2Sam.14.1

Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king, deep down, still cared for Absalom.

2Sam.14.1

Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart longed for Absalom.

2Sam.14.1

So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was concerned about Absalom.

2Sam.14.1

Joab realized how much the king longed to see Absalom.

2Sam.14.2

So he sent to Tekoa for a wise woman who lived there and instructed her, "Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in black and don't comb your hair, so you'll look like you've been grieving over a dead loved one for a long time.

2Sam.14.2

So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, "Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don't use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead.

2Sam.14.2

And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman, and said to her, "Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel; do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has been mourning a long time for the dead.

2Sam.14.2

So he sent for a woman from Tekoa who had a reputation for great wisdom. He said to her, "Pretend you are in mourning; wear mourning clothes and don't bathe or wear any perfume. Act like a woman who has been in deep sorrow for a long time.

2Sam.14.3

Then go to the king and tell him this... "Joab then told her exactly what to say.

2Sam.14.3

Then go to the king and speak these words to him." And Joab put the words in her mouth.

2Sam.14.3

Go to the king and speak to him in this manner." So Joab put the words in her mouth.

2Sam.14.3

Then go to the king and tell him the story I am about to tell you." Then Joab told her what to say.

2Sam.14.4

The woman of Tekoa went to the king, bowed deeply before him in homage, and said, "O King, help!"

2Sam.14.4

When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell with her face to the ground to pay him honor, and she said, "Help me, O king!"

2Sam.14.4

And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and prostrated herself, and said, "Help, O king!"

2Sam.14.4

When the woman approached the king, she fell with her face down to the floor in front of him and cried out, "O king! Help me!"

2Sam.14.5

He said, "How can I help?I'm a widow," she said. "My husband is dead.

2Sam.14.5

The king asked her, "What is troubling you?" She said, "I am indeed a widow; my husband is dead.

2Sam.14.5

Then the king said to her, "What troubles you?" And she answered, "Indeed I am a widow, my husband is dead.

2Sam.14.5

"What's the trouble?" the king asked. "I am a widow," she replied.

2Sam.14.6

I had two sons. The two of them got into a fight out in the field and there was no one around to step between them. The one struck the other and killed him.

2Sam.14.6

I your servant had two sons. They got into a fight with each other in the field, and no one was there to separate them. One struck the other and killed him.

2Sam.14.6

Now your maidservant had two sons; and the two fought with each other in the field, and there was no one to part them, but the one struck the other and killed him.

2Sam.14.6

"My two sons had a fight out in the field. And since no one was there to stop it, one of them was killed.

2Sam.14.7

Then the whole family ganged up against me and demanded, "Hand over this murderer so we can kill him for the life of the brother he murdered!' They want to wipe out the heir and snuff out the one spark of life left to me. And then there would be nothing left of my husband--not so much as a name--on the face of the earth.

2Sam.14.7

Now the whole clan has risen up against your servant; they say, 'Hand over the one who struck his brother down, so that we may put him to death for the life of his brother whom he killed; then we will get rid of the heir as well.' They would put out the only burning coal I have left, leaving my husband neither name nor descendant on the face of the earth."

2Sam.14.7

And now the whole family has risen up against your maidservant, and they said, "Deliver him who struck his brother, that we may execute him for the life of his brother whom he killed; and we will destroy the heir also.' So they would extinguish my ember that is left, and leave to my husband neither name nor remnant on the earth."

2Sam.14.7

Now the rest of the family is demanding, `Let us have your son. We will execute him for murdering his brother. He doesn't deserve to inherit his family's property.' But if I do that, I will have no one left, and my husband's name and family will disappear from the face of the earth."

2Sam.14.8

The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you."

2Sam.14.8

The king said to the woman, "Go home, and I will issue an order in your behalf."

2Sam.14.8

Then the king said to the woman, "Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you."

2Sam.14.8

"Leave it to me," the king told her. "Go home, and I'll see to it that no one touches him."

2Sam.14.9

"I'll take all responsibility for what happens," the woman of Tekoa said. "I don't want to compromise the king and his reputation."

2Sam.14.9

But the woman from Tekoa said to him, "My lord the king, let the blame rest on me and on my father's family, and let the king and his throne be without guilt."

2Sam.14.9

And the woman of Tekoa said to the king, "My lord, O king, let the iniquity be on me and on my father's house, and the king and his throne be guiltless."

