lest at any time the opponent deliver you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and into prison you are thrown. Assuredly, I am saying to you, you will not in any case come out from there until you have paid off the last farthing.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery’. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that they whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

You heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’. But as for myself, I am saying to you, Everyone who is looking at a woman in order to indulge his sexual passion for her, already committed adultery with her in his heart. So then, if your eye, the right one, causes you to stumble, root it out and throw it from you, for it is to your profit that one of your members perish and not that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it and throw it from you, for it is to your profit that one of your members perish and that not your whole body go off into hell.

It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery. 

It has been said, ‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement’: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. 

Moreover, it was said, ‘Whoever dismisses his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce.‘ But, as for myself, I am saying to you, Everyone who dismisses his wife except in a case of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries her who has been dismissed, commits adultery. 

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all; either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths’: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, ‘Yea’, ‘yea’; ‘Nay’, ‘nay’: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Again, you heard that it was said by those of a previous time, ‘You shall not perjure yourself but you shall discharge your oaths with reference to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not put yourself under oath at all, neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet, neither by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. Neither put yourself under oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black, but let your word be, ‘Yes’, ‘‘Yes’, ‘No’, ‘No’; and that which is more than these things is of the evil which is in active opposition to the good.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

You heard that it was said, ‘An eye in substitution for an eye, a tooth in substitution for a tooth.’ But as for myself, I am saying to you, Do not set yourself against the evil which is in active opposition to the good, but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him also the other. And to the one who desires to summon you to be put on trial and have judgement passed upon you for the purpose of taking away your under-garment, yield up your outer-garment also. And whoever commandeers your services as a courier for a mile, be going off with him two miles. To the one asking you for something, give, and from the one who desires to borrow money from you at interest, do not turn away.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

You heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your friend and hate the one who is hostile to you, hates you, and opposes you.’ But, as for myself, I am saying to you, be loving with a divine, self-sacrificial love those who are hostile to you and hat and oppose you, and be praying for those who are persecuting you, in order that you may become sons of your Father in heaven, because His sun He causes to shine on those who are actively opposed to that which is good and upon those who are good, and causes it to rain on those who are fair and equitable in their dealings with others and on those who are not.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than the others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

For if you are loving those who are loving you, what reward are you having? Are not even the collectors of taxes doing the same? And if you greet with deference and respect your brethren only, what more are you doing? Are not even the pagan Gentiles doing the same? Therefore, as for you, you shall be those who are complete in your character, even as your Father in heaven is complete in His being.

Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men, I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Moreover, be holding your mind on the matter of not practicing your correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting before men in order to be attentively viewed by them as a spectacular performer. Otherwise, a reward you do not have in the presence of your Father in heaven. Therefore, whenever you are practicing the virtues of mercy or beneficence, do not sound a trumpet before you as the actors on the stage of life do in the synagogues and in the streets in order that they may be held in honor by men. Assuredly, I am saying to you, they have their reward and the receipt for the same in full. But while you are practicing the virtues of mercy or beneficence, do not allow your left hand to know what your right hand is doing, in order that your mercy or beneficence may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

And whenever you are praying you shall not be as the actors on the stage of life, because they are fond of praying in the synagogues and while standing at the corners of avenues in order that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I am saying to you, They have their reward and the receipt for the same in full. But, as for you, whenever you are praying, enter into your secret and well-guarded place, and having closed your door, pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Moreover, when praying, do not repeat the same thing over and over as the pagans do, for their think that they will be heard because of their multiplicity of words. Therefore, do not be like them, for your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him for them.

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

After this manner therefore pray ye: ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.’

Therefore, as for you, in this manner be praying: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, let your Name be venerated, let your kingdom come, let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Our bread, that for the coming day, give us today. And forgive us the moral obligations we owe, even as also, as for us, we have forgiven those morally obligated to us. And do not lead us into the place of testing where a solicitation to do evil would tempt us to sin, but deliver us from the Pernicious One.’

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

For, if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Moreover, whenever you are fasting, stop being like the actors on the stage of life, of a sad and gloomy countenance, for they mask their faces in order that they may appear to men as those who are fasting. Assuredly, I am saying to you, they have their reward and the receipt for the same in full. But as for you, when fasting, massage your head with olive oil and wash your face, in order that you may not appear to men to be fasting but to your Father who observes in the sphere of the secret, and your Father who observes in the sphere of the secret will reward you.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Stop accumulating treasures upon the earth for yourselves, where the clothes-moth and corrosion destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But be accumulating treasures in heaven where neither a clothes-moth nor corrosion destroys and where thieves do not break in nor steal, for where your treasure is, there will also be your heart.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye be in single focus, pure, sound, your whole body will be well lighted. But if your eye be diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light which is in you is darkness, the darkness, how great.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

No one is able to be habitually serving two masters, for either he will hate the one and the other one of a different kind he will love, or one he will hold to firmly as against the other, and the other one of a different kind he will disdain. You are not able to be rendering a slave’s obedience to God and to a passion for accumulating wealth.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns: yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

On this account I am saying to you, Stop worrying about your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, and about your body, with what you will clothe yourself. Is not the life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the heaven. They are not sowing seed, nor reaping, nor even are they collecting into granaries. And yet your heavenly Father is feeding them. As for you, do you not surpass them? Moreover, who is there of you who by worrying is able to put to his stature eighteen inches?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?' Or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all of these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

And concerning clothing, why are you worrying? Consider well the lilies of the field, and learn thoroughly in what way they grow. They are not laboring to the point of exhaustion nor even are they spinning. But I am saying to you, Not even Solomon in all of his glory clothed himself as one of these. And in view of the fact that herbage of the field, which is in existence today and tomorrow is thrown into a furnace, God thus clothes, will He not the sooner clothe you, you of little faith? Therefore stop worrying, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ Or, ‘What shall we drink?' Or, ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the pagan Gentiles are diligently seeking. For your heavenly Father knows that you are in constant need of all these things. But be seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, and these things, all of them, shall be added to you. Therefore, do not begin to worry about tomorrow, for the next day will take care of its own interests. Sufficient to the day is its trouble.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Of how wilt thou say to thy brother, ‘Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye’; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Stop pronouncing censorious criticism, in order that you may not be the object of censorious criticism, for with that judgement by which you are judging, you will be judged, and with that standard of judgement with which you are judging, by that standard will judgement be passed on you. And why do you contemplate the splinter of wood in the eye of your brother and do not put your mind upon the log in your own eye? Or, how is it that you will say to your brother, ‘Permit me to draw out the splinter from your eye’, and, behold, the log is in your eye? O actor on the stage of life, draw out first from your eye the log, and then you will see clearly to draw out the splinter from the eye of your brother.

Do not give to dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the hogs lest perchance they trample them under their feet and having turned, lacerate you.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh findeth: and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Keep on asking for something to be given and it shall be given you. Keep on seeking, and you shall find. Keep on reverently knocking, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking for something to be given, keeps on receiving. And he who keeps on seeking, keeps on finding. And to him who keeps on reverently knocking, it shall be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 

Or, who is there of you, a man, who should his son ask for a loaf of bread; he will not give him a stone, will he? Or, should he also ask for a fish; he will not give him a snake, will he? Therefore, as for you, in view of the fact that though being those who are evil, actively opposed to that which is good, you know how to be constantly giving good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him for them? Therefore, all things whatever you may be desiring men to be doing to you, in the same manner also, as for you, you be doing to them, for this is the law and the prophets.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Enter through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road, the one that leads away to ruin and everlasting misery. And many there are who are constantly entering through it. Because narrow is the gate and compressed is the road, the one which leads away into the life, and few there are who are finding it.

