Jer.2.31

"What a generation you turned out to be! Didn't I tell you? Didn't I warn you? Have I let you down, Israel? Am I nothing but a dead-end street? Why do my people say, "Good riddance! From now on we're on our own'?

Jer.2.31

"You of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: "Have I been a desert to Israel or a land of great darkness? Why do my people say, 'We are free to roam; we will come to you no more'?

Jer.2.31

"O generation, see the word of the LORD! Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness? Why do My people say, "We are lords; We will come no more to You'?

Jer.2.31

"O my people, listen to the words of the LORD! Have I been like a desert to Israel? Have I been to them a land of darkness? Why then do my people say, `At last we are free from God! We won't have anything to do with him anymore!'

Jer.2.32

Young women don't forget their jewelry, do they? Brides don't show up without their veils, do they? But my people forget me. Day after day after day they never give me a thought. [JC]

Jer.2.32

Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.

Jer.2.32

Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.

Jer.2.32

Does a young woman forget her jewelry? Does a bride hide her wedding dress? No! Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me.

Jer.2.33

"What an impressive start you made to get the most out of life. You founded schools of sin, taught graduate courses in evil!

Jer.2.33

How skilled you are at pursuing love! Even the worst of women can learn from your ways.

Jer.2.33

"Why do you beautify your way to seek love? Therefore you have also taught The wicked women your ways.

Jer.2.33

"How you plot and scheme to win your lovers. The most experienced prostitute could learn from you!

Jer.2.34

And now you're sending out graduates, resplendent in cap and gown--except the gowns are stained with the blood of your victims! All that blood convicts you. You cut and hurt a lot of people to get where you are.

Jer.2.34

On your clothes men find the lifeblood of the innocent poor, though you did not catch them breaking in. Yet in spite of all this

Jer.2.34

Also on your skirts is found The blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, But plainly on all these things.

Jer.2.34

Your clothing is stained with the blood of the innocent and the poor. You killed them even though they didn't break into your houses!

Jer.2.35

And yet you have the gall to say, "I've done nothing wrong. God doesn't mind. He hasn't punished me, has he?' Don't look now, but judgment's on the way, aimed at you who say, "I've done nothing wrong.'

Jer.2.35

you say, 'I am innocent; he is not angry with me.' But I will pass judgment on you because you say, 'I have not sinned.'

Jer.2.35

Yet you say, "Because I am innocent, Surely His anger shall turn from me.' Behold, I will plead My case against you, Because you say, "I have not sinned.'

Jer.2.35

And yet you say, `I haven't done anything wrong. Surely he isn't angry with me!' Now I will punish you severely because you claim you have not sinned.

Jer.2.36

"You think it's just a small thing, don't you, to try out another sin-project when the first one fails? But Egypt will leave you in the lurch the same way that Assyria did.

Jer.2.36

Why do you go about so much, changing your ways? You will be disappointed by Egypt as you were by Assyria.

Jer.2.36

Why do you gad about so much to change your way? Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria.

Jer.2.36

"First here, then there--you flit from one ally to another asking for help. But your new friends in Egypt will let you down, just as Assyria did before.

Jer.2.37

You're going to walk away from there wringing your hands. I, GOD, have blacklisted those you trusted. You'll get not a lick of help from them."

Jer.2.37

You will also leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not be helped by them.

Jer.2.37

Indeed you will go forth from him With your hands on your head; For the LORD has rejected your trusted allies, And you will not prosper by them.

Jer.2.37

In despair, you will be led into exile with your hands on your heads, for the LORD has rejected the nations you trust. You will not succeed despite their help.

Jer.3.1

GOD's Message came to me as follows: "If a man's wife walks out on him And marries another man, can he take her back as if nothing had happened? Wouldn't that raise a huge stink in the land? And isn't that what you've done--"whored' your way with god after god? And now you want to come back as if nothing had happened." GOD's Decree.

Jer.3.1

"If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers- would you now return to me?" declares the LORD.