2Sam.14.9

"Oh, thank you, my lord," she replied. "And I'll take the responsibility if you are criticized for helping me like this."

2Sam.14.10

"Bring the man who has been harassing you," the king continued. "I'll see to it that he doesn't bother you anymore."

2Sam.14.10

The king replied, "If anyone says anything to you, bring him to me, and he will not bother you again."

2Sam.14.10

So the king said, "Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me, and he shall not touch you anymore."

2Sam.14.10

"Don't worry about that!" the king said. "If anyone objects, bring them to me. I can assure you they will never complain again!"

2Sam.14.11

"Let the king invoke the name of GOD," said the woman, "so this self-styled vigilante won't ruin everything, to say nothing of killing my son.As surely as GOD lives," he said, "not so much as a hair of your son's head will be lost."

2Sam.14.11

She said, "Then let the king invoke the LORD his God to prevent the avenger of blood from adding to the destruction, so that my son will not be destroyed.As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "not one hair of your son's head will fall to the ground."

2Sam.14.11

Then she said, "Please let the king remember the LORD your God, and do not permit the avenger of blood to destroy anymore, lest they destroy my son." And he said, "As the LORD lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground."

2Sam.14.11

Then she said, "Please swear to me by the LORD your God that you won't let anyone take vengeance against my son. I want no more bloodshed.As surely as the LORD lives," he replied, "not a hair on your son's head will be disturbed!"

2Sam.14.12

Then she asked, "May I say one more thing to my master, the king?" He said, "Go ahead."

2Sam.14.12

Then the woman said, "Let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.Speak," he replied.

2Sam.14.12

Therefore the woman said, "Please, let your maidservant speak another word to my lord the king." And he said, "Say on."

2Sam.14.12

"Please let me ask one more thing of you!" she said. "Go ahead," he urged. "Speak!"

2Sam.14.13

"Why, then," the woman said, "have you done this very thing against God's people? In his verdict, the king convicts himself by not bringing home his exiled son.

2Sam.14.13

The woman said, "Why then have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son?

2Sam.14.13

So the woman said: "Why then have you schemed such a thing against the people of God? For the king speaks this thing as one who is guilty, in that the king does not bring his banished one home again.

2Sam.14.13

She replied, "Why don't you do as much for all the people of God as you have promised to do for me? You have convicted yourself in making this decision, because you have refused to bring home your own banished son.

2Sam.14.14

We all die sometime. Water spilled on the ground can't be gathered up again. But God does not take away life. He works out ways to get the exile back."

2Sam.14.14

Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

2Sam.14.14

For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.

2Sam.14.14

All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. That is why God tries to bring us back when we have been separated from him. He does not sweep away the lives of those he cares about--and neither should you!

2Sam.14.15

So now I've dared come to the king, my master, about all this. They're making my life miserable, and I'm afraid. I said to myself, "I'll go to the king. Maybe he'll do something!

2Sam.14.15

"And now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. Your servant thought, 'I will speak to the king; perhaps he will do what his servant asks.

2Sam.14.15

Now therefore, I have come to speak of this thing to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid. And your maidservant said, "I will now speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his maidservant.

2Sam.14.15

"But I have come to plead with you for my son because my life and my son's life have been threatened. I said to myself, `Perhaps the king will listen to me

2Sam.14.16

When the king hears what's going on, he'll step in and rescue me from the abuse of the man who would get rid of me and my son and God's inheritance--the works!'

2Sam.14.16

Perhaps the king will agree to deliver his servant from the hand of the man who is trying to cut off both me and my son from the inheritance God gave us.'

2Sam.14.16

For the king will hear and deliver his maidservant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together from the inheritance of God.'

2Sam.14.16

and rescue us from those who would cut us off from God's people.

2Sam.14.17

As your handmaid, I decided ahead of time, "The word of my master, the king, will be the last word in this, for my master is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil.' GOD be with you!" 8The king said, "Go home, and I'll take care of this for you." 9"I'll take all responsibility for what happens," the woman of Tekoa said. "I don't want to compromise the king and his reputation." 10"Bring the man who has been harassing you," the king continued. "I'll see to it that he doesn't bother you anymore." 11"Let the king invoke the name of GOD," said the woman, "so this self-styled vigilante won't ruin everything, to say nothing of killing my son.As surely as GOD lives," he said, "not so much as a hair of your son's head will be lost." 12Then she asked, "May I say one more thing to my master, the king?" He said, "Go ahead." 13"Why, then," the woman said, "have you done this very thing against God's people? In his verdict, the king convicts himself by not bringing home his exiled son. 14We all die sometime. Water spilled on the ground can't be gathered up again. But God does not take away life. He works out ways to get the exile back."

