Gen.17.1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, GOD showed up and said to him, "I am The Strong God, live entirely before me, live to the hilt!

Gen.17.1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.

Gen.17.1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.

Gen.17.1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Gen.17.2

I'll make a covenant between us and I'll give you a huge family."

Gen.17.2

I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."

Gen.17.2

And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."

Gen.17.2

I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to make you into a mighty nation."

Gen.17.3

Overwhelmed, Abram fell flat on his face. Then God said to him,

Gen.17.3

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,

Gen.17.3

Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying:

Gen.17.3

At this, Abram fell face down in the dust. Then God said to him,

Gen.17.4

"This is my covenant with you: You'll be the father of many nations.

Gen.17.4

"As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.

Gen.17.4

"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.

Gen.17.4

"This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of not just one nation, but a multitude of nations!

Gen.17.5

Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, meaning that "I'm making you the father of many nations.'

Gen.17.5

No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

Gen.17.5

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

Gen.17.5

What's more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram; now you will be known as Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.

Gen.17.6

I'll make you a father of fathers--I'll make nations from you, kings will issue from you.

Gen.17.6

I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

Gen.17.6

I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.

Gen.17.6

I will give you millions of descendants who will represent many nations. Kings will be among them!

Gen.17.7

I'm establishing my covenant between me and you, a covenant that includes your descendants, a covenant that goes on and on and on, a covenant that commits me to be your God and the God of your descendants.

Gen.17.7

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Gen.17.7

And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.

Gen.17.7

"I will continue this everlasting covenant between us, generation after generation. It will continue between me and your offspring forever. And I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Gen.17.8

And I'm giving you and your descendants this land where you're now just camping, this whole country of Canaan, to own forever. And I'll be their God."

Gen.17.8

The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."

Gen.17.8

Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."

Gen.17.8

Yes, I will give all this land of Canaan to you and to your offspring forever. And I will be their God.

Gen.17.9

God continued to Abraham, "And you: You will honor my covenant, you and your descendants, generation after generation.

Gen.17.9

Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.

Gen.17.9

And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.

Gen.17.9

"Your part of the agreement," God told Abraham, "is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility.

Gen.17.10

This is the covenant that you are to honor, the covenant that pulls in all your descendants: Circumcise every male.

Gen.17.10

This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.

Gen.17.10

This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;

Gen.17.10

This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised;

Gen.17.11

Circumcise by cutting off the foreskin of the penis; it will be the sign of the covenant between us.

Gen.17.11

You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.

Gen.17.11

and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.

Gen.17.11

the flesh of his foreskin must be cut off. This will be a sign that you and they have accepted this covenant.

Gen.17.12

Every male baby will be circumcised when he is eight days old, generation after generation--this includes house-born slaves and slaves bought from outsiders who are not blood kin.

Gen.17.12

For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner-those who are not your offspring.

Gen.17.12

He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.

Gen.17.12

Every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family, but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased.

Gen.17.13

Make sure you circumcise both your own children and anyone brought in from the outside. That way my covenant will be cut into your body, a permanent mark of my permanent covenant.

Gen.17.13

Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.

Gen.17.13

He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Gen.17.13

All must be circumcised. Your bodies will thus bear the mark of my everlasting covenant.

Gen.17.14

An uncircumcised male, one who has not had the foreskin of his penis cut off, will be cut off from his people--he has broken my covenant."

Gen.17.14

Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."

Gen.17.14

And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."

Gen.17.14

Anyone who refuses to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for violating the covenant."

Gen.17.15

God continued speaking to Abraham, "And Sarai your wife: Don't call her Sarai any longer; call her Sarah.

Gen.17.15

God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.

Gen.17.15

Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.

Gen.17.15

Then God added, "Regarding Sarai, your wife--her name will no longer be Sarai; from now on you will call her Sarah.

Gen.17.16

I'll bless her--yes! I'll give you a son by her! Oh, how I'll bless her! Nations will come from her; kings of nations will come from her."

Gen.17.16

I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."

Gen.17.16

And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her."

Gen.17.16

And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings will be among her descendants!"

Gen.17.17

Abraham fell flat on his face. And then he laughed, thinking, "Can a hundred-year-old man father a son? And can Sarah, at ninety years, have a baby?"

Gen.17.17

Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?"

Gen.17.17

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?"