Jer.3.1

"They say, "If a man divorces his wife, And she goes from him And becomes another man's, May he return to her again?' Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; Yet return to Me," says the LORD.

Jer.3.1

"If a man divorces a woman and she marries someone else, he is not to take her back again, for that would surely corrupt the land. But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me.

Jer.3.2

"Look around at the hills. Where have you not had sex? You've camped out like hunters stalking deer. You've solicited many lover-gods, Like a streetwalking whore chasing after other gods.

Jer.3.2

"Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished? By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.

Jer.3.2

"Lift up your eyes to the desolate heights and see: Where have you not lain with men? By the road you have sat for them Like an Arabian in the wilderness; And you have polluted the land With your harlotries and your wickedness.

Jer.3.2

"Look all around you. Is there anywhere in the entire land where you have not been defiled by your adulteries? You sit like a prostitute beside the road waiting for a client. You sit alone like a nomad in the desert. You have polluted the land with your prostitution and wickedness.

Jer.3.3

And so the rain has stopped. No more rain from the skies! But it doesn't even faze you. Brazen as whores, you carry on as if you've done nothing wrong.

Jer.3.3

Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame.

Jer.3.3

Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot's forehead; You refuse to be ashamed.

Jer.3.3

That is why even the spring rains have failed. For you are a prostitute and are completely unashamed.

Jer.3.4

Then you have the nerve to call out, "My father! You took care of me when I was a child. Why not now?

Jer.3.4

Have you not just called to me: 'My Father, my friend from my youth,

Jer.3.4

Will you not from this time cry to Me, "My Father, You are the guide of my youth?

Jer.3.4

Yet you say to me, `Father, you have been my guide since the days of my youth.

Jer.3.5

Are you going to keep up your anger nonstop?' That's your line. Meanwhile you keep sinning nonstop."

Jer.3.5

will you always be angry? Will your wrath continue forever?' This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can."

Jer.3.5

Will He remain angry forever? Will He keep it to the end?' Behold, you have spoken and done evil things, As you were able."

Jer.3.5

Surely you won't be angry about such a little thing! Surely you can forget it!' So you talk, and keep right on doing all the evil you can."

Jer.3.6

GOD spoke to me during the reign of King Josiah: "You have noticed, haven't you, how fickle Israel has visited every hill and grove of trees as a whore at large?

Jer.3.6

During the reign of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there.

Jer.3.6

The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: "Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot.

Jer.3.6

During the reign of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, "Have you seen what fickle Israel does? Like a wife who commits adultery, Israel has worshiped other gods on every hill and under every green tree.

Jer.3.7

I assumed that after she had gotten it out of her system, she'd come back, but she didn't. Her flighty sister, Judah, saw what she did.

Jer.3.7

I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it.

Jer.3.7

And I said, after she had done all these things, "Return to Me.' But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.

Jer.3.7

I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me. But she did not come back. And though her faithless sister Judah saw this,

Jer.3.8

She also saw that because of fickle Israel's loose morals I threw her out, gave her her walking papers. But that didn't faze flighty sister Judah. She went out, big as you please, and took up a whore's life also.

Jer.3.8

I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.

Jer.3.8

Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also.

Jer.3.8

she paid no attention. She saw that I had divorced faithless Israel and sent her away. But now Judah, too, has left me and given herself to prostitution.

Jer.3.9

She took up cheap sex--and-religion as a sideline diversion, an indulgent recreation, and used anything and anyone, flouting sanity and sanctity alike, stinking up the country.

Jer.3.9

Because Israel's immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.

Jer.3.9

So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.

Jer.3.9

Israel treated it all so lightly--she thought nothing of committing adultery by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. So now the land has been greatly defiled.

Jer.3.10

And not once in all this did flighty sister Judah even give me a nod, although she made a show of it from time to time." GOD's Decree.

Jer.3.10

In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense," declares the LORD.

