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Matthew 12

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pick heads of grain and eat them. But when the Pharisees saw it they said to him, Look, your disciples are doing what isn't lawful to do on the sabbath. But he said to them, Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, and t

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Lord of the sabbath

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pick heads of grain and eat them. But when the Pharisees saw it they said to him, Look, your disciples are doing what isn't lawful to do on the sabbath. But he said to them, Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him — how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which wasn't lawful for him to eat, or for those with him, but only for the priests? Or haven't you read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and are blameless? But I tell you that in this place there is one greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means — I will have mercy, and not sacrifice — you wouldn't have condemned the guiltless. Because the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath. And when he had gone on from there, he went into their synagogue. And there was a man there with a withered hand. And they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? — so they could bring a charge against him. And he said to them, What man among you, if he had one sheep and it fell into a pit on the sabbath, wouldn't take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep? So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath. Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole, like the other. Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the grain. And his disciples were hungry and started to pick heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him: Look — your disciples do what isn't lawful to do on the sabbath day. But he said to them: Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, and the ones with him? How he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, that wasn't lawful for him to eat or for the ones with him, but only for the priests? Or haven't you read in the teaching how on the sabbath days the priests in the temple break the sabbath and are blameless? But I say to you that in this place is one greater than the temple. But if you'd known what this means — I'll have mercy and not sacrifice — you wouldn't have condemned the guiltless. Because the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath day too. And when he'd left there, he went into their meeting house. And look — there was a man who had his hand withered. And they asked him: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? — so they could charge him. And he said to them: What man will there be of you who'll have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the sabbath day, won't he lay hold of it and lift it out? How much better is a man than a sheep then? So it's lawful to do good on the sabbath days. Then he says to the man: Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was made whole like the other. Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him, how they could wreck him.

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

1

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pick heads of grain and eat them.

Plain English

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the grain. And his disciples were hungry and started to pick heads of grain and to eat.

King James Version, 1611

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

2

But when the Pharisees saw it they said to him, Look, your disciples are doing what isn't lawful to do on the sabbath.

Plain English

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him: Look — your disciples do what isn't lawful to do on the sabbath day.

King James Version, 1611

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

3

But he said to them, Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him —

Plain English

But he said to them: Haven't you read what David did when he was hungry, and the ones with him?

King James Version, 1611

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

4

how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which wasn't lawful for him to eat, or for those with him, but only for the priests?

Plain English

How he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, that wasn't lawful for him to eat or for the ones with him, but only for the priests?

King James Version, 1611

How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

5

Or haven't you read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and are blameless?

Plain English

Or haven't you read in the teaching how on the sabbath days the priests in the temple break the sabbath and are blameless?

King James Version, 1611

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

6

But I tell you that in this place there is one greater than the temple.

Plain English

But I say to you that in this place is one greater than the temple.

King James Version, 1611

But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

7

But if you had known what this means — I will have mercy, and not sacrifice — you wouldn't have condemned the guiltless.

Plain English

But if you'd known what this means — I'll have mercy and not sacrifice — you wouldn't have condemned the guiltless.

King James Version, 1611

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

8

Because the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.

Plain English

Because the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath day too.

King James Version, 1611

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

9

And when he had gone on from there, he went into their synagogue.

Plain English

And when he'd left there, he went into their meeting house.

King James Version, 1611

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:

10

And there was a man there with a withered hand. And they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? — so they could bring a charge against him.

Plain English

And look — there was a man who had his hand withered. And they asked him: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? — so they could charge him.

King James Version, 1611

And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

11

And he said to them, What man among you, if he had one sheep and it fell into a pit on the sabbath, wouldn't take hold of it and lift it out?

Plain English

And he said to them: What man will there be of you who'll have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the sabbath day, won't he lay hold of it and lift it out?

King James Version, 1611

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

12

How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep? So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.

Plain English

How much better is a man than a sheep then? So it's lawful to do good on the sabbath days.

King James Version, 1611

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

13

Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole, like the other.

Plain English

Then he says to the man: Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was made whole like the other.

King James Version, 1611

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

14

Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

Plain English

Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him, how they could wreck him.

King James Version, 1611

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

The chosen servant

But when Jesus knew it he withdrew from there. And great crowds followed him, and he healed them all, and warned them not to make him known, so that what was spoken by Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled: Look at my servant, whom I have chosen — my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will show judgement to the Gentiles. He won't quarrel or cry out, and nobody will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he won't break, and smoking flax he won't put out, until he brings judgement through to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will trust.

But when Jesus knew it, he left there. And plenty of people followed him, and he healed them all. And ordered them not to make him known. So what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet could be carried out: Look — my servant who I've chosen, my beloved who my soul is well pleased with. I'll put my Spirit on him, and he'll show judgment to the nations. He won't argue or cry out, and no man will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he won't break, and smoking flax he won't put out, till he sends out judgment to winning. And in his name the nations will trust.

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

15

But when Jesus knew it he withdrew from there. And great crowds followed him, and he healed them all,

Plain English

But when Jesus knew it, he left there. And plenty of people followed him, and he healed them all.

King James Version, 1611

But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

16

and warned them not to make him known,

Plain English

And ordered them not to make him known.

King James Version, 1611

And charged them that they should not make him known:

17

so that what was spoken by Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled:

Plain English

So what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet could be carried out:

King James Version, 1611

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

18

Look at my servant, whom I have chosen — my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will show judgement to the Gentiles.

Plain English

Look — my servant who I've chosen, my beloved who my soul is well pleased with. I'll put my Spirit on him, and he'll show judgment to the nations.

King James Version, 1611

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

19

He won't quarrel or cry out, and nobody will hear his voice in the streets.

Plain English

He won't argue or cry out, and no man will hear his voice in the streets.

King James Version, 1611

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

20

A bruised reed he won't break, and smoking flax he won't put out, until he brings judgement through to victory.

Plain English

A bruised reed he won't break, and smoking flax he won't put out, till he sends out judgment to winning.

King James Version, 1611

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

21

And in his name the Gentiles will trust.

Plain English

And in his name the nations will trust.

King James Version, 1611

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

A house divided

Then a man possessed by a demon was brought to him, blind and unable to speak. And he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed and said, Could this be the Son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it they said, This fellow only drives out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to ruin. And every town or house divided against itself won't stand. And if Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your children drive them out? So they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Or else how can anyone go into a strong man's house and take his goods, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. Whoever isn't with me is against me. And whoever doesn't gather with me scatters. So I tell you, every kind of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men. But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it won't be forgiven him, either in this world or in the world to come. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad. Because the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you say anything good, being evil? Because out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgement for every careless word they speak. Because by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Then one who had a demon was brought to him, blind and dumb. And he healed him, so the blind and dumb one both spoke and saw. And all the people were shocked: Isn't this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said: This fellow doesn't throw out demons except by Beelzebub the leader of the demons. And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to waste. And every town or house divided against itself won't stand. And if Satan throws out Satan, he's divided against himself. So how will his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub throw out demons, who do your children throw them out by? So they'll be your judges. But if I throw out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come on you. Or else how can one go into a strong man's house and take away his goods, unless he first ties up the strong man? And then he'll rob his house. The one who isn't with me is against me. And the one who doesn't gather with me scatters. So I say to you: All kinds of sin and speaking against God will be forgiven men. But speaking against the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it'll be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it won't be forgiven him, in this world or in the world to come. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. Because the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of snakes, how can you, being evil, speak good things? Because out of what fills the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things. But I say to you that every idle word men speak, they'll give account of it in the day of judgment. Because by your words you'll be made right, and by your words you'll be condemned.

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

22

Then a man possessed by a demon was brought to him, blind and unable to speak. And he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.

Plain English

Then one who had a demon was brought to him, blind and dumb. And he healed him, so the blind and dumb one both spoke and saw.

King James Version, 1611

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

23

And all the people were amazed and said, Could this be the Son of David?

Plain English

And all the people were shocked: Isn't this the son of David?

King James Version, 1611

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

24

But when the Pharisees heard it they said, This fellow only drives out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons.

Plain English

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said: This fellow doesn't throw out demons except by Beelzebub the leader of the demons.

King James Version, 1611

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

25

And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to ruin. And every town or house divided against itself won't stand.

Plain English

And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to waste. And every town or house divided against itself won't stand.

King James Version, 1611

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

26

And if Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Plain English

And if Satan throws out Satan, he's divided against himself. So how will his kingdom stand?

King James Version, 1611

And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

27

And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your children drive them out? So they will be your judges.

Plain English

And if I by Beelzebub throw out demons, who do your children throw them out by? So they'll be your judges.

King James Version, 1611

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

28

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

Plain English

But if I throw out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come on you.

King James Version, 1611

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

29

Or else how can anyone go into a strong man's house and take his goods, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Plain English

Or else how can one go into a strong man's house and take away his goods, unless he first ties up the strong man? And then he'll rob his house.

King James Version, 1611

Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

30

Whoever isn't with me is against me. And whoever doesn't gather with me scatters.