Gen.17.17

Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. "How could I become a father at the age of one hundred?" he wondered. "Besides, Sarah is ninety; how could she have a baby?"

Gen.17.18

Recovering, Abraham said to God, "Oh, keep Ishmael alive and well before you!"

Gen.17.18

And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"

Gen.17.18

And Abraham said to God, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!"

Gen.17.18

And Abraham said to God, "Yes, may Ishmael enjoy your special blessing!"

Gen.17.19

But God said, "That's not what I mean. Your wife, Sarah, will have a baby, a son. Name him Isaac (Laughter). I'll establish my covenant with him and his descendants, a covenant that lasts forever.

Gen.17.19

Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

Gen.17.19

Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

Gen.17.19

But God replied, "Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my everlasting covenant with him and his descendants.

Gen.17.20

"And Ishmael? Yes, I heard your prayer for him. I'll also bless him; I'll make sure he has plenty of children--a huge family. He'll father twelve princes; I'll make him a great nation.

Gen.17.20

And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.

Gen.17.20

And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

Gen.17.20

As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will cause him to multiply and become a great nation. Twelve princes will be among his descendants.

Gen.17.21

But I'll establish my covenant with Isaac whom Sarah will give you about this time next year."

Gen.17.21

But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year."

Gen.17.21

But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year."

Gen.17.21

But my covenant is with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year."

Gen.17.22

God finished speaking with Abraham and left.

Gen.17.22

When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.

Gen.17.22

Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

Gen.17.22

That ended the conversation, and God left Abraham.

Gen.17.23

Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all his servants, whether houseborn or purchased--every male in his household--and circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins that very day, just as God had told him.

Gen.17.23

On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.

Gen.17.23

So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him.

Gen.17.23

On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and every other male in his household and circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins, exactly as God had told him.

Gen.17.24

Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised.

Gen.17.24

Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,

Gen.17.24

Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Gen.17.24

Abraham was ninety-nine years old at that time,

Gen.17.25

His son Ishmael was thirteen years old when he was circumcised.

Gen.17.25

and his son Ishmael was thirteen;

Gen.17.25

And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Gen.17.25

and Ishmael his son was thirteen.

Gen.17.26

Abraham and Ishmael were circumcised the same day

Gen.17.26

Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day.

Gen.17.26

That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael;

Gen.17.26

Both were circumcised the same day,

Gen.17.27

together with all the servants of his household, those born there and those purchased from outsiders--all were circumcised with him. [JC]

Gen.17.27

And every male in Abraham's household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.

Gen.17.27

and all the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Gen.17.27

along with all the other men and boys of the household, whether they were born there or bought as servants.

Gen.18.1

GOD appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day.

Gen.18.1

The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.

Gen.18.1

Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.

Gen.18.1

The LORD appeared again to Abraham while he was camped near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day about noon, as Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent,

Gen.18.2

He looked up and saw three men standing. He ran from his tent to greet them and bowed before them.

Gen.18.2

Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

Gen.18.2

So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground,

Gen.18.2

he suddenly noticed three men standing nearby. He got up and ran to meet them, welcoming them by bowing low to the ground.

Gen.18.3

He said, "Master, if it please you, stop for a while with your servant.

Gen.18.3

He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.

Gen.18.3

and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.

Gen.18.3

"My lord," he said, "if it pleases you, stop here for a while.

Gen.18.4

I'll get some water so you can wash your feet. Rest under this tree.

Gen.18.4

Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.

Gen.18.4

Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

Gen.18.4

Rest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet.

Gen.18.5

I'll get some food to refresh you on your way, since your travels have brought you across my path." They said, "Certainly. Go ahead."

Gen.18.5

Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way-now that you have come to your servant.Very well," they answered, "do as you say."

Gen.18.5

And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said."

Gen.18.5

Let me prepare some food to refresh you. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey.All right," they said. "Do as you have said."

Gen.18.6

Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. He said, "Hurry. Get three cups of our best flour; knead it and make bread."

Gen.18.6

So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread."

Gen.18.6

So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes."

Gen.18.6

So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick! Get three measures of your best flour, and bake some bread."

Gen.18.7

Then Abraham ran to the cattle pen and picked out a nice plump calf and gave it to the servant who lost no time getting it ready.

Gen.18.7

Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.

Gen.18.7

And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it.

Gen.18.7

Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a fat calf and told a servant to hurry and butcher it.

