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Luke 1

Since many have undertaken to set out in order an account of the things most surely believed among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having had a perfect understanding of everything from the very first, to write to you in order, m

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To Theophilus

Since many have undertaken to set out in order an account of the things most surely believed among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having had a perfect understanding of everything from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus, so you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Seeing plenty have taken it in hand to set out in order a telling of the things most surely believed among us, the way they handed them down to us who from the start were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed good to me too, having had a full understanding of everything from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus — so you can know for sure how certain the things are that you've been taught.

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

1

Since many have undertaken to set out in order an account of the things most surely believed among us,

Plain English

Seeing plenty have taken it in hand to set out in order a telling of the things most surely believed among us,

King James Version, 1611

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

2

just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

Plain English

the way they handed them down to us who from the start were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,

King James Version, 1611

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

3

it seemed good to me also, having had a perfect understanding of everything from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Plain English

it seemed good to me too, having had a full understanding of everything from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus —

King James Version, 1611

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

4

so you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Plain English

so you can know for sure how certain the things are that you've been taught.

King James Version, 1611

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Zechariah and the angel

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abia. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and rules of the Lord. And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and they were both well on in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, the lot fell to him to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole crowd of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him he was troubled, and fear fell on him. But the angel said to him, Don't be afraid, Zacharias. Because your prayer is heard, and your wife Elisabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. Because he will be great in the LORD's eyes. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said to the angel, How will I know this? Because I am an old man, and my wife is well on in years. And the angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And look — you will be silent and unable to speak until the day these things happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season. And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering that he stayed so long in the temple. And when he came out he couldn't speak to them. And they realised he had seen a vision in the temple, because he kept making signs to them and remained speechless. And when the days of his service were finished, he went home. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and kept herself hidden five months, saying, This is what the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my disgrace among men.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous in front of God, walking in all the orders and rules of the Lord without blame. And they had no child, because Elizabeth couldn't have any. And they were both now getting on in years. And while he served as priest in front of God in the order of his division, according to the way of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole crowd of the people were praying outside at the time of the incense. And an angel of the Lord showed himself to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him. But the angel said to him: Don't be frightened, Zechariah. Because your prayer is heard. And your wife Elizabeth will have you a son, and you'll call his name John. And you'll have joy and gladness, and plenty will celebrate at his birth. Because he'll be great in the sight of the Lord. And he won't drink wine or strong drink. And he'll be filled with the Holy Spirit, right from his mother's womb. And plenty of the children of Israel he'll turn to the Lord their God. And he'll go in front of him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the ones who won't listen to the wisdom of the righteous, to get a people ready for the Lord. And Zechariah said to the angel: How will I know this? Because I'm an old man, and my wife is getting on in years. And the angel answered him: I'm Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. And I'm sent to speak to you and to show you this good news. And look — you'll be dumb and not able to speak till the day these things are done, because you don't believe my words, that'll be carried out in their season. And the people waited for Zechariah and wondered that he stayed so long in the temple. And when he came out, he couldn't speak to them. And they understood he'd seen a vision in the temple. Because he waved to them and stayed dumb. And when the days of his service were up, he went to his own house. And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived and hid herself five months: That's what the Lord has done to me in the days he looked on me, to take away my shame among men.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

5

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abia. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

Plain English

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

King James Version, 1611

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6

And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and rules of the Lord.

Plain English

And they were both righteous in front of God, walking in all the orders and rules of the Lord without blame.

King James Version, 1611

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7

And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and they were both well on in years.

Plain English

And they had no child, because Elizabeth couldn't have any. And they were both now getting on in years.

King James Version, 1611

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8

Now while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

Plain English

And while he served as priest in front of God in the order of his division,

King James Version, 1611

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,

9

according to the custom of the priesthood, the lot fell to him to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Plain English

according to the way of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10

And the whole crowd of the people were praying outside at the time of incense.

Plain English

And the whole crowd of the people were praying outside at the time of the incense.

King James Version, 1611

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

11

And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Plain English

And an angel of the Lord showed himself to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

King James Version, 1611

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12

And when Zacharias saw him he was troubled, and fear fell on him.

Plain English

And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him.

King James Version, 1611

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13

But the angel said to him, Don't be afraid, Zacharias. Because your prayer is heard, and your wife Elisabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John.

Plain English

But the angel said to him: Don't be frightened, Zechariah. Because your prayer is heard. And your wife Elizabeth will have you a son, and you'll call his name John.

King James Version, 1611

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

14

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Plain English

And you'll have joy and gladness, and plenty will celebrate at his birth.

King James Version, 1611

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

15

Because he will be great in the LORD's eyes. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb.

Plain English

Because he'll be great in the sight of the Lord. And he won't drink wine or strong drink. And he'll be filled with the Holy Spirit, right from his mother's womb.

King James Version, 1611

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

16

And he will turn many of the Israelites to the Lord their God.

Plain English

And plenty of the children of Israel he'll turn to the Lord their God.

King James Version, 1611

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17

And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Plain English

And he'll go in front of him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the ones who won't listen to the wisdom of the righteous, to get a people ready for the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

18

And Zacharias said to the angel, How will I know this? Because I am an old man, and my wife is well on in years.

Plain English

And Zechariah said to the angel: How will I know this? Because I'm an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.

King James Version, 1611

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

19

And the angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

Plain English

And the angel answered him: I'm Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. And I'm sent to speak to you and to show you this good news.

King James Version, 1611

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

20

And look — you will be silent and unable to speak until the day these things happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season.

Plain English

And look — you'll be dumb and not able to speak till the day these things are done, because you don't believe my words, that'll be carried out in their season.

King James Version, 1611

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

21

And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering that he stayed so long in the temple.

Plain English

And the people waited for Zechariah and wondered that he stayed so long in the temple.

King James Version, 1611

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

22

And when he came out he couldn't speak to them. And they realised he had seen a vision in the temple, because he kept making signs to them and remained speechless.

Plain English

And when he came out, he couldn't speak to them. And they understood he'd seen a vision in the temple. Because he waved to them and stayed dumb.

King James Version, 1611

And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

23

And when the days of his service were finished, he went home.

Plain English

And when the days of his service were up, he went to his own house.

King James Version, 1611

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

24

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and kept herself hidden five months, saying,

Plain English

And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived and hid herself five months:

King James Version, 1611

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

25

This is what the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my disgrace among men.

Plain English

That's what the Lord has done to me in the days he looked on me, to take away my shame among men.

King James Version, 1611

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

The angel comes to Mary

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favoured. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women. And when she saw him she was troubled at his words, and wondered what sort of greeting this could be. And the angel said to her, Don't be afraid, Mary. God has been gracious to you. And look — you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Then Mary said to the angel, How can this be, seeing I have not known a man? And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. So the holy one who is born of you will be called the Son of God. And look — your relative Elisabeth has conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. Because with God nothing will be impossible. And Mary said, Here am I, the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel left her.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin promised to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in to her: Greetings, you who are given favour. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and thought over what sort of greeting this should be. And the angel said to her: Don't be frightened, Mary. Because you've found favour with God. And look — you'll conceive in your womb and have a son, and will call his name Jesus. He'll be great and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. And he'll rule over the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there won't be any end. Then Mary said to the angel: How will this be, seeing I don't know a man? And the angel answered her: The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. So that holy thing born of you will be called the Son of God. And look — your cousin Elizabeth, she's conceived a son too in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. Because with God nothing will be impossible. And Mary said: Look — the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me the way you've said. And the angel went from her.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

26

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

Plain English

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth,

King James Version, 1611

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27

to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

Plain English

to a virgin promised to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

King James Version, 1611

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28

And the angel came in to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favoured. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.

Plain English

And the angel came in to her: Greetings, you who are given favour. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.

King James Version, 1611

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29

And when she saw him she was troubled at his words, and wondered what sort of greeting this could be.

Plain English

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and thought over what sort of greeting this should be.

King James Version, 1611

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30

And the angel said to her, Don't be afraid, Mary. God has been gracious to you.

Plain English

And the angel said to her: Don't be frightened, Mary. Because you've found favour with God.

King James Version, 1611

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31

And look — you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS.

Plain English

And look — you'll conceive in your womb and have a son, and will call his name Jesus.

King James Version, 1611

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

Plain English

He'll be great and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

King James Version, 1611

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33

And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

Plain English

And he'll rule over the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there won't be any end.

King James Version, 1611

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34

Then Mary said to the angel, How can this be, seeing I have not known a man?

Plain English

Then Mary said to the angel: How will this be, seeing I don't know a man?

King James Version, 1611

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35

And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. So the holy one who is born of you will be called the Son of God.

Plain English

And the angel answered her: The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. So that holy thing born of you will be called the Son of God.

King James Version, 1611

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36

And look — your relative Elisabeth has conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

Plain English

And look — your cousin Elizabeth, she's conceived a son too in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

King James Version, 1611

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37

Because with God nothing will be impossible.

King James Version, 1611

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38

And Mary said, Here am I, the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel left her.

Plain English

And Mary said: Look — the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me the way you've said. And the angel went from her.

King James Version, 1611

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary's song

And in those days Mary got up and went in a hurry into the hill country, to a town of Juda, and went into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elisabeth. And when Elisabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she called out with a loud voice and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Because as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed, because what was told her from the Lord will be carried out. And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he has looked on the low estate of his servant. For look — from now on all generations will call me blessed. Because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has pulled down the mighty from their seats, and lifted up those of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. And Mary stayed with her about three months, and went back to her own house.

And in those days Mary got up and went into the hill country in a hurry, into a town of Judah. And went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she called out with a loud voice: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Because look — as soon as the sound of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed. Because the things told her from the Lord will be carried out. And Mary said: My soul makes the Lord great, and my spirit has celebrated in God my Saviour. Because he's looked at the low state of his servant. Because look — from now on all generations will call me blessed. Because the one who's mighty has done great things to me. And holy is his name. And his mercy is on the ones who fear him from generation to generation. He's shown strength with his arm. He's scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He's put down the mighty from their seats and has lifted up the ones of low degree. He's filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he's sent away empty. He's helped his servant Israel, in remembering his mercy — the way he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. And Mary stayed with her about three months and went back to her own house.

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

39

And in those days Mary got up and went in a hurry into the hill country, to a town of Juda,

Plain English

And in those days Mary got up and went into the hill country in a hurry, into a town of Judah.

King James Version, 1611

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

40

and went into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elisabeth.

Plain English

And went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

King James Version, 1611

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

41

And when Elisabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,

Plain English

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

King James Version, 1611

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

42

and she called out with a loud voice and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Plain English

And she called out with a loud voice: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

King James Version, 1611

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43

And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Plain English

And how is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

King James Version, 1611

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44

Because as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.

Plain English

Because look — as soon as the sound of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy.

King James Version, 1611

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45

And blessed is she who believed, because what was told her from the Lord will be carried out.

Plain English

And blessed is she who believed. Because the things told her from the Lord will be carried out.

King James Version, 1611

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

46

And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord,

Plain English

And Mary said: My soul makes the Lord great,

King James Version, 1611

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47

and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Plain English

and my spirit has celebrated in God my Saviour.

King James Version, 1611

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48

Because he has looked on the low estate of his servant. For look — from now on all generations will call me blessed.

Plain English

Because he's looked at the low state of his servant. Because look — from now on all generations will call me blessed.

King James Version, 1611

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

49

Because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Plain English

Because the one who's mighty has done great things to me. And holy is his name.

King James Version, 1611

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

50

And his mercy is on those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Plain English

And his mercy is on the ones who fear him from generation to generation.

King James Version, 1611

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

51

He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Plain English

He's shown strength with his arm. He's scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

King James Version, 1611

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52

He has pulled down the mighty from their seats, and lifted up those of low degree.

Plain English

He's put down the mighty from their seats and has lifted up the ones of low degree.

King James Version, 1611

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

53

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

Plain English

He's filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he's sent away empty.

King James Version, 1611

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

54

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

Plain English

He's helped his servant Israel, in remembering his mercy —

King James Version, 1611

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

55

as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Plain English

the way he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

King James Version, 1611

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

56

And Mary stayed with her about three months, and went back to her own house.

Plain English

And Mary stayed with her about three months and went back to her own house.

King James Version, 1611

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

John born; Zechariah's song

Now the time came for Elisabeth to give birth, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered, No. He will be called John. And they said to her, There is nobody among your relatives called by that name. And they made signs to his father, to find out what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they were all amazed. And straight away his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke and praised God. And fear came on everyone living round about them. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judaea. And everyone who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What sort of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began — that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us, to show the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest. Because you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high has visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day he appeared to Israel.

Now Elizabeth's full time came that she should give birth. And she had a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her. And they celebrated with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they called him Zechariah, after the name of his father. And his mother answered: No, but he'll be called John. And they said to her: There's nobody of your family who's called by that name. And they made signs to his father, what he wanted him called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote: His name is John. And they were all shocked. And straight away his mouth was opened and his tongue loosened, and he spoke and praised God. And fear came on everyone living round them. And all these sayings were talked about through all the hill country of Judea. And everyone who heard them laid them up in their hearts: What sort of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel. Because he's looked at his people and has bought them back. And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David — the way he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who've been since the world started — that we should be saved from the ones against us and from the hand of everyone who hates us, to do the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham, that he'd give us, being rescued out of the hand of the ones against us, that we could serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness in front of him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest. Because you'll go in front of the face of the Lord to get his ways ready. To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, that the dawn from on high has come to us by, to give light to the ones who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and got strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day he showed himself to Israel.

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

57

Now the time came for Elisabeth to give birth, and she brought forth a son.

Plain English

Now Elizabeth's full time came that she should give birth. And she had a son.

King James Version, 1611

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

58

And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

Plain English

And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her. And they celebrated with her.

King James Version, 1611

And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

59

And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

Plain English

And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they called him Zechariah, after the name of his father.

King James Version, 1611

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

60

And his mother answered, No. He will be called John.

Plain English

And his mother answered: No, but he'll be called John.

King James Version, 1611

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

61

And they said to her, There is nobody among your relatives called by that name.

Plain English

And they said to her: There's nobody of your family who's called by that name.

King James Version, 1611

And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

62

And they made signs to his father, to find out what he would have him called.

Plain English

And they made signs to his father, what he wanted him called.

King James Version, 1611

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

63

And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they were all amazed.

Plain English

And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote: His name is John. And they were all shocked.

King James Version, 1611

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

64

And straight away his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke and praised God.

Plain English

And straight away his mouth was opened and his tongue loosened, and he spoke and praised God.

King James Version, 1611

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

65

And fear came on everyone living round about them. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judaea.

Plain English

And fear came on everyone living round them. And all these sayings were talked about through all the hill country of Judea.

King James Version, 1611

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

66

And everyone who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What sort of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Plain English

And everyone who heard them laid them up in their hearts: What sort of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.

King James Version, 1611

And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

67

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:

Plain English

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

King James Version, 1611

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

68

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people,

Plain English

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel. Because he's looked at his people and has bought them back.

King James Version, 1611

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69

and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

Plain English

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David —

King James Version, 1611

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

70

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began —

Plain English

the way he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who've been since the world started —

King James Version, 1611

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

71

that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us,

Plain English

that we should be saved from the ones against us and from the hand of everyone who hates us,

King James Version, 1611

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

72

to show the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant,

Plain English

to do the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,

King James Version, 1611

To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

73

the oath he swore to our father Abraham,

King James Version, 1611

The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

74

to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,

Plain English

that he'd give us, being rescued out of the hand of the ones against us, that we could serve him without fear,

King James Version, 1611

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

75

in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Plain English

in holiness and righteousness in front of him all the days of our life.

King James Version, 1611

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

76

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest. Because you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,

Plain English

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest. Because you'll go in front of the face of the Lord to get his ways ready.

King James Version, 1611

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

77

to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins,

Plain English

To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins,

King James Version, 1611

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

78

through the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high has visited us,

Plain English

through the tender mercy of our God, that the dawn from on high has come to us by,

King James Version, 1611

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

79

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Plain English

to give light to the ones who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

King James Version, 1611

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day he appeared to Israel.

Plain English

And the child grew and got strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day he showed himself to Israel.

King James Version, 1611

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.