Plain English

The one who isn't with me is against me. And the one who doesn't gather with me scatters.

King James Version, 1611

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

31

So I tell you, every kind of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men. But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven men.

Plain English

So I say to you: All kinds of sin and speaking against God will be forgiven men. But speaking against the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven men.

King James Version, 1611

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

32

And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it won't be forgiven him, either in this world or in the world to come.

Plain English

And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it'll be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it won't be forgiven him, in this world or in the world to come.

King James Version, 1611

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

33

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad. Because the tree is known by its fruit.

Plain English

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. Because the tree is known by its fruit.

King James Version, 1611

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

34

You brood of vipers, how can you say anything good, being evil? Because out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Plain English

You brood of snakes, how can you, being evil, speak good things? Because out of what fills the heart the mouth speaks.

King James Version, 1611

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

35

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things.

Plain English

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things.

King James Version, 1611

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36

But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgement for every careless word they speak.

Plain English

But I say to you that every idle word men speak, they'll give account of it in the day of judgment.

King James Version, 1611

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37

Because by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Plain English

Because by your words you'll be made right, and by your words you'll be condemned.

King James Version, 1611

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

The sign of Jonah

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we want to see a sign from you. But he answered them, An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign. And no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonas. Because as Jonas was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so the Son of man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas — and look, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon — and look, a greater than Solomon is here. When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it walks through dry places looking for rest, and doesn't find it. Then it says, I will go back to my house that I came out of. And when it comes it finds it empty, swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. It will be like that for this wicked generation too.

Then some of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered: Teacher, we want to see a sign from you. But he answered them: An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign. And no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Because the way Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, that's how the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise in judgment with this generation and will condemn it. Because they turned back at the preaching of Jonah. And look — a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it. Because she came from the far parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And look — a greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places looking for rest and finds none. Then he says: I'll go back to my house I came out of. And when he's come, he finds it empty, swept and set in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself. And they go in and live there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. That's how it'll be to this wicked generation too.

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

38

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we want to see a sign from you.

Plain English

Then some of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered: Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.

King James Version, 1611

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39

But he answered them, An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign. And no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonas.

Plain English

But he answered them: An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign. And no sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

King James Version, 1611

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40

Because as Jonas was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so the Son of man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Plain English

Because the way Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, that's how the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

King James Version, 1611

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

41

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas — and look, a greater than Jonas is here.

Plain English

The men of Nineveh will rise in judgment with this generation and will condemn it. Because they turned back at the preaching of Jonah. And look — a greater than Jonah is here.

King James Version, 1611

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

42

The queen of the south will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon — and look, a greater than Solomon is here.

Plain English

The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it. Because she came from the far parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And look — a greater than Solomon is here.

King James Version, 1611

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

43

When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it walks through dry places looking for rest, and doesn't find it.

Plain English

When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places looking for rest and finds none.

King James Version, 1611

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44

Then it says, I will go back to my house that I came out of. And when it comes it finds it empty, swept and put in order.

Plain English

Then he says: I'll go back to my house I came out of. And when he's come, he finds it empty, swept and set in order.

King James Version, 1611

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45

Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. It will be like that for this wicked generation too.

Plain English

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself. And they go in and live there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. That's how it'll be to this wicked generation too.

King James Version, 1611

Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Who is my mother?

While he was still talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him. Then someone said to him, Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you. But he answered the man who told him, Who is my mother? And who are my brothers? And he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, Here is my mother and here are my brothers. Because whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

While he was still talking to the people, look — his mother and his brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him. Then one said to him: Look — your mother and your brothers stand outside, wanting to speak with you. But he answered the one who told him: Who's my mother? And who are my brothers? And he stretched out his hand towards his disciples: Look — my mother and my brothers. Because whoever does the will of my Father in heaven, that one is my brother and sister and mother.

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

46

While he was still talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him.

Plain English

While he was still talking to the people, look — his mother and his brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him.

King James Version, 1611

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

47

Then someone said to him, Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you.

Plain English

Then one said to him: Look — your mother and your brothers stand outside, wanting to speak with you.

King James Version, 1611

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

48

But he answered the man who told him, Who is my mother? And who are my brothers?

Plain English

But he answered the one who told him: Who's my mother? And who are my brothers?

King James Version, 1611

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49

And he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, Here is my mother and here are my brothers.

Plain English

And he stretched out his hand towards his disciples: Look — my mother and my brothers.

King James Version, 1611

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

50

Because whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

Plain English

Because whoever does the will of my Father in heaven, that one is my brother and sister and mother.

King James Version, 1611

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.