Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows

“You shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the testimony and the cause of the righteous. Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfBribery, Is Sinethics, socialAcceptance Of BribesMoney, Stewardship OfRighteous, TheMagistratesEffect Of BribesAvoiding BribesBlindingOther BlindingBribery


In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.
Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfInjustice, Examples OfEffect Of BribesEvil For The Right HandBribery


A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket
To pervert the ways of justice.
Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfAcceptance Of BribesSecrecyEffect Of Bribes


Who justify the wicked and acquit the guilty for a bribe,
And take away the rights of those who are in the right!
Verse ConceptsAcquittalGuiltAcquitting The Guilty


He who walks righteously and speaks with integrity,
Who rejects gain from fraud and from oppression,
Who shakes his hand free from the taking of bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed
And shuts his eyes to avoid looking upon evil;
Verse ConceptsAcceptance Of BribesEyes, GuardedBeing FairFinancial AdviceAvoiding Bribes


For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great (shocking, innumerable),
You who distress the righteous and take bribes,
And turn away from the poor in the [court of the city] gate [depriving them of justice].
Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingCruelty, examples ofBribery, Results OfInjustice, Examples OfOffenceGod's Knowledge Of PeopleRighteous, TheRighteousness, Of BelieversSin, And God's CharacterExposure Of SinBusiness At The GatewayNot Helping The Pooroppression


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


Who justify the wicked and acquit the guilty for a bribe,
And take away the rights of those who are in the right!
Verse ConceptsAcquittalGuiltAcquitting The Guilty


Concerning evil, both of their hands pursue it and do it diligently and thoroughly;
The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe,
And a great man speaks the [evil] desire of his soul.
So they twist the course of justice between them.
Verse ConceptsGiftsAliancesAmbition, negative aspects ofWicked RulersJudgesPower, HumanReward, HumanSkillRulers, WickedCharacter Of WickedGuileAmbidextrousTwo Of Body PartsContinuing In SinLording It


Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe,
Her priests teach for a fee,
And her prophets foretell for money;
Yet they lean on the Lord, saying,
“Is not the Lord among us?
No tragedy or distress will come on us.”
Verse ConceptsFalse ConfidenceLove, Abuse OfMoney, Uses OfPriests, Institution In Ot TimesSpiritual MalnutritionReward, HumanUnfaithful MinistersSelfishness, Shown InCorrupt PriestsMisteachingWicked ProphetsGod Is Among YouBelief In GodGod SupportingDivinityRewards Of RitualFinancesMaking Decisionsprophetspriests



Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.
Verse ConceptsFalse ConfidenceCelebritiesPleasing MenSeeking The Favour Of GodMaking DecisionsFavor

Woe to those [judges] who issue unrighteous decrees, and to the magistrates who keep causing unjust and oppressive decisions to be recorded, To turn aside the needy from justice and to make plunder of the rightful claims of the poor of My people, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!


Her officials within her are roaring lions;
Her judges are [as hungry as] the wolves at evening,
They leave nothing for the morning.
Verse ConceptsLionsWolvesIn The Morning

Now the chief priests and the whole council (the Sanhedrin) sought to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death; But they found none, though many witnesses came forward [to testify]. At last two men came forward And testified, This Fellow said, I am able to tear down the sanctuary of the temple of God and to build it up again in three days. read more.
And the high priest stood up and said, Have You no answer to make? What about this that these men testify against You?

For he knew that it was because of envy that they had handed Him over to him. Also, while he was seated on the judgment bench, his wife sent him a message, saying, Have nothing to do with that just and upright Man, for I have had a painful experience today in a dream because of Him. But the chief priests and the elders prevailed on the people to ask for Barabbas, and put Jesus to death. read more.
Again the governor said to them, Which of the two do you wish me to release for you? And they said, Barabbas! Pilate said to them, Then what shall I do with Jesus Who is called Christ? They all replied, Let Him be crucified! And he said, Why? What has He done that is evil? But they shouted all the louder, Let Him be crucified! So when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but rather that a riot was about to break out, he took water and washed his hands in the presence of the crowd, saying, I am not guilty of nor responsible for this righteous Man's blood; see to it yourselves. And all the people answered, Let His blood be on us and on our children! So he set free for them Barabbas; and he [had] Jesus whipped, and delivered Him up to be crucified.