2Sam.14.17

"And now your servant says, 'May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil. May the LORD your God be with you.'"

2Sam.14.17

Your maidservant said, "The word of my lord the king will now be comforting; for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you."'

2Sam.14.17

Yes, the king will give us peace of mind again.' I know that you are like an angel of God and can discern good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you."

2Sam.14.18

The king then said, "I'm going to ask you something. Answer me truthfully.Certainly," she said. "Let my master, the king, speak."

2Sam.14.18

Then the king said to the woman, "Do not keep from me the answer to what I am going to ask you.Let my lord the king speak," the woman said.

2Sam.14.18

Then the king answered and said to the woman, "Please do not hide from me anything that I ask you." And the woman said, "Please, let my lord the king speak."

2Sam.14.18

"I want to know one thing," the king replied. "Yes, my lord?" she asked.

2Sam.14.19

The king said, "Is the hand of Joab mixed up in this?On your life, my master king, a body can't veer an inch right or left and get by with it in the royal presence! Yes, it was your servant Joab who put me up to this, and put these very words in my mouth.

2Sam.14.19

The king asked, "Isn't the hand of Joab with you in all this?" The woman answered, "As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything my lord the king says. Yes, it was your servant Joab who instructed me to do this and who put all these words into the mouth of your servant.

2Sam.14.19

So the king said, "Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?" And the woman answered and said, "As you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken. For your servant Joab commanded me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your maidservant.

2Sam.14.19

"Did Joab send you here?" And the woman replied, "My lord the king, how can I deny it? Nobody can hide anything from you. Yes, Joab sent me and told me what to say.

2Sam.14.20

It was because he wanted to turn things around that your servant Joab did this. But my master is as wise as God's angels in knowing how to handle things on this earth."

2Sam.14.20

Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God-he knows everything that happens in the land."

2Sam.14.20

To bring about this change of affairs your servant Joab has done this thing; but my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that is in the earth."

2Sam.14.20

He did it to place the matter before you in a different light. But you are as wise as an angel of God, and you understand everything that happens among us!"

2Sam.14.21

The king spoke to Joab. "All right, I'll do it. Go and bring the young man Absalom back."

2Sam.14.21

The king said to Joab, "Very well, I will do it. Go, bring back the young man Absalom."

2Sam.14.21

And the king said to Joab, "All right, I have granted this thing. Go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom."

2Sam.14.21

So the king sent for Joab and told him, "All right, go and bring back the young man Absalom."

2Sam.14.22

Joab bowed deeply in reverence and blessed the king. "I'm reassured to know that I'm still in your good graces and have your confidence, since the king is taking the counsel of his servant."

2Sam.14.22

Joab fell with his face to the ground to pay him honor, and he blessed the king. Joab said, "Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his servant's request."

2Sam.14.22

Then Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king. And Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant."

2Sam.14.22

Joab fell to the ground before the king and blessed him and said, "At last I know that I have gained your approval, for you have granted me this request!"

2Sam.14.23

Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2Sam.14.23

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

2Sam.14.23

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2Sam.14.23

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

2Sam.14.24

The king said, "He may return to his house, but he is not to see me face to face." So Absalom returned home, but was not permitted to see the king.

2Sam.14.24

But the king said, "He must go to his own house; he must not see my face." So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king.

2Sam.14.24

And the king said, "Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king's face.

2Sam.14.24

But the king gave this order: "Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence." So Absalom did not see the king.

2Sam.14.25

This Absalom! There wasn't a man in all Israel talked about so much for his handsome good looks--and not a blemish on him from head to toe!

2Sam.14.25

In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.

2Sam.14.25

Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

2Sam.14.25

Now no one in Israel was as handsome as Absalom. From head to foot, he was the perfect specimen of a man.

2Sam.14.26

When he cut his hair--he always cut it short in the spring because it had grown so heavy--the weight of the hair from his head was over two pounds!

2Sam.14.26

Whenever he cut the hair of his head-he used to cut his hair from time to time when it became too heavy for him-he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard.