Jer.3.10

And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense," says the LORD.

Jer.3.10

But in spite of all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry," says the LORD.

Jer.3.11

Then GOD told me, "Fickle Israel was a good sight better than flighty Judah.

Jer.3.11

The LORD said to me, "Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.

Jer.3.11

Then the LORD said to me, "Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

Jer.3.11

Then the LORD said to me, "Even faithless Israel is less guilty than treacherous Judah!

Jer.3.12

Go and preach this message. Face north toward Israel and say: Turn back, fickle Israel. I'm not just hanging back to punish you. I'm committed in love to you. My anger doesn't seethe nonstop.

Jer.3.12

Go, proclaim this message toward the north: "'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the LORD, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,' declares the LORD, 'I will not be angry forever.

Jer.3.12

Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: "Return, backsliding Israel,' says the LORD; "I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,' says the LORD; "I will not remain angry forever.

Jer.3.12

Therefore, go and say these words to Israel, `This is what the LORD says: O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever.

Jer.3.13

Just admit your guilt. Admit your God-defiance. Admit to your promiscuous life with casual partners, pulling strangers into the sex--and-religion groves While turning a deaf ear to me.'" GOD's Decree.

Jer.3.13

Only acknowledge your guilt- you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,'" declares the LORD.

Jer.3.13

Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God, And have scattered your charms To alien deities under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,' says the LORD.

Jer.3.13

Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the LORD your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to follow me. I, the LORD, have spoken!'"

Jer.3.14

"Come back, wandering children!" GOD's Decree. "I, yes I, am your true husband. I'll pick you out one by one--This one from the city, these two from the country--and bring you to Zion.

Jer.3.14

"Return, faithless people," declares the LORD, "for I am your husband. I will choose you-one from a town and two from a clan-and bring you to Zion.

Jer.3.14

"Return, O backsliding children," says the LORD; "for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.

Jer.3.14

"Return home, you wayward children," says the LORD, "for I am your husband. I will bring you again to the land of Israel--one from here and two from there, from wherever you are scattered.

Jer.3.15

I'll give you good shepherd-rulers who rule my way, who rule you with intelligence and wisdom.

Jer.3.15

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer.3.15

And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer.3.15

And I will give you leaders after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer.3.16

"And this is what will happen: You will increase and prosper in the land. The time will come"--GOD's Decree!-"when no one will say any longer, "Oh, for the good old days! Remember the Ark of the Covenant?' It won't even occur to anyone to say it--"the good old days.' The so-called good old days of the Ark are gone for good.

Jer.3.16

In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD, "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.

Jer.3.16

"Then it shall come to pass, when you are multiplied and increased in the land in those days," says the LORD, "that they will say no more, "The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they visit it, nor shall it be made anymore.

Jer.3.16

"And when your land is once more filled with people," says the LORD, "you will no longer wish for `the good old days' when you possessed the Ark of the LORD's covenant. Those days will not be missed or even thought about, and there will be no need to rebuild the Ark.

Jer.3.17

"Jerusalem will be the new Ark-"GOD's Throne.' All the godless nations, no longer stuck in the ruts of their evil ways, will gather there to honor GOD.

Jer.3.17

At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

Jer.3.17

"At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.

Jer.3.17

In that day Jerusalem will be known as The Throne of the LORD. All nations will come there to honor the LORD. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires.

Jer.3.18

"At that time, the House of Judah will join up with the House of Israel. Holding hands, they'll leave the north country and come to the land I willed to your ancestors. [JC]

Jer.3.18

In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your forefathers as an inheritance.

Jer.3.18

"In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given as an inheritance to your fathers.

Jer.3.18

In those days the people of Judah and Israel will return together from exile in the north. They will return to the land I gave their ancestors as an inheritance forever.

Jer.3.19

"I planned what I'd say if you returned to me: "Good! I'll bring you back into the family. I'll give you choice land, land that the godless nations would die for.' And I imagined that you would say, "Dear father!' and would never again go off and leave me.

