Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to him saying, "I am the almighty God: walk before me and be uncorrupt. And I will make my covenant between thee and me, and will multiply thee exceedingly." And Abram fell on his face. And God talked moreover with him, saying, read more.
"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant." And God said unto Abraham, "Sarai, thy wife, shall no more be called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give thee a son of her; and will bless her so that people, yea and kings of people, shall spring of her." And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, that is ninety years old, bear?" And Abraham said unto God, "O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!" Then said God, "Nay. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my covenant with him, that it shall be an everlasting covenant unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my covenant will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time, twelve month." And God left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham.
"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant." And God said unto Abraham, "Sarai, thy wife, shall no more be called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give thee a son of her; and will bless her so that people, yea and kings of people, shall spring of her." And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, that is ninety years old, bear?" And Abraham said unto God, "O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!" Then said God, "Nay. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my covenant with him, that it shall be an everlasting covenant unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my covenant will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time, twelve month." And God left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham.
Thou shalt keep thy trust with Jacob, and thy mercy for Abraham, like as thou hast sworn unto our fathers long ago.
Verse Concepts
And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Verse Concepts
For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith.
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And I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.
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For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed."
Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Brethren, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth anything thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto Christ ward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by promise.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Brethren, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth anything thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto Christ ward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by promise.
If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs by promise.
Verse Concepts
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. Yea, and he which was of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh: but he which was of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken mystery. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount Sinai, which gendreth unto bondage, which is Hagar. read more.
- For mount Sinai is called Hagar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now Jerusalem - and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath a husband." Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise: But as then he that was born carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually; Even so is it now. Nevertheless, what saith the scripture? "Put away the bondwoman and her son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.
- For mount Sinai is called Hagar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now Jerusalem - and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath a husband." Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise: But as then he that was born carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually; Even so is it now. Nevertheless, what saith the scripture? "Put away the bondwoman and her son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.
Covenant » Of God with men » Confirmed with an oath
And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Verse Concepts
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee: for unto thee and unto thy seed I will give all these countries. And I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father,
Verse Concepts
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath, that by two immutable things - in which it was impossible that God should lie - we might have perfect consolation, which have fled, for to hold fast the hope that is set before us:
saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
Verse Concepts
And Joseph said unto his brethren, "I die; And God will surely visit you and bring you out of this land, unto the land which he sware unto Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
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I have sworn once by my holiness, that I will not fail David.
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even the covenant that he made with Abraham, and the oath that he sware unto Isaac,
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For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself,
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The Covenant » Made with » Abraham
Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant, which God hath made unto our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.'
Verse Concepts
And he said unto him, "I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur in Chaldea to give thee this land to possess it." And he said, "LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall possess it?" And he said unto him, "Take a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a three year old ram, a turtle dove and a young pigeon." read more.
And he took all these and divided them in the midst, and laid every piece, one over against another. But the fowls divided he not. And the birds fell on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. And when the sun was down, there fell a slumber upon Abram. And lo, fear and great darkness came upon him. And he said unto Abram, "Know this of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that pertaineth not unto them. And they shall make bondmen of them and entreat them evil, four hundred years. But the nation whom they shall serve, will I judge. And afterward shall they come out with great substance. Nevertheless, thou shalt go unto thy fathers in peace, and shalt be buried when thou art of a good age: and in the fourth generation they shall come hither again, for the wickedness of the Amorites is not yet full." When the sun was down and it was waxed dark, behold, there was a smoking furnace and a fire brand that went between the said pieces. And that same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "Unto thy seed will I give this land, from the river of Egypt, even unto the great river Euphrates:
And he took all these and divided them in the midst, and laid every piece, one over against another. But the fowls divided he not. And the birds fell on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. And when the sun was down, there fell a slumber upon Abram. And lo, fear and great darkness came upon him. And he said unto Abram, "Know this of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that pertaineth not unto them. And they shall make bondmen of them and entreat them evil, four hundred years. But the nation whom they shall serve, will I judge. And afterward shall they come out with great substance. Nevertheless, thou shalt go unto thy fathers in peace, and shalt be buried when thou art of a good age: and in the fourth generation they shall come hither again, for the wickedness of the Amorites is not yet full." When the sun was down and it was waxed dark, behold, there was a smoking furnace and a fire brand that went between the said pieces. And that same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "Unto thy seed will I give this land, from the river of Egypt, even unto the great river Euphrates:
And I will make my covenant between thee and me, and will multiply thee exceedingly." And Abram fell on his face. And God talked moreover with him, saying, "I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. read more.
Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant."
Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant."
To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: read more.
all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him.
all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him.
To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ.
Verse Concepts
The Covenant » Fulfilled in Christ
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. read more.
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
God » Mercy of » Oaths of
And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Verse Concepts
Therefore I said unto them in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.
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The LORD hath sworn by his righthand and by his strong arm, that he will not give thy corn any more to be eaten of thine enemies: and that aliens shall not drink thy new wine wherefore thou hast laboured.
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The LORD of Hosts hath sworn an oath, saying: It shall come to pass as I have determined, and shall be fulfilled as I have devised.
Verse Concepts
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath,
Verse Concepts
saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
Verse Concepts
I have sworn once by my holiness, that I will not fail David.
Verse Concepts
so that I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest."
Verse Concepts
John the baptist » John the baptist being sent to prepare the way for jesus Christ
And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: read more.
and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways:
and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways:
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came as a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light: but to bear witness of the light. read more.
That was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the world. He was in the world, and the world by him was made: and yet the world knew him not. He came among his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be the sons of God: in that they believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace, and verity. John bare witness of him and cried, saying, "This was he of whom I spake, which though he came after me, went before me: for he was before me."
That was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the world. He was in the world, and the world by him was made: and yet the world knew him not. He came among his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to be the sons of God: in that they believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word was full of grace, and verity. John bare witness of him and cried, saying, "This was he of whom I spake, which though he came after me, went before me: for he was before me."
John answered, and said, "A man can receive nothing at all except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves are witnesses, how that I said, 'I am not Christ: but am sent before him.'
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth: but I receive not the record of man. Nevertheless, these things I say, that ye might be safe. He was a burning, and a shining light; and ye would for a season have rejoiced in his light.
Joy » Instances of » Of zecharias, when john the baptist was born
And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. read more.
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Miracles » Catalogue of » The incarnation of jesus
The birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came to dwell together, she was found with child by the holy ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a perfect man, and loath to make an example of her, was minded to put her away secretly. While he thus thought, Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: For that which is conceived in her is of the holy ghost. read more.
She shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus: For he shall save his people from their sins." All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying, "Behold, a maiden shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us." And Joseph, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord bade him, and took his wife unto him: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first son: and called his name Jesus.
She shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus: For he shall save his people from their sins." All this was done, to fulfill that which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying, "Behold, a maiden shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us." And Joseph, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord bade him, and took his wife unto him: and knew her not till she had brought forth her first son: and called his name Jesus.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." read more.
When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
Oath » Attributed to God
And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Verse Concepts
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed."
Therefore I said unto them in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.
Verse Concepts
The LORD of Hosts hath sworn by himself that he will overwhelm thee with men, like grasshoppers in number, which with courage shall cry 'Alarum, Alarum' against thee.
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To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but unto them that believed not?
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The LORD of Hosts hath sworn an oath, saying: It shall come to pass as I have determined, and shall be fulfilled as I have devised.
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and will keep my promise, that I have sworn unto your fathers: Namely, that I would give them a land which floweth with milk and honey, as ye see it is come to pass unto this day." Then answered I, and said, "Amen. It is even so, O LORD, as thou sayest."