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them, Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Constantly be guarding yourself against the false prophets, men who are of such a character as to be coming to you with sheep-like outward expressions, but in their inner being they are rapacious wolves. By their fruits you will clearly recognize them. They do not gather up grapes from bramble bushes or figs from a prickly wild plant, the thistle, do they? In the same manner every intrinsically good tree produces beautiful fruits, but a rotten tree produces fruits which are rotten to the core. An intrinsically good tree is not able to produce rotten fruits, neither is a rotten tree able to produce beautiful fruit. Every tree which is not producing beautiful fruit is customarily cut out and is thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruits you will know them.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?' And then I will profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.’

Not everyone who keeps on saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who keeps on doing that which my Father who is in heaven has determined shall be done. Many shall say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not in your Name prophesy, and in your Name cast out demons, and in your Name perform many miracles which demonstrated the power of God?’ And then I will declare in a public announcement to them, ‘I never came to know you experientially. Be going away from me, you who are working the lawlessness.’

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Therefore, everyone who is of such a character as to be habitually hearing these words of mine and habitually doing them, shall be likened to an intelligent man who is of such a nature that he built his house upon the rocky cliff. And the violent rainstorm came down and the torrents came, and the winds blew and rushed upon and beat against that house, and it did not fall, for it had been built upon the rocky cliff as its foundation and was firmly established upon it. And everyone who is hearing these words of mine and is not habitually doing them shall be likened to an imprudent man without forethought or wisdom who was of such a character that he built his house upon the sandy ground. And the violent rainstorm came down and the torrents came, and the winds blew and rushed upon and beat against that house, and it fell, and its downfall was great.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

And it came to pass that when Jesus brought these words to a close, the crowds were struck with astonishment to the point of the loss of self-control by His teaching, for He was teaching them in the manner of one who possesses authority, and not in the manner of their men leaned in the sacred writings.

When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing, he said. Be clean! Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed behind him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

And having come down from the mountain, great crowds followed with Him. And behold, a leper having come fell upon his knees and touched the ground with his forehead in an expression of profound reverence before Him, saying, Master, in the event that you may be having a heartfelt desire, you are able to cleanse me. And having stretched out His hand He touched him saying, I am desiring it from all my heart. Be cleansed at once. And immediately his leprosy was cured by being cleansed away. And Jesus says to him, See to it, do not tell even one person, but be going away, show yourself at once as evidence to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses enjoined, as a testimony to them.

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. Lord, he said, my servant lies at home paralysed and in terrible suffering. Jesus said, I will go and heal him. The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go! It will be done just as you have believed it would. And his servant was healed at that very hour.

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he cometh; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed. Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

And having entered Capernaum, there came to Him the commander of a hundred soldiers, pleading with Him and saying, Sir, my servant is bedridden at my home, a paralytic, being constantly tormented, terribly. He says to him, I, having come, will heal him. But the commander of a hundred soldiers answering said, Sir, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only speak a word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, yet having under myself soldiers, and I say to this one, ‘Be proceeding,’ and he proceeds, and to another, ‘Be coming,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this at once,’ and he does it. Now, Jesus having heard, marvelled and said to those who were following with Him, Assuredly, I am saying to you, In the case of not even one person did I find such great faith in Israel. Moreover I am saying to you, Many from the east and from the west shall come and recline at the banqueting table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom shall be thrown into the darkness, that darkness which is outside of the King’s banqueting house. There, in that place, there shall be the audible weeping and lamentation and the gnashing of the teeth. And Jesus said to the commander of a hundred soldiers, Be going on your way. In the manner in which you believed, let it become to you. And the servant was healed in that hour.

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.

And when Jesus was come in to Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

And having come into Peter’s home, Jesus saw Peter’s mother-in-law bedridden and burning with a fever. And He touched her hand and the fever left her. And she arose and went to serving Him a meal. Now, evening having come, they brought to Him many who were possessed with demons. And He ejected the spirits by a word. And all those who were ill He healed, in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet saying, He himself took away our infirmities and carried off our diseases.

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus replied, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. Another disciple said to him, Lord, first let me go and bury my father. But Jesus told him, Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Now, Jesus having seen a crowd around Him, gave orders to go off to the other side. And having approached, one of those men learned in the sacred scriptures said to Him, Teacher, I will follow with you as a disciple wherever you may be departing. And Jesus says to him, the foxes always have burrows and the birds of heaven always have roosting places, but the Son of Man does not have where to recline His head. And another of His pupils said to Him, Master, permit me first to go off and bury my father. But Jesus says to him, Start following with me as my disciple and continue to do so as a habit of life, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

And after He had gone on board the boat, His disciples accompanied Him. And behold, a great storm arose in the sea, an earthquake of the sea, its waters stirred to their depths, so that the boat was so covered with the waves that it was hidden. But He himself was sleeping. And having come to Him, they aroused Him from His sleep, saying, Lord, save us at once, we are perishing. And He says to them, Why are you such timid ones, men of little faith? Then having arisen, He rebuked the winds and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of exotic man is this that even the winds and the sea are obedient to him?

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way, What do you want with us, Son of God? they shouted. Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time? Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs. He said to them, Go! So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

And when he was come to the other side into he country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

And when He had come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce and savage, so that a person is not strong enough and thus able to pass by along that road. And behold, they called aloud saying, What bond of fellowship is there between us and you, O Son of God? Did you come to this place to torment us before the appointed time? Now, there was at a distance from them a herd of many hogs feeding. And the demons went to begging Him, saying, Since you are ejecting us, send us off into the herd of hogs. And He said to them, Be gone, and keep on going. And they, having come out, went off into the hogs. And behold, the entire herd started forward impetuously down the precipice into the sea. And they died in the waters. And those grazing them fled, and having gone into the city they reported all things and the things concerning those possessed with demons. And behold, the entire city went out to meet Jesus, and having seen Him, they begged Him to get out of their boundaries.

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And having gone on board the boat, He crossed over and entered His own city. And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralytic lying prostrate on a couch. And having seen their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, Courage, child, and continue to be courageous; your sins are being forgiven.

At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, This fellow is blaspheming! Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… Then he said to the paralytic, Get up, take your mat and go home. And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee’; or to say, ‘Arise, and walk’? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

And behold, certain of those men learned in the sacred scriptures said in themselves, This fellow is guilty of impious and reproachful speech injurious to the divine majesty of deity. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Why are you thinking pernicious things in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are being forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Be arising and start walking and keep on walking’? But in order that you may know that the Son of Man possesses authority on the earth to be forgiving sins - then He says to the paralytic, Be arising. Pick up and carry away your couch, and be going off into your home. And having arisen, he went off to his home. And the crowds having seen, became afraid and glorified God who gave authority such as this to men.

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. Follow me, he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

And passing along from there, Jesus saw a man seated at his desk in the custom’s office, a collector of export and import duties, called Matthew. And He says to him, Start following with me as my disciple and consider it a permanent appointment. And having arisen, he followed with Him as His disciple.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? On hearing this, Jesus said, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice’: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And it came to pass that He was reclining at the dinner table in the house. And behold, many tax collectors and other sinners stained with certain vices or crimes having come, were feasting together with Jesus and His disciples. And having seen this, the Pharisees were saying to His disciples, For what reason with the tax collectors and men stained with such vices and crimes is your teacher eating? And having heard this, He said, No need do those have who are in sound health, of a doctor, but those who are ill; having gone on your way, learn what is meant, ‘Mercy I am desiring, and not a sacrifice offered on an altar.' For I did not come to call men righteous in character but those who are sinners by nature.