Jer.3.19

"I myself said, "'How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.

Jer.3.19

"But I said: "How can I put you among the children And give you a pleasant land, A beautiful heritage of the hosts of nations?' "And I said: "You shall call Me, "My Father," And not turn away from Me.'

Jer.3.19

"I thought to myself, `I would love to treat you as my own children!' I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land--the finest inheritance in the world. I looked forward to your calling me `Father,' and I thought you would never turn away from me again.

Jer.3.20

But no luck. Like a false-hearted woman walking out on her husband, you, the whole family of Israel, have proven false to me." GOD's Decree.

Jer.3.20

But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD.

Jer.3.20

Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, So have you dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel," says the LORD.

Jer.3.20

But you have betrayed me, you people of Israel! You have been like a faithless wife who leaves her husband," says the LORD.

Jer.3.21

The sound of voices comes drifting out of the hills, the unhappy sound of Israel's crying, Israel lamenting the wasted years, never once giving her God a thought.

Jer.3.21

A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jer.3.21

A voice was heard on the desolate heights, Weeping and supplications of the children of Israel. For they have perverted their way; They have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jer.3.21

Voices are heard high on the windswept mountains, the weeping and pleading of Israel's people. For they have forgotten the LORD their God and wandered far from his ways.

Jer.3.22

"Come back, wandering children! I can heal your wanderlust!" [JC] "We're here! We've come back to you. You're our own true GOD!

Jer.3.22

"Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.

Jer.3.22

"Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, For You are the LORD our God.

Jer.3.22

"My wayward children," says the LORD, "come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.Yes, we will come," the people reply, "for you are the LORD our God.

Jer.3.23

All that popular religion was a cheap lie, duped crowds buying up the latest in gods. We're back! Back to our true GOD, the salvation of Israel.

Jer.3.23

Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

Jer.3.23

Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel.

Jer.3.23

Our worship of idols and our religious orgies on the hills and mountains are completely false. Only in the LORD our God will Israel ever find salvation.

Jer.3.24

The Fraud picked us clean, swindled us of what our ancestors bequeathed us, Gypped us out of our inheritance--God-blessed flocks and God-given children.

Jer.3.24

From our youth shameful gods have consumed the fruits of our fathers' labor- their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

Jer.3.24

For shame has devoured The labor of our fathers from our youth-- Their flocks and their herds, Their sons and their daughters.

Jer.3.24

From childhood we have watched as everything our ancestors worked for--their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters--was squandered on a delusion.

Jer.3.25

We made our bed and now lie in it, all tangled up in the dirty sheets of dishonor. All because we sinned against our GOD, we and our fathers and mothers. From the time we took our first steps, said our first words, we've been rebels, disobeying the voice of our GOD." [JC]

Jer.3.25

Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth till this day we have not obeyed the LORD our God."

Jer.3.25

We lie down in our shame, And our reproach covers us. For we have sinned against the LORD our God, We and our fathers, From our youth even to this day, And have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God."

Jer.3.25

Let us now lie down in shame and dishonor, for we and our ancestors have always sinned against the LORD our God. We have never obeyed him."

Jer.4.1

"If you want to come back, O Israel, you must really come back to me. You must get rid of your stinking sin paraphernalia and not wander away from me anymore.

Jer.4.1

"If you will return, O Israel, return to me," declares the LORD. "If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray,

Jer.4.1

"If you will return, O Israel," says the LORD, "Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, Then you shall not be moved.

Jer.4.1

"O Israel, come back to me," says the LORD. "If you will throw away your detestable idols and go astray no more,

Jer.4.2

Then you can say words like, "As GOD lives... 'and have them mean something true and just and right. And the godless nations will get caught up in the blessing and find something in Israel to write home about." [JC]

Jer.4.2

and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, 'As surely as the LORD lives,' then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory."

Jer.4.2

And you shall swear, "The LORD lives,' In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory."