2Sam.14.26

And when he cut the hair of his head--at the end of every year he cut it because it was heavy on him--when he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels according to the king's standard.

2Sam.14.26

He cut his hair only once a year, and then only because it was too heavy to carry around. When he weighed it out, it came to five pounds!

2Sam.14.27

Three sons were born to Absalom, and one daughter. Her name was Tamar--and she was a beauty.

2Sam.14.27

Three sons and a daughter were born to Absalom. The daughter's name was Tamar, and she became a beautiful woman.

2Sam.14.27

To Absalom were born three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful appearance.

2Sam.14.27

He had three sons and one daughter. His daughter's name was Tamar, and she was very beautiful.

2Sam.14.28

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, and not once did he see the king face to face.

2Sam.14.28

Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king's face.

2Sam.14.28

And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king's face.

2Sam.14.28

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without getting to see the king.

2Sam.14.29

He sent for Joab to get him in to see the king, but Joab still wouldn't budge. He tried a second time and Joab still wouldn't.

2Sam.14.29

Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come.

2Sam.14.29

Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

2Sam.14.29

Then Absalom sent for Joab to ask him to intercede for him, but Joab refused to come. Absalom sent for him a second time, but again Joab refused to come.

2Sam.14.30

So he told his servants, "Listen. Joab's field adjoins mine, and he has a crop of barley in it. Go set fire to it." So Absalom's servants set fire to the field.

2Sam.14.30

Then he said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2Sam.14.30

So he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2Sam.14.30

So Absalom said to his servants, "Go and set fire to Joab's barley field, the field next to mine." So they set his field on fire, as Absalom had commanded.

2Sam.14.31

That got him moving--Joab came to Absalom at home and said, "Why did your servants set my field on fire?"

2Sam.14.31

Then Joab did go to Absalom's house and he said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

2Sam.14.31

Then Joab arose and came to Absalom's house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?"

2Sam.14.31

Then Joab came to Absalom and demanded, "Why did your servants set my field on fire?"

2Sam.14.32

Absalom answered him, "Listen, I sent for you saying, "Come, and soon. I want to send you to the king to ask, "What's the point of my coming back from Geshur? I'd be better off still there!" Let me see the king face to face. If he finds me guilty, then he can put me to death.'"

2Sam.14.32

Absalom said to Joab, "Look, I sent word to you and said, 'Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there!"' Now then, I want to see the king's face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death."

2Sam.14.32

And Absalom answered Joab, "Look, I sent to you, saying, "Come here, so that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still."' Now therefore, let me see the king's face; but if there is iniquity in me, let him execute me."

2Sam.14.32

And Absalom replied, "Because I wanted you to ask the king why he brought me back from Geshur if he didn't intend to see me. I might as well have stayed there. Let me see the king; if he finds me guilty of anything, then let him execute me."

2Sam.14.33

Joab went to the king and told him what was going on. Absalom was then summoned--he came and bowed deeply in reverence before him. And the king kissed Absalom.

2Sam.14.33

So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom.

2Sam.14.33

So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom.

2Sam.14.33

So Joab told the king what Absalom had said. Then at last David summoned his estranged son, and Absalom came and bowed low before the king, and David kissed him.

2Sam.15.1

As time went on, Absalom took to riding in a horse-drawn chariot, with fifty men running in front of him.

2Sam.15.1

In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him.

2Sam.15.1

After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2Sam.15.1

After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty footmen to run ahead of him.

2Sam.15.2

Early each morning he would take up his post beside the road at the city gate. When anyone showed up with a case to bring to the king for a decision, Absalom would call him over and say, "Where do you hail from?" And the answer would come, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."

2Sam.15.2

He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."

2Sam.15.2

Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel."

2Sam.15.2

He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where they were from, and they would tell him their tribe.

2Sam.15.3

Then Absalom would say, "Look, you've got a strong case; but the king isn't going to listen to you."

2Sam.15.3

Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you."

2Sam.15.3

Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you."

2Sam.15.3

Then Absalom would say, "You've really got a strong case here! It's too bad the king doesn't have anyone to hear it.

2Sam.15.4

Then he'd say, "Why doesn't someone make me a judge for this country? Anybody with a case could bring it to me and I'd settle things fair and square."

2Sam.15.4

And Absalom would add, "If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice."

2Sam.15.4

Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice."