Gen.18.8

Then he got curds and milk, brought them with the calf that had been roasted, set the meal before the men, and stood there under the tree while they ate.

Gen.18.8

He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

Gen.18.8

So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Gen.18.8

When the food was ready, he took some cheese curds and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them there beneath the trees.

Gen.18.9

The men said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" He said, "In the tent."

Gen.18.9

"Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "There, in the tent," he said.

Gen.18.9

Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" So he said, "Here, in the tent."

Gen.18.9

"Where is Sarah, your wife?" they asked him. "In the tent," Abraham replied.

Gen.18.10

One of them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man.

Gen.18.10

Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.

Gen.18.10

And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.)

Gen.18.10

Then one of them said, "About this time next year I will return, and your wife Sarah will have a son." Now Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent nearby.

Gen.18.11

Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies.

Gen.18.11

Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.

Gen.18.11

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.

Gen.18.11

And since Abraham and Sarah were both very old, and Sarah was long past the age of having children,

Gen.18.12

Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?"

Gen.18.12

So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"

Gen.18.12

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

Gen.18.12

she laughed silently to herself. "How could a worn-out woman like me have a baby?" she thought. "And when my master--my husband--is also so old?"

Gen.18.13

GOD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, "Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?'

Gen.18.13

Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?'

Gen.18.13

And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, "Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?'

Gen.18.13

Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, `Can an old woman like me have a baby?'

Gen.18.14

Is anything too hard for GOD? I'll be back about this time next year and Sarah will have a baby."

Gen.18.14

Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."

Gen.18.14

Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

Gen.18.14

Is anything too hard for the LORD? About a year from now, just as I told you, I will return, and Sarah will have a son."

Gen.18.15

Sarah lied. She said, "I didn't laugh," because she was afraid. But he said, "Yes you did; you laughed." [JC]

Gen.18.15

Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh."

Gen.18.15

But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh!"

Gen.18.15

Sarah was afraid, so she denied that she had laughed. But he said, "That is not true. You did laugh."

Gen.18.16

When the men got up to leave, they set off for Sodom. Abraham walked with them to say good-bye.

Gen.18.16

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way.

Gen.18.16

Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way.

Gen.18.16

Then the men got up from their meal and started on toward Sodom. Abraham went with them part of the way.

Gen.18.17

Then GOD said, "Shall I keep back from Abraham what I'm about to do?

Gen.18.17

Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?

Gen.18.17

And the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,

Gen.18.17

"Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the LORD asked.

Gen.18.18

Abraham is going to become a large and strong nation; all the nations of the world are going to find themselves blessed through him.

Gen.18.18

Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.

Gen.18.18

since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

Gen.18.18

"For Abraham will become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.

Gen.18.19

Yes, I've settled on him as the one to train his children and future family to observe GOD's way of life, live kindly and generously and fairly, so that GOD can complete in Abraham what he promised him."

Gen.18.19

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

Gen.18.19

For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

Gen.18.19

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised."

Gen.18.20

GOD continued, "The cries of the victims in Sodom and Gomorrah are deafening; the sin of those cities is immense.

Gen.18.20

Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous

Gen.18.20

And the LORD said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave,

Gen.18.20

So the LORD told Abraham, "I have heard that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah are extremely evil, and that everything they do is wicked.

Gen.18.21

I'm going down to see for myself, see if what they're doing is as bad as it sounds. Then I'll know."

Gen.18.21

that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Gen.18.21

I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know."

Gen.18.21

I am going down to see whether or not these reports are true. Then I will know."

Gen.18.22

The men set out for Sodom, but Abraham stood in GOD's path, blocking his way.

Gen.18.22

The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.

Gen.18.22

Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.

Gen.18.22

The two other men went on toward Sodom, but the LORD remained with Abraham for a while.

Gen.18.23

Abraham confronted him, "Are you serious? Are you planning on getting rid of the good people right along with the bad?

Gen.18.23

Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Gen.18.23

And Abraham came near and said, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Gen.18.23

Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?

Gen.18.24

What if there are fifty decent people left in the city; will you lump the good with the bad and get rid of the lot?

Gen.18.24

What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?

Gen.18.24

Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it?

Gen.18.24

Suppose you find fifty innocent people there within the city--will you still destroy it, and not spare it for their sakes?

Gen.18.25

Wouldn't you spare the city for the sake of those fifty innocents? I can't believe you'd do that, kill off the good and the bad alike as if there were no difference between them. Doesn't the Judge of all the Earth judge with justice?"