Jer.4.2

and if you will swear by my name alone, and begin to live good, honest lives and uphold justice, then you will be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people will come and praise my name."

Jer.4.3

Here's another Message from GOD to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: "Plow your unplowed fields, but then don't plant weeds in the soil!

Jer.4.3

This is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: "Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.

Jer.4.3

For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns.

Jer.4.3

This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: "Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.

Jer.4.4

Yes, circumcise your lives for God's sake. Plow your unplowed hearts, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem. Prevent fire--the fire of my anger--for once it starts it can't be put out. Your wicked ways are fuel for the fire.

Jer.4.4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done- burn with no one to quench it.

Jer.4.4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings."

Jer.4.4

Cleanse your minds and hearts before the LORD, or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.

Jer.4.5

"Sound the alarm in Judah, broadcast the news in Jerusalem. Say, "Blow the ram's horn trumpet through the land!' Shout out--a bullhorn bellow!- "Close ranks! Run for your lives to the shelters!'

Jer.4.5

"Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: 'Sound the trumpet throughout the land!' Cry aloud and say: 'Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities!'

Jer.4.5

Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: "Blow the trumpet in the land; Cry, "Gather together,' And say, "Assemble yourselves, And let us go into the fortified cities.'

Jer.4.5

"Shout to Jerusalem and to all Judah! Tell them to sound the alarm throughout the land: `Run for your lives! Flee to the fortified cities!'

Jer.4.6

Send up a flare warning Zion: "Not a minute to lose! Don't sit on your hands!' Disaster's descending from the north. I set it off! When it lands, it will shake the foundations.

Jer.4.6

Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction."

Jer.4.6

Set up the standard toward Zion. Take refuge! Do not delay! For I will bring disaster from the north, And great destruction."

Jer.4.6

Send a signal toward Jerusalem: `Flee now! Do not delay!' For I am bringing terrible destruction upon you from the north."

Jer.4.7

Invaders have pounced like a lion from its cover, ready to rip nations to shreds, Leaving your land in wrack and ruin, your cities in rubble, abandoned.

Jer.4.7

A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant.

Jer.4.7

The lion has come up from his thicket, And the destroyer of nations is on his way. He has gone forth from his place To make your land desolate. Your cities will be laid waste, Without inhabitant.

Jer.4.7

A lion stalks from its den, a destroyer of nations. And it is headed for your land! Your towns will lie in ruins, empty of people.

Jer.4.8

Dress in funereal black. Weep and wail, For GOD's sledgehammer anger has slammed into us head-on.

Jer.4.8

So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the LORD has not turned away from us.

Jer.4.8

For this, clothe yourself with sackcloth, Lament and wail. For the fierce anger of the LORD Has not turned back from us.

Jer.4.8

So put on clothes of mourning and weep with broken hearts, for the fierce anger of the LORD is still upon us.

Jer.4.9

"When this happens" -GOD's Decree--"King and princes will lose heart; priests will be baffled and prophets stand dumbfounded."

Jer.4.9

"In that day," declares the LORD, "the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled."

Jer.4.9

"And it shall come to pass in that day," says the LORD, "That the heart of the king shall perish, And the heart of the princes; The priests shall be astonished, And the prophets shall wonder."

Jer.4.9

"In that day," says the LORD, "the king and the officials will tremble in fear. The priests and the prophets will be struck with horror."

Phil.2.12

What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.

Phil.2.12

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Phil.2.12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Phil.2.12

Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

Phil.2.13

That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.

Phil.2.13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Phil.2.13

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Phil.2.13

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

Phil.2.14

Do everything readily and cheerfully--no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!

Phil.2.14

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Phil.2.14

Do all things without complaining and disputing,

Phil.2.14

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing,

Phil.2.15

Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night

Phil.2.15

so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Phil.2.15

that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Phil.2.15

so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.

Phil.2.16

so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

Phil.2.16

as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Phil.2.16

holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Phil.2.16

Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.