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They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) gathered together. Verse ConceptsOld Age, Attitudes ToAssembling LeadersOpposition To Christ From ScribesThe Chief Priests Convened

Now the chief priests and the entire council (the Sanhedrin) were constantly seeking [to get] testimony against Jesus with a view to condemning Him and putting Him to death, but they did not find any. For many were repeatedly bearing false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. And some stood up and were bearing false witness against Him, saying, read more.
We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple (sanctuary) which is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, made without hands. Still not even [in this] did their testimony agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, Have You not even one answer to make? What [about this which] these [men] are testifying against You? But He kept still and did not answer at all. Again the high priest asked Him, Are You the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I Am; and you will [all] see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power ( the Almighty) and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest tore his garments and said, What need have we for more witnesses? You have heard His blasphemy. What is your decision? And they all condemned Him as being guilty and deserving of death. And some of them began to spit on Him and to blindfold Him and to strike Him with their fists, saying to Him, Prophesy! And the guards received Him with blows and by slapping Him.

For he was aware that the chief priests had turned Jesus over to him because of envy and resentment. Verse ConceptsChief priestsEnvy, Example OfHanding Over ChristKnowing FactsThe Chief Priests Condemning ChristThose Who Envied

But having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the council [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves, Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraordinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may not spread further among the people and the nation, let us warn and forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person]. read more.
[So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way or teach at all in or about the name of Jesus.

So they [secretly] instigated and instructed men to say, We have heard this man speak, using slanderous and abusive and blasphemous language against Moses and God. [Thus] they incited the people as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came upon Stephen and arrested him and took him before the council (Sanhedrin). And they brought forward false witnesses who asserted, This man never stops making statements against this sacred place and the Law [of Moses]; read more.
For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down and destroy this place, and will alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to us.

At the same time he hoped to get money from Paul, for which reason he continued to send for him and was in his company and conversed with him often. But when two years had gone by, Felix was succeeded in office by Porcius Festus; and wishing to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul still a prisoner in chains.


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


Woe to them! For they have gone the [defiant] way of Cain, and for profit they have run headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of [mutinous] Korah. Verse ConceptsBalaams DonkeyAbel and CainNicolaitansRebellion of Satan and Angels

I thought it over and then challenged the nobles and the rulers. I said to them, “You are exacting usury (excessive interest) from your own brother (relative).” So I held a great assembly to confront them. Verse ConceptsMind, The HumanCovetousness, Example Of


And the dogs are greedy; they never have enough.
They are shepherds who have no understanding;
They have all turned to their own way,
Each one to his unlawful gain, without exception.
Verse ConceptsGod's WaysProfitsWisdom, Human ImportanceInadequate ShepherdingCovetousness, Example OfSelfishness, Shown InSelfishness, Examples OfBeing Without UnderstandingGreed


“For from the least of them even to the greatest of them,
Everyone is greedy for [unfair] gain;
And from the prophet even to the priest
Everyone deals deceitfully.
Verse ConceptsCoveting, prohibition ofGreed, Condemnation OfPriests, Function In Ot TimesProfitsCovetousness, Example OfWicked ProphetsGreat And SmallCovetousnessGreedpractice


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows

You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Verse ConceptsFavouritismBlindness, SymbolicInjustice, Hated By GodReward, HumanRighteous, TheMagistratesAvoiding BribesBlindingOther Blinding


Concerning evil, both of their hands pursue it and do it diligently and thoroughly;
The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe,
And a great man speaks the [evil] desire of his soul.
So they twist the course of justice between them.
Verse ConceptsGiftsAliancesAmbition, negative aspects ofWicked RulersJudgesPower, HumanReward, HumanSkillRulers, WickedCharacter Of WickedGuileAmbidextrousTwo Of Body PartsContinuing In SinLording It


Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe,
Her priests teach for a fee,
And her prophets foretell for money;
Yet they lean on the Lord, saying,
“Is not the Lord among us?
No tragedy or distress will come on us.”
Verse ConceptsFalse ConfidenceLove, Abuse OfMoney, Uses OfPriests, Institution In Ot TimesSpiritual MalnutritionReward, HumanUnfaithful MinistersSelfishness, Shown InCorrupt PriestsMisteachingWicked ProphetsGod Is Among YouBelief In GodGod SupportingDivinityRewards Of RitualFinancesMaking Decisionsprophetspriests

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the writing to the king and reveal the interpretation to him. Verse ConceptsInscriptionsNo RewardReading Other MatterBeing Yourself

Then Naaman returned to the man of God, he and all the people in his group, and stood before him. He said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; so now accept a blessing and gift from your servant.” Verse ConceptsConversion, examples ofNo Other Is GodMan Of God