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? Jesus answered, How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they shall fast.

Then there come to Him the disciples of John, saying, As for us, what is the reason why we and the Pharisees are observing fasts, but your disciples are not doing so? And Jesus said to them, The sons of the nuptials, companions of the bridegroom, are not able to be mourning while the bridegroom is with them, are they? But days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

No man putteth a piece of a new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Moreover, no one puts a patch made of cloth which has not been pre-treated upon a worn out garment, for the patch which it fills tears away from the garment, and the rent becomes worse. Neither do they put just-made wine into worn-out wineskins. Otherwise, the wineskins burst and the wine is poured out and the wineskins are ruined. But they put just-made wine into wineskins new in quality, and both are preserved from perishing.

While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, My daughter has just died. But come and put your hands on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

While He was saying these things to them, behold, there came one, a ruler, and fell upon his knees and touched the ground with his forehead in an expression of profound reverence before Him, saying, My daughter just now died. But, having come, lay your hand upon her, and she shall live.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Jesus turned and saw her. Take heart daughter, he said, your faith has healed you. And the woman was healed from that moment.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

And having arisen, Jesus followed with him, also His disciples. And behold, a woman suffering with a flow of blood twelve years, having come behind Him, touched the fringe of His outer garment, for she was saying within herself, If I only touch his garment, I shall be made whole. And Jesus, having turned around and having seen her, said, Cheerful courage, daughter, be having it constantly. Your faith has saved you and the cure is permanent. No relapse into your former condition. And the woman was restored to healthy from that hour.

When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, Go away, The girl is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region.

And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

And Jesus, having come into the house of the ruler, and having seen the flute-players and the crowd wailing tumultuously, kept on saying, Be clearing out of here so as to make room, for the little girl did not die but is sleeping. And they looked down their noses at Him and went to laughing. But when the crowd was put out, having entered, He grasped her hand firmly, and the little girl was raised up. And this report went out throughout that land.

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, Have mercy on us, Son of David! When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? Yes Lord, they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, According to your faith will it be done to you; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, See that no one knows about this. But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. The touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

And as Jesus was passing by from there, two blind men followed with Him, shouting and saying, Sympathize with our misery and help us, son of David. And after He had gone into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus says to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They say to Him, Yes, Master. Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith let it become to you. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them with earnest admonition, saying, Be seeing to it, let no one be knowing of this. But they, having gone out, blazed abroad His fame throughout the whole of that land.

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

And as they were going out, behold, they brought to Him one who was dumb, being possessed by a demon. And the demon, having been ejected, the dumb man broke his silence and spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, Never yet was it seen thus in Israel. But the Pharisees were saying, By the ruler of the demons he is ejecting the demons.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and making a public proclamation of the good news concerning the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. And having seen the crowds He was moved with compassion concerning them because they were exhausted by their troubles and their long, aimless wanderings, and had thrown themselves to the ground in an utterly prostrate condition as sheep not having a shepherd. Then He says to His disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the workers, few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers into His harvest.

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

And having called to Himself His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits to be ejecting them and to be healing every disease and every sickness. Now, these are the names of the twelve who were sent off as ambassadors with credentials to fulfill a certain mission; first, Simon, the one called Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas, the Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worth of his meat.

These twelve Jesus sent off on a mission, having given them a charge, saying, Into the road of the Gentiles do not go forth. And into a city of the Samaritans do not go. But be going on your way rather to the sheep of the house of Israel, sheep who have been neglected and have lost their way and are now wandering about without guidance. Moreover, as you go, make a public proclamation with such formality, gravity, and authority as must be listened to and obeyed, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near and is imminent.’ Be healing those who are sick. Be raising the dead. Lepers be cleansing. Demons be ejecting. In a gratuitous manner you received, in a gratuitous manner give. Do not begin to acquire for yourselves gold nor even silver nor even brass for your money-belt, nor even a beggar’s collecting-bag for the road, nor even two undergarments nor even sandals nor even a walking stick, for the workman is worthy of his sustenance.

Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgement, than for that city.

And in whatever city or village you enter, inquire carefully who in it is suitable, and there stay as a guest until whatever time you may depart. And while entering the house, pay it due respects. And if the house is suitable, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not suitable, let your peace turn back to you. And whoever does not receive you, or heed your words, while going forth out of that house or city, shake the dust of your feet, considering them as heathen whose dust would defile you. Assuredly, I am saying to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgement than for that city.

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Behold, it is I who am sending you on a mission as sheep in the midst of wolves. Consequently, become those who are wary as snakes and guileless as doves. Moreover, be constantly on your guard against the aforementioned men, for they shall deliver you over into the power of judicial tribunals, and in their synagogue courts of justice they shall scourge you. And before governors and even before kings you shall be brought on account of me, resulting in a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. However, whenever they deliver you up, do not begin to be concerned about the manner in which or what you shall speak, for it shall be given you in that hour what you shall say, for, as for you, you are not the ones who are speaking, but the Spirit if your Father who is speaking in you.

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Moreover, a brother shall deliver a brother up to death, and a father a child. And children shall rise up against their parents for their own advantage and put them to death. And you shall be hated by all on account of my Name. But he who has persevered to the end, this one shall be kept safe and sound and rescued from danger and destruction. Moreover, whenever they are persecuting you in this city, be fleeing to one of a different character, for, assuredly, I am saying to you, you positively will not finish the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

A pupil is not above the teacher nor even a slave above his master. It is sufficient for the pupil to be exactly like his teacher, and the slave exactly like his master. Since they surnamed the master of the house Beezeboul, how much more those under the control of the master of the house. Do not begin to fear them, for there is not even one thing that has been covered up which shall not be uncovered, and secret which shall not be made known. That which I am speaking to you in the privacy of darkness, speak in the light of a public disclosure, and that which you are hearing in the ear, publicly proclaim on the housetops. And stop fearing those who kill the body but do not have the power to kill the soul. But rather be fearing him who has power to bring both soul and body to the condition of utter ruin and everlasting misery in hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? Yet one of them shall not fall upon the ground without the will or the intervention of your Father. Moreover, also your hairs, the ones of your head, all of them, have been counted and the result tabulated. Therefore, stop fearing. As for you, you are of more importance than many sparrows.

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Everyone therefore who is of such a character that he will confess me before men in the realization of and in testimony to his oneness with me, I also will confess him before my Father who is in heaven in the realization of and testimony to my oneness with him. But whoever is of such a nature that he will deny me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -- a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Do not suppose that I came with the result that my coming would throw peace suddenly upon the earth. I did not come with the result that my coming would throw peace, but a sword. For I came with the result that my coming puts a man at variance with his father, and a daughter against her mother, and the newly married wife against her mother-in-law, and the enemies of a man shall be those of his own household. He who has an affection for father or mother above that which he has for me, is not worthy of me. And he who has an affection for son or daughter above that which he has for me, is not worthy of me. He who has found his soul-life, shall ruin and render it useless, and he who has passed a sentence of death upon his soul-life for my sake shall find it.

He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives Him who sent me on a mission. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever shall give one of these lesser ones in their station in life a drink of cool water in the name of a pupil, assuredly I am saying to you, he shall positively not lose his reward.

After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

And it came to pass that when Jesus finished giving detailed orders to the twelve disciples, He went away from that place for the purpose of teaching and of making a public proclamation in their cities with that formality, gravity, and authority which must be listened to and obeyed.

