1. Since it is admittedly true – and considering – that many people put their hand to and undertook to compile, collate and compose (or: arrange back again and rehearse) by (or: for) themselves a narrative that leads throughout the matters and facts (the results and effects of events, practices, business, affairs and what has been done) concerning the things having been brought to full measure (or: having been fully accomplished) among us,

2. just and correspondingly as the original (the from [the] beginning) eyewitnesses (= personal examiners) and assistants (deputies and subordinates – "under-rowers," or, those under orders) of the Word (message; idea; Logos; Reason; thought) gave, and give, [them] over to us,

3. it seems [necessary; important; a good idea] also for [or: to] me – having followed alongside and accompanied closely from the earlier period – to write to (or: for) you, most excellent Theophilus (or: most mighty friend and lover of God; or: O man most strongly loved of God), all things consecutively (or: point by point; systematically) [and] accurately (or: with details exact), [or: – having from above {i.e., in descending order} intensively traced and investigated on all things – to write for you in logical order and with precise details {the course and movement}...],

4. to the end that you can (would; should; may) fully know by experience about (or: concerning) the certainty (the state of being secure from stumbling or falling; = reliability) of the words (ideas; messages; = teachings) which you were instructed (orally resounded down into the ears so as to make the ears ring).

5. Within the days of Herod, the king of Judea, there happened to be a certain priest, named Zechariah – [a member] out of [the] daily [service division, or, routine section] of Abiah (or: Abijah), and his wife – her name [being] Elizabeth, a [descendent] from out of the daughters of Aaron.

6. Now both continued being (or: were) fair and equitable folks [who followed] the way pointed out in right and just relationships before (in front of and in the sight of) God, habitually going their way within all the directives (commandments) and effects of equity (or: results of just and rightwised dealings springing from right relationships) whose source and origin is the Lord [= Yahweh] (or: in union with all the Lord's [= Yahweh's] commandments as well as the results of being in the way pointed out) [being] blameless (or: un-blamable) ones.

7. And yet, there was no child for them, corresponding to [the fact] that Elizabeth continued being (or: was) infertile (sterile; barren) and both were folks having walked forward and were now being advanced within their days (= they were elderly).

8. Now it occurred (happened) during the [situation for] him to be routinely performing the service (acts; duties) of a priest, in his arranged order and appointment of the daily [service division] within the presence of and facing before God,

9. [and] corresponding to and in accord with the custom of the priesthood (or: the priestly functions, or office), he obtained by lot the [duty] to burn incense, after entering into the [holy place] of the inner sanctuary of the Temple of the Lord (= [Yahweh's] divine habitation).

10. Also, during the hour of the incense offering (the result of the burning of incense), all the full capacity, of the people normally praying, was outside.

11. Now an agent of [the] Lord [= Yahweh's messenger], standing to the right of the altar of incense, was seen by him,

12. and Zechariah became troubled (was made to shake and become unsettled – upon seeing – and fear fell upon him.

13. So the agent said to him, "Stop fearing (or: Do not continue being afraid), Zechariah, because your request in regard to your need upon entering into hearing, was listened to, and so your wife, Elizabeth, will generate and give birth to a son for you, and you will call his name 'John,'

14. "and he will be a joy and an extreme exultation to you (or: and there will be joy and exceeding elation for you), and upon [the occasion of] his birth many people will find joy and will be rejoicing.

15. "You see, he will be great (or: a great one) in the sight of (or: before) [the] Lord [= Yahweh], and he should under no circumstances drink wine or [other] strong drink (= intoxicating beverage). Also, he will be filled with a set-apart breath-effect (or: holy spirit; a separated and consecrated wind; [the] Holy Spirit) still [not] out from (or: still from the midst of) his mother's womb.

16. "Later, he will turn many of the sons (= people) of Israel back upon [the] Lord [= Yahweh] their God.

17. "And so, he himself will advance in His presence (or: will go forward in His sight) – within and in union with a breath-effect (or: wind) and ability having the character and qualities of Elijah (or: in association with Elijah's spirit and power; or: in an attitude and an ability which is Elijah [= God is Yah]) – to turn back hearts of fathers upon children, and stubborn folks (or: incompliant ones; unpersuaded people) in a thoughtful (sensible; prudent) frame of mind which has the character and qualities of fairness, equity, rightwised relationships, and justice which pertain to the Way pointed out: to prepare and make a people having been fully formed into vessels and utensils, as well as being completely furnished and supplied with equipment, for and in [the] Lord [= Yahweh]."

18. And then Zechariah said to the agent (or: messenger), "In association with (or: According to; Down from) what will I experientially know this for myself? You see, I myself am an old man (aged; an elder) and my wife [is] one having walked forward and [is] now being advanced within her days (= she is elderly).

19. And so, giving a decided response, the agent (or: messenger) says to him, "I, myself, am (exist being) Gabriel [Heb. = God is mighty; or: God's mighty one], the one (or: the person) having been standing alongside in the sight and presence of God, and I was sent off as an emissary (or: an apostle; messenger; agent) to speak to you and to declare these things to you as a message of good news and well-being.

20. "And now consider this! You will be one continuing silent and unable to speak until [the] day on which these things can be birthed (or: should come to be) in opposing response concerning my words (thoughts and ideas; message; pl. of 'Logos') which you do not trust or believe – [words] which will be fulfilled (progressively made full) [as they are coming] into their season and fitting situation.."

21. Meanwhile, the people were continuing in keeping and eye open and directed forward, in watchful waiting and expectation for Zechariah. And so they began wondering in regard to the [situation] for him to be delayed (caused to spend more time than usual) within the midst of the inner sanctuary (= the holy place of the divine habitation).

22. Now upon coming out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized (or: recognized from this added experiential knowledge) that he had seen a sight (a vision; an appearance; = a theophany) within the inner sanctuary. And through nods and gestures he, himself, was continuing in motioning, beckoning and making signs to them, and yet was remaining mute throughout [the episode].

23. Later, as the days of his public work and duties were fulfilled (= completed), it came to pass [that] he went off unto his house.

24. Now after these days (= shortly afterwards; or: = following this) Elizabeth, his wife, being together with [him] received so as to become pregnant (or: conceived). And so, she continued keeping herself secluded (hidden and concealed on all sides) [for] five months, repeatedly saying,

25. "[The] Lord [= Yahweh] has thus formed (created; made; done) in me within [these] days (or: This is the way [the] Lord has dealt with me during [these] days) in which He fixed His gaze and looked upon [me] to take away my humiliation and lack of public honor (or: reproach) among mankind."

26. Now during [her] sixth month, the agent Gabriel [Heb. = God's mighty on; or: God is mighty] was sent off as an emissary from God into a city of the Galilee [district] which [is] named Nazareth,

27. to a virgin girl having been engaged (espoused; promised in marriage) to an adult male named Joseph, from out of the house of David. And the name of the virgin girl [is] Mary (or: Miriam).

28. And so, after entering, he said to her (or: upon coming in toward her, he says), "Be constantly rejoicing (note: also used as a greeting, can = Continuous joy to you; Shalom; Hi; Hello; Greetings), O young lady having been favored and given (or: treated with) grace! The Lord [= Yahweh] [is; continues being] with you [other MSS add: you having been spoken well of and blessed among women]."

29. Yet she was thoroughly shaken (deeply disturbed; completely agitated) at the Word (the Logos; the message; the thought and idea) and began thoroughly reasoning and continued carefully considering what this sort of greeting might be (= could mean).

30. And then the agent (messenger) said to her, "Stop fearing (or: Do not continue being afraid), Mary (Miriam), for you see, you find (or: found) grace and favor at God's side (or: in the side of God).

31. "And so, see and consider. You will in yourself receive together and conceive within the midst of [your] womb, and then you will give birth to a Son, and you will call His name, Jesus.

32. "This One will be great (or: a great One), and He will be called 'Son of [the] Most High' (or: a son of [the] Highest One), and [the] Lord [= Yahweh] will give to Him the throne of David, His father (= forefather; ancestor),

33. "and He will be reigning upon the house of Jacob – into the ages. Furthermore, there will not be an end of His reign (or: kingdom)."

34. But Mary (or: Miriam) said, to the agent (messenger), "How will this be, since I continue having not intimate, experiential knowledge of an adult male?"

35. Then, giving a decided response, the agent (messenger) says to her, "A set-apart (or: holy) breath-effect (or: a consecrated wind or spirit; [The] Holy Spirit) will come upon you, and a power (ability; or: [the] Power) which has its source and origin in (or: which pertains to; or: which has the qualities and characteristics of; or: which is) [the] Most High will cast a shadow upon you. For that reason, also, the Set-apart One (or: holy thing) being progressively generated and born will be called God's Son (or: a son of God; 'Son of God').

36. "Now see, and consider. Elizabeth, your relative (kinswoman), has also herself received together and has conceived a son in her old age – and this is a sixth month for her: the woman being normally (or: repeatedly) called infertile (barren)!

