Jesus' Authority Challenged

1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

1 (A)On one of the days while (B)He was teaching the people in the temple and (C)preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders (D)confronted Him,

1 One(A) day(a) as He was teaching(B) the people in the temple complex and proclaiming the good news,(C) the chief priests and the scribes, with the elders,(D) came up

1 One day, while Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple and telling them the good news, the high priests and the scribes came with the elders

1 On one of the days, as Jesus was instructing the people in the temple [area] and preaching the good news (gospel), (a)the chief priests and the scribes along with the elders confronted Him,(A)

2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

2 and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

2 and said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?”

2 and asked him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"

2 and said to Him, “Tell us by what kind of authority You are doing these things? Or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

3 Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a (a)question, and you tell Me:

3 He answered them, “I will also ask you a question. Tell Me,

3 He answered them, "I, too, will ask you a question. Tell me:

3 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you a question. You tell Me:

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

4 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”

4 Was John's authority to baptize from heaven or from humans?"

4 The baptism of John [the Baptist]—was it from heaven [that is, ordained by God] or from men?”

5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

5 They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’

5 They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’

5 They discussed this among themselves: "If we say, "From heaven,' he will ask, "Then why didn't you believe him?'

5 They discussed and debated it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’

6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a (E)prophet.”

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people(E) will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.”(F)

6 But if we say, "From humans,' all the people will stone us to death, because they are convinced that John was a prophet."

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are firmly convinced that John was a prophet.”

7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

7 So they answered that they did not know its origin.(b)

7 So they answered that they didn't know where it was from.

7 So they replied that they did not know from where it came.

8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

8 And Jesus said to them, “Nor (b)will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

8 Then Jesus told them, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I'm doing these things."

8 Then Jesus said to them, “Nor am I telling you by what [kind of] authority I do these things.”

The Parable Of The Tenant Farmers In The Vineyard

9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

9 (F)And He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to (c)vine-growers, and went on a journey for a long time.

9 Then(G) He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard,(H) leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time.

9 Then he began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went abroad for a long time.

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and leased it to tenant farmers, and went on a journey for a long time [to another country].(B)

10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

10 At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, so that they would give him some of the produce of the vineyard; but the vine-growers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

10 At harvest time he sent a slave to the farmers so that they might give him some fruit from the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

10 At the right time he sent a servant to the farmers in order to get his share of the produce of the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and sent him back empty-handed.

10 At harvest time he sent a servant [as his representative] to the tenants, so that they would give him his share of the fruit of the vineyard; but the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed.

11 And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

11 And he proceeded to send another slave; and they beat him also and treated him shamefully and sent him away empty-handed.

11 He sent yet another slave, but they beat that one too, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.

11 He sent another servant, and they beat him, too, treated him shamefully, and sent him back empty-handed.

11 So he again sent another servant; they also beat him and dishonored and treated him disgracefully and sent him away empty-handed.

12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

12 And he proceeded to send a third; and this one also they wounded and cast out.

12 And he sent yet a third, but they wounded this one too and threw him out.

12 Then he sent a third, and they wounded him and threw him out, too.

12 And he sent yet a third; and this one too they wounded and threw out [of the vineyard].

13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

13 The (d)owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will (G)respect him.’

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my beloved(I) son. Perhaps(c) they will respect him.’

13 "Then the owner of the vineyard said, "What should I do? I'll send my son whom I love. Maybe they'll respect him.'

13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will have respect for him.’

14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

14 But when the vine-growers saw him, they reasoned with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’

14 “But when the tenant farmers saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him, so the inheritance will be ours!’(J)

14 But when the farmers saw him, they talked it over among themselves and said, "This is the heir. Let's kill him so that the inheritance will be ours!'

14 But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves, saying, ‘This [man] is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’

15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the (e)owner of the vineyard do to them?

15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.“Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

15 So they threw the son out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

16 He will come and (H)destroy these vine-growers and will give the vineyard to others.” When they heard it, they said, “(I)May it never be!”

16 He will come and destroy(K) those farmers and give the vineyard to others.”But when they heard this they said, “No—never!”(L)

16 He will come and destroy those farmers and give the vineyard to others." Those who heard him said, "That must never happen!"