Gen.18.25

Far be it from you to do such a thing-to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

Gen.18.25

Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

Gen.18.25

Surely you wouldn't do such a thing, destroying the innocent with the guilty. Why, you would be treating the innocent and the guilty exactly the same! Surely you wouldn't do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?"

Gen.18.26

GOD said, "If I find fifty decent people in the city of Sodom, I'll spare the place just for them."

Gen.18.26

The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."

Gen.18.26

So the LORD said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes."

Gen.18.26

And the LORD replied, "If I find fifty innocent people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake."

Gen.18.27

Abraham came back, "Do I, a mere mortal made from a handful of dirt, dare open my mouth again to my Master?

Gen.18.27

Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,

Gen.18.27

Then Abraham answered and said, "Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord:

Gen.18.27

Then Abraham spoke again. "Since I have begun, let me go on and speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes.

Gen.18.28

What if the fifty fall short by five--would you destroy the city because of those missing five?" He said, "I won't destroy it if there are forty-five."

Gen.18.28

what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it."

Gen.18.28

Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?" So He said, "If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it."

Gen.18.28

Suppose there are only forty-five? Will you destroy the city for lack of five?" And the LORD said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five."

Gen.18.29

Abraham spoke up again, "What if you only find forty?Neither will I destroy it if for forty."

Gen.18.29

Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."

Gen.18.29

And he spoke to Him yet again and said, "Suppose there should be forty found there?" So He said, "I will not do it for the sake of forty."

Gen.18.29

Then Abraham pressed his request further. "Suppose there are only forty?" And the LORD replied, "I will not destroy it if there are forty."

Gen.18.30

He said, "Master, don't be irritated with me, but what if only thirty are found?No, I won't do it if I find thirty."

Gen.18.30

Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?" He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."

Gen.18.30

Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?" So He said, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."

Gen.18.30

"Please don't be angry, my Lord," Abraham pleaded. "Let me speak--suppose only thirty are found?" And the LORD replied, "I will not destroy it if there are thirty."

Gen.18.31

He pushed on, "I know I'm trying your patience, Master, but how about for twenty?I won't destroy it for twenty."

Gen.18.31

Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?" He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it."

Gen.18.31

And he said, "Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?" So He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty."

Gen.18.31

Then Abraham said, "Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue--suppose there are only twenty?" And the LORD said, "Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty."

Gen.18.32

He wouldn't quit, "Don't get angry, Master--this is the last time. What if you only come up with ten?For the sake of only ten, I won't destroy the city."

Gen.18.32

Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

Gen.18.32

Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten."

Gen.18.32

Finally, Abraham said, "Lord, please do not get angry; I will speak but once more! Suppose only ten are found there?" And the LORD said, "Then, for the sake of the ten, I will not destroy it."

Gen.18.33

When GOD finished talking with Abraham, he left. And Abraham went home.

Gen.18.33

When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

Gen.18.33

So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

Gen.18.33

The LORD went on his way when he had finished his conversation with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his tent.

Matt.6.25

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.

Matt.6.25

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Matt.6.25

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Matt.6.25

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?

Matt.6.26

Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

Matt.6.26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matt.6.26

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matt.6.26

Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.

Matt.6.27

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?

Matt.6.27

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matt.6.27

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Matt.6.27

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

Matt.6.28

All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop,

Matt.6.28

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Matt.6.28

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

Matt.6.28

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,

Matt.6.29

but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best--dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

Matt.6.29

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Matt.6.29

and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Matt.6.29

yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

Matt.6.30

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

Matt.6.30

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matt.6.30

Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matt.6.30

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!

Matt.6.31

What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.

Matt.6.31

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

Matt.6.31

"Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?'

Matt.6.31

"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.

Matt.6.32

People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

Matt.6.32

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matt.6.32

For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Matt.6.32

Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs,

Matt.6.33

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Matt.6.33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matt.6.33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matt.6.33

and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

Matt.6.34

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matt.6.34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matt.6.34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matt.6.34

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

Matt.7.1

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults--unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

Matt.7.1

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Matt.7.1

"Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matt.7.1

"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.

Matt.7.2

That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.

Matt.7.2

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matt.7.2

For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Matt.7.2

For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.

Matt.7.3

It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.

Matt.7.3

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Matt.7.3

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Matt.7.3

And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?