37. "because at God's side (or: from beside God; = in God's presence) every declaration (saying; effect of speaking) will not be impossible!"

38. So Mary (or: Miriam) said, "See and consider the slave girl that belongs to [the] Lord [= Yahweh]. May He birth Himself (or: May it of itself come to be) down from (or: in accord with; corresponding to) your declaration (saying; or: the effect of your speaking)." And then the agent (messenger) went away from her.

39. Now during these days, Mary (Miriam), after rising, went her way with haste and urgency (or: eagerness) into the hill country (or: mountainous region) – into a town of Judah,

40. and [there] she entered into the house of Zechariah, and greeted and embraced Elizabeth.

41. And then it happened – as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary (Miriam) – the baby (fetus) leaped, as for joy, within the midst of her womb, and Elizabeth was filled [with] a set-apart Breath-effect (or: a holy spirit; or: [the] Holy Spirit),

42. and she exclaimed with a loud shout (or: uttered up in a great voice), and said, "You [are] a woman having been spoken well to and having been blessed among women! The fruit of your womb is also One having been spoken well to, having been blessed!

43. "And so from what place [comes] this [occasion], that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44. "For look and consider! as the sound of your greeting was birthed into my ears, the child within my womb leaped in joy and extreme happiness!

45. "Also, happy – and blessed – [is] the woman trusting that there will be a maturing to the intended goal (or: believing, because there will come into existence an accomplishing of the finished work {or: a perfection of the complete performance}) with regard to the things having been spoken to her from close beside [the] Lord [= Yahweh]."

46. Then Mary (or: Miriam) said, "My soul is constantly magnifying (or: is progressively making great and enlarging) the Lord [= Yahweh],

47. "and the effect and result of my breath expresses extreme joy (or: my spirit transports supreme happiness and exultation) upon the God [who is] my Savior (or: upon God, my Savior; upon God, the One [being] my Savior),

48. "because He looks upon the low status (or: = had regard for the humiliation) of His slave girl. For take note! from now on every generation (or: all the generations) will happy me ([make; count; consider; pronounce] me happy {or: blessed}),

49. "because the Powerful and Able One – and set-apart (or: holy) [is] His Name – does great things to and for me (or: formed and created great {= sublime; important; monumental} things in me)!

50. "His mercy [is] also unto (and: into; for) generations and generations on (or: in; to; for; with; by) the folks habitually being caused to fear (and: reverence) Him.

51. "He makes strength (performs [with] might) within His arm – He thoroughly scatters proud and haughty folks (or: those arrogant people who hold themselves above [others]) along with [the] intellectual insights of their hearts (or: by [the] attitudes of their hearts; in the comprehension of their hearts).

52. "He takes down folks of power and ability from thrones, and then lifts up high folks of low status (or: He also exalts humble folks).

53. "He in-fills folks who are habitually hungry with good things, and yet He sends out and away empty folks who are habitually rich.

54. "He, Himself, takes the place and position belonging to Israel, His boy (or: He took for Himself the stead pertaining to Israel, His servant boy; He has taken in Himself the part of Israel, His boy), to have [them] reminded of mercy,

55. "just and correspondingly as He spoke [it] to our fathers – to Abraham and to his seed (= descendants) – into the Age."

56. So Mary (Miriam) remained together with her about three months, and then returned unto her home.

57. Now the time was fulfilled for Elizabeth for her to bear and bring forth to birth, and she gave birth to a son.

58. And so the neighbors in the homes about her, as well as her relatives, heard that [the] Lord [= Yahweh] magnified and enlarged His mercy with her, and they began rejoicing with her.

59. Then it occurred on the eighth day [that] folks came to circumcise the little boy, and they began to call it Zechariah, [based] on the name of his father.

60. And yet his mother, making a decided response, said, "No! To the contrary, he will be called John."

61. Then they rejoined to her, "There is no one from your kinship group (extended relatives) who is normally being called by this name."

62. So they began nodding and motioning to his father, [to find out] what he would want him to be habitually called.

63. And so, asking for a writing tablet, he wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they were all amazed. 64. Now instantly his mouth was opened up and his tongue became useful, and he began speaking – continuing in saying good words about God.

65. Then fear (= reverent awe) was birthed (came to be) upon all the folks dwelling in the neighborhood around them. Later, all these sayings (= matters and rumors) began being told within the whole mountain country of the Judean [district].

66. And all those hearing [this] placed (= pondered) [them] within their hearts, from time to time saying, "What will this little boy really be?" You see, [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] hand continued being also with him.

67. And then Zechariah, his father, was filled with a set-apart Breath-effect (or: a holy spirit; or: a holy wind; or: [the] Holy Spirit), and he prophesied, saying,'

68. "[The] Lord [= Yahweh], the God of Israel, is characterized by good words and blessings, because He visits and closely looks upon with attentiveness, and also creates a loosing and liberation, for (or: in; to; among) His people.

69. "And He raises up a horn of deliverance (rescue; safety; health and wholeness; salvation) for us within the midst of His boy David's house,

70. "Just and correspondingly as He spoke through [the] mouth of His set-apart (or: holy) prophets from [that] age,

71. "[about] a deliverance (rescue; safety; health and wholeness; salvation) from out of the midst our enemies, and from out of [the] hand of all those constantly hating us and repeatedly treating us with ill will,

72. "to do (or: perform; form; construct; create) mercy with our fathers, and to have called to mind His set-apart (or: holy) arrangement (thorough setting and placement; covenant; testament):

73. "an oath (solemn promise) which He swore to Abraham, our father,

74. "to give to us – upon being drug out of danger from [the] hand of enemies –

75. "to fearlessly render habitual sacred, public service to Him, in pious ways sanctioned by divine law and in accord to the way pointed out (i.e.: with fairness, equity, justice and right relationships) in His sight (i.e.: before Him and in His presence) for all our days.

76. "Now you, also, little boy, will be called a prophet of [the] Most High, for you will go your way before and in the sight and presence of [the] Lord [= Yahweh], to prepare and make ready His paths (roads; ways):

77. "to give intimate, experiential knowledge of deliverance (salvation; safety; rescue; health and wholeness; return to the original state and condition) to and for His people, in conjunction with a sending away (a divorcing; an abandoning; a flowing away; forgiveness) of their mistakes, failures, shortcomings and sins,

78. "because of our God's inner organs which are composed of mercy (= His tender compassions which have the character and quality of mercy), in union with and amidst which an upward performance and a rising (= a daybreak) from out of the midst of an exaltation (or: from on high),

79. "to at once shine upon the people continuously sitting within the midst of darkness – even within death's shadow; to cause our feet to be fully straight and to [walk] in correspondence to straightness, into the path (way; road) of peace [= shalom]."

80. Now the little boy was continuing to progressively grow and increase, and was being progressively made stronger in Breath-effect (or: by [the] Spirit; in spirit), and he continued existing within the midst of desolate places (deserts; uninhabited areas; wildernesses) until the day of his upward exhibit (the raising aloft to show him) to Israel.

CHAPTER 2

1. Now it occurred in those days, [that] a decree went out from beside (= the court of) Caesar Augustus, [that] all the inhabited [domain of the Empire] is to proceed to register themselves for public record (= participate in a census).

3. And so everyone began going their way to proceed to register themselves for the public record [of the census] – each one into his own city.

4. So Joseph also walked back up from the Galilee [district], from out of [the] town of Nazareth, into the Judean [district], into a town of David which is normally being called Bethlehem – because of the [fact of] his being from out of the house and lineage (ancestry) of David –

5. to register himself for the public record, together with Mary (Miriam), the woman having been promised in marriage (espoused; engaged) to him – she continuing being pregnant.

6. Now it happened, during their being there, [that] the days for her to give birth were fulfilled.

7. And she gave birth to her Son, the firstborn, and then she wrapped Him in long strips of swathing cloth and made Him lie back in a manger (feeding trough), because there was not a place for them in the public lodging place (a shelter for travelers to be loosing-down; a caravansary; an inn).

8. There were also in that same district (or: region) shepherds [that] were seasonally living out of doors with temporary enclosures in the fields, and they were by turn guarding and keeping watch upon their flock during [the] watches which divide the night.

9. And then – look and think of this! – all at once [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] agent (or: messenger) took a stand upon [their encampment], in the midst of them (or: stood at their [side]), and [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] glory (Theophanous manifestation) shone (gleamed and radiated) around about them, and they became afraid [with] a great fear (= were struck with terror).

10. And so the agent (messenger) says to them, "Stop being afraid (or: Do not continue fearing)! Look, and consider this – for you see, I, myself, am now bringing and announcing good news (a message of ease and wellness) to, and for, you folks: great joy which will be for all the people (or: will exist being in the entire general public),

11. "that a Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health, wholeness, and to your original state, condition and position) was birthed and brought forth to, for and among you folks today, within the town of David, Who is (exists being) Christ [the] Lord (or: [the] Lord Christ; or: an Anointed Lord, Master and Owner; an Anointed One, a Lord; = Messiah, [the] Lord)!