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else? Jesus replied, Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Now John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent through the intermediate agency of his pupils, said to Him, As for you, are you He, the One who is the coming One, or should we be looking for another Messiah of a different character? And Jesus answering said to them, Having gone on your way, take word back to John concerning the things you are hearing and seeing. Blind people are recovering their sight, and lame people are walking about, lepers are being cleansed, and deaf people are hearing, and dead people are being raised up, and poor people are being given good news. And spiritually prosperous is he whoever does not find in me that of which he disapproves and that which hinders him from acknowledging my authority.

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in king’s houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.’

And while these were going on their way, Jesus began to be saying to the crowds concerning John, What did you go out into the uninhabited place to be contemplating as a spectacle? A reed agitated by wind? Well, then, what did you go out to see? A man clothed in the soft garments of luxury and effeminacy? Behold, those accustomed to wearing the garments of luxury are in the homes of the kings. Well then, why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I am saying to you, and more than a prophet. This is he concerning whom it has been written and the record is extant today, ‘Behold, as for myself, I send my messenger ahead of you who will make ready your road before you.’

I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Assuredly, I am saying to you, There has not arisen among those born of women a greater one than John the Baptizer. However, the person of most humble station in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Indeed, from the days of John the Baptizer until this moment, the kingdom of heaven is being taken by storm, and the strong and forceful ones claim it for themselves eagerly, for all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And assuming that you would be disposed to receive the following favorably -- he himself is Elijah, he who is about to come. He who has ears, let him be hearing.

To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying ‘We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He hath a devil.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold a man gluttonous, and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.’ But wisdom is justified of her children.

But to what shall I liken this breed of men? It is similar to children who are seated in the market places who are calling to a group of a different character, saying, ‘We played the flute for you and you did not dance. We mourned and you did not beat your breast for grief.’ For there came John, not eating nor drinking, and they are saying, ‘He has a demon.’ There came the Son of Man, eating and drinking, and they are saying, ‘Behold, a man who is a glutton and given to wine, one who associates familiarly with tax collectors and sinners stained with vice and crime.’ And yet this aforementioned wisdom was shown to be such as it should be, righteous, this demonstration having its source in its works.

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgement than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgement, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee.

Then He began to be reproaching the cities in which the most of His miracles, demonstrations of the power of God, were done, because they did not repent. Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida, because, if in Tyre and Sidon there had been done the miracles of God’s power which were done in you, they would in that case long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless, I am saying to you, for Tyre and Sidon, it shall be more endurable in the day of judgement than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted as far as heaven, will you? You will be caused to descend even to the depths of misery and disgrace in the unseen world, because, if in Sodom there had been done the miracles demonstrating divine power which were done in you, it would in that case have remained until this day. Nevertheless, I am saying to you, For the land of Sodom it will be more endurable in the day of judgment than for you.

At that time Jesus said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was for your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by the Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

At that epochal, strategic moment of time, Jesus answering said, I render praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and the earth, in joyful acknowledgment and concurrence of the fact that you hid these things from the wise and understanding ones, and revealed them to those who are untaught. Even so, Father, because thus it was your good pleasure. All things to me were delivered by my Father, and no one has a full and experiential knowledge of the Son except the Father, neither does anyone have a full and experiential knowledge of the Father except the Son, and he, whoever he may be, to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Come here to me, all who are growing weary to the point of exhaustion, and who have been loaded with burdens and are bending beneath their weight, and I alone will cause you to cease from your labor and take away your burdens and thus refresh you with rest. Take at once my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find cessation from labor and refreshment for your souls, for my yoke is mild and pleasant, and my load is light in weight.

At that time, Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath. He answered, Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread -- which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice,’ ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

At that epochal and strategic time Jesus proceeded on the sabbath through the grain fields. And His disciples were hungry and began to be picking off the grain and to be eating it. Now, the Pharisees, having seen this, said to Him, Behold, your disciples are doing that which is not lawful to be habitually done on a sabbath. But He said to them, Have you not read what David did when he was hungry and those with him, how he went into the house of God, and the loaves of bread which were set forth they ate, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those with him, except for the priests alone? Or, have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the sabbath and are guiltless? However, I am saying to you, Something greater than the temple is in this place. Moreover, if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy not altar sacrifice,’ you would not in that case have pronounced guilty those who are guiltless, for the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.

Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? He said to them, If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a put on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, and how they might destroy him.

And having gone away from that place, He went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man there having a hand shrunken and wasted. And they asked Him, saying, Is it lawful on the sabbath to heal? in order that they might bring an accusation against Him in court. But He said to them, What man shall there be of you who shall have one sheep, and if this would fall on the sabbath into a pit, would he not get a grip on it and lift it out? Therefore, how much better is a man than a sheep. Wherefore, it is lawful on the sabbath to be doing good. Then He says to the man, Extend your hand at once. And he extended it, and it was restored to its former state of soundness as the other one. But the Pharisees, having gone out, consulted together against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.

But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry: neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Now, when Jesus came to know it, He withdrew from there, and many people followed with Him. And He healed them all. And He charged them sharply that they should not make Him known; in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through the intermediate agency of Isaiah the prophet, saying, Behold, my servant whom I chose, my beloved, in whom my soul takes pleasure. I will place my Spirit upon Him, and an equitable administration of justice He will announce to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle nor even shout, neither will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A reed that has been completely crushed He will not break, and a dimly burning lamp wick He shall not quench until He will have caused the equitable administration of justice to move straight on to its intended goal resulting in victory. And in His Name will the Gentiles hopefully trust.

Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, Could this be the Son of David? But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons. Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them. Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Then there was brought to Him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb. And He healed him, so that the one who was dumb spoke and saw. And all the common people were beside themselves with astonishment, and kept on saying, This man, is he perchance the son of David? But the Pharisees having heard, said, This fellow is not ejecting the demons except by means of Beezeboul, the ruler of the demons. And knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Every kingdom split up into factions, at variance with itself, is reduced to naught, and every city or house split up into factions, at variance with itself, shall not stand. And, assuming that Satan is ejecting Satan, he was at variance with himself. How is it possible then for his kingdom to stand? And assuming for the moment that I by means of Beezeboul am ejecting the demons, your sons, by means of whom are they ejecting them? For this reason they themselves shall be your judges. But since by means of God’s Spirit I am ejecting the demons, surely then the kingdom of God has come upon you unexpectedly.

Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Or, how is a person able to enter the house of the strong man and carry off by force his household furnishings, unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house? He who is not with me is against me, and he who is not gathering with me is scattering. On this account I am saying to you, Every sin and malicious slander shall be forgiven men, but the aforementioned impious and reproachful speech injurious to the divine majesty of the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age nor in the one about to come.

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account of the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Either declare the tree good and its fruit good, or declare the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, for by its fruit is the tree known. O progeny of vipers who are such by nature, how is it possible that you are able to be speaking good things, being by nature pernicious individuals, for out of that which fills the heart the mouth is accustomed to speak? The good man out of his good treasure-house brings out good things, and the pernicious man out of his pernicious treasure-house brings out pernicious things. Moreover, I am saying to you, Every word which men shall speak which has no legitimate work, which is inoperative and thus morally useless and unprofitable, they shall give account of at the day of judgment, for by your words you shall be justified, and by your words shall you be condemned.

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you. He answered, A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except for the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto him, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Then certain of those learned in the sacred scriptures and certain of the Pharisees answered Him saying, Teacher, we are desiring to see an attesting miracle from you. But He answering said to them, A pernicious and adulterous breed is always hankering after an attesting miracle. And an attesting miracle shall not be given it except the attesting miracle of Jonah, the prophet, for just as Jonah was in the gullet of the sea-monster three days and three nights, thys shall the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Men, Ninevites, shall arise in the judgment with this breed of men and shall condemn it, because they repented as a result of the proclamation of Jonah, and behold, something more than Jonah is here. A queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this breed of men and shall condemn it, because she came from the frontiers of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and behold, something more than Solomon is here.