16 He will come and put these tenants to death and will give the vineyard to others.” When the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders heard this, they said, “May it never be!”

17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

17 But (f)Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:(J)The stone which the builders rejected,This became (K)the chief corner stone’?

17 But He looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:(d)(M)The stone that the builders rejected—this has become the cornerstone?(e)(N)(f)

17 But Jesus looked at them and asked, "What does this text mean: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'?

17 But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is [the meaning of] this that is written:The [very] Stone which the builders rejected,this became the chief Cornerstone’?(C)

18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

18 (L)Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.”

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and if it falls on anyone, it will grind him to powder!”(O)

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken and shattered in pieces; and on whomever it falls, it will crush him.”(D)

19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

19 The scribes and the chief priests (M)tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.

19 Then the scribes and the chief priests(P) looked for a way to get their hands on Him(Q) that very hour, because they knew He had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.(R)

19 When the scribes and the high priests realized that Jesus had told this parable about them, they wanted to arrest him right then, but they were afraid of the crowd.

19 The scribes and the chief priests tried to [find a way to] arrest Him at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; because they understood that He spoke this parable against them.

Paying Taxes To Caesar

20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

20 (N)So they watched Him, and sent spies who (g)pretended to be righteous, in order (O)that they might (h)catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of (P)the governor.

20 They(g)(S) watched closely(T) and sent spies(U) who pretended to be righteous,(h) so they could catch Him in what He said,(i)(V) to hand Him(W) over to the governor’s(X) rule and authority.

20 So they watched him closely and sent spies who pretended to be honest men in order to trap him in what he would say. They wanted to hand him over to the jurisdiction of the governor,

20 So they watched [for a chance to trap] Him. They sent spies who pretended to be upright and sincere, in order that they might catch Him in some statement [that they could distort and use against Him], so that they could turn Him over to the control and authority of [Pilate] the governor.(E)

21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

21 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You (i)are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.

21 They questioned Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly,(Y) and You don’t show partiality,(j)(Z) but teach truthfully the way of God.(AA)

21 so they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you're right in what you say and teach, and that you don't favor any individual, but teach the way of God truthfully.

21 They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and that You show no partiality to anyone, but teach the way of God truthfully.

22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

22 Is it (j)lawful for us (Q)to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

22 Is it lawful(AB) for us to pay taxes(AC) to Caesar(AD) or not?”

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

22 Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] for us to pay taxes (tribute money) to (b)Caesar or not?”

23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

23 But He detected their trickery and said to them,

23 But detecting their craftiness, He said to them,(k)

23 But he discerned their craftiness and responded to them,

23 But He saw through their trickery and said to them,

24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

24 “Show Me a (k)denarius. Whose (l)likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.”

24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”“Caesar’s,” they said.

24 "Show me a denarius. Whose face and name does it have?" "Caesar's," they replied.

24 “Show Me a [Roman] denarius. Whose image and inscription does the coin have?” They answered, “[the Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.”

25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

25 And He said to them, “Then (R)render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

25 “Well then,” He told them, “give back to Caesar(AE) the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

25 So he told them, "Then give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

25 He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

26 And they were unable to (m)(S)catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.

26 They were not able to catch Him in what He said(l) in public,(m) and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.(AF)

26 So they couldn't catch him before the people in what he said. Amazed at his answer, they became silent.

26 They were not able to seize on anything He said in the presence of the people; and being unnerved at His reply, they were silent.

A Question About Marriage And The Resurrection

27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

27 (T)Now there came to Him some of the (U)Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection),

27 Some(AG) of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,(AH) came up and questioned Him:

27 Now some Sadducees, who claim there is no resurrection, came to Jesus

27 Now some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Him(F)

28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

28 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that (V)if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should (n)marry the wife and raise up children to his brother.

28 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother has a wife, and dies childless, his brother should take the wife and produce offspring for his brother.(AI)(n)

28 and asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no child, the man should marry the widow and have children for his brother.

28 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us [a law that] if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife and no children, his brother should (c)marry the wife and raise children for his brother.(G)

29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless;

29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died without children.

29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died childless.

29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless.

30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

30 and the second

30 Also the second(o)

30 Then the second

30 And the second,

31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

31 and the third (o)married her; and in the same way (p)all seven (q)died, leaving no children.

31 and the third took her. In the same way, all seven died and left no children.

31 and the third married her. In the same way, all seven died and left no children.

31 and the third married her, and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.

32 Last of all the woman died also.

32 Finally the woman died also.

32 Finally, the woman died too.

32 Finally, the woman died, too.

32 Finally the woman also died.

33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

33 In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For (r)all seven (s)had married her.”

33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For all seven had married her.”(p)

33 Now in the resurrection, whose wife will the woman be, since the seven had married her?"

33 So in the [life after] resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had married her.”

34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

34 Jesus said to them, “The sons of (W)this age marry and are given in marriage,

34 Jesus told them, “The sons of this age(AJ) marry and are given in marriage.(AK)

34 Jesus told them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are married,

34 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this [world and present] age marry and [the women] are given in marriage;

35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to (X)that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;

35 But those who are counted worthy(AL) to take part in that age(AM) and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.

35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.

35 but those who are considered worthy to gain that [other world and that future] age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;

36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are (Y)sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

36 For they cannot die anymore,(AN) because they are like angels and are sons of God,(AO) since they are sons of the resurrection.

36 Nor can they die anymore, because they are like the angels and, since they share in the resurrection, are God's children.

36 and they cannot die again, because they are [immortal] like the angels (equal to, angel-like). And they are (d)children of God, being (e)participants in the resurrection.

37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in (Z)the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord (AA)the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

37 Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.(AP)(q)

37 Even Moses demonstrated in the story about the bush that the dead are raised, when he calls the Lord, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'

37 But [as for the fact] that the dead are raised [from death], even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, when he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.(H)

38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

38 (AB)Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for (AC)all live to Him.”

38 He is not God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to(r) Him.”(AQ)

38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, because he considers all people to be alive to him."

38 Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living [so these forefathers will be among the resurrected]; for all live [in a definite relationship] to Him.”

39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

39 Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”

39 Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”

39 Then some of the scribes replied, "Teacher, you have given a fine answer."

39 Some of the scribes replied, “Teacher, you have spoken well [so that there is no room for blame].”

40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

40 For (AD)they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.

40 And they no longer dared to ask Him anything.

40 Then they no longer dared to ask him another question.

40 And they did not dare to question Him further about anything [because of the wisdom He displayed in His answers].

David's Son And Lord

41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

41 (AE)Then He said to them, “How is it that they say (t)the Christ is (AF)David’s son?

41 Then(AR) He said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is the Son of David?(AS)

41 Then he asked them, "How can people say that the Messiah is David's son?

41 Then He said to them, “How is it that people say that the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) is David’s son?(I)

42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,(AG)The Lord said to my Lord,Sit at My right hand,

42 For David himself says in the Book of Psalms:(AT)The Lord declared to my Lord,‘Sit at My right hand

42 Because David himself in the book of Psalms says, "The Lord told my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,

42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,The Lord (the Father) said to my Lord (the Son, the Messiah),Sit at My right hand,

43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

43 (AH)Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

43 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’(AU)(s)

43 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'

43 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’(J)

44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and how is He his son?”

44 David calls Him ‘Lord’; how then can the Messiah be his Son?”(AV)

44 So David calls him "Lord.' Then how can he be his son?"

44 (f)So David calls Him (the Son) ‘Lord,’ and how then is He David’s son?”

Warning To Beware Of The Scribes

45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

45 (AI)And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples,

45 While(AW) all the people were listening, He said to His disciples,

45 While all the people were listening, he told his disciples,

45 And with all the people listening, He said to His disciples,

46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

46 “Beware of the scribes, (AJ)who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

46 “Beware(AX) of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.(AY)

46 "Beware of the scribes! They like to walk around in long robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes [displaying their prominence], and love respectful greetings in the [crowded] market places, and (g)chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets.

47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

47 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

47 They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive greater punishment.”(t)

47 They devour widows' houses and say long prayers to cover it up. They will receive greater condemnation!"

47 These [men] who confiscate and devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense [to appear devout] offer long prayers. These [men] will receive the greater [sentence of] condemnation.”

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