12. "And now this [will be] a sign to and for you folks: you will find a Babe (an infant) having been wrapped in long bands of swathing cloth, and continuing lying within a manger (feeding trough)."

13. Then unexpectedly and suddenly [the] fullness of a band of heavenly soldiers (or: a full number of a heavenly army) came to be with the agent (messenger) – ones continuously praising God and repeatedly saying,

14. "[This is] a reputation for God, in the highest places! (or: Glory to God, in the midst of the highest [realms]; or: [It is] a manifestation which call forth praise to God, among the highest [peoples]; or: An appearance and a manifestation by God, within the midst of a most elevated location; or: A notion and an imagination within [the] highest places in God); and upon earth – among humanity (or: within mankind) – a peace and harmony having the qualities and characteristics of well-thinking (or: [= shalom] whose source is good opinions and imaginations of well-being; or: peace which is a manifestation and a reputation of good and ease; or: a peace which belongs to good pleasure)!"

15. And so it happened, as the agents (messengers) went away from them into the heaven, [that] the shepherds began speaking to one another, saying, "We should by all means pass through now, clear to Bethlehem, and we can see this thing (declaration; saying) that has happened (been birthed), which the Lord [= Yahweh] makes known to (or: for) us."

16. So they came hurrying, and, after searching, finally found not only Mary (Miriam) and Joseph, but also the Baby (or: new-born infant) [which was] still lying within the manger (feeding trough).

17. Now after seeing [this], they made known about the declaration (matter) being spoken to them concerning this little boy.

18. And so all those hearing and listening marveled and wondered in astonishment concerning the things being spoken to them by the shepherds.

19. Yet Mary (Miriam) began keeping these sayings (declarations) together, watching and preserving [them], repeated tossing them together and pondering (jointly comparing, conferring and reflecting [on them]) within her heart.

20. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying (building the reputation of) and praising God on [the basis of] everything which they heard and saw – just as it was spoken to them.

21. And later, when eight days were fulfilled [bringing them to the ritual] to circumcise Him, His name was then called "Jesus," the name called by the agent (messenger), before the [situation and time for] Him to be conceived within the womb.

22. Further, when the days were fulfilled for their purification [note: probably referring to Mary and Jesus] – in accord with the Law [= Torah] of Moses – they led Him up into Jerusalem, to stand (place) Him beside (or: = present Him to) the Lord [= Yahweh],

23. just as it has been written with the Lord's [= Yahweh's] Law, that, "every male fully proceeding to open up the womb will be called 'set-apart to, for, in and by the Lord [= Yahweh]',"

24. and also to give (= offer) a sacrifice corresponding to that having been said in the Lord's [= Yahweh's] Law, "a pair of (or: a couple) wild doves (or: turtledoves; murmurers) or two young pigeons."

25. And now, look and consider this! There was a man within Jerusalem whose name [was] Simeon, and this man [was] just (fair; equitable; in right relationships; in accord with the way pointed out) as well as grasping things well (or: well-received; taking it with ease and wellness), habitually receptive to (or: continuously welcoming and granting access to) Israel's call to the side for aid and encouragement – and a set-apart spirit (a holy wind; a separated Breath-effect) was continuously being upon him.

26. Furthermore, it was for (or: to; in) him – having been transacted by dealings by (or: under) the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) – to not see or know death before he would see and know the Christ of [the] Lord [= Yahweh's Anointed One].

27. And so, within the midst of the Breath-effect and in union with the Spirit, he came into the Temple courts (or: grounds). And within the [situation for] the parents to bring the little boy Jesus, for them to do and perform according to and in correspondence with the practice having been done by custom of the Law concerning Him, 28. he, himself, then received Him into [his] arms and spoke good words about God, and said,

29. "At this time (or: Right now) you are in the process of loosing away, releasing and freeing Your slave, O Sovereign Owner, corresponding to and in accord with Your word spoken (Your declaration) in union with Peace (or: within the midst of peace [= shalom]).

30. "because my eyes see and perceive Your Deliverance (Your Salvation; Your Safety; Your Health and Wholeness; Your Restoration to the original state and condition), 31. "which You prepared and made ready in correspondence with (or: according to; down from) [the] face of all the peoples,

32. "a Light [leading] into an uncovering (unveiling; a revelation) of ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Israelites; = pagans), and [the] Glory (a manifestation which calls for praise; a reputation; a notion inspiring the imagination) of Your people, Israel."

33. And so His father and mother were continuing in marveling, being amazed and wondering upon the things being repeatedly spoken about Him.

34. Than Simeon spoke good words to (blessed) them, and said to Mary (Miriam), His mother, "Look and consider! This One continues lying down into the midst of a fall, and then a standing back up again, of many people within Israel – and into a sign being constantly spoken in opposition to, and being repeatedly contradicted!

35. "Yet a long Thracian javelin (or: long sword) will go through your very soul, so that thought processes, reasonings and dialogues from out of many hearts would be uncovered (unveiled; revealed)."

36. And now there was Anna, a prophetess, [the] daughter of Phanuel (or: Penuel), from out of [the] tribe of Asher – she having walked forward during many days (= was well advanced in years), living with a husband [for] seven years from her virginity (may = after her marriage, or, after her girlhood), 37. and then she [was] a widow until [now being] eighty-four years [old] – who continued not withdrawing (or: departing from; standing away from; putting herself away from) the temple courts and grounds, repeatedly doing public sacred service in fastings and by petitions (or: prayer requests) night and day.

38. And so, taking a stand on [the scene] in that same hour, she began – in [Simeon's] place – saying similar things to God (or: she began responding in like words while standing in the place for God; or: she continued in [His] presence making confessions in God) and continued speaking about Him [either: God; or: the Child] to all the folks habitually having a view toward welcoming, granting access to, and receiving a liberation of Jerusalem (or: a release by payment of a ransom for Jerusalem; [with other MSS: a redemption within Jerusalem]).

> 39. And so, as the finished (ended) all the things corresponding to the Lord's [= Yahweh's] Law, they returned into the Galilee [district], into their own town Nazareth.

40. So the little Boy kept on growing, progressively increasing and steadily becoming strong by [the] Breath-effect (or: in spirit; with a [positive] attitude), being progressively filled with wisdom – and God's grace and favor continued being upon Him.

41. And as was [their] custom, His parents regularly went their way – year by year – into Jerusalem during the Feast (or: festival) of the Passover.

42. So when He came to be twelve years [old], after their finishing going up – according to the custom of the Feast (or: festival) –

43. and upon finishing the days, during their process of returning the Boy Jesus continued to remain in Jerusalem.

44. Yet, inferring from custom for Him to be within the journeying together (= in the caravan; company of fellow travelers), they went a day's way (= a day's journey on the road) and then began seeking Him back among the relatives and acquaintances.

45. Then upon not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, continuing in searching again for Him.

46. Later, after three days, it happened [that] they found Him within the Temple courts (or: grounds), continuing in sitting within the midst of the teachers, constantly listening to them, as well as repeatedly making inquiries and putting question to them.

47. Now all the folks continuing to listen to and hear Him began 'standing outside themselves' in amazement and were repeatedly astonished at His understanding (His ability to make things flow together) and discerning responses (or: decided answers).

48. And so, upon seeing Him, [His parents] were bewildered and overwhelmed (or: struck out [of their wits]), then His mother said to Him, "Child, why did you treat us in this manner? Look, and consider, your father and I were caused constant pain as we continued searching for you."

49. So He said to them, "Why [is it] that you were trying to find Me? Had you not seen so as to now know that it continues binding and necessary for Me to be within the midst of the men belonging to My Father (or: to constantly be among the things that pertain to My Father)?"

50. And yet they, themselves, did not understand (make flow together) the declaration which He spoke to them.

51. And so He walked back down with them and came into Nazareth, and continued being set in the arrangement under them (or: kept on being subject under them). His mother also continued carefully watching, noting and keeping all these sayings (declarations; matters) within her heart.

52. And Jesus kept on cutting a passage forward, making progress in (or: by; with) the Wisdom – as well as in maturity and physical stature – and in (or: by; with) grace and favor, beside God and mankind (or: in the presence of God and humanity).

CHAPTER 3

1. Now in the fifteenth year of the governmental leadership (or: rule) of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate continued leading the government (performed as governor) of the Judean [district] and Herod filled the provincial office of 'tetrarch' (= ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom) of the Galilee [district] – yet Philip, his brother, continued ruling as 'tetrarch' of the province of Iturea and Trachonitis, as well as Lysanias continuing rule as 'tetrarch' of Abilene –

2. God's spoken word (or: a declaration of God) came into existence (came to be; was birthed) upon the chief (or: ranking) priests, Annas and Caiaphas: upon John, son of Zechariah, within the midst of the wilderness (the uninhabited, desolate place).

3. And so he came (or: went) into all [the] region around the Jordan [River], repeatedly making a public proclamation heralding an immersion (or: baptism) of a change of mind and way of thinking [which also implied a return to God], into a flowing-away of failures (a sending-away of mistakes; a letting-go and release of failed attempts to hit the target and attain the goal; an abandonment of sins; a divorce from and a forgiveness of errors).

4. As it has been and stands written within the scroll of [the] words of Isaiah the prophet, "A voice (or: sound) of someone repeatedly exclaiming and imploring loudly within the midst of the wilderness (the desolate place): 'You people at once make ready (or: 'Within the wilderness [now] prepare) the Way (Road) of [the] Lord [= Yahweh's Path]! Be progressively making His worn thoroughfares and highways straight.

5. 'Every ravine (or: gully; place narrowly enclosed by cliffs) will be filled, and every mountain and hill (or: all hill country and rising ground) will be made low. Then the crooked things (or: places) will be [made] into straight ones, and rough and uneven places, into smooth roads!

6. 'Then all flesh will see God's Deliverance (Salvation; Rescue; Restoration to health and wholeness; Return to its original state and condition)!'"

7. However, he [i.e., John] kept on saying to the crowds that were one after another going their way out to be immersed by him, "[You] offsprings (or: Results of the births) of poisonous snakes (vipers), who (or: what) privately suggested (or: secretly showed; pointed out under [cover]) to you folks to be at once taking flight (fleeing) away from the progressively impending inherent fervor (internal swelling towards fruition; agitation of soul; or: anger; wrath)?

8. "Be at once, then, producing fruit of corresponding value to (or: of equal worth of; worthy of) the aforementioned change of mind and way of thinking! And so, you should not start (or: begin) to be repeatedly saying among yourselves, 'We continue having Abraham [as; for] a father,' for I am now saying to you folks that God continues able (constantly has power) to raise up children to (or: for) Abraham from out of the midst of these stones!

9. "Now the ax already continues lying [positioned with its aim] toward the root of the trees. So then, every tree not seasonally producing beautiful (fine; ideal; choice) fruit is customarily cut out [of the orchard] and is regularly being tossed into a fire [to heat or to cook]."

10. And so the crowds began putting questions to him, one after another saying, "What, then, should we be doing?"

11. So, giving a decided reply, he began saying to them, "The person habitually having two tunics (undergarments), let him at once share with the one not normally having [one]; and the person habitually having things to eat (food), let him regularly do likewise."

12. Now tax collectors (or: customs and tribute agents) also came to be immersed (baptized), and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we be doing?"

13. So he said to them, "Be habitually practicing (thus: collecting, demanding or exacting) nothing more besides the thing having been precisely arranged and prescribed for you (= charge nothing beyond the standard rates)."

14. And then soldiers (men serving in the army) also began putting questions to him, as a group saying, "What should we also be doing?" And he said to them, "You men should not at any time violently shake anyone (thus, also: intimidate, harass or extort from anyone), nor should you at any time inform on, blackmail or falsely accuse [people]. Also, be habitually content and satisfied with your subsistence rations and pay."

15. Now during the people's continued anticipation, keeping and eye open and directed forward in watchful waiting and expectation, while everyone kept on reasoning and debating in their hearts concerning John, whether perchance he might be the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah).

16. John gave a decided response, repeatedly saying, "I, myself, on the one hand am in the process of immersing (baptizing) you folks in (or: with) water. Yet on the other hand, the Person stronger than I is now progressively coming – the lace (or: strap; thong) of Whose sandals I am not competent (fit; sufficient) to loosen or untie. He, Himself, will immerse (or: baptize) you folks within the midst of set-apart (or: Holy) Spirit (or: set-apart spirit; Holy Breath-effect) and Fire –

17. "Whose winnowing shovel (or: fork) [is] in His hand to thoroughly clean [other MSS: and He will thoroughly cleanse] His threshing floor and to gather together [with other MSS: He will collect] the grain into His storehouse (granary; barn) – but then He will burn down (or: up) the chaff (husks and straw; = the useless remains of the dead plants) with (or: in) an inextinguishable Fire [note: same fire as in vs. 16]."

18. Then, indeed, constantly calling the people alongside to give encouragement, exhortation and assistance, he kept on bringing and announcing many and different things as good news of ease and wellness.

19. Now Herod, the tetrarch (district ruler) – being repeatedly put to the proof (or: being constantly questioned, as in a cross-examination, and refuted, exposed, convicted and treated with contempt) by him concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, as well as about all [the] worthless, malicious and wicked things which Herod did and does –

20. added this also, upon everything [he had done]: he locked down John within the midst of a prison (or: jail).

21. Now [the time] had come into existence (had been birthed) – during [the situation for] all the people to be immersed (baptized) – upon Jesus also being immersed (baptized) and continuing in prayer, [for] the heaven to be opened back up again,

22. And [for] the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) to descend (stepped down) – in bodily perceptual appearance as a dove (or: pigeon) – upon Him, and [for] a Voice (or: Sound) from out of the midst of heaven (or: from the sky) to birth Itself: "You, Yourself, are (continuously exist being) My Son – the Beloved One! I have good thoughts within the midst of You (or: I take delight in You; I am disposed to good things and wellness in union with You; In You I think ease and imagine well-being)!"

23. And so this same Jesus, Himself starting to rule (or: progressively beginning), was about thirty years [old], being a son – as it continued commonly established by Law, legal to Joseph, [but] – of Eli,

24. [a son] of Matthat, [son] of Levi, [son] of Melchi, [son] of Jannai, [son] of Joseph.

25. [He was a son] of Mattathias, [son] of Amos, [son] of Nahum, [son] of Esli, [son] of Naggai,

26. [son] of Maath, [son] of Mattathias, [son] of Semein, [son] of Josech, [son] of Joda (or: Yoda),

27. [son] of Joanan, [son] of Rhesa, [son] of Zerubbabel, [son] of Shealthiel, [son] of Neri,

28. [son] of Melchi, [son] of Addi, [son] of Cosam, [son] of Elmadam, [son] of Er,

29. [son] of Jesus, [son] of Eliezer, [son] of Jorim, [son] of Matthat, [son] of Levi,

30. [son] of Simeon, [son] of Judah, [son] of Joseph, [son] of Jonam, [son] of Eliakim,

31. [son] of Melea, [son] of Menna, [son] of Mattathah, [son] of Nathan, [son] of David,

32. [son] of Jesse, [son] of Obed, [son] of Boaz, [son] of Salmon, [son] of Nahshon,

33. [son] of Amminadab, [son] of Arni, [son] of Hezron, [son] of Pherez, [son] of Judah,

34. [son] of Jacob, [son] of Isaac, [son] of Abraham, [son] of Terah, [son] of Nahor,

35. [son] of Serug, [son] of Reu, [son] of Peleg, [son] of Eber, [son] of Shelah,

36. [son] of Cainan, [son] of Arphaxad, [son] of Shem, [son] of Noah, [son] of Lamech,

37. [son] of Methuselah, [son] of Enoch, [son] of Jared, [son] of Mahalaleel, [son] of Cainan,

38. [son] of Enos (or: Enosh), [son] of Seth, [son] of Adam, [son] of God.

[note: Following Joseph, in vs. 24, each name of this genealogy is a genitive phrase. Alternate renderings are: belonging to Eli.... belonging to God; or: whose source is Eli.... whose source is God; or, as a genitive of apposition: who is Eli.... who is God]

CHAPTER 4

1. So Jesus, full of a set-apart spirit (or: a set-apart Breath-effect; [the] Holy Spirit), turned back away from the Jordan [River] and began being led within the Breath-effect (or: in union with the Spirit) within the midst of [other MSS: into] the wilderness (desert; desolate and uninhabited place) –

2. [for] forty days being constantly examined and tested (or: tried and proved) by, and under, the one who thrusts or hurls [things] through [us] (or: the adversary). And He did not eat anything within those days, and so, at their being brought together to the goal, and concluded, He became hungry.

3. So the one who thrusts through [folks] (the adversary) said to Him, "Since (or: If) you are (exist being) God's son, speak to this stone with the result that it can (may) come to be a loaf of bread."

4. And then Jesus gave a decided reply to him, "It has been written, 'Humanity (or: The Man) will not live upon bread alone, but rather upon God's every spoken word (or: declaration).'"

5. Then, upon leading Him up into a high mountain, the adversary (thruster-through) pointed out to Him all the kingdoms (dominions; empires) of the inhabited earth, within a point (or: moment) of time,

6. and then the adversary (thruster-through) said to Him, "I will give to you all this authority, as well as their glory and reputation – because it has been given to me, and to whomsoever I may wish (will; want; intend) I am normally giving it.

7. "Therefore, if you, yourself, would at some point bow down in homage or worship before me, it will be yours!"

8. And so, giving a decided answer, Jesus said to him, "Go submissively (or: Sink down) behind me, adversary! It has been written, 'You will be bowing down in homage and worship to [the] Lord [= Yahweh], your God, and to Him alone will you give public sacred service.'"

9. So he led Him into Jerusalem and stationed (set; stood) Him upon the little wing of the Temple complex, then said to Him, "Since you are (or: If you exist being) God's son, cast (throw; hurl) yourself down (= jump) from this place,

10. "for it has been written that, 'He will give orders (directives; a charge) to His agents (messengers) about (concerning) you, [with the directive] to carefully protect, keep and guard you.'

11. "also, that, 'Upon [their] hands they will lift you, lest at some point you could (or: might) strike (or: dash) your foot toward a stone (= stub your toe; or: = stumble).'"

12. So, giving a determined response, Jesus said to him, "It has been said, 'You will not test-out (or: put out on trial) [the] Lord [= Yahweh], your God.'"

13. And then, upon concluding and bring all [of the] test and examination to it goal, the adversary (the through-thruster) withdrew and took a stand away from Him, until an appointed season (or: a fitting or convenient situation).

14. Then Jesus returned – within the midst of and in union with the power of the Spirit (or: the ability of the Breath-effect), into the Galilee [district].

And so fame (or: news) about (concerning) Him went out down through the whole surrounding region. 15. And then He, Himself, began teaching within their synagogues, [He] being progressively held in honor, esteem and high reputation (or: being glorified) by all (or: everyone).

16. So He came (or: went) into Nazareth, where He had been brought up (raised, supported, nourished, provided for, cared for, educated and prepared for adulthood), and according to His custom on the day of the sabbaths, He entered into the synagogue. In time, He stood up to read.

17. So a scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Then, upon opening up the scroll, He found the place where it was written,

18. "[The] Lord's [= Yahweh's] Breath-effect (or: [The] Spirit of [the] Lord; or: a spirit from [Yahweh]; or: a spirit which is [the] Lord) [is] upon Me, on account of which He anointed Me to bring and proclaim good news (a message of ease and wellness) to destitute folks, and He has sent me off as an emissary (an apostle; one commissioned as His representative) to cure and heal folks with [their] heart having been crushed, to publicly proclaim (as a herald) to (for; among) captives release and liberation (a letting go away) and to (for; among) blind folks a seeing again (a recovery of sight), to send away with a mission those having been shattered by oppression, in a state of release and liberation,

19. to publicly and loudly proclaim [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] year which is characterized by being welcomed, favorably received and approved...!" [note: some see this as a reference to the 'year of Jubilee,' Lev. 25:10]

20. Then, upon rolling up the scroll [and] giving [it] back to the attendant, He sat down – and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were staring intently at Him.

21. So He started to be saying to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your ears (= your hearing)."

22. And so everyone began bearing witness to, and for, Him (or: sharing evidence about Him) and continued marvelling (wondering with admiration) upon the words of the grace (or: at the gracious message and favorable thoughts) which continued issuing out (or: proceeding forth) from out of His mouth, so that one after another was saying, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

23. Later, He said to them, "In all likelihood (= Doubtless; By all means) you folks will say (or: quote; speak) this illustration (parable; = proverb) for (or: to; about) Me, 'Healer (or: Physician; Doctor), cure yourself!' [and say,] 'Do now also here, within your home territory (or: fatherland), as many things as we heard birthed themselves into Capernaum (= happened in Capernaum).'"

24. But then He said, "The truth is (or: Amen; Truly), I am now saying to you people, that not one prophet is welcome or acceptable (or: a received one) within His fatherland (or: home territory; own country).

25. "Yet, [based] on truth (or: = in reality) I am now saying to you folks, there were many widows during the days of Elijah, in Israel, when the sky (or: heaven) was shut and locked for (on [a period of]) three years and six months, so thus a great famine occurred upon all the land –

26. "and yet Elijah was sent to not one of them, except into Zarephath of the Sidon [territory], to a woman [who was] a widow.

27. "and further, there were many lepers in Israel, on [the time of] Elisha the prophet, and yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian."

28. Then all the men in the synagogue, as they were hearing these things, were filled with a rush of emotion (or: anger; fury),

29. and after standing up (arising) they hustled Him out – outside of the town – then they led Him to a brow (= an out-jutting cliff) of the mountain (or: hill) upon which their town had been built, so as to shove Him down the precipice.

30. But He, Himself, after passing through their midst, continued on His way.

31. So He went down into Capernaum, a city of the Galilee [district]. Then He was continuing in teaching them, during the sabbaths.

32. And they kept on being struck out of themselves with astonishment at His teaching – that His word (message; thought) was being in union with authority (or: because His idea was in the midst of right and privilege).

33. Further, in – and as a part of – the synagogue there was a man (or: person) continuously having and holding a breath-effect (spirit; attitude) of an unclean demon (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influence), and he uttered up (or: cried out) with a loud voice,

34. "Ah! (or: Ha!) What [is this] for us... and for You (or: What [business is there] between us and You; What [is there in common] for us and for you; Why do you meddle with us), Jesus, you Nazarene? You came to get rid of us! (or: Do you come to destroy us?) I have seen and know You... Who (or: What) you are! – God's set-apart One! (or: the Holy man whose source is God; as a genitive of apposition: the Holy One {or: man} Who is God!)"

35. So Jesus gave a respectful directive (or: spoke a value-based command) to it, saying, "Be at once muzzled (= Be quiet, or, silent) and go (or: come) out – away from him." Then, after pitching (or: convulsing) him into [their] midst, the demon (= animistic influence) went out – away from him – [in] nothing hurting or harming him.

36. And so there came to be amazement (wonder, astonishment or bewilderment) upon everyone, and they began conversing together, repeatedly saying to one another, "What word (or: message; idea) [is] this? – that in authority and power (or: in union with privilege, or, prerogative, and ability) He is now giving orders to the unclean breath-effects (spirits), and they proceed coming out!"

37. So a reverberating noise (= an echoing report, or, rumor) began proceeding forth concerning Him – into every place of the surrounding region.

38. Now upon rising up from the synagogue, He entered into Simon's house. But Simon's mother-in-law had been continuing gripped by and confined by a high fever, so they asked Him about her. 39. Then, upon taking a place over her, He spoke a respectful directive to the fever, and it released her and flowed away (or: abandoned her). Now without delay, after standing up, she began performing attending service to, for, and among them.

40. Now while the sun was setting, everybody – whoever were having folks being weak and infirm with various diseases – led them to Him. So He, placing [His] hands upon each one of them, was one, after, another treating and curing them.

41. And thus, demons (= animistic influences) also kept on going out from many folks, one by one uttering cries or exclamations, and then saying, "You, Yourself, are God's Son!" And so, while speaking respectful directives, He was not permitting them to continue speaking, because (or: to continue sounding forth that) they had seen, and thus knew, Him to be the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah).

42. Now, when it came to be day, upon going out, He went His way into a desolate (desert; uninhabited) place. And yet, the crowds kept on trying to find Him, and so, they came to Him and they kept on detaining Him so that He would not be leaving them.

43. But He, Himself, said to them, "It is necessary and binding for Me to bring and declare the good news – God's reign (or: kingdom) – in different towns and cities, as well, because I was sent off as an emissary (apostle; representative) on this mission."

44. And so He was constantly making public proclamation [when entering] into the synagogues of the Judean [district].

CHAPTER 5

1. Now this happened during the [situation, or, time that] the crowd continued pressing close and imposing upon Him in order to be listening to and hearing the Word from God (or: God's thoughts and ideas; God's message), and He, Himself, was there, standing beside Lake Gennesaret.

2. And He saw two sailing vessels moored at the lakeside (= at the shore), but the fishermen, after disembarking from them, had started washing the nets.

3. So, stepping into one of the boats (or: ships; sailing vessels) – which was Simon's, He asked him to pull away (or: lead back upon [the water]) from the land a little. So, upon sitting down, He began teaching the crowds, from out of the sailing vessel.

4. Now as He ceases [the] session of speaking, He says to Simon, "Pull away again on [the lake], into the deep, and you men lower your nets into a catch."

5. And so Simon, in a considered reply, said, "Captain (or: Commander; Chief; = Boss; perhaps: Instructor), after being wearied and spent with labor through the whole night, we took nothing. Yet, upon Your spoken word, I will lower the nets."

6. Then, upon doing this, they shut up together and enclosed a multitude of fishes, so much – yet their net began tearing and ripping in two.

7. And so they with hand gestures motioned to [their] partners in the different boat to, upon coming, get together with them and help out. So they came, and they filled both ships so that they began to progressively sink!

8. Now Simon Peter seeing [this], fell down at the knees of Jesus, while saying, "Go out, away from me, O Sir (or: Lord), because I am a man with the qualities of an outcast (a man characterized by failure; a missing-the-target male; a sinful man; an adult male full of error and mistakes)!"

9. You see, awe, fear and astonishment suddenly surrounded, engulfed and then overwhelmed him – as well as all those together with him – upon [the impact], at the catch of the fishes which they together took in hand. 10. Now [it was] likewise, also, [with] Jacob (or: James) and John – sons of Zebedee. They were partners and mates with Simon.

Then Jesus says to Simon, "Stop fearing (or: Do not continue being afraid). From now on you will be repeatedly catching humans alive!"