When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Now, whenever the unclean spirit goes out of the man, he travels through arid places seeking cessation of his circumstances, and as a result, tranquility, and he does not find it. Then he says, Into my home I will return from where I went out. And, having come, he finds it unoccupied and swept clean and fully decorated. Then he proceeds and takes with him seven other spirits more pernicious than himself, and having entered, he makes his permanent home there. And the last circumstances of that man become worse than the first ones. Thus it shall be also with respect to this breed of men, this pernicious breed.

While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you. He replied to him, Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Pointing to his disciples, he said, Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and His brethren had taken their stand outside, seeking to speak to Him. And someone said to Him, Behold, your mother and your brethren are standing outside, seeking to speak to you. And answering He said to the one speaking to Him, Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And having stretched out His hand toward those who were His pupils, He said, Behold, my mother and my brethren, for he who is of such a nature that he does the will of my Father who is in heaven, that very person is my brother and sister and mother.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

On that day, Jesus having come out of the house, was sitting at the seashore. And there gathered together to Him giant crowds so that He went on board a boat in order that He might have a place where He could be seated. And the whole crowd had taken a position on the beach and was standing there.

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, when it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears; let him hear.

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And He spoke to them many things in the form of illustrations by using the familiar in nature or human life which would explain unfamiliar truths of the spiritual life, saying, Behold, the sower went out for the purpose of sowing seed. And in his sowing, some on the one hand fell beside the footpath, and having come, the birds ate it up. Other seed on the other hand fell upon the shallow ground where the rock layers were near the surface, where it was not having much earth. And immediately it sprang up because it did not have the depth of earth, and the sun having arisen, it was burnt with the heat, and because it was not having rootage, it withered away. But still other seed fell among the seeds of thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them off. But still other seed fell upon the ground which was good, and kept on producing fruit, some on the one hand, one hundred per cent, some on the other hand, sixty per cent, and still some other, thirty per cent. He who has ears, let him be hearing.

The disciples came to him and asked, Why do you speak to the people in parables? He replied, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, ‘By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at anytime they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’

And having come, the disciples said to Him, Why are you speaking to them by means of illustrations? And answering, He said, To you it has been given to come to know experientially the hidden truths now revealed and intelligible of the kingdom of heaven, with the result that you now know them, but to those it has not been given, with the result that at present they are ignorant of them. For, whoever is of such a nature as to have, it shall be given to him and he shall have an abundance. But whoever is of such a nature that he does not have, even that which he does have shall be taken away from him. On this account by means of illustrations I am speaking to them, because while seeing they are not seeing, and while hearing they are not hearing, neither are they understanding. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is in process of fulfillment, the one which says, ‘By means of the sense of hearing you shall hear and by no means shall you understand. And while you are seeing, you shall see and positively not perceive, for the heart of this people was rendered dull and callous, and with their ears they heard with difficulty, and their eyes they shut lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and with their ears hear, and with their heart understand, and turn back, and I should heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

But spiritually prosperous are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear; for assuredly, I am saying to you, Many prophets and righteous men passionately desired to see the things which you are seeing and did not see them, and to hear the things which you are hearing, and did not hear them.

Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

As for you, therefore, hear the illustration of the one who sows seed. While everyone is listening and not comprehending the word of the kingdom, there comes the Pernicious One and snatches away that which was sown in his heart. This man is he who was sown as seed alongside the footpath.

The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receive it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

And he who was sown upon the shallow ground where the rock layers were near the surface, this man is the one who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it. And he does not have rootage in himself, but is by nature a temporizer, and the pressure of circumstances having come, and persecution because of the Word, immediately he sees in it that of which he disapproves and which hinders him from acknowledging its authority.

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

And he who was sown as seed into the midst of the thorns, this is he who hears the Word, and the worries of this age and the deceitfulness of its wealth combine to utterly choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

But he who was sown as seed upon the good ground this is he who hears the Word and understands it, who is such a one as bears fruit and produces, in the case of one on the one hand, one hundred per cent, and in the case of another on the other hand, sixty per cent, and in the case of still another, thirty per cent.

Jesus told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, “because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: ‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ “

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the house-holder came and said unto him. ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.’ “

Another illustration He set before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who sows good seed in his field. But while men were sleeping, his enemy came and went to sowing bastard wheat over and in the midst of the wheat, and went off. And when the wheat stalk put forth leaves and produced fruit, then also the bastard wheat came to light and became evident. And the slaves of the master of the house having come, they said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? From where therefore does it have bastard wheat?' And he said to them, ‘A man, an enemy did this.’ And the slaves say to him, ‘Do you desire therefore, having gone off, that we should gather them up?’ But he said, “No, lest when you are gathering up the bastard wheat, you uproot at the same time with it the wheat. Permit both to grow together until the harvest, and in the strategic season of the harvest I will say to the harvesters, ‘Gather first the bastard wheat and bind it into bundles for the purpose of burning it, but the wheat gather together into my granary.’ ‘

He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.

Another parable he put forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Another illustration He set before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which, a man having taken, sowed in his field, which indeed is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is grown, it is greater than the garden-herbs and grows to the shape and size of a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and roost in its branches.

He told them still another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Another illustration He gave them. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast which a woman having taken, mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole of it was permeated by the yeast.

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

These things, all of them, Jesus spoke in the form of illustrations to the crowds, and apart from an illustration He spoke not even one thing to them, in order that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through the intermediate agency of the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in the form of illustrations. I will utter things which have been kept secret from the time when the foundations of the universe were laid.

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field. He answered, The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Then, having sent the crowds away, He came into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, Make thoroughly clear at once to us the illustration of the bastard wheat of the field. And answering He said, He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. Moreover, the field is the world, and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom. But the bastard wheat represents the sons of the Pernicious One; and the enemy, the one who sowed it, is the devil. And the harvest is the consummation of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Even as therefore the bastard wheat is gathered and is burned in the fire, thus shall it be at the consummation of the age. The Son of Man shall send His angels on a mission, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all those who create stumbling blocks for others and those who make a practice of lawlessness, and they shall throw them into the furnace of fire. There, in that place, there shall be the lamentation and the gnashing of the teeth. Then those who are righteous, like the sun when it bursts through the clouds which have hidden it, shall shine forth through the world of evil, dissipating the darkness of sin which has obscured the good and veiled the true glory of their righteousness, in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to be hearing, let him be hearing.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure which has been hidden in the field, which, after a man has found it, he hid, and in his joy goes off and sells as much as he possesses, and buys that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a travelling merchant-buyer seeking beautiful pearls; and having found one pearl of great value, having gone off, sold all, as much as he was possessing, having staked all that he had in one business venture which would either make or break him, and purchased it in the market place.

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a drag-net which was thrown into the sea and which gathered some fish out of every species, which when it was filled, having drawn it up upon the beach, and having seated themselves, they gathered up the good ones into receptacles, but the worthless they threw away. Thus it shall be in the consummation of the age. The angels shall go out and shall separate those who are pernicious out from the midst of those who are righteous, and shall throw them into the furnace of fire. There, in that place, there shall be the lamentation and the gnashing of the teeth.

Have you understood all these things? Jesus asked. Yes. they replied. He said to them, Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Have you understood all these things? They say to Him, Yes. And He said to them, Because of this, every man learned in the sacred scriptures who has accepted the precepts and instructions with reference to the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a master of a house, who is of such a character that he dispenses with hearty enjoyment out of his treasure-house, things new as to quality and also things mellowed with age by reason of use.