2Sam.15.4

I wish I were the judge. Then people could bring their problems to me, and I would give them justice!"

2Sam.15.5

Whenever someone would treat him with special honor, he'd shrug it off and treat him like an equal, making him feel important.

2Sam.15.5

Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him.

2Sam.15.5

And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.

2Sam.15.5

And when people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and embraced them.

2Sam.15.6

Absalom did this to everyone who came to do business with the king and stole the hearts of everyone in Israel.

2Sam.15.6

Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

2Sam.15.6

In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

2Sam.15.6

So in this way, Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

2Sam.15.7

After four years of this, Absalom spoke to the king, "Let me go to Hebron to pay a vow that I made to GOD.

2Sam.15.7

At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, "Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the LORD.

2Sam.15.7

Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, "Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the LORD.

2Sam.15.7

After four years, Absalom said to the king, "Let me go to Hebron to offer a sacrifice to the LORD in fulfillment of a vow I made to him.

2Sam.15.8

Your servant made a vow when I was living in Geshur in Aram saying, "If GOD will bring me back to Jerusalem, I'll serve him with my life.'"

2Sam.15.8

While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: 'If the LORD takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron. '"

2Sam.15.8

For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, "If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD."'

2Sam.15.8

For while I was at Geshur, I promised to sacrifice to him in Hebron if he would bring me back to Jerusalem."

2Sam.15.9

The king said, "Go with my blessing." And he got up and set off for Hebron.

2Sam.15.9

The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he went to Hebron.

2Sam.15.9

And the king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron.

2Sam.15.9

"All right," the king told him. "Go and fulfill your vow." So Absalom went to Hebron.

2Sam.15.10

Then Absalom sent undercover agents to all the tribes of Israel with the message, "When you hear the blast of the ram's horn trumpet, that's your signal: Shout, "Absalom is king in Hebron!'"

2Sam.15.10

Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.'"

2Sam.15.10

Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, "Absalom reigns in Hebron!"'

2Sam.15.10

But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to every part of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. "As soon as you hear the trumpets," his message read, "you will know that Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron."

2Sam.15.11

Two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem. But they had been called together knowing nothing of the plot and made the trip innocently.

2Sam.15.11

Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.

2Sam.15.11

And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything.

2Sam.15.11

He took two hundred men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions.

2Sam.15.12

While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he managed also to involve Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's advisor, calling him away from his hometown of Giloh. The conspiracy grew powerful and Absalom's supporters multiplied.

2Sam.15.12

While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing.

2Sam.15.12

Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city--from Giloh--while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.

2Sam.15.12

While he was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum.

Acts.5.12

Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon.

Acts.5.12

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.

Acts.5.12

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.

Acts.5.12

Meanwhile, the apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade.

Acts.5.13

But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them.

Acts.5.13

No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

Acts.5.13

Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.

Acts.5.13

No one else dared to join them, though everyone had high regard for them.

Acts.5.14

On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both.

Acts.5.14

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Acts.5.14

And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

Acts.5.14

And more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord--crowds of both men and women.

Acts.5.15

They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter's shadow when he walked by.

Acts.5.15

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

Acts.5.15

so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.

Acts.5.15

As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.

Acts.5.16

They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.

Acts.5.16

Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

Acts.5.16

Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts.5.16

Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts.5.17

Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action,

Acts.5.17

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

Acts.5.17

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,

Acts.5.17

The high priest and his friends, who were Sadducees, reacted with violent jealousy.

Acts.5.18

arrested the apostles, and put them in the town jail.

Acts.5.18

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

Acts.5.18

and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.

Acts.5.18

They arrested the apostles and put them in the jail.

Acts.5.19

But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out.

Acts.5.19

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

Acts.5.19

But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

Acts.5.19

But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them,

Acts.5.20

He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life."

Acts.5.20

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

Acts.5.20

"Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."

Acts.5.20

"Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!"

Acts.5.21

Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel's senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in.

Acts.5.21

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

Acts.5.21

And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Acts.5.21

So the apostles entered the Temple about daybreak and immediately began teaching. When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council, along with all the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought for trial.

Acts.5.22

When the police got there, they couldn't find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported,

Acts.5.22

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,

Acts.5.22

But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,

Acts.5.22

But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported,

Acts.5.23

"We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn't find a soul."

Acts.5.23

"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside."