11. Then, after bringing the sailing vessels back down upon the land, abandoning all things, they followed Him.

12. Later, it happened for Him to be in one of the towns, and – look and think about this – an adult male, full of leprosy, [was there]. Now upon seeing Jesus, after falling upon [his] face, he begged (urgently asked from out of his need) Him, presently saying, "O Lord (or: Sir; Master), if you should continue willing [it] (or: if you are now wanting to), you continue able (or: constantly have power) to at once make me clean!"

13. And so, stretching out [His] hand, He touched him, while saying, "I am now wanting [to], and continue willing and intending [it]. Be at once made clean!" Then immediately the leprosy went away from (or: left) him.

14. And then He gave to him a message at the side: to speak to no one [about this], but rather, "Upon going off (or: away), show yourself to the priest, and bear forward an offering concerning your cleansing – just as arranged and directed by Moses – with a view to evidence for them (or: [leading] into a testimony and a witness to them)."

15. However, the account concerning Him began spreading throughout to an even greater extent, and many crowds began gathering (coming together) to continue hearing and to repeatedly here, as well as to be cured by Him – from their weaknesses, illnesses and diseases.

16. So He, Himself, was progressively withdrawing and retiring into the desolate places (wildernesses; deserts; uninhabited places), and was continuing in prayer.

17. And then it occurred on one of those days – it was also as He, Himself was proceeding in teaching and there were Pharisees and teachers of the Law [= Torah] continuing in sitting [there] who had been coming out of every village of the Galilee [district], as well as from Judea and Jerusalem – and [the] Lord's [= Yahweh's] power and ability was being there [leading] into the [situation for] Him to continue healing.

18. And so, look and consider! Adult males, carrying on a couch (or: pallet; stretcher; bed) a man who was one having been, and remained, paralyzed and disabled, and they kept on seeking (= attempting) to bring him inside, and to place him before Him (or: in His sight).

19. So, not finding some sort of way that they could bring him in through the crowd, upon climbing (or: stepping) up on the roof (a flat house-top), they lowered him down – together with the little couch (cot; bed; pallet) – through the midst of the clay tile roofing, [and] into the midst [of the gathering] in front of Jesus.

20. And upon seeing and perceiving their faith and trust, he said, "Man (or: Human), your failures (mistakes; times of missing the target; errors; sins) have been made to flow away for you (or: have been divorced from you and sent away for you; have been made to abandon you and leave you forgiven and liberated)."

21. At that, the scribes (scholars; theologians; Law experts) and the Pharisees began to be continuing in thorough consideration, reasoning and discussion, one after another saying, "Who (or: What) is this person who is now speaking blasphemies (or: impious and irreligious statements; things abusive or irreverent to God)? Who is now having power or ability to dismiss (send away; forgive) failures, mistakes or sins – except God alone?"

22. Now Jesus, with full intimate knowledge recognizing their reasonings and dialogues, giving a discerning reply, says to them, "What do you men continue reasoning and considering in your hearts?

23. "Which is easier, to be saying, 'Your failures (mistakes; times of missing the target; errors; sins) have been sent away (caused to flow off; divorced; made to abandon; leave you liberated and forgiven) for you,' or to say, 'Proceed in getting up and continue walking about'?

24. "Yet, to the end that you men can have seen and so know that the Son of the Man (or: Humanity's Son; the eschatological Messianic figure; or: the human) continues having [the] right and holding authority upon the earth (or: land) to at any point send away (cause to flow off; divorce; cause to abandon and leave forgiven and liberated) failures (mistakes; errors; sins; missed shots at the goal)..." He said to the paralyzed man, "I am now saying to you, Proceed in getting up, and then after lifting up your cot (little pallet or bed), continue going you way into your house."

25. And instantly rising up before them (in their sight), after picking up that upon which he had been lying, he went off into his house, while continuously giving glory to God (or: verbally enhancing God's reputation with good opinions).

26. Then ecstasy seized them all, and they began expressing good opinions about God (adding glory to God's reputation) – and yet they were filled with awe and fear, repeatedly saying, "We saw things to the side of normal opinions (incredible things; things that seem unusual; paradoxes) today!"

27. Then, after these things, He went out and watched (gazed at; observed) a customs official (or: tax collector; possibly: the tenant or lease-holder of the station) named Levi [also called Matthew, elsewhere] sitting at the tax office (or: toll and customs booth), and then He said to him, "Be continuously following Me."

28. So, leaving everything down behind, after standing up he began following Him.

29. Later Levi prepared a great reception banquet for Him within his house. And there was a great crowd of many tax collectors, as well as others who were lying down while dining with them.

30. Then the Pharisees and the scribes (scholars and theologians) began grumbling with subdued talk and perplexed buzzing (murmuring) to His disciples about them, one after another saying, "Why (Because of what [reason or situation]) are you folks participating in eating and drinking with the tax collectors and outcasts (folks who because of their lifestyle or means of making a living were considered as failures, or, 'sinners,' by the religious people; folks who did not by habit adhere to the religious customs of the Jewish culture)?"

31. Then Jesus, giving a decided response, said to them, "The folks being normally healthy and sound are not normally having a need of a healer (doctor; physician), but rather those constantly having it badly (= being constantly sick, or having a continuing illness).

32. "I have not come to call 'righteous folks' (= those who consider themselves rightwised in relation to God and mankind; = religious people), but to the contrary, [to call] outcasts (those considered 'sinners' by the religious community, and therefore rejected by them because of their lifestyles and practices; those who are failures and who continuously miss the goal [of life]; or: irreligious people) into a change of thinking, with a new perspective and a return to God."

33. So they said to Him, "John's disciples are frequently fasting and constantly making petitions [to God]; likewise also those of the Pharisees; yet yours are continuously eating and drinking!"

34. Thus Jesus says to them, "You folks continue unable to make the sons of the wedding hall (= the bridegroom's friends and guests) to at any point fast while the bridegroom continues being with them.

35. "But days will come when even (or: also) the bridegroom would be lifted up away from them. They will then fast during those days."

36. Now He also began telling an illustration (parable) to (or: directed at them) them, "No one is ripping (or: tearing) a patch from a new cloak (or: outer garment) [and] proceeding to sew [it] on an old cloak! Now if he does, he will both tear the new one, and the patch from the new one will not sound together (= match) with the old one.

37. "Furthermore, no one normally put new wine into old wineskins (skin bottles). Now if he does, the new wine will burst and tear the wineskins, and it will be spilled out, and also the wineskins will be destroyed.

38. "To the contrary, new wine [is] drained into and stored in new wineskins (skin bottles), and then both are preserved.

39. "Also, no one continues wanting new (young [wine]) after immediately drinking [the] old (or: aged), for he is then saying, "The old (or: aged) continues being useful and well adapted to it purpose, and is just fine!"

CHAPTER 6

1. Now on a sabbath He happened to be passing on His way through fields of sown grain, and His disciples began plucking (or: picking) the heads of grain, [then] proceeding to rub [them] in pieces between [their] hands, and then were eating [them].

2. So some of the Pharisees questioned, "Why are you people continuing in doing that which is not allowed by custom or Law to be done on the sabbaths?"

3. Then, giving a decided response, Jesus said to them, "Did you men not even read this which David did when he, himself – as well as those with him – got hungry?

4. "How he entered into God's house, and upon taking the loaves of the Presentation (or: the Placing-before), he ate and gave [some] to those with him – which it is not allowed by Law to eat, except only [by] the priests?"

5. And went on to say to them, "The Son of the Man (= Adam's offspring; = mankind; or: the eschatological Messiah figure) is lord (master; Lord) of the sabbath)."

6. Now on a different sabbath, He happened to enter into the synagogue and [commences] to continue teaching. There was also a man there, and his right hand was dried up and withered.

7. So the theologians (scribes; scholars of the Law) and the Pharisees began attentively observing from the side, [to see] if He continues curing on the sabbath, to the end that they could find [something] to proceed to accuse and to bring a charge against Him.

8. Yet He, Himself, had seen, and thus knew, their reasonings and dialogues, so He said to the adult male – the one having the withered hand, "Proceed to get up, and put yourself into the midst [of us]." And so, upon standing up, he stood [thus].

9. Then Jesus said to them, "I now ask you men if on the sabbath it is allowed by custom and Law to do good (or: to perform virtue or excellence) or to do bad (or: to perform worthlessness); to heal (deliver; restore to health and wholeness; save) a person, or to destroy one (or: to rescue, or to lose a soul)?"

10. Then, after looking around at them all, He said to him, "Stretch out your hand." So he does – and his hand was moved from its fixed, static condition, and was returned to a normal condition (or: restored) as the other one.

11. But they, themselves, became filled with a lack of understanding (an absence of mind, sound thinking, intelligence or good judgment; or: senselessness; madness; insanity), and began thoroughly deliberating (talking it over in detail) to one another [about] what they could (should; would) do to (or: with) Jesus.

12. Now it was birthed (or: came to be) during these days [for] Him to go out into the mountain (or: hill country) to pray, and so He was continuing through the night within the midst of God's prayer (or: in union with the prayer of God; in the prayer which was God; in union with the prayer whose source was God).

13. So when day was birthed (or: when it came to be day) He summoned His disciples, and was then selecting twelve from them whom He also named emissaries (sent-forth ones; commissioned representatives; apostles): 14. Simon, whom He also named Peter (Rock), then Andrew, his brother, and Jacob (James). Also John, Philip and Bartholomew.

15. Then Matthew, as well as Thomas, Jacob (James) [the son of] Alphaeus, and Simon, the one being normally called Zealot (or: a zealous person).

16. Next Judah [the son of] Jacob (James), and then Judah (or: Judas) – who came to be (was birthed) one who gives in advance (or: one who gives-over before, in front or in preference).

17. Then after walking down with them He stood upon a flat, level place, and a large crowd of His disciples [gathered around] – as well as a great multitude of people from all the Judean [district], Jerusalem, and the coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and to be healed and cured from all of their sicknesses and diseases.

18. Even folks who were being continuously mobbed with trouble and annoyance from unclean breath-effects (spirits; attitudes) kept on, one after another, being cured.

19. Then all the crowds kept on seeking (= attempting) to be one after another touching Him – because power and ability was continuously flowing (or: issuing) out from beside Him (= from His presence; or: from at His side), and it continued healing everyone.

20. And then, He, Himself, lifting up His eyes into the midst of (or: = looking penetratingly and squarely at) His disciples, began saying, "Happy (and blessed) poor and destitute folks! – because God's reign (or: kingdom) is now yours (or: belongs to you, as a group).

21. "Happy and blessed folks at this time being constantly hungry! – because you folks will be fed until satisfied.

22. "You people continue existing being happy (and blessed) whenever mankind (humanity) may hate you or treat you with ill-will, and whenever they may mark you off by boundaries, so as to separate you, and may even insult or denounce [you], or defame [your] character and reputation, and then may even throw out your (collective, or, individual) name as worthless, harmful or wicked – on account of the Son of the Man (= the eschatological Messianic figure; or: = Adam's son; the Son of mankind).

23. "You folks be continuously rejoicing and then jump for joy (or: frisk about) within that day, for, look and consider! – the wage and reward (or: the compensation) belonging to you folks [is] much (or: vast; great) within the midst of and in union with the heaven! You see, their fathers (= ancestors) kept on treating the prophets the very same way (or: repeatedly did to the prophets in accord with the same things).

24. "Nevertheless, tragic will be the fate for you rich (wealthy) folks, because your call to the side for help, supporting influence, encouragement and consolation continues being some distance away and is presently estranged (or: = your times of prosperity are over), and you currently have the fullness of what is due you.

25. "Tragic will be the fate for you folks who have been filled within and are at the present moment satisfied – because you folks will be hungry (or: will go hungry)!

"Tragic will be the fate of the people at this time being habitually merry and constantly laughing – because you folks will be mourning (grieving; lamenting) and you will be weeping (crying)!

26. "Tragic will be the situation whenever all mankind (humanity) may speak nicely (finely; beautifully; ideally) [to; about] you folks, for you remember, their fathers (= ancestors) were habitually operating (doing) in accord with very same things to the false prophets (= treating the lying prophets the same way).

27. "But rather, I am now saying to you folks – the people continuing to listen, and constantly hearing – Be habitually loving your enemies (the folks that are hostile in regard to you); be repeatedly doing ideally to (constantly performing beautifully for; habitually making or creating finely among) the folks habitually hating you and repeatedly treating you with ill-will.

28. "Repeatedly speak words of well-being and blessing to the people constantly cursing (or: making negative prayers about) you folks; be constantly praying about the folks repeatedly threaten, insult, mistreat or abuse you.

29. "To the person repeatedly striking and beating you upon the cheek or jaw, repeatedly offer (or: present; hold to the side) the other one, as well. "Also, you should not prevent or hinder the one presently picking up and taking your cloak (outer garment) from also [taking your] tunic (undergarment).

30. "Be habitually giving to everyone constantly requesting of you (or: begging or demanding [something from] you), and do not make it a habit to demand it back (or: repeatedly ask for it back) from the person presently or repeatedly taking what is yours.

31. "And so, correspondingly and exactly as you folks are normally wanting and intending that humanity (mankind) should habitually do to, and for, you, you, yourselves also, be constantly doing likewise to, and for, them.

32. "Further, if you folks habitually love the people normally loving you, what sort of grace or favor is it by you (or: for you; to you; among you)? You see, the outcasts (folks who by lifestyle or trade are habitually ceremonially unclean or repeatedly break the Law; people who constantly fail to hit the target, fall short of the goal, or make mistakes; sinners) are also normally loving the folks who are habitually loving them.

33. "You see, if you folks should continue doing good [to; for; among] the people constantly doing good [to; for; among] you, what sort of grace or favor is it by you (or: for you; to you; among you)? The outcasts (sinners; etc.) are habitually doing the very same thing!

34. "And if you folks should lend [without interest] at the side, to people from which you normally expect to receive [back], what sort of grace or favor is it by you (or: for you; to you; among you)? For you see, outcasts (sinners; etc.) also are habitually lending to outcasts, with and expected result that they should (or: can) get back the equivalent.

35. "In any case, be continuously loving your enemies (the ones hostile to you), and be constantly doing good, and also be habitually lending while expecting [to get] nothing back. Then your wage and reward will be much, and you folks will be sons of the Most High. "You see, He, Himself, continuously exists being benevolent, usefully kind and profitable upon the ungracious, unthankful and ungrateful, as well as the useless, unprofitable, pernicious and wicked folks.

36. "Continue becoming compassionate people, just as your Father continuously exists being compassionate!

37. "And stop (or: do not continue) separating and judging, and then under no circumstances can you folks be separated and judged; and stop (or: do not continue) pointing down and condemning, and then under no circumstances can you be condemned or pointed down [at]. Be habitually releasing, and you will be released.

38. "Be constantly giving, and it will be given to you – a beautiful, fine and ideal measure: one having been pressed and squeezed down, having been shaken back and forth, [and] continuing to be caused to gush out and spill over (or: repeatedly made to overflow) will they be giving into your bosom (= the pocket formed by tying the outer garment at the waist, then pulling the upper part out into a fold; or: pouring into your lap). You see, the same measure with which you normally measure [out], will be [used to] measure in return (or: in its place) to, and for, you folks."

39. Now He also told an illustration (parable) for them: "A blind person is surely not able to continually lead or guide a blind person on the way. Will they not both fall into a pit or a well?

40. "A disciple (or: student) is not over the teacher, but yet upon having been thoroughly prepared and adjusted down (= instructed and adapted), he will be like (or: as) his teacher.

41. "So why are you constantly staring at and observing the small sliver of wood or straw that [is] in your brother's eye, yet the rafter (beam; timber) in your own eye you continuing to not notice or consider (bring the mind down on)?

42. "How do you continue able to repeatedly say to your brother, 'O brother, allow me to extract the sliver of wood (or: straw) which [is] in your eye,' while at the same [time] continuing to not see a rafter within your [own] eye? You hypocrite (pretender; phony)! First at once extract the rafter from out of your [own] eye, and then you will see clearly to extract the sliver which [is] in the eye of your brother.

43. "You see, a fine, ideal (choice) tree is not normally producing rotten fruit, neither [is] a rotten tree normally producing fine, ideal (choice) fruit.

44. "Indeed, each tree is consistently being experientially known from its own fruit. You see, people are not normally gathering (or: collecting) figs from a thorn plant, nor are folks picking and harvesting a cluster of grapes from brambles.

45. "A good and virtuous person continually brings forth the good and virtuous thing from out of the midst of the good treasure of his heart, while the worthless (wicked; spoiled; degenerate; unsound) person normally brings forth the worthless and unsound (wicked and degenerate) thing from out of the midst of the treasure within his heart. You see from out of the midst of the surrounding abundance of [the] heart his mouth is continually speaking.

46. "So why are you folks constantly calling Me 'Lord, Master,' and yet you are not habitually doing what I continue saying?

47. "Everyone who is continually coming to Me and repeatedly listening to and hearing My words (messages; thoughts; ideas) and then proceeds in doing them – I will suggest (or: intimate) to you folks to whom he is like:

48. "He is like a person proceeding in building a house, who dug [in the ground] and deepened [the trench], and then put [the] foundation upon the rock-mass. So with the occurring of a flood, the river burst on and dashed against that house – and it was not strong [enough] to shake it, because of the [foresight] for it to have been ideally and finely built.

49. "Yet the person, upon listening or hearing and then not doing, is like a person building a house upon the ground without a foundation, on which the river burst on and dashed against [it], and it immediately collapsed (fell together) – and the result of the split, break-up and crash of that house became great!"

CHAPTER 7

1. When He completed (made full) all His sayings and declarations unto the hearing of the people (or: into the people's ability to hear), He entered into Capernaum.

2. Now a certain centurion (Roman officer, commander of one hundred soldiers) [owned] a slave who was valued, honored and respected by him, [but who was] continually having it badly (= having an illness; being sick): he continued being about to be progressively reaching his end (= living his last day).

3. So, upon hearing about Jesus, he sent off elders (or: older men) of the Jews with a mission to Him, making a request of Him so that, after coming, He would completely restore his slave to health and wholeness (or: bring his slave safely through [this illness]).

4. Now the men, coming along to Jesus, kept on entreating Him to speedily come to his aid, one after another saying, "He is worthy (or corresponding value) to (or: for) whom You will grant and provide (or: present; hold to the side) this [favor],

5. "for You see, he continues loving our ethnic group and nation, and he himself built (= authorized, supervised and paid for the building of) the synagogue for us."

6. So Jesus journeyed on with them. But at His already being then not far distant from the house, the centurion sent friends, [to be] presently saying to Him, "O sir (or: Lord; master), do not continue being bothered (or: having to take the trouble) [with this], for I am not fit (or: qualified [= ceremonially clean]; or: [important] enough; of sufficient [social standing]) that you should enter under my roof (or: covering).

7. "For this reason, neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you, but rather, speak by a message (or: in a communication; with a word), and let my servant be healed.

8. "You see I, myself, am a person continuing being set in order under authority – continuing in holding (or: having) soldiers under me. And so I normally am saying to this one, 'Be on your way,' and he proceeds on his way; and to another one, 'Be coming now,' and he proceeds coming; and to my slave, 'Do this at once,' and he proceeds to do [it]."

9. Now upon hearing these things, Jesus marveled and was amazed at him, and so, upon being turned to the crowd following Him, He says, "I am now saying to you folks, that not even in Israel do I find so much trust and faith!"

10. Then, after returning unto the house, the men having been sent found the slave continuing healthy and being sound.

11. Later – it happened during the next [journey] (or: with other MSS: it occurred on the next [day]) – He traveled on into [the] town being normally called Nain, and a considerable number of His disciples, along with a large crowd, continued traveling together with Him.

12. Now as He neared the town gate, – look, and consider this – a dead man, [being the] only-begotten son for his mother, and now she, herself was a widow, was being progressively carried out [for burial], and a good-sized crowd from the town was continuing in being together with her.

13. So, upon seeing her, the Lord (Master; Owner) was on the spot affected in His inner parts and felt tender compassion upon her, and so said to her, "Stop weeping (or: Do not continue crying)!"

14. Then, after approaching, He touched the bier (an open frame funeral couch used to carry a dead person to burial), so the folks proceeding in bearing [it] stood [still]. Next He said, "Young man, I am now saying for (or: to) you, Be at once aroused and raised up (or, used intransitively: Rise; Get up)!"

15. And then the dead man sat up and started to proceed speaking. So they gave him to his mother.

16. Now fear and respectful awe at once took them all in hand (or: gripped them all), and so they began adding to God's reputation, and continued giving God the glory, one after another saying, "A great prophet was aroused and raised up among us," and, "God visits and looks in on His people so as to closely observe and help them out!"

17. And so, this message (= story; report; verbalized communication; news) went out within the whole of the Judean [district], as well as all the surrounding region, concerning Him.

18. Then John's disciples reported back [to him] about all these things.

19. So, calling a certain two of his disciples to himself, John sent [them] to the Lord, saying [by them], "Are You, Yourself, the One who is now progressively coming, or should we continue anticipating and hoping for a different One?"

20. Now when coming to be alongside and facing Him, the adult men said, "John the immerser (or: Baptist) sent us off with a mission to You, saying [by us], "Are You, Yourself, the One who is now progressively coming, or should we continue anticipating and hoping for a different One [other MSS: another One of the same kind]?"

21. Within that hour He tended and cured many folks from sicknesses and diseases, as well as [from] scourges (lacerating afflictions) and worthless breath-effects (miserable attitudes; bad spirits). Also, He by grace favored many blind people to be constantly seeing.

22. And so, with a discerning reply He said to them, "After journeying on your way, report back to John what things you men saw and heard: blind people continue seeing again; lame folks continue walking around; lepers continue being cleansed. Also, deaf folks continue hearing; dead people continue being raised up; destitute ones are constantly being brought and told the good news of ease and well-being!

23. "Further, whoever should not be caused to trip the spring of a trap or to stumble into a snare of offense at Me is a happy and blessed person."

24. So, after the departing of John's agents (messengers), He began to continue saying to the crowds, concerning John, "What did you folks go out into the wilderness (desert; desolate place) to be watching? A reed being constantly shaken by a wind?

25. "But if not that, what did you go out to see? A person (human) having been clothed in soft (= luxurious) outer garments? Look around and notice, the folks in splendid (magnificent; glorious; fashionable) garments and constantly subsisting in luxury are in the royal environments (or: palaces), among the king's associates.

26. "But still, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I am now saying to people, even one exceedingly more than a prophet.

27. "This man is he concerning whom it has been written: 'Look and consider! I am now sending off My agent (messenger) as an emissary (or: apostle) before Your face (= ahead of Your presence): he who will construct, fully prepare, equip and put in useful order Your road (path; way), in front of You.'

28. "For truly, I now say to you folks, among the people born of women, no one exists being greater than John [with other MSS: there is not even one prophet greater than John the immerser; or: no one continues being a greater prophet than John the Baptist]. Yet the smaller (= less significant) man within the midst of God's reign (or: in union with the kingdom of God) exists being greater than he.

29. "And so all the people hearing [him] – as well as (or: even) the tax collectors (or: customs and toll agents) – [by] being immersed (or: baptized) showed (or: declared) that God is fair, equitable and just [through] John's immersion (baptism).

30. "Yet the Pharisees and the scholars of the Law, [by] not being immersed (or: baptized) under and by him, set aside (displaced; = disregarded or rejected) God's intent (design; purpose) [which He was offering] into (thus: for) themselves.

31. "So to whom, therefore, shall I compare the people (humans; men) of this generation, and what are they like?

32. "They are like little boys (or: children; boys and girls) who are habitually sitting in a marketplace and are constantly shouting (or: calling out) to one another, who are repeatedly saying, 'We play the flute (or: pipe a tune) for you guys, and yet you are not dancing; we sing funeral songs (or: wail), and yet you do not cry (= they would play neither games of festivals nor of funerals).'

33. "You see, John the immerser (or: Baptist) has come neither habitually eating bread nor normally drinking wine (= living the life of an ascetic), and yet you men are constantly saying, 'He has (or: constantly possesses) a demon (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influence).'

34. "[While] the Son of the Man (Mankind's son; = Adam's son, or, the eschatological Messianic figure) has come constantly eating and habitually drinking (= living the life of a normal person), and you men are constantly saying, 'Look, and think of that! A person (man) [who is] a glutton and a drunkard (person normally drinking too much wine); a friend of (one fond of, or, liking) tax collectors and outcasts (failures; sinners; irreligious folks who do not adhere to the conduct prescribed by custom and religious law)!'

35. "And yet (or: = For all that, or, All the same), Wisdom is shown to be fair, equitable and just (or: is vindicated and declared right) from all Her children (= offspring)!"

36. Now a certain man of the Pharisees had been making a request of Him, to the end that He would eat with him. So eventually, after entering into the Pharisee's house, He lay down on a couch [to eat].

37. Then – now look and consider this! – a woman who was certainly an outcast (a sinner; not in compliance with the cultural and religious rules) in the town, upon personally learning accurately that He is presently lying down [at a meal] within the Pharisee's house, is at once bringing an alabaster [container] of perfumed oil (aromatic juices distilled from trees) [which she had been] taking care of and attending to, so as to preserve [it], having acquired it as payment.

38. And so, taking a stand behind [Him] – beside the feet of Jesus – [and] continuously weeping, she started to be progressively making His feet wet with the tears! So then she began wiping [them] off with [the] hair of her head, and continued tenderly kissing His feet while continuing to anoint [them] with the perfumed oil.

39. Now the Pharisee – the one inviting Him – upon seeing [this], continued laying the matter out, saying within himself, "If this man were The Prophet, he would have been realizing (or: recognizing) and coming to a personal knowledge of who, and of what sort, [is] the woman who is certainly continuing to touch Him – that she is (or: by habit continues being) an outcast (sinner; societal failure)!"

40. And so Jesus, giving a discerning and decided reply, said to him, "Simon, I am progressively having (or: I continue holding) something to say to you." So the man is then affirming, "Teacher, say [it]!"

41. "Two men continued being debtors to a certain creditor (moneylender). The one continued indebted, still owing five hundred denarii (silver coins; = 500 days' wages), yet the one in the different situation [owed] fifty (i.e., one owed ten times the amount of the other).

42. "At their continuing to not having [anything with which] to pay [him] back, he gave grace to both (or: he deals graciously and favorably with both; or: = he freely cancelled the debts for both). Therefore, which of them will love him more?"

43. So giving a considered answer, Simon said, "As I take it under consideration, I am supposing that [it would be] the one to whom he gives the more grace (or: = to