When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? they asked. Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things? And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor. And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

And it came to pass that when Jesus finished these illustrations, He, soldier-like, broke up camp and departed from that place. And having come into his home town, He went to teaching them in their synagogue so that they were flabbergasted and were saying, What is the source of this wisdom and these miracles? Is not this the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joses, and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? From what source then does this fellow have all these things? And they saw in Him that of which they disapproved and that which hindered them from acknowledging His authority. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without a correct evaluation of his worth with a corresponding deference and respect which is his due, except in his own country and in his own house. And He did not perform there many miracles because of their unbelief.

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him. Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: It is not lawful for you to have her. Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servant, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

At that epochal, strategic time, Herod, the tetrarch, came to hear the report about Jesus, and said to his servants, This is John the Baptizer. He himself was raised from the dead, and because of this the demonstrations of miraculous powers are operative in him; for Herod, having seized John, bound him and put him away in prison for the sake of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother, for John had been saying to him, It is not lawful for you to have her. And though desiring to put him to death, he feared the people, because they were holding him to be a prophet.

On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

Now, Herod’s birthday having come, the daughter of Herodias performed a rapid-motion, leaping, lewd dance in their midst and pleased Herod, because of which he put himself under oath, and acknowledging the obligation he incurred thereby, promised to give her whatever she would ask. And she, having been previously high-pressured to action by her mother, says, Give me at once, right here, on the spot, upon a dish, the head of John the Baptizer. And though having been put to grief, the king, yet because of the oaths under which he had put himself and because of those who were reclining at the banquet table with him, issued the order for it to be given. And having sent the executioner, he beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought upon a dish, and it was given to the young woman. And she brought it to her mother. And his disciples having come, took up the body and buried it, and having gone, they brought word to Jesus.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

And Jesus, having heard, withdrew from there by boat to an uninhabited place apart. And the crowds, having heard this, followed Him by the land route from the cities. And having come forth, He saw a vast multitude, and He was moved with compassion for them, and He healed their sick ones.

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. Jesus replied, They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat. We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish, they answered. Bring them here to me, he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, this is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

And evening having come, the disciples came to Him, saying, Uninhabited is the place, and the hour is already advanced. Therefore dismiss the crowds in order that, having gone off into the villages, they might buy for themselves provisions in the market places. But Jesus said to them, There is no necessity for them to go away. As for you, you give them at once something to eat. But they say to Him, We do not have here anything except five loaves and two fish. And He said, Be bringing them here to me. And having commanded the crowds to recline upon the grass, having received the five loaves and two fish, having looked up to heaven, He asked the blessing, and having broken them He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds. And they ate, all of them, and were all filled to their complete satisfaction. And they carried off with them the broken pieces which were left over -- twelve full wicker baskets. And those eating were men, about five thousand, apart from women and children.

Immediately, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

And immediately He compelled the disciples to board the boat and precede Him to the other side, so that in the meantime He could dismiss the crowds. And having sent the crowds away, He went up into the mountain in private for the purpose of praying. Now, evening having come, He was there alone. And the boat already was distant from the land many furlongs, being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on on the lake, they were terrified. It’s a ghost, they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. Lord, if it’s you, Peter replied, Tell me to come to you on the water. Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt? And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God.

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Now, during the fourth watch of the night He came to them, making His way upon the sea. But the disciples having seen Him walking directly upon the sea, His sandals in contact with the water, were terrified, saying, It is a phantasm, and they cried aloud for fear. And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be having courage. It is I. Stop fearing. And answering Him, Peter said, O Lord. Since it is you, command me to come to you on the waves. And He said, Come at once. And having come down from the boat, Peter made his way upon the waves and came towards Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to be sinking, he cried aloud, saying, O Lord, save me quickly. And immediately Jesus, having stretched out His hand, seized him, and says to him, O you of little faith. Why did you waver? And after they had gone up into the boat, the wind grew weary of blowing and sank away. And those in the boat fell upon their knees in profound reverence and worshipped Him, saying, Truly, Son of God by nature you are.

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

And having crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And the men of that place, having received knowledge of Him, sent word into the whole of that surrounding territory, and they brought to Him all those who were sick, and kept on begging Him that they might only touch the fringe of His outer garment. And as many as touched it were made whole.

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat! Jesus replied, And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God’, he is not to honor his father with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honour thy father and mother’: and, ‘He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.’ But ye say, ‘Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me’; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, ‘This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.’

Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and men learned in the sacred writings, saying, Why do those who follow your teachings sidestep the precepts which the elders received from previous generations and have handed down to us to be delivered to our successors; for they do not wash their hands in that traditionally ceremonial fashion whenever they eat bread? And answering, He said to them, As for you, why are you also sidestepping the commandment of God because of the precepts handed down to you? For God said, ‘Be placing a correct evaluation upon your father and mother, and be according them the reverence and veneration due them,’ and, ‘He who calls down curses upon father or mother, let him come to his end by death.’ But as for you, you are saying, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, It is a gift dedicated to God, whatever it may be by means of which you might derive help from me,’ he will positively not pay due reverence and respect to his father and his mother. In short, you deprived the Word of God of its force and authority because of your precepts which were handed down to you from your fathers. Actors on the stage of life that you are, playing a role of that which you are not, most admirably and with consummate finesse did Isaiah prophesy concerning you, saying, ‘This people places a correct evaluation upon me with their lips, and with lip service accords me all due reverence and veneration, but their heart holds back at a great distance from me. But in vain are they worshipping me, teaching precepts which by nature are commandments of mankind.’

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

And having called the crowd to himself, He said to them, Be hearing and be understanding. Not that which enters the mouth renders a man ceremonially unclean, but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.

Then the disciples came to him and asked, Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this? He replied, Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Then the disciples, having come, say to Him, Do you know that the Pharisees, having heard the aforementioned word, took violent exception to it, finding in it that of which they disapproved and that which hinders them from acknowledging your authority? But answering, He said, Every cultivated plant which my heavenly Father did not plant shall be pulled up by the roots. Let them alone. Blind leaders are they of the blind. And if a blind person is leading a blind person, both shall fall into the ditch.

Peter said, Explain the parable to us. Are you still so dull? Jesus asked them. Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

And Peter answering said to Him, Explain the illustration to us. And He said, And as for you, are you even yet devoid of understanding? Do you not understand that everything which enters the mouth passes into the intestines and is ejected into that which is provided as a receptacle for it? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the man; for out of the heart come pernicious reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, malicious slanders. These are the things which defile the man. But to eat with hands which have not been washed ceremonially, does not defile the man.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession. Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. The woman came and knelt before him. Lord, help me! she said. He replied, It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs. Yes, Lord, she said, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered, Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered her and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

And having gone out from that place, Jesus withdrew into the country around Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman, a Canaanite from those regions, having come, cried out, saying, Have pity upon me quickly, O Sir, son of David. My daughter is badly demonized. But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples having come, kept on begging Him, saying, Send her off, because she is crying out after us. But He answering said, I was not sent off on a mission except to the sheep, the perishing ones that belong to the house of Israel. And having come, she fell upon her knees and touched her forehead to the ground in profound reverence before Him, saying, Sir, be helping me. But answering, He said, It is not a fitting thing to take the bread which belongs to the children and throw it to their little pet dogs. But she said, Ye, indeed, Sir, for also the little pet dogs are accustomed to eat from the little morsels which fall from the table of their masters. Then answering, Jesus said to her, O woman, great is your faith. Let it become to you as you desire. And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

And having passed over from that place, Jesus went up to the shore of the sea of Galilee. And having gone up into the mountain, He was sitting there. And there came to Him large crowds having with them those who were lame, maimed, blind, dumb, and many others having illnesses of a different nature, and they flung them to the ground at His feet. And He healed them, so that the crowd marvelled, seeing those who had been dumb speaking, and those who had been maimed whole, and those who had been lame walking about, and those who had been blind, seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way. His disciples answered, Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd? How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked, Seven, they replied, and a few small fish. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children. After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say unto him, whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship and came into the coasts of Magdala.