Verse Concepts
For why? I have sworn by myself, sayeth the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a wilderness; an open shame; a laughingstock and cursing; and her cities shall be a continual desert.
Verse Concepts
For the law maketh men priests, which have infirmity: but the word of the oath that came since the law, maketh the son priest, which is perfect for evermore.
Verse Concepts
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath,
Verse Concepts
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saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
Verse Concepts
I have sworn once by my holiness, that I will not fail David.
Verse Concepts
even the covenant that he made with Abraham, and the oath that he sware unto Isaac,
Verse Concepts
But we which have believed, do enter into his rest, as contrariwise he said to the other, "As I have sworn in my wrath, 'They shall not enter into my rest.'" And that spake he verily long after that the works were made, and the foundation of the world laid.
Verse Concepts
The LORD hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall not shrink from it, "Of the fruit of the body shall I set upon thy seat.
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so that I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest."
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and swore by him that liveth forevermore, which created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which therein are; that there should be no longer time:
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I swear by myself: out of my mouth cometh the word of righteousness, and that may no man turn: but all knees shall bow unto me, and all tongues shall swear by me,
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But if ye will not be obedient unto these commandments, I swear by mine own self, sayeth the LORD, this house shall be waste.
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Those priests were made without an oath: but this priest with an oath, by him that said unto him, "The Lord sware, and will not repent: Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Verse Concepts
Oaths » God's
And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Verse Concepts
Therefore I said unto them in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.
Verse Concepts
The LORD hath sworn by his righthand and by his strong arm, that he will not give thy corn any more to be eaten of thine enemies: and that aliens shall not drink thy new wine wherefore thou hast laboured.
Verse Concepts
The LORD of Hosts hath sworn an oath, saying: It shall come to pass as I have determined, and shall be fulfilled as I have devised.
Verse Concepts
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath,
Verse Concepts
saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
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I have sworn once by my holiness, that I will not fail David.
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so that I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest."
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Poetry » Lyrics, sacred » Of zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. read more.
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
The promises of God » Are » Fulfilled in Christ
Of this man's seed hath God, according to his promise, brought forth to the people of Israel a saviour, one Jesus,
Verse Concepts
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou laid to rest with thy fathers, then I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy body, and will establish his kingdom.
Verse Concepts
And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: read more.
To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
Psalms » Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. read more.
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. read more.
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Zacharias
And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John:
Verse Concepts
And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. read more.
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Zacharias (zechariah) » The father of john the baptist
When Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests: The word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
Verse Concepts
In the time of Herod, the king of Jewry, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord, that no man could find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; And both were well stricken in age. read more.
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, "This wise hath God dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that I suffered among men." And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.
And it came to pass, as he executed the priest's office before God as his course came, according to the custom of the priest's office his lot was to burn incense. And he went into the temple of the Lord, and the whole multitude of the people were without, in their prayers, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. And the angel said unto him, "Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard: And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make the people ready for the Lord." And Zacharias said unto the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? Seeing that I am old, and my wife well stricken in years." And the angel answered, and said unto him, "I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Whereby they perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, "This wise hath God dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that I suffered among men." And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man, whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom shall be none end." Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" And the angel answered, and said unto her, "The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age. And this is her sixth month, though she be called barren, for with God can nothing be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said." And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a city of Jewry, and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed art thou among the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those things shall be performed which were told thee from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his handmaiden. Behold, now from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him, throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts. He putteth Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And sendeth away the rich empty. He remembereth mercy: and helpeth his servant Israel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his seed forever." And Mary abode with her about a three months; And returned again to her own house. Elizabeth's time was come that she should be delivered; And she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell, how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned, the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias after the name of his father, Howbeit, his mother answered, and said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kin that is named with this name." And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for writing tables and wrote, saying, "His name is John." And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh unto them: And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To fulfill the mercy promised to our fathers; And to remember his holy covenant; And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us. That we, delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of salvation unto his people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness: till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites.