Thematic Bible: Characteristics of


Thematic Bible



And of Dan he said, "Dan [is] a cub of lion; he leaps from Bashan." Verse ConceptsYoung AnimalLike Creatures

The men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went [down], "What [is] sweeter than honey? What [is] stronger than a lion?" And he said to them, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle." Verse ConceptsPloughingHeifersThe Seventh Day Of The WeekStrength Of AnimalsMetaphorical PloughingSweetnessDay 7

And he [is] also a {valiant warrior}, whose heart [is] like the heart of the lion. He will {certainly melt} with fear, for all Israel knows that your father [is] a mighty warrior and [those] who [are] with him [are] {valiant warriors}. Verse ConceptsFear Of Enemies

And [if my head] grows bold, you would hunt me as the lion in its prime; {and you repeat your exploits against me}. Verse ConceptsLionsSelf RespectGod Like A LionLike Creatures

{He is like} a lion; he longs to tear apart, and like a strong lion crouching in hiding places. Verse ConceptsHuntingLionsWicked Described AsPeople Torn To PiecesLike CreaturesGreed

a mighty lion among the beasts, but he will not turn back from {any face}; Verse Conceptsfearlesscats

For Yahweh said this to me: "As which lion growls and young lion over its prey when {a full group} of shepherds is called against him, it is not terrified by their voice, and to their noise it does not respond, so Yahweh of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill. Verse ConceptsNoiseShepherds, As Kings And LeadersStock Keeping

The lion tore apart enough [prey] for his cubs, he strangled [prey] for his lioness; he filled {his lair} [with] prey and his den [with] mangled carcass. Verse ConceptsHuntingAnimals Torn To PiecesFilling HousesPeople In Caves

Or do only I and Barnabas not have the right {to refrain from working}? Verse ConceptsBarnabasevangelists, ministry ofdisagreements

So he departed for Tarsus to look for Saul. And [when he] found [him], he brought [him] to Antioch. And it happened to them also [that they] met together [for] a whole year with the church and taught a large number [of people]. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

So from the disciples, {according to their ability to give}, each one of them determined to send [financial aid] for support to the brothers who lived in Judea, which they also did, sending [the aid] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

So Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated "son of encouragement"), a Levite of Cyprus by nationality, sold a field that belonged to him [and] brought the money and placed [it] at the feet of the apostles.

And [when he] arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, [because they] did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him [and] brought [him] to the apostles and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.


And they began calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, because he was the {principal speaker}. Verse ConceptsPagan GodsFalse GodsBarnabasMythologyAcclaimingSpokesmen

who, [when he] arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced and encouraged [them] all to remain true to the Lord with {devoted hearts}, Verse ConceptsHappinessHeart, And Holy SpiritGladnessSteadfastnessWhole HeartednessThe Grace Of GodPeople Encouraging OthersRejoicing In God's WorksWitnessing




If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit [to them] as [if] living in the world? Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

Just as it is written, "On account of you we are being put to death the whole day [long]; we are considered as sheep for slaughter." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For we who are alive [are] continually being handed over to death because of Jesus, in order that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ





"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Verse ConceptsWisdom, Source Of HumanSpiritual FoundationsStones For ProtectionHearing ChristDoing God's WorksThe Work Of The Wise


Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."





And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?" Verse ConceptsFellowship With ChristHow Disciples LearnRoadsHeart, Affections OfInward FireChrist And The Scripturesgirlfriends








'But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' {declares} Yahweh. 'Take courage, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and take courage, all the people of the land,' {declares} Yahweh. 'Do the work, because I [am] with you,' {declares} Yahweh of hosts, Verse ConceptsImmanuelSpiritual VitalityStrength, SpiritualGod With YouStrength Of PeopleDoing God's WorksBe Courageous!Be Strong!Courage

"Thus says Yahweh of hosts: 'Let your hands be strong, you who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who [were present] on [the] day {the foundation was laid for the rebuilding of the temple, the house of Yahweh of hosts}. Verse ConceptsFoundationsStrength Of PeopleThe Second TempleFoundations Of BuildingsBe Strong!Rebuilding The TempleStaying StrongFinishing Strongrebuilding






And the dragon was angry at the woman, and went away to {fight against} the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and who hold to the testimony about Jesus. Verse ConceptsCommands, in NTOffspringSpiritual Warfare, Causes OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSubsequent Witness To ChristSigns Of The TimesSpiritual Offspring


I am setting before you this instruction, Timothy [my] child, in accordance with the prophecies spoken long ago about you, in order that by them you may fight the good fight, Verse ConceptsOrdinationSonsAffection, ExpressingChildren In The FaithReady For WarProphecies concerningWarSpiritual Warfare




And when the angel who spoke to him departed, he summoned two of the household slaves and a devout soldier from those who attended him, and [after he] had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

And on the next day he entered into Caesarea.

Therefore I sent for you at once, and you {were kind enough to come}. So now we all are present before God to hear all the things that have been commanded to you by the Lord." Verse ConceptseagernessHearing God's Word


"{I continued watching} until thrones were placed and an Ancient of Days sat; his clothing [was] like white snow and the hair of his head [was] like pure wool and his throne [was] a flame of fire and its wheels [were] burning fire. A stream of fire issued forth and flowed {from his presence}; thousands [upon] thousands served him and ten thousand [upon] ten thousand stood before him. The judge sat, and [the] books were opened. "{I continued watching} then because of the noise of the boastful words of the horn [who was] speaking; {I continued watching} until the beast was slain and its body was destroyed, and it was given [over] to burning with fire. read more.
And [as for] the remainder of the beasts, {their dominion was taken away}, but a prolongation {of their life} was given to them for a season and a time.

And I lifted up my eyes and I saw, and there was a man, [and] he was dressed [in] linen, and his waist was girded with [the] gold of Uphaz. Now his body [was] like turquoise, and his face [was] like [the] appearance of lightning, and his eyes [were] like torches of fire, and his arms and his legs [were] like [the] gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words [was] like [the] sound of a multitude.