Phil.2.17

Even if I am executed here and now, I'll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ's altar, a part of your rejoicing.

Phil.2.17

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Phil.2.17

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Phil.2.17

But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you.

Phil.2.18

But turnabout's fair play--you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me.

Phil.2.18

So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Phil.2.18

For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Phil.2.18

And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.

Phil.2.19

I plan (according to Jesus' plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good!

Phil.2.19

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Phil.2.19

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Phil.2.19

If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon. Then when he comes back, he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.

Phil.2.20

I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you.

Phil.2.20

I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

Phil.2.20

For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

Phil.2.20

I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.

Phil.2.21

Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus.

Phil.2.21

For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Phil.2.21

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Phil.2.21

All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.

Phil.2.22

But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message.

Phil.2.22

But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Phil.2.22

But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Phil.2.22

But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has helped me in preaching the Good News.

Phil.2.23

As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off.

Phil.2.23

I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Phil.2.23

Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.

Phil.2.23

I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here.

Phil.2.24

And then I'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels.

Phil.2.24

And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Phil.2.24

But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Phil.2.24

And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

Phil.2.25

But for right now, I'm dispatching Epaphroditus, my good friend and companion in my work. You sent him to help me out; now I'm sending him to help you out.

Phil.2.25

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Phil.2.25

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

Phil.2.25

Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need.

Phil.2.26

He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you. Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about, he's been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is just fine.

Phil.2.26

For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

Phil.2.26

since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

Phil.2.26

Now I am sending him home again, for he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

Phil.2.27

He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him--he had mercy on me, too. His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others.

Phil.2.27

Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

Phil.2.27

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Phil.2.27

And he surely was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him--and also on me, so that I would not have such unbearable sorrow.

Phil.2.28

So you can see why I'm so delighted to send him on to you. When you see him again, hale and hearty, how you'll rejoice and how relieved I'll be.

Phil.2.28

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

Phil.2.28

Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

Phil.2.28

So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and that will lighten all my cares.

Phil.2.29

Give him a grand welcome, a joyful embrace! People like him deserve the best you can give.

Phil.2.29

Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,

Phil.2.29

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

Phil.2.29

Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him.

Phil.2.30

Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.

Phil.2.30

because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Phil.2.30

because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Phil.2.30

For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn't do because you were far away.

Ps.115.12

O GOD, remember us and bless us, bless the families of Israel and Aaron.

Ps.115.12

The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron,

Ps.115.12

The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

Ps.115.12

The LORD remembers us, and he will surely bless us. He will bless the people of Israel and the family of Aaron, the priests.

Ps.115.13

And let GOD bless all who fear GOD- bless the small, bless the great.

Ps.115.13

he will bless those who fear the LORD - small and great alike.

Ps.115.13

He will bless those who fear the LORD, Both small and great.

Ps.115.13

He will bless those who fear the LORD, both great and small.

Ps.115.14

Oh, let GOD enlarge your families--giving growth to you, growth to your children.

Ps.115.14

May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children.

Ps.115.14

May the LORD give you increase more and more, You and your children.

Ps.115.14

May the LORD richly bless both you and your children.

Ps.115.15

May you be blessed by GOD, by GOD, who made heaven and earth.

Ps.115.15

May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Ps.115.15

May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Ps.115.15

May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Ps.115.16

The heaven of heavens is for GOD, but he put us in charge of the earth.

Ps.115.16

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.

Ps.115.16

The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's; But the earth He has given to the children of men.

Ps.115.16

The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity.

Ps.115.17

Dead people can't praise GOD- not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground.

Ps.115.17

It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence;

Ps.115.17

The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor any who go down into silence.

Ps.115.17

The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave.

Ps.115.18

But we bless GOD, oh yes--we bless him now, we bless him always! Hallelujah! al

Ps.115.18

it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

Ps.115.18

But we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

Ps.115.18

But we can praise the LORD both now and forever! Praise the LORD!