Matt.7.4

Do you have the nerve to say, "Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt?

Matt.7.4

How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

Matt.7.4

Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

Matt.7.4

How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?

Matt.7.5

It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Matt.7.5

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Matt.7.5

Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Matt.7.5

Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.

Matt.7.6

"Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.

Matt.7.6

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Matt.7.6

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Matt.7.6

"Don't give what is holy to unholy people. Don't give pearls to swine! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Matt.7.7

"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.

Matt.7.7

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matt.7.7

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matt.7.7

"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.

Matt.7.8

This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in.

Matt.7.8

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matt.7.8

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matt.7.8

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.

Matt.7.9

If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust?

Matt.7.9

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Matt.7.9

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Matt.7.9

You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?

Matt.7.10

If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?

Matt.7.10

Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

Matt.7.10

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Matt.7.10

Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!

Matt.7.11

As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

Matt.7.11

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Matt.7.11

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Matt.7.11

If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Matt.7.12

"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.

Matt.7.12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matt.7.12

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matt.7.12

"Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Matt.7.13

"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.

Matt.7.13

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Matt.7.13

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

Matt.7.13

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.

Matt.7.14

The way to life--to God!-is vigorous and requires total attention.

Matt.7.14

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matt.7.14

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matt.7.14

But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.

Matt.7.15

"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character.

Matt.7.15

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Matt.7.15

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matt.7.15

"Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart.

Matt.7.16

Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.

Matt.7.16

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Matt.7.16

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

Matt.7.16

You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. You don't pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles.

Matt.7.17

"Knowing the correct password--saying "Master, Master,' for instance--isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience--doing what my Father wills.

Matt.7.17

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matt.7.17

Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matt.7.17

A healthy tree produces good fruit, and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit.

Matt.7.18

I can see it now--at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, "Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.'

Matt.7.18

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Matt.7.18

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Matt.7.18

A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit.

Matt.7.19

And do you know what I am going to say? "You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

Matt.7.19

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Matt.7.19

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Matt.7.19

So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.

Matt.7.20

"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.

Matt.7.20

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Matt.7.20

Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Matt.7.20

Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.

Matt.7.21

Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit--but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

Matt.7.21

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matt.7.21

"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matt.7.21

"Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven.

Matt.7.22

"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach.

Matt.7.22

Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'

Matt.7.22

Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'

Matt.7.22

On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'

Matt.7.23

When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

Matt.7.23

Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Matt.7.23

And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Matt.7.23

But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized. '

Prov.1.8

Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee.

Prov.1.8

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Prov.1.8

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

Prov.1.8

Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching.

Prov.1.9

Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers.

Prov.1.9

They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Prov.1.9

For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

Prov.1.9

What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor.

Prov.1.10

Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don't go along with them.

Prov.1.10

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.

Prov.1.10

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

Prov.1.10

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

Prov.1.11

If they say--"Let's go out and raise some hell. Let's beat up some old man, mug some old woman.

Prov.1.11

If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;

Prov.1.11

If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

Prov.1.11

They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent!

Prov.1.12

Let's pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals.

Prov.1.12

let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

Prov.1.12

Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

Prov.1.12

Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death.

Prov.1.13

We'll load up on top-quality loot. We'll haul it home by the truckload.

Prov.1.13

we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;

Prov.1.13

We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil;

Prov.1.13

And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things!

Prov.1.14

Join us for the time of your life! With us, it's share and share alike!"-

Prov.1.14

throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"-

Prov.1.14

Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse"--

Prov.1.14

Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you."

Prov.1.15

Oh, friend, don't give them a second look; don't listen to them for a minute.

Prov.1.15

my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;

Prov.1.15

My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path;

Prov.1.15

Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.

Prov.1.16

They're racing to a very bad end, hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on.

Prov.1.16

for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.

Prov.1.16

For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.

Prov.1.16

They rush to commit crimes. They hurry to commit murder.

Prov.1.17

Nobody robs a bank with everyone watching,

Prov.1.17

How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!

Prov.1.17

Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird;

Prov.1.17

When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away.

Prov.1.18

Yet that's what these people are doing--they're doing themselves in.

Prov.1.18

These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!

Prov.1.18

But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives.

Prov.1.18

But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives!

Prov.1.19

When you grab all you can get, that's what happens: the more you get, the less you are.

Prov.1.19

Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.

Prov.1.19

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

Prov.1.19

Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life.