So the elders of Moab and of Midian departed with fees for divination (foretelling) in hand; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak. Verse ConceptsOld Age, Attitudes ToReward, HumanDivination

For I will give you a very great honor and I will do whatever you tell me; so please come, curse these people [of Israel] for me.’” Verse ConceptsBalaams DonkeyCursing Israel

And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” Verse ConceptsInvitationsPeople Refreshedfriendliness


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


‘They are fat and they are sleek (prosperous),
They excel in acts of wickedness;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the orphan, so that they [the wicked] may prosper,
And they do not defend the rights of the poor.
Verse ConceptsOpposition, To Sin And EvilOrphansFat PeopleNot Helping The Poorprospering


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows

You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Verse ConceptsFavouritismBlindness, SymbolicInjustice, Hated By GodReward, HumanRighteous, TheMagistratesAvoiding BribesBlindingOther Blinding


Concerning evil, both of their hands pursue it and do it diligently and thoroughly;
The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe,
And a great man speaks the [evil] desire of his soul.
So they twist the course of justice between them.
Verse ConceptsGiftsAliancesAmbition, negative aspects ofWicked RulersJudgesPower, HumanReward, HumanSkillRulers, WickedCharacter Of WickedGuileAmbidextrousTwo Of Body PartsContinuing In SinLording It


Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe,
Her priests teach for a fee,
And her prophets foretell for money;
Yet they lean on the Lord, saying,
“Is not the Lord among us?
No tragedy or distress will come on us.”
Verse ConceptsFalse ConfidenceLove, Abuse OfMoney, Uses OfPriests, Institution In Ot TimesSpiritual MalnutritionReward, HumanUnfaithful MinistersSelfishness, Shown InCorrupt PriestsMisteachingWicked ProphetsGod Is Among YouBelief In GodGod SupportingDivinityRewards Of RitualFinancesMaking Decisionsprophetspriests

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the writing to the king and reveal the interpretation to him. Verse ConceptsInscriptionsNo RewardReading Other MatterBeing Yourself

Then Naaman returned to the man of God, he and all the people in his group, and stood before him. He said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; so now accept a blessing and gift from your servant.” Verse ConceptsConversion, examples ofNo Other Is GodMan Of God

So the elders of Moab and of Midian departed with fees for divination (foretelling) in hand; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak. Verse ConceptsOld Age, Attitudes ToReward, HumanDivination

For I will give you a very great honor and I will do whatever you tell me; so please come, curse these people [of Israel] for me.’” Verse ConceptsBalaams DonkeyCursing Israel

And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” Verse ConceptsInvitationsPeople Refreshedfriendliness

Your silver has become dross, your wine is mixed with water. Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes and runs after compensation and rewards. They judge not for the fatherless nor defend them, neither does the cause of the widow come to them [for they delay or turn a deaf ear].


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows

“You shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the testimony and the cause of the righteous. Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfBribery, Is Sinethics, socialAcceptance Of BribesMoney, Stewardship OfRighteous, TheMagistratesEffect Of BribesAvoiding BribesBlindingOther BlindingBribery


In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.
Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfInjustice, Examples OfEffect Of BribesEvil For The Right HandBribery


A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket
To pervert the ways of justice.
Verse ConceptsBribery, Results OfAcceptance Of BribesSecrecyEffect Of Bribes


Who justify the wicked and acquit the guilty for a bribe,
And take away the rights of those who are in the right!
Verse ConceptsAcquittalGuiltAcquitting The Guilty


He who walks righteously and speaks with integrity,
Who rejects gain from fraud and from oppression,
Who shakes his hand free from the taking of bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed
And shuts his eyes to avoid looking upon evil;
Verse ConceptsAcceptance Of BribesEyes, GuardedBeing FairFinancial AdviceAvoiding Bribes


For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great (shocking, innumerable),
You who distress the righteous and take bribes,
And turn away from the poor in the [court of the city] gate [depriving them of justice].
Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingCruelty, examples ofBribery, Results OfInjustice, Examples OfOffenceGod's Knowledge Of PeopleRighteous, TheRighteousness, Of BelieversSin, And God's CharacterExposure Of SinBusiness At The GatewayNot Helping The Pooroppression


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows


Your rulers are rebels
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes
And chases after gifts.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the widow’s cause come before them [instead they delay or turn a deaf ear].
Verse ConceptsGiftsBribery, Results OfExploitationsWicked RulersOppression, Nature OfOrphansReward, HumanRiches, Dangers OfRulersStealingLeadershipRulers, WickedCovetousness, Example OfEvil AssociationsCompanionshipNot Helping Widows

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