And Jesus having called His disciples to himself, said, I am moved with compassion for the crowd, because already they are remaining with me three days, and they do not have anything to eat; and to dismiss them, not having eaten, I do not desire to do that, lest they at any time faint along the road. And the disciples say to Him, From what place in this uninhabited region should we have so many loaves of bread as to satisfy such a crowd? And Jesus says to them, How many loaves do you have? And they said, Seven, and a few little fish. And having commanded the crowd to recline upon the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having offered the blessing, He broke them and kept on giving them to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds. And they ate, all of them, and were completely satisfied. And the surplus of the broken pieces of food they took away, seven full reed baskets. And those eating were four thousand men, apart from women and children. And having sent off the crowds, He went on board the boat and came to the regions of Magadan.

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Jesus then left them and went away.

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, ‘It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring.’ O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

And having come, the Pharisees and Sadducees, putting Him to the test, demanded that He furnish them for their observation an attesting miracle having its source in heaven. But He answering said to them, Evening having come, you are accustomed to say, ‘Fair weather, for the sky is reddening,’ and in the morning, ‘Today, stormy, for the sky is reddening and is becoming covered with clouds.’ You possess indeed an understanding based upon experience, to pass a discriminating judgement upon the face of the sky, but on the other hand, with reference to the attesting miracles of the epochal, strategic periods of time, are you not able to pass a discriminating judgement? A pernicious and adulterous breed of men is constantly craving an attesting miracle, and an attesting miracle shall not be given it except the attesting miracle of Jonah. And having left them, He went off.

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. Be careful, Jesus said to them. Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They discussed this amongst themselves and said, It is because we didn’t bring any bread.

And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

And the disciples, having come to the other side, completely forgot to take loaves of bread. And Jesus said to them, Be taking heed to and be guarding yourselves against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And they were reasoning among themselves, saying, It is because we did not take loaves of bread.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about the bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

And Jesus having come to know this, said, Why are you reasoning among yourselves, you of little faith? Is it because you do not have loaves of bread? Are ye not yet understanding nor even remembering the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took away, nor even the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you took away? How is it that you are not understanding that I did not speak to you concerning the loaves of bread? But be guarding yourselves against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that He did not speak regarding the guarding of one’s self against the yeast that pertained to loaves of bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, Some say ‘John the Baptist’; others say ‘Elijah’; and still others, ‘Jeremiah’ or ‘one of the prophets’.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art ‘John the Baptist’: some ‘Elias’; and others, ‘Jeremias’, or ‘one of the prophets’.

Now, Jesus having come into the districts adjacent to Caesarea Philippi, was asking His disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of Man is? And they said, Some, indeed, ‘John the Baptizer’, but others, ‘Elijah’, and still others, ‘Jeremiah’, or ‘one of the prophets’.

But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

He says to them, But as for you, who do you say that I am? And answering, Simon Peter said, As for you, you are the Christ, the Son of God, the living God.

Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he to his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

And answering, Jesus said to him, Spiritually prosperous are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but my Father who is in heaven. Moreover, as for myself, I also am saying to you, You are Rock [petros, masculine in gender, a detached but large fragment of rock], and upon this massive rock [petra, feminine in gender, feminine demonstrative pronoun cannot go back to masculine petros; petra, a rocky peak, a massive rock] I will build my church. And the councils of the unseen world shall not overpower it. I shall give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth [forbid to be done], shall have been already bound [forbidden to be done] in heaven; and whatever you loose on the earth [permit to be done], shall have already been loosed in heaven [permitted to be done]. Then He admonished the disciples sharply that they should tell not even one person that He himself is the Christ.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. 

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. The Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

From that time on Jesus began to be showing His disciples that it was a necessity in the nature of the case for Him to go off to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders and the chief priests and the men learned in the scriptures, and to be killed and on the third day to be raised up. And having taken Him to himself apart privately, Peter began to be rebuking Him, saying, "May mercy be shown to you, Lord. This shall positively not be to you." And, having turned around, He [with His back turned to Peter and Satan] said to Peter, Be gone under my authority, and keep on going, behind me, out of my sight, Satan. A stumbling-block you are to me, because you do not have a mind for the things of God but for the things of men.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone is desiring to come after me, let him forget self and lose sight of his own interests, and let him pick up his cross and carry it, and let him be taking the same road with me that I travel, for whoever is desiring to save his soul-life shall ruin it, but whoever will pass a sentence of death upon his soul-life for my sake, shall find it. For what will a man be profited if he gain the whole world but forfeit his soul-life? For the Son of Man is about to be coming in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He shall recompense to each one according to his manner of acting. Assuredly, I am saying to you, There are certain ones of those standing here who are of such a nature that they shall not experience death until such time as they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. Get up, he said. Don’t be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And while he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

And after six days Jesus takes with himself Peter and James and John his brother, and He brings them up into a mountain, a lofty one, in private. And the manner of His outward expression was changed before them, that expression coming from and being representative of His inner being. And His face took on a different appearance so that it shone like the sun, and His outer garments became white like its light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with Him. And Peter, volunteering his judgement, said to Jesus, Lord, it is an excellent thing for us to be here. On the assumption that you are desiring it, I will make here three booths of leafy branches, for you one, and for Moses one, and for Elijah one. While he was still speaking, behold, a cloud composed of light enveloped them with brightness. And, behold there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I take pleasure. Be hearing Him. And the disciples, having heard, fell abruptly upon their face and were exceedingly afraid. And Jesus came, and having touched them, said, Arise at once and stop being afraid. And having lifted up their eyes, they saw not even one person except Jesus himself only. And while they were coming down out of the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, To not even one person tell the spectacle until the Son of Man is raised out from among those who are dead.

The disciples asked him, Why then do the teachers of the law say that ‘Elijah must come first’? Jesus replied, To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands. Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that ‘Elias must first come’? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then do those learned in the sacred scriptures say that ‘it is a necessity in the nature of the case for Elijah to come first’? And He answering said, Elijah indeed comes and will restore all things to their former state. Moreover, I am saying to you, Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him. But they did to him as many things as they desired. In the same manner also the Son of Man is about to be suffering at their hands. Then the disciples understood that concerning John the Baptizer He spoke to them.

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. Lord have mercy on my son, he said. He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him. O unbelieving and perverse generation, Jesus replied, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me. Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, Why couldn’t we drive it out? He replied, Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed; for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place: and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

And after they had come to the crowd, a man came to Him, falling upon his knees before Him and saying, Sir, have mercy upon my son because he is an epileptic, and he is in a miserable condition. For, often he falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples and they were not able to heal him. And Jesus answering, said, O unbelieving breed of men, and men who have been morally distorted and twisted, how long shall I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Be bringing him to me here. And Jesus rebuked him, and there came out of him the demon. And the boy was healed from that hour. Then the disciples having come to Jesus in private said, As for us, why were we not able to eject it? And He says to them, Because of the littleness of your faith. For, assuredly I am saying to you, If you are having faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Remove hence to that place, and it shall remove. And not even one thing shall be impossible to you.

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life. And the disciples were filled with grief.

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceedingly sorry.