Now {when} Daniel realized that the document was signed, he went to his house ({now he had windows in his upper room that were open} toward Jerusalem), and three times {daily} he knelt on his knees and prayed and [gave] praise before his God, {just as} he had been doing {previously}. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of TimeFaithfulness, Examples OfAttitudes Of HumilityAttitudes, in prayerDecisivenessKneelingNoonPrayer, Practicalities OfReverence, And ObedienceThanksgivingWorship, Times ForBoldness Examples OfThanksgiving, OfferedCourage, Examples OfSecret PrayerSeveral Times A DaySignaturesUnpremeditatedUpper RoomsWhen To Prayculturetoughness

Then Daniel went to his home, and he made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, his companions, and [told them] to seek mercy {from the God of heaven} concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions, along with the remainder of the wise men of Babylon, would not be killed.

Now {Daniel resolved} that he would not defile himself with the fine food of the king, and with {the wine that he drank}, and [so] he requested from the commander of the court officials [permission so] that he would not defile himself. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceConformityAlcoholCivil authoritiesDefilement, Ceremonial CausesGood Decision Making ExamplesDecisivenessLuxurySelf DenialSelf DisciplineSelf IndulgenceTemptation, ResistingForbidden FoodDefilementEating Meatpork

I had not eaten [any] choice food, and meat and wine did not enter my mouth, and {I did not use any ointment} {until the end of three whole weeks}. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceAnointing With OilLipsMeatOintmentSelf DenialTen Or More DaysNot Drinking WineAnointing OneselfSavourinessEating Meat

"But you his {successor}, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart {even though} you knew all this. And [now] you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven, and the vessels of his temple you have brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have been drinking wine from them, and you have praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone that [do] not see and [do] not hear and [do] not know, but the God {who holds your life in his hand} and all of your ways {come from him}, you have not honored.

So {how am I, a servant of my lord} to speak with {you, my lord}, and I {just now} {have no strength in me}?" Verse ConceptsHaving No BreathConversationNo Strength Leftbreathingbreath

Then the [other] administrators and satraps {began to seek} to find pretext against Daniel {in connection with the kingdom}, but they were not able to find any pretext and {corruption} {because} he was trustworthy, and no negligence or {corruption} {could be found in him}. Verse ConceptsCriticism, amongst believersFaithfulness, Examples OfBusiness, ExamplesHonestyNeglecting DutiesServants, GoodBusiness EthicsMagistratesFaultlessnessFidelityPlottingErrorcorruptionaccusations

Deacons likewise [must be] dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, and these also must be tested first; then let them serve [if they] are above reproach. read more.
The wives likewise [must be] dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all [things]. Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing [their] children and their own households well. For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith [that is] in Christ Jesus.

Why do you despise my sacrifice and my offering which I commanded [for my] dwelling place, while you honored your sons more than me by making yourselves fat from the best of all the offerings of my people Israel? Therefore,' {declares} Yahweh the God of Israel, 'though I solemnly said that your house and the house of your ancestor would walk before me forever, but now,' {declares} Yahweh, 'far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me, I will treat with contempt! Look, days [are] coming when I will cut off your {strength} and the {strength} of the house of your ancestor {so that no one in your house will live to old age}. read more.
You will look at the distress of my dwelling place, [despite] all the good caused for Israel, but there will never be an old [man] in your household {forever}! The only one I will not cut off from my altar [is you]. [Rather], to cause your eyes to fail and to cause your soul to grieve, {all the members of your household} will die [as] men. This [is] the sign for you that will come regarding your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: they will both die on the same day! But I will raise up for myself a reliable priest; he will do just according to what [is] in my heart and in my soul. I will build for him a lasting house and he will walk continually before my anointed one {forever}. All the remainder of your household will come to bow down {before} him for a bit of silver or a loaf of bread and will say, "Please assign me to one of the {priestly offices} so that I can eat a morsel of bread." '"

So Samuel told him all the words and did not conceal [anything] from him. And he said, "He [is] Yahweh, he will do {what is} good in his {sight}." Verse ConceptsAfflicted Saints, Examples OfAfflicted SaintsResignationTelling Of God

When he came, {there was} Eli sitting on his chair {by the side of the road} watching, because his heart was anxious about the ark of God. Now the man had come {to give his report} in the city, and all the city cried out. Verse ConceptsHeart, HumanRoadsTownHuman EmotionGroups ShoutingTelling Of Happenings

I will make him know that I am about to judge his household forever because of the iniquity that he knew, for his sons [were] bringing curses on themselves, but he did not rebuke them. Verse ConceptsChildren, needs ofChildren, Bad Kidsdiscipline, in the familyOpposition, To Sin And EvilOrder In The HomeRestraintReprobates

And Yahweh called Samuel again, so Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, because you called me." And he said, "I did not call you, my son. Go back [and] lie down." Verse ConceptsCalling, Of IndividualsLying Down To RestBehold Me!Others Summoning

Again Yahweh called Samuel a third time, so he got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, because you called me." Then Eli realized that Yahweh was calling the boy. Verse ConceptsSensitivityCommunicating Three TimesBehold Me!Others SummoningGod's Call

I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava to humble ourselves before our God in order to seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and our possessions. Verse ConceptsFasting, Reasons ForFasting, Practice OfAttitudes Of HumilityJourneyRepentance, Examples OfRivers And StreamsTeachablenessCanalsHumbling OneselfFastingFasting And Prayer

While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children from Israel gathered to him. And the people wept bitterly. Verse ConceptsCrowdsGesturesGuilt, Human Aspects OfHouse Of GodLargenessPrayer, As Asking GodRegretRepentance, Examples OfRevival, CorporateConviction Of SinReligious AwakeningsTearsNamed Individuals Who Prayedconfessing

I issue forth a decree that any of the people of Israel, their priests, or their Levites in my kingdom who are willing to go to Jerusalem may go with you. For you are sent from the king and his seven counselors to enquire about Judah and Jerusalem concerning the law of your God, which is in your hand. Also, bring the silver and gold that the king and his advisors have freely offered to the God of Israel whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, read more.
and all of the silver and gold that you will find in the whole province of Babylonia, with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests giving willingly for the house of their God in Jerusalem. With this money, then, with diligence you must buy young bulls, young rams, lambs, and their offerings and libations. You must offer them on the altar that is in the house of your God in Jerusalem. You may do whatever seems best to you and your brothers to do with the remainder of the silver and gold according to the desire of your God. And the vessels that were given to you for the service of the house of your God you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. And the remainder of the needs for the house of your God that falls to you to provide, you may provide from the house of the king's treasury." "I, even I, King Artaxerxes, issue forth a decree to all the treasurers who are in [the province] Beyond the River. Whatever the priest Ezra, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may ask of you, let it be done with diligence, up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred measures of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and {unlimited salt}. All that is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with diligence for the house of the God of heaven, otherwise wrath will come on the kingdom of the king and his sons. You also should be aware that it is not permitted to place tax, tribute, or duty upon all of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, and other servants of the house of God. "You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges who can judge all of the people [in the province] Beyond the River who know the laws of your God. And you will teach those who do not know. All who do not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with diligence, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods and for imprisonment."

Shecaniah son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Ezra, "We ourselves have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, and even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. So now let us make a covenant with our God to send away all of these women and their offspring, according to the advice of my lord and those who tremble at the commandment of our God. Let it be done according to the law. Arise, for it is your task and we are with you. Be strong and do it." read more.
Then Ezra stood up and made the chief priests, Levites, and all of Israel swear to do according to what was said. So they swore this oath.

Ezra rose from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. He did not eat food nor drink water because he was mourning over the sin of the exiles. Verse ConceptsAbstinence as a disciplineFasting, Nature OfSorrowWaterFasting In Mourning

For I was ashamed to ask the king for troops and horses to protect us from enemies on the way because we said to the king, "the hand of our God is favorable to all who seek him, but his strength and anger are against all who forsake them." Verse ConceptsForsaking GodGrace, In OtRejection Of God, Results OfRoadsGod's HandConsequences Of Forsaking GodGod's Hands On PeopleShame Has Come

But they will not progress to a greater extent, for their folly will be quite evident to everyone, as also the [folly] of those [two] was. Verse ConceptsFolly, Effects OfManifesting (making Something Clear)Foolishness Of MenAspects Of People Made Knowncancer





Even when the fool walks along the road, he lacks sense; he tells everyone [that] he is a fool. Verse ConceptsLifestylesAspects Of People Made Known



But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but your inside is full of greediness and wickedness. Fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?





And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Verse ConceptsFolly, Examples OfFailureComplacencyWicked Described AsThe Insecurity Of The WickedHearing ChristThe Work Of FoolsDoing God's WorksSand And Gravel



Fools mock [the] guilt offering, but among the upright, it is favorable. Verse ConceptsFools, Characteristics OfGrace, In Human RelationshipsMockeryFools, Description Ofjoking


The lips of a fool will bring strife, and his mouth calls out for a flogging. Verse ConceptsFolly, Effects OfFloggingQuarrelsFools, Characteristics OfDissensionContentiousnessWhipsFools


Then the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, "The water is ours." And he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. And they dug another well, and they quarreled over it also. And he called its name Sitnah. Then he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. And he called its name Rehoboth, and said, "Now Yahweh has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and placed [it] on Isaac his son. And he took the fire in his hand and the knife, and the two of them went together. And Isaac said to Abraham his father, "My father!" And he said, "Here I [am], my son." And he said, "Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" And Abraham said, "{God will provide} the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went together. read more.
And they came to the place that God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood. Then he bound Isaac his son and placed him on the altar atop the wood.

And Isaac brought her to the tent of Sarah his mother. And he took Rebekah, and she became his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after [the death of] his mother. Verse ConceptsHusbandsLove, In RelationshipsMarriage, Purpose OfTentsGod's Mercy, Example OfComfort, Of FriendsCourtingMen And Women Who LovedMothers Deathmomslosing a loved oneDeath Of A MotherLoss Of A Loved One


And he built an altar there and called on the name of Yahweh. And he pitched his tent there, and the servants of Isaac dug a well there. Verse ConceptsAltarsCalling upon GodNomadsTentsAltars, Built ByBuilding AltarsExcavation

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field {early in the evening}, and he lifted up his eyes and saw--behold, camels were coming. Verse ConceptsEveningRelationships With Boyfriendphotography

When the men of the place asked concerning his wife, he said, "She [is] my sister," for he was afraid to say, "my wife," thinking "the men of the place will kill me on account of Rebekah, for {she was beautiful}." Verse ConceptsExamples Of DeceitdoubtersAsking Particular QuestionsMisrepresentationOther WivesBeautiful Women

And on the next [day] Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

And after they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, "Men [and] brothers, listen to me! Verse ConceptsPay Attention To People!

Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, Verse ConceptsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesChrist Appearing




And he will go on before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to prepare for the Lord a people made ready." Verse ConceptsHeraldPower, HumanSpirit, Emotional Aspects OfProphecies Concerning ChristForerunnersDivine MessengerCausing People To TurnPeople Going BeforeAcquiring WisdomFathers And SonsPowerful Individualsparentingdisobedience

"Look! I [am] going to send my messenger, and he will prepare [the] way {before me}. And the Lord whom you [are] seeking will come suddenly to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, [in] whom you [are] taking pleasure--look!--[he is] about to come," says Yahweh of hosts. Verse ConceptsCovenant, the newElijah, Prophecies OfPreparing God's WayHeraldLast ThingsMissionaries, Call OfProphecies Concerning ChristNames And Titles For ChristForerunnersDivine MessengerMessianic PropheciesSudden EventsGod Sends ProphetsStatus Of The TemplePreparationEclipse

It is this man about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' Verse ConceptsPreparing God's WayHeraldMissionaries, Call OfForerunnersDivine MessengerWho Is John The Baptist?God Sends ProphetsIn FrontFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspiration

And so you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways, Verse ConceptsForerunnersDivine MessengerPeople Going BeforeIndividual Prophets

Truly I say to you, among [those] born of women there has not arisen [one] greater than John the Baptist. But the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Verse ConceptsJohn The BaptistKingdom Of God, Characteristics OfInferiorityChrist Telling The TruthGreatness Of DisciplesGreatness Of JohnWhat Value Is Man?Woman's Place

And [when] the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are in splendid clothing and luxury are in the royal palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and even more than a prophet! read more.
It is this man about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'

because John had been saying to him, "It is not permitted for you to have her." Verse Conceptsevil, believers' responses toCourage, Examples OfMarriage ControlledBreaking God's Law

But [when he] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Verse ConceptsHell, As An ExperienceJudaismSnakesAnger Of God, ConsequencesEvil GenerationsDenunciationsName CallingJewish SectsJudgement To ComeThings Like SnakesFleeing From GodBaptised By Johnpharisees

And he was preaching, saying, "One [who is] more powerful than I is coming after me, of whom I am not worthy to bend down [and] untie the strap of his sandals. Verse ConceptsShoesSelf AbasementUndoing FasteningsBowing Before Messiah

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem so that they could ask him, "Who are you?" And he confessed--and he did not deny, and confessed--"I am not the Christ!" And they asked him, "Then who [are] you? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No!" read more.
Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I [am] 'the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord," ' just as Isaiah the prophet said."

And he sent [orders] [and] had John beheaded in the prison, Verse ConceptsBeheadingPrisonersExecutionersMartyrdom, Methods OfKilling Disciplescutting

But Jesus answered [and] said to him, "Permit [it] now, for in this way it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted him. Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

Now John himself had his clothing made from camel's hair and a belt made of leather around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Verse ConceptsLeatherClothingBeltsAsceticism, People PracticingHairsInsectsJohn The BaptistLocustsWaistsHoneyHairclothHair GarmentsChristmas Tree

And many came to him and began to say, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true!" Verse ConceptsTruthJohn The BaptistSpeaking TruthNo SignsMiracles

That one was the lamp [which was] burning and shining, and you wanted to rejoice for an hour in his light. Verse ConceptsRadiancyRadiant LivesLight Of God's PeopleSeasons Changing

For Herod was afraid of John, [because he] knew him [to be] a righteous and holy man and protected him. And [when he] listened to him, he was greatly perplexed, and [yet] he listened to him gladly. Verse ConceptsPuzzlementSpecific Holy IndividualsFear Of Individuals

And all the Judean region and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem went out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Verse ConceptsJohn's BaptismRevival, CorporateRivers And StreamsBaptised By JohnIn The JordanSin Confessedconfessing

Now [when it] was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who also was a disciple of Jesus himself. Verse ConceptsAffluenceEvenings For Jesus And His DisciplesWealthy People

And behold, a man {named} Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man Verse ConceptsChristmas Treeassertiveness


So he got up [and] took the child and his mother during the night and went away to Egypt. Verse ConceptsDuring One NightTaking Christ

And Joseph, [when he] woke up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and he took his wife Verse ConceptsBetrothal

And his parents went every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. Verse ConceptsFeastingVisitingWorship, Times ForEvery Yearparenthood

And they proposed two [men], Joseph called Barsabbas (who was called Justus) and Matthias. Verse ConceptsTwo DisciplesLeadership Qualities

Then Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal for Yahweh the God of Israel, Verse ConceptsAltars To The LordBuilding Altars

And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, because tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders in your midst." Verse ConceptsAmazingAmazement, Of God's ActionsHoliness, As Set Apart For GodAnticipationGod's Action TomorrowMaking People HolySanctificationtomorrow

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, from the explorers [of] the land, tore their garments. And they said to all the community of the {Israelites}, "The land that we went through to explore [is] an {exceptionally good land}. If Yahweh delights in us, then he will bring us into this land, and he will give it to us, a land that [is] flowing [with] milk and honey.

except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, because they followed Yahweh wholly.' Verse ConceptsConsecration, Examples OfFollowing God

Just as Yahweh commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did; he left nothing undone that Yahweh had commanded Moses. Verse ConceptsServanthood, In Life Of Believers

But if it is bad in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you want to serve, whether it is the gods that your ancestors served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you [are] living; but as for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh." Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillAge, Glories OfFamily, Worship InChoicesdoubt, results ofFamilies, Examples OfGood Decision Making ExamplesIntentionsHeads Of The FamilyChoosingFaithful, Choose To RemainZeal, ReligiousLife's PurposeEmployers, Good ExamplesChoosing God's WayBehold Me!Encouraged To Serve Foreign godsServing One's Own GodsBeyond The EuphratesServingServing God

And Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid or dismayed! Be strong and bold, for thus Yahweh will do to all your enemies whom you [are] about to fight. Verse ConceptsSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictAnger Of God, Examples OfBraveryStrength Of PeopleBe Courageous!Be Strong!CourageBeing Scared

And he said, "Neither. I have come now [as] the commander of Yahweh's army." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and {he bowed down} and said to him, "What [is] my lord commanding his servant?" Verse ConceptsGesturesAttitudes, in prayerProstrationGod As A WarriorDivinityServant LeadershipResolving Conflictarmyreverence

Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector, James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealotstaxes

and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealots

And when they had entered, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying--Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James [son] of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas [son] of James. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

and Judas [the son] of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotJudas Betraying Christzealotstraitors

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, why is it that you are going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionMaking Christ Known

[While] he was still speaking, behold, [there came] a crowd, and the one named Judas, one of the twelve, leading them. And he approached Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

And Judas Iscariot, who [was] one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotChief priestsNegotiationJudas Betraying ChristThe Chief Priests Condemning Christ

(Now this man acquired a field for the wages of [his] wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines spilled out. Verse ConceptsProperty, LandReward, HumanTreacheryDeath Of The Wicked, Examples OfReal EstateBowelsPeople Torn To PiecesPeople TumblingHurt And Betrayal

Then [when] Judas, the one who had betrayed him, saw that he had been condemned, he regretted [what he had done] [and] returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned [by] betraying innocent blood!" But they said, "What [is that] to us? You see to [it]!"

Is not this one the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? Verse ConceptsCraftsmenCarpentersOccupationsWork, As Ordained By GodHumility Of ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's Earthly FamilyWho He Might BeMothers And Sonsnegativity


Then one of the twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [and] said, "What are you willing to give me if I in turn deliver him to you?" So they set out for him thirty silver coins.

"{Why} was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (Now he said this not because {he was concerned} about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, he used to steal what was put into [it].)

Then it seemed best to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, to send men chosen from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas--Judas who was called Barsabbas and Silas, men [who were] leaders among the brothers-- Verse ConceptsVisitingChoosing PeoplePeople Sending PeopleThe Apostles In Action

After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and {caused people to follow him in revolt}. And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered. Verse ConceptsCensusHistoryPeople Following PeopleScattering Followers

And the Lord [said] to him, "Get up, go to the street called 'Straight' and in the house of Judas look for {a man named Saul from Tarsus}. For behold, he is praying, Verse ConceptsRoadsStreetsStraight Paths

(Now he said this not because {he was concerned} about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, he used to steal what was put into [it].) Verse ConceptsCriminalsCrimesJudas IscariotPursesLove, Abuse OfStealingCovetousness, Example OfPoor, The Wicked Response ToActual ThievesNot Helping The PoorWhy People Did ThingsMoney BoxGiving Money To The ChurchThe poorHelping The Poor

And of Dan he said, "Dan [is] a cub of lion; he leaps from Bashan." Verse ConceptsYoung AnimalLike Creatures

The men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went [down], "What [is] sweeter than honey? What [is] stronger than a lion?" And he said to them, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle." Verse ConceptsPloughingHeifersThe Seventh Day Of The WeekStrength Of AnimalsMetaphorical PloughingSweetnessDay 7

And he [is] also a {valiant warrior}, whose heart [is] like the heart of the lion. He will {certainly melt} with fear, for all Israel knows that your father [is] a mighty warrior and [those] who [are] with him [are] {valiant warriors}. Verse ConceptsFear Of Enemies

And [if my head] grows bold, you would hunt me as the lion in its prime; {and you repeat your exploits against me}. Verse ConceptsLionsSelf RespectGod Like A LionLike Creatures

{He is like} a lion; he longs to tear apart, and like a strong lion crouching in hiding places. Verse ConceptsHuntingLionsWicked Described AsPeople Torn To PiecesLike CreaturesGreed

a mighty lion among the beasts, but he will not turn back from {any face}; Verse Conceptsfearlesscats

For Yahweh said this to me: "As which lion growls and young lion over its prey when {a full group} of shepherds is called against him, it is not terrified by their voice, and to their noise it does not respond, so Yahweh of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill. Verse ConceptsNoiseShepherds, As Kings And LeadersStock Keeping

The lion tore apart enough [prey] for his cubs, he strangled [prey] for his lioness; he filled {his lair} [with] prey and his den [with] mangled carcass. Verse ConceptsHuntingAnimals Torn To PiecesFilling HousesPeople In Caves


Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the [mother] of Joses saw where he was placed. Verse ConceptsWomenWatching Christ


and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (who was called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had gone out, Verse ConceptsSatanic InvasionSeven SpiritsThose Jesus HealedDemonsCasting Out Demons

among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfMothers And Sons

Mary Magdalene came [and] announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and he had said these [things] to her. Verse ConceptsExperience, of GodResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesSeeing The Risen ChristOther References To The DisciplesTelling What People SaidDiscipleship

And Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced greatly in God my Savior, because he has looked upon the humble state of his female slave, for behold, from now on all generations will consider me blessed, read more.
because the Mighty [One] has done great [things] for me, and holy [is] his name. And his mercy [is] for generation after generation to those who fear him. He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has dispersed the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from [their] thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled those who are hungry with good [things], and those who are rich he has sent away empty-handed. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering [his] mercy, just as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants {forever}."

And [when the] wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine!" And Jesus said to her, "What {does your concern have to do with me}, woman? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do [it]!"

Now his mother and the sister of his mother, Mary the [wife] of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near the cross of Jesus. Verse ConceptsMaternal LoveLove, And The WorldExamples Of Mothers' LoveThe CrossDeath Of A MotherJesus Deathcrucifixion


So Mary said, "Behold, the Lord's female slave! May it happen to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Verse ConceptsMaidsMiracles, Responses ToPrayer, As A Response To GodServants, Working Conditions OfServants Of The LordYouthAnnunciationsLeavingAccording To Thingsgabriel

And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he took (because he took a Cushite wife); and they said, "Has Yahweh spoken only through Moses? Has not Yahweh also spoken through us?" And Yahweh heard it.

And Miriam answered, "Sing to Yahweh because he is highly exalted; [the] horse and its rider he hurled into the sea." Verse ConceptsThrowing PeopleThose Singing Praiseancient Choirs

And his sister said to the daughter of Pharaoh, "Shall I go and call for you a woman from the Hebrews [who is] nursing [so that] she will nurse the boy for you?" Verse ConceptsNursesNamed Sisters

For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and from the house of slavery I redeemed you. And I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. Verse ConceptsGod, As RedeemerFreedom, Acts Of In OtRedemption, In Everyday LifeGod Bringing Israel Out Of EgyptGod's InterventionslaveryServant Leadership



Great [is] my confidence toward you; great [is] my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with encouragement; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. Verse Conceptsencouragement, examples ofJoy, Of The ChurchOptimismDistressTrusting Other PeopleHuman ComfortPaul's BoastingPrideholy BoldnessEncouragementJoy And HappinessBoldnessSpeechencouraging



Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day [for] three years I did not stop warning each one [of you] with tears. Verse ConceptsBeing Earnest For The ChurchCareCare, HumanLeaders, SpiritualWatchfulness, Of LeadersAdmonition, WarningVigilanceTearsThree YearsUnceasingAlways Being ActiveLabour Day And Nightspace

For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, [as] the enemies of the cross of Christ, Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist


For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not so that you may be caused to be sad, but so that you may know the love that I have especially for you. Verse ConceptsAgony, In HeartAffection, ExpressingBeing Earnest For The ChurchdepthLove, For One AnotherPaul, Life OfWeepingAnguish, CauseI Am SadLove Exists Between PeopleFathers Loving CareGrieving With HopeNervousnesspressure

And [while] he was discussing about righteousness and self control and the judgment that is to come, Felix became afraid [and] replied, "Go away for the present, and [when I] have an opportunity, I will summon you." Verse ConceptsConviction, Not Leading To RepentanceGiving, Of TimeBribery, Examples OfIndecisionSelf ControlEternal JudgmentConviction Of SinJudgement To ComeThe Final JudgementGod Doing RightDoing RightNowRight Time For PeopleThose Frightened Of GodOpportunityJudgement DayEthics

But when they had stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it permitted for you to flog a man [who is] a Roman citizen and uncondemned?" Verse ConceptsempiresRevenge, And RetaliationRoman CitizensScourgingBreaking Man's LawNo CondemnationTying UpCitizens

And the jailer reported these words to Paul: "The chief magistrates have sent [an order] that you should be released. So come out now [and] go in peace!" But Paul said to them, "They beat us in public without due process--men who are Roman citizens--[and] threw [us] into prison, and now they are wanting to release us secretly? Certainly not! Rather let them come themselves [and] bring us out!"


You yourselves know that these hands served [to meet] my needs and [the needs of] those who were with me. Verse ConceptsPoverty, Remedies ForIndustryActing For Oneselfprovidingministering


But whatever [things] were gain to me, these [things] I have considered loss because of Christ. {More than that}, even consider all [things] to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom I have suffered the loss of all [things], and consider [them] dung, in order that I may gain Christ and may be found in him, not having my righteousness [which is] from the law, but [which is] through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith, read more.
so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already received [this], or [have] already been made perfect, but I press on if indeed I may lay hold of [that] for which also I was laid hold of by Christ. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of [it]. But [I do] one [thing], forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Five times I received at the hands of the Jews forty [lashes] less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. A day and a night I have spent in the deep water. [I have been] on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from [my own] people, in dangers from the Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers because of false brothers, read more.
with toil and hardship, often in sleepless nights, with hunger and thirst, often going hungry, in cold and poorly clothed. Apart from these external things, [there is] the pressure on me every day of the anxiety about all the churches. Who is weak, and [I am] not weak? Who is caused to sin, and I do not burn [with indignation]? If it is necessary to boast, I will boast [about] {the things related to my weakness}. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed {forever}, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to take me into custody, and I was lowered through a window through the wall in a rope-basket, and I escaped his hands.

For [although I] am free from all [people], I have enslaved myself to all, in order that I may gain more. I have become like a Jew to the Jews, in order that I may gain the Jews. To those under the law [I became] as under the law ([although I] myself am not under the law) in order that I may gain those under the law. To those outside the law [I became] as outside the law ([although I] am not outside the law of God, but subject to the law of Christ) in order that I may gain those outside the law. read more.
To the weak I became weak, in order that I may gain the weak. I have become all [things] to all [people], in order that by all means I may save some.


I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Because of this, I endure all [things] for the sake of the chosen, in order that they also may obtain salvation [which is] in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Verse Conceptseternal life, nature ofEndurance, Results Ofelection, to salvationChristiansGlorySalvation, Described AsEternal BlessingEnduringThe Gospel Of SalvationTemporary Affliction Of SaintsSelflessness


By faith Abraham, [when he] was called, obeyed to go out to a place that he was going to receive for an inheritance, and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived in the land of promise as a stranger, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the fellow heirs of the same promise. For he was expecting the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder [is] God. read more.
By faith also, {with Sarah}, he received {the ability to procreate} even {past the normal age}, because he regarded the one who had promised [to be] faithful. And therefore these were fathered from one man, and [he] being as good as dead, as the stars of heaven in number and like the innumerable sand by the shore of the sea. These all died in faith without receiving the promises, but seeing them from a distance and welcoming [them], and admitting that they were strangers and temporary residents on the earth. For those who say such [things] make clear that they are seeking a homeland. And if they remember that [land] from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they aspire to a better [land], that is, a heavenly [one]. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Now the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, and she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions, with much wealth and camels, bearing spices and much gold and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and told him all that [was] {on her mind}. Verse ConceptsHerbs And SpicesJewelsMission, Of IsraelQueensVisitingRelationship Troubles

Now the queen of Sheba had heard of the fame of Solomon regarding the name of Yahweh, and she came to test him with hard questions. Verse ConceptsCaravansFameMission, Of IsraelQueensCelebritiesAskingRelationships And Datingconnection

The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, [something] greater than Solomon [is] here! Verse ConceptsQueensSolomon, Character OfSouthOld Testament People As TypesGreatness Of ChristThe Final JudgementPeople From Far AwayThe Dead Are RaisedJudgmentsJudgement DayJudgementcondemnation

Then Rebekah took [some of] her older son Esau's best garments that [were] with her in the house, and she put [them] on Jacob her younger son. And she put the skins of the young goats over his hands and over the smooth [part of] his neck. And she put the tasty food and the bread that she had made into the hand of Jacob, her son.

And they said, "Let us call the girl and ask {her opinion}." And they called Rebekah and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" And she said, "I will go."

Then she said to him, "We have both straw and fodder in abundance, as well as a place to spend the night." Verse ConceptsMangersFeeding AnimalsStaying Temporarily

And she said to the servant, "Who [is] this man walking around in the field to meet us?" And the servant said, "That [is] my master." And she took her veil and covered herself. Verse ConceptsCoveringVeilsMeeting PeopleWho Is This?The Brides Wedding Dress

When she finished giving him a drink she said, "I will also draw water for your camels until they finish drinking." Verse ConceptsDrawing WaterMan Providing Water

Now the girl [was] very pleasing in appearance. [She was] a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up. Verse ConceptsBeautifulAbsence Of SexWomen's BeautyBeauty Of Nature

And they come to you {as people do}, and they sit {before you}, and my people hear your words, and they do not do them, for they [are] showing passion in their mouth, but their heart [is] going after ill-gotten gain. Now, look! You [are] to them like {a sensual song}, beautiful of voice and {played well on an instrument}, and they hear your words, {but they are not doing them}.



[Like] {impure silver} which overlays an earthen vessel, [so are] smooth lips and an evil heart. Verse ConceptsCoatsNominal ReligionWicked Described AsProfessingArtificialnessOverlaid With SilverShowing Hypocrisy

"And why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell [you]? Verse ConceptsDeception, Forbidden By GodProfessingChrist Is LordCalling


And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and God Most High their redeemer. But they enticed him with their mouth and lied to him with their tongue.

Hear this, house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel and came out from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of Yahweh, and {invoke} the God of Israel, [but] not in truth and not in righteousness. Verse ConceptseagernessPerjuryProfessingSwearing Oaths FalselyGod Renaming PeopleSwearingListening To Godisrael

So he said to them, "Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far, far away from me. Verse ConceptsHoliness, Purpose OfLegalismLipsPretenceProfessingLack Of MeaningGod And The HeartMere TalkNamed Prophets Of The LordProphecies concerningHypocritesHypocrisy

"I am a Jewish man born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the exactness of the law received from our fathers, being zealous for God, just as all [of] you are today. Verse ConceptsEducation, Examples OfPaul, Life OfSelf ConfidenceLegalismSitting At The FeetSchoolsTaking The Law To HeartEducationSchoolzealots

Paul wanted this one to go with him, and he took [him] [and] circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for [they] all knew that his father was Greek. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalMissionary Work, Examples OfGoing TogetherIsrael HardenedJews

And [when] they heard [this], they began to glorify God. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many ten thousands there are among the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealous adherents of the law. Verse ConceptsZealMany In The ChurchSalvation For IsraelSpecific Praising Of GodTaking The Law To Heartzealots

But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not permitted on the Sabbath? Verse ConceptsComplaintsConfrontationRitualLegalismDisputesPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

and was progressing in Judaism beyond many contemporaries in my nation, [because] I was a far more zealous adherent of the traditions handed down by my forefathers. Verse ConceptsLegalismPharisees, Beliefs OfNew Age BeliefsResolving Conflictzealotscredibility

But some of those who had believed from the party of the Pharisees stood up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to command [them] to observe the law of Moses!" Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalBelieversHeresiesJudaismSectsNecessity Of CircumcisionThose Who Believed In ChristKeep The Commandments!pharisees

And the Pharisees began to say to him, "Behold, why are they doing what is not permitted on the Sabbath?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsRitualLegalismPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, answered [and] said to the crowd, "There are six days on which it is necessary to work. Therefore come [and] be healed on them, and not on the day of the Sabbath!" Verse ConceptsDays, Natural UsePharisees, Beliefs OfLegalismSix DaysAngry With ChristDoing One's WorkJesus HealingThe Sabbath And ChristJesus Healing On Sabbath

So the Jews were saying to the one who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not permitted for you to pick up the mat!" Verse ConceptsThe Sabbath And Christrelaxation

For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Verse ConceptsZeal, Without KnowledgeUnwise ZealBeing Devoted to God

But now, [because you] have come to know God, or rather have come to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental spirits? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingElementsConfusionUseless ThingsUniquenessElements Of The UniverseGod Knowing His PeopleSubject To EvilWorry And StressIdentityWeaknessKnowing GodIdentity In Christ

And [when they come] from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other [traditions] which they have received [and] hold fast to--[for example,] the washing of cups and pitchers and bronze kettles and dining couches.) Verse ConceptsMarketsBrassPurifying OneselfClean ObjectsHow People Eatmarketing

So now why are you putting God to the test [by] placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? Verse ConceptsLegalismSatan, As TempterTestingYokesTesting GodUnbearable ThingsPutting God FirstResisting TemptationTeststrying


If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit [to them] as [if] living in the world? Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

concerning [instead] only food and drink and different washings, regulations of outward things imposed until the time of setting [things] right. Verse ConceptsRitualLimitations Of The Bodyorder




For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, [as] the enemies of the cross of Christ, Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

above all knowing this, that in the last days scoffers will come with scoffing, following according to their own desires Verse ConceptsContemptdesiresPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesLast Hourend times prophecyDaysSportsEnd Of DaysFunmockers

Yet they did not obey, and they did not incline their ear, but they walked in [their own] plans, in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and {they became worse instead of better}. Verse ConceptsStubbornnessPathways Of SinSelf WillBackwardsThe Hearts Incination To EvilimaginationattentionFalling Away From God

And then when he hears the words of this oath, then {he will assure himself} in his heart, {saying}, '{Safety shall be mine even though I go in the stubbornness of my heart},' thereby destroying the well-watered [land] [along] with the parched. Verse ConceptsSelf IndulgenceSelf DelusionFalse ConfidencePathways Of SinMoist ThingsObstinate IndividualsPersistence

for they said to you, "In the end time there will be scoffers following according to their own ungodly desires." Verse ConceptsPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesDenial In End TimesLast HourPassionmockers


Because your loyal love [is] before my eyes, and I walk about in your faithfulness. Verse ConceptsShameLovingkindnessGod's Truth

{I was very glad} because I found [some] of your children walking in [the] truth, just as {the Father commanded us}. Verse ConceptsThe FatherReciprocity

For I rejoiced exceedingly [when the] brothers came and testified [to] your truth, just as you are walking in [the] truth.











For they will not sleep if they have not done wrong, and they are robbed of their sleep if they do not cause stumbling. Verse ConceptsMischiefCausing Others To StumbleRestForgiving Others Who Hurt YouHurtSleeping PeacefullyHurt And BetrayalLosing Someonewickednesshurting


Ah, sinful nation, a people heavy [with] iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly. They have forsaken Yahweh; they have despised the holy one of Israel. They are estranged [and gone] backward. Verse ConceptsCorruption, Of HumanityAbandonmentForsaking God, Illustrated ByImpenitence, Warnings AgainstNationalismRejection Of GodEvildoersGod's People Sinningcorruption

who sharpen their tongue like a sword. They bend [their bow to shoot] their arrows--bitter words, Verse ConceptsArrows, Described AsArrows, Figurative OfSharpeningArrows

wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shameful deeds, wandering stars, for whom the deep gloom of darkness has been reserved for eternity. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering

You love evil more than good, a lie more than speaking {what is right}. Selah Verse ConceptsLoving EvilPsalm InterjectionsTelling The TruthLying And DeceitThe Environmentlieinglovers


[The] wicked plans [evil] against the righteous, and gnashes at him [with] his teeth. Verse ConceptsBitingEvil PlansTeethWickedGnashing Of TeethPlottingBackstabbers

But the wicked [are] like the churning sea, that is not able to keep quiet, and its waters toss up mire and mud. Verse ConceptsTroubleSeaWicked Described AsUnrestThings Like The SeaSea, Metaphorical ReferencesUnclean Things

For they will not sleep if they have not done wrong, and they are robbed of their sleep if they do not cause stumbling. Verse ConceptsMischiefCausing Others To StumbleRestForgiving Others Who Hurt YouHurtSleeping PeacefullyHurt And BetrayalLosing Someonewickednesshurting


Ah, sinful nation, a people heavy [with] iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly. They have forsaken Yahweh; they have despised the holy one of Israel. They are estranged [and gone] backward. Verse ConceptsCorruption, Of HumanityAbandonmentForsaking God, Illustrated ByImpenitence, Warnings AgainstNationalismRejection Of GodEvildoersGod's People Sinningcorruption

who sharpen their tongue like a sword. They bend [their bow to shoot] their arrows--bitter words, Verse ConceptsArrows, Described AsArrows, Figurative OfSharpeningArrows

wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shameful deeds, wandering stars, for whom the deep gloom of darkness has been reserved for eternity. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering

You love evil more than good, a lie more than speaking {what is right}. Selah Verse ConceptsLoving EvilPsalm InterjectionsTelling The TruthLying And DeceitThe Environmentlieinglovers


[The] wicked plans [evil] against the righteous, and gnashes at him [with] his teeth. Verse ConceptsBitingEvil PlansTeethWickedGnashing Of TeethPlottingBackstabbers

But the wicked [are] like the churning sea, that is not able to keep quiet, and its waters toss up mire and mud. Verse ConceptsTroubleSeaWicked Described AsUnrestThings Like The SeaSea, Metaphorical ReferencesUnclean Things



the women must be silent in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but they must be in submission, just as the law also says. Verse ConceptsChurchBeing A WomenWives, Duties OfGod ForbiddingThe churchWomen's RolesspeakingBeing A Woman Of Godorderwomanassertiveness





Then Jezebel his wife came to him, and she said to him, "What is this, that your spirit is sullen and you are not eating food?" Then he said to her, "When I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and asked him, 'Give me your vineyard for money, or it you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in place of it,' he said, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'" Jezebel his wife said to him, "Now, you {rule} over Israel. Get up, eat food, and let your heart be {cheerful}. I myself will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." read more.
So she wrote letters in the name of Ahab and sealed them with his seal. She sent the letters to the elders and the nobles who [were] dwelling with Naboth in his city. She had written in the letters, saying, "Call a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people. Seat two men, {scoundrels}, opposite him. Let them witness against him saying, 'You cursed God and the king.' Then you shall bring him out and stone him so that he dies." The men of his city and the elders and nobles who were living in his city did according to what Jezebel had sent to them, as [was] written in the letters which she had sent to them. They called a fast, and they seated Naboth at the head of the people. Then the two men, {scoundrels}, came, sat opposite him, and the {scoundrels} witnessed against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king," so they brought him outside of the city and stoned him with stones, and he died.

So he said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down, and her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled her. Then he came and ate and drank, and said, "Please take care of this cursed one and bury her, for she is the daughter of a king." When they went to bury her, they could not find her, except the skull, the feet, and the palms of the hands.

Then the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, of the clan of Manasseh the son of Joseph, came near; and these [were] the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, and Tirzah. They stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the leaders of the entire community [at] the doorway of the tent of assembly, saying, "Our father died in the desert; he was not in the midst of the company of those who banded together against Yahweh in the company of Korah, but he died in his own sin, and he had no sons. read more.
Why should the name of our father disappear from the midst of his clan because he does not have a son? Give us property in the midst of the brothers of our father." So Moses brought their case before Yahweh. And Yahweh said to Moses, saying, "{The statements of the daughters of Zelophehad are right}. You must surely give them [the] property of an inheritance in the midst of their father's brothers, and you must transfer the inheritance of their father to them. And you must speak to the {Israelites}, saying, 'If a man dies and has no son, you must transfer his inheritance to his daughter.

So then, send [word] and assemble all of Israel to me on Mount Carmel, with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at the table of Jezebel." Verse ConceptsFalse GodsSchool Of ProphetsTablesAssembling IsraelFour To Five HundredFour And Five HundredFollowers Of BaalProphets Of Other GodsServing Asherahjezebel

Truly, there was no one like Ahab who had sold himself by doing evil in the eyes of Yahweh, whose wife Jezebel urged him on. Verse ConceptsBad ExampleBad Wives ExamplesTemptressesUnique IndividualsNamed Wivesjezebel

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "Thus may the gods do [to me], and may they add [to it], surely at this time tomorrow I will make your life as the life of one of them!" Verse ConceptsMessengers Sent OutMessengerPersecution, Nature OfProphets, Lives OfRevenge, Examples OfMan's Action TomorrowKilling Prophetsjezebel

When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard [of it], so she painted her eyes with black eye paint and adorned her head and looked through the window. Verse ConceptsBad InfluenceFacesHairsCosmeticsLooking Through Windowsartistsjezebelmakeup

And Esther again spoke before the king, and she fell before his feet and wept, pleading for his grace to avert Haman the Agagite's evil [plan] and the plot that he devised against the Jews. And the king held out to Esther the scepter of gold, and Esther rose and stood before the king, and she said, "If it is good to the king, and if I have found favor before him, and if the king is pleased with this matter, and {I have his approval}, let [an edict] be written to revoke the letters of the plans of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews that [are] in all the provinces of the king. read more.
For {how can I bear} to look on the disaster that will find my people, and {how can I bear} to look on the destruction of my family?"

"Go, gather all the Jews that are found in Susa and fast for me; do not eat or drink [for] three days, both night and day. I and my young girls will fast likewise, and then I will go to the king, which [is] not according to the law; if I perish, I perish. Verse ConceptsFasting, Examples OfPray For UsFastingFasting And Prayer

He was raising Hadassah, that [is] Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she did not have a father or a mother; the young woman [had] a beautiful figure and [was] very attractive. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had taken her as his daughter. Verse ConceptsFatherless, Examples OfBeauty, In WomenAdoptionExamples Of OrphansWomen's RolesDeath Of A MotherFather And Daughter RelationshipsFathers Responsibilities

If I have found favor in the eyes of the king, and if it is good to the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them tomorrow, and I will do according to the word of the king. Verse ConceptsBanquets, CharaceristicsMan's Action TomorrowFavor

And Esther said, "The adversary and enemy [is] this evil Haman!" And Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Verse ConceptsFear Of Individuals

The one who does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. Verse ConceptsDoctrine, From GodSpeech, DivineFather And Son AlikeNot Loving GodThe FatherThey Do Not Keep CommandsFathers Love

If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching [that is] in accordance with godliness, Verse ConceptsTeachersTeachingSound DoctrineMisteachingDifferent TeachingsFalse TeachersDoctrines of the The GospelGodly Mandoctrine



The officers replied, "Never has a man spoken like this!" Verse ConceptsUnique ChristChrist Speaking

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. Verse ConceptsPeter, The DiscipleLife By God's WordWho Is The One?Eternal lifeEverlastingThe Power Of Wordseternity


And they were all speaking well of him, and were astonished at the gracious words that were coming out of his mouth. And they were saying, "Is this man not the son of Joseph?" Verse ConceptsLipsGrace, And Jesus ChristKind WordsAmazement, Of Jesus ChristPraising Specific PeopleWho He Might Begraciousness

And they were astounded at his teaching, because {he spoke} with authority. Verse ConceptsPower Of Christ, ShownAmazement, Of Jesus ChristAstonishmentChrist Teachingsurprisesdoctrine