Acts.5.23

saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"

Acts.5.23

"The jail was locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!"

Acts.5.24

The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. "What's going on here anyway?"

Acts.5.24

On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

Acts.5.24

Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.

Acts.5.24

When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end.

Acts.5.25

Just then someone showed up and said, "Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?"

Acts.5.25

Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."

Acts.5.25

So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"

Acts.5.25

Then someone arrived with the news that the men they had jailed were out in the Temple, teaching the people.

Acts.5.26

The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.

Acts.5.26

At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

Acts.5.26

Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Acts.5.26

The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested them, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would kill them if they treated the apostles roughly.

Acts.5.27

Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said,

Acts.5.27

Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.

Acts.5.27

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,

Acts.5.27

Then they brought the apostles in before the council.

Acts.5.28

"Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man."

Acts.5.28

"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

Acts.5.28

saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"

Acts.5.28

"Didn't we tell you never again to teach in this man's name?" the high priest demanded. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Jesus, and you intend to blame us for his death!"

Acts.5.29

Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men.

Acts.5.29

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

Acts.5.29

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts.5.29

But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than human authority.

Acts.5.30

The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross.

Acts.5.30

The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.

Acts.5.30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.

Acts.5.30

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by crucifying him.

Acts.5.31

God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven.

Acts.5.31

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

Acts.5.31

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Acts.5.31

Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this to give the people of Israel an opportunity to turn from their sins and turn to God so their sins would be forgiven.

Acts.5.32

And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

Acts.5.32

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Acts.5.32

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."

Acts.5.32

We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him."

Acts.5.33

When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot.

Acts.5.33

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

Acts.5.33

When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.

Acts.5.33

At this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them.

Acts.5.34

But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time,

Acts.5.34

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.

Acts.5.34

Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.

Acts.5.34

But one member had a different perspective. He was a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert on religious law and was very popular with the people. He stood up and ordered that the apostles be sent outside the council chamber for a while.

Acts.5.35

then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men.

Acts.5.35

Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.

Acts.5.35

And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.

Acts.5.35

Then he addressed his colleagues as follows: "Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men!

Acts.5.36

Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it.

Acts.5.36

Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

Acts.5.36

For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.

Acts.5.36

Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About four hundred others joined him, but he was killed, and his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing.

Acts.5.37

A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

Acts.5.37

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

Acts.5.37

After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.

Acts.5.37

After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got some people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.

Acts.5.38

"So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart,

Acts.5.38

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

Acts.5.38

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;

Acts.5.38

"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.

Acts.5.39

but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it--and you better not be found fighting against God!"

Acts.5.39

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Acts.5.39

but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God."

Acts.5.39

But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."

Acts.5.40

That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off.

Acts.5.40

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Acts.5.40

And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Acts.5.40

The council accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.

Acts.5.41

The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name.

Acts.5.41

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Acts.5.41

So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Acts.5.41

The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.

Acts.5.42

Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

Acts.5.42

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts.5.42

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts.5.42

And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."

Prov.14.15

The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.

Prov.14.15

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

Prov.14.15

The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.

Prov.14.15

Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

Prov.14.16

The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless.

Prov.14.16

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Prov.14.16

A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.

Prov.14.16

The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.

Prov.14.17

The hotheaded do things they'll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.

Prov.14.17

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

Prov.14.17

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated.

Prov.14.17

Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

Prov.14.18

Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.

Prov.14.18

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Prov.14.18

The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Prov.14.18

The simpleton is clothed with folly, but the wise person is crowned with knowledge.

Prov.14.19

Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good; the wicked will respect God-loyal people.

Prov.14.19

Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Prov.14.19

The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Prov.14.19

Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

Prov.14.20

An unlucky loser is shunned by all, but everyone loves a winner.

Prov.14.20

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

Prov.14.20

The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends.

Prov.14.20

The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many "friends."

Prov.14.21

It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor--what a blessing!

Prov.14.21

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

Prov.14.21

He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Prov.14.21

It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.

Prov.14.22

Isn't it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust?

Prov.14.22

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Prov.14.22

Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

Prov.14.22

If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.

Prov.14.23

Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.

Prov.14.23

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Prov.14.23

In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.

Prov.14.23

Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

Prov.14.24

The wise accumulate wisdom; fools get stupider by the day.

Prov.14.24

The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

Prov.14.24

The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.

Prov.14.24

Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only folly.