Now, while they were assembling in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into men’s hands, and they will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised up. And they grieved exceedingly.

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax? Yes, he does, he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. What do you think Simon? he asked. From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes - from their own sons or from others? From others, Peter answered. Then the sons are exempt, Jesus said to him. But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest though, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

And after they had come to Capernaum, those who receive the half-shekel temple tax came to Peter and said, Your teacher, does he not pay a half-shekel temple tax? He says, Yes. And after Peter had come into the house, Jesus spoke to him before he could get a word in edgeways, saying, What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth, from whom are they accustomed to receive import and export duties and a tax? from their sons or from those who do not belong to their families? And Peter having said, From those not of their families, Jesus said to him, So then, the sons are exempt. However, in order that they might not find something in us of which they would disapprove, having proceeded to the sea, throw in a fishhook, and the first fish that comes up, seize at once, and having opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Having taken that, give it at once to them for me and you.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and shall become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

During that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And having called to himself a little child, He stood it in their midst and said, Assuredly, I am saying to you, Unless you reverse your present trend of thought and become as the little children, in no case shall you enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Therefore, he who is of such a nature as to humble himself like this little child, esteeming himself small inasmuch as he is so, thus thinking truly, and because truly, therefore humbly of himself, this person is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in my Name, me he receives.

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be to his profit that a millstone were hung about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Woe to the world because of the stumbling-blocks, for it is inevitable that stumbling-blocks come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes.

If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Now, assuming that your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it out at once and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life disabled or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be thrown into the fire which is everlasting. And, assuming that your eye causes you to stumble, root it out at once and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life deprived of one eye, than having two eyes, to be thrown into the hell of fire. Be taking heed.

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Do not begin to underestimate the value of one of these little ones, for I am saying to you, Their angels in heaven are always contemplating the face of my Father who is in heaven.

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about the one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. 

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. 

What do you think? If there should come into the possession of a certain man one hundred sheep, and one of them should be enticed to roam about and go astray, would he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountain, and having gone on his way, go to seeking the one that is roaming about? And if it should come to pass that he finds it, assuredly I am saying to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not been enticed to roam about and go astray. Thus, there is not a desire in the presence of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Moreover, if your brother should commit an act of sin, be going, show him his sin with a view to convicting him of it and bringing about a confession between you and him alone. If he hears you, you won your brother over. But if he does not hear you, take with you one or two besides, in order that upon the basis of the mouth of two witnesses or three, every word may be established. And if he is so unwilling to hear them, tell the assembly. And if he also is unwilling to hear the assembly, let him be to you as the pagan Gentile and the tax collector.

I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, 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 in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Verily I say into you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Assuredly, I am saying to you, Whatever you forbid on earth, shall have already been forbidden in heaven. And whatever you permit on earth, shall have already been permitted in heaven. Again, assuredly I am saying to you, If two of you upon the earth are in agreement, concerning every matter of which they ask that something be given it shall become theirs from the presence of my Father who is in heaven. For where there are two or three who have been joined together into my Name with the result that I am the common object of their faith, there I am in their midst.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Then, having come, Peter said to Him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I shall forgive him; up to seven times? Jesus says to him, I do not say to you, Up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me, he begged, and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a man, a king, who desired to settle accounts with his slaves. And while he was beginning to compute the accounts, one was brought to him who owed him about twelve million dollars. And not having that by which to discharge the debt, the master commanded that he be sold, also the wife and the children and whatever he had, and that the debt be discharged. Then the slave, having fallen upon his knees, was touching the ground with his forehead in an expression of profound reverence before him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, mild and slow in requiring payment, and I will pay back all to you.’ And being moved with compassion, the master of that slave released him and cancelled the debt.

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!‘ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me that thou owest.’ And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’ And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

But having gone out, that slave found one of his fellow-slaves who owed him about twenty dollars. And having seized him, he went to strangling him and wringing his neck, saying, ‘Settle up at once, since you are owing me something.’ Then, having fallen down, his fellow-slave kept on begging him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, mild and slow in requiring payment, and I will pay you.’ However, he was not willing, but having gone off, he threw him into prison until he would pay back that which he was owing.

When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then when his fellow-slaves had seen the things which had taken place, they were greatly affected by sorrow, and having come, they made entirely clear to their master all the things which took place.

Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, ‘O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldn’t not thou also have had compassion on they fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?’ And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespass.

Then his master, having called him, says to him, ‘Slave, pernicious one, I cancelled for you that entire debt, seeing that you begged me to do so. Ought not you also in view of the very necessity imposed by these circumstances, to have shown mercy to your fellow-slave, just as I also was merciful to you?’ And having been aroused to the point of a justifiable anger, his master handed him over to the torturers until such time as he would pay back all that he owed him. Thus also my Father who is in heaven will do to you if you do not forgive, each one, his brother from your hearts.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan. And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

And it came to pass when Jesus brought to a close these discourses, that He went away from Galilee and came to the borders of Judea across the Jordan. And large crowds followed with Him, and He healed them there.

Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? Haven’t you read, he replied, that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ And said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh’? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man asunder.

And there came to Him Pharisees, putting Him to the test and saying, Is it lawful for one to dismiss his wife for every cause? And answering, He said, Have you not read, The Creator from the beginning, ‘a male and a female He made them,’ and said, ‘On this account a man shall forsake his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall be, the two, one flesh,’ insomuch that no longer are they two, but one flesh? Therefore, that which God once for all yoked together, let man not be separating.

Why then, they asked, did Moses command that a man may give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away? Jesus replied, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

They say to Him, Why then did Moses command to give her a bill of divorce and dismiss her? He says to them, Moses, on account of the hardness of your heart permitted you to dismiss your wives. But from the beginning it [namely, the right of divorce] has not been thus, right down to the present moment, and as a result it continues to be at a variance with the original enactment. Moreover, I am saying to you, Whoever dismisses his wife for any other cause than fornication, and marries another, is committing adultery.

The disciples said to him, If this is the situation between a husband and a wife, it is better not to marry. Jesus replied, Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

His disciples say to Him, Since the matter is thus with reference to the man’s aforementioned reason in the case of his wife, it is not expedient to marry. And He said to them, Not all receive with the understanding this word, but those to whom it has been given to receive it, for there are those of such a nature as to be eunuchs who were born thus from the mother’s womb. And there are those of such a nature as to have been made eunuchs by men. And there are those of such a nature as to have constituted themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this with understanding, let him be receiving it.

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Then there were brought to Him little children in order that He might lay His hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Permit the children, and stop forbidding them, to come to me, for of such as these is the kingdom of heaven. And having laid His hands on them, He departed from that place.

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus replied. There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

And behold, one having come to Him said, Teacher, what good thing should I do in order that I might acquire life eternal? And He said to him, Why are you asking me concerning that aforementioned good thing? One there is who is good. But since you are desiring to enter the life, be keeping with a jealous solicitude the commandments.

Which ones? the man inquired. Jesus replied, ‘Do not murder’, ‘do not commit adultery’, ‘do not steal’, ‘do not give false testimony’, ‘honor your father and mother’, and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, ‘Thou shalt do no murder’, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’, ‘Thou shalt not steal’, ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness’, ‘Honour thy father and thy mother’: and, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself’.

He says to Him, What sort of commandments? And Jesus said, ‘You shall not commit murder’; ‘you shall not commit adultery’; ‘you shall not steal’; ‘you shall not bear false witness’; ‘be setting a correct evaluation upon your father and mother and be treating them with the reverence and love which is their due’; and, ‘you shall love with a divine and self-sacrificial love your neighbor in the same